The Shift towards Apartment Living in Sydney: A Family’s Journey
In the evolving landscape of living preferences, a Sydney mum, Liliana Rubiano, has shared insights into how her family transitioned into the bustling apartment market. Traditionally, the ‘Great Australian Dream’ revolved around owning a detached house with a spacious backyard. However, that ideology is rapidly changing, particularly among young families who are gravitating towards apartment living.
Rubiano, who resides in Chippendale with her husband, Fernando Mora, and their two children, advocates for this lifestyle. Over the past 11 years, they have lived in three different apartments within the same building. Their choice stems from the convenience and benefits that apartment living offers.
"We are very happy," Rubiano stated, emphasising the security, concierge service, and amenities like a 25-metre outdoor swimming pool, a heated spa, and a well-equipped gym that come with their residence. While the strata fees can be hefty, she believes they are justified given the extensive facilities available.
Initially, the family started by renting a one-bedroom apartment. In 2022, they made their first property purchase—a two-bedroom apartment costing $605,000. Rubiano noted that buying a house would have been a financial stretch, stating, "They are much, much more expensive, at least where we would like to live in the city."
As their family grew, prompting the need for more space, they opted to rent out their original apartment for $750 per week and moved into a larger two-bedroom unit costing $1,200 per week. While the rental income helps with mortgage repayments, it does not cover the annual strata fees of around $8,000.
Relocating from a three-storey house in Colombia to an apartment has transformed Rubiano’s lifestyle. "I learned to become a minimalist when I moved here," she explained, adapting to the constraints of apartment living. This perspective resonates with many Australians; data from the 2021 Census highlights that over 2.5 million people, or 10.3% of the population, now live in apartments, with a significant growth in apartment occupancy over the last 15 years.
In Sydney, the median house price currently sits at approximately $1,470,625, compared to $917,616 in Melbourne and $977,575 in Brisbane, making apartments a more financially viable option for families. According to Tim Abbott, Director of Projects and Developments at Ray White, this trend is driven by the desire for convenience and maintenance-free living, particularly for families with busy lifestyles.
As developers respond to this shift, apartment complexes are increasingly tailored to suit the requirements of family living, with features like playgrounds and communal spaces. An example is Willoughby Grounds, which includes four-bedroom apartments specifically designed for families unable to afford standalone homes.
For Rubiano, the benefits of apartment living enhance her family’s quality of life. Her husband can conveniently cycle, run, or walk to work while she operates her own small business from their apartment. With amenities like a Woolworths store, pharmacy, and restaurants within the building, they enjoy unmatched convenience. Although they do miss outdoor space for their children, Rubiano considers the positives of their current lifestyle to outweigh any drawbacks.
"The pros at this stage in our life are more than the cons," she stated. She anticipates that as her children grow and seek their own space, they might explore options for more room. Yet, she expresses a preference for apartment living due to lower maintenance costs and the overall stress associated with maintaining a house.
In conclusion, the shift towards apartment living in Sydney reflects broader societal changes in response to rising property costs and evolving lifestyle needs. For families like the Rubianos, opting for an apartment is not just a choice driven by necessity but a lifestyle that offers convenience and community in a vibrant urban setting.
