This article is from the Australian Property Journal archive
SYDNEYSIDERS want to see more medium rise apartment buildings that prioritise community, smaller strata schemes, design and character.
According to new research from the City Futures Research Centre on behalf of the NSW government architect, the most preferred apartment building type is a medium rise with fewer than 20 apartments.
With the most common responses preferring less than 10 apartments, at 33.8%, and 10-19 apartments, at 29% selected.
“This research helped confirm that there is demand for more smaller, well-located apartments to be delivered across NSW,” said Abbie Galvin, NSW government architect.
“This survey provides valuable information which gave the NSW Government unique insights into the most popular apartment purchasing preferences across NSW. Data collected from this survey helped directly inform the policy aims and objectives of the proposed low to mid rise housing reforms which are now on public exhibition.”
Survey respondents, which were made up of owner-occupiers who have purchased an apartment in the last 10 years, identified the number of storeys, materials used and number of apartments as the most import design features.
While Charter Keck Cramer’s most recent State of the Market report highlighted the massive feasibility risk facing apartment projects, with project design found again to be a crucial factor in performance outcomes for these projects.
“We need more of this ‘missing middle’ housing type to fill the gap between detached homes and high-rise buildings. Those surveyed also wanted to live close to work, with convenient transit options and access to amenities,” added Galvin.
With the majority of respondents also saying they preferred courtyard apartments, row apartments and narrow infill buildings.
The most preferred ages of apartment buildings were new (built in the last 5 years) at 31.4% and 5-10 years, at 22.9%.
“Understanding the perspectives of recent apartment buyers is important. We have a significant opportunity across NSW to make sure the homes of tomorrow match what the community want and need,” said Galvin.
“Mid-rise apartments were perceived to create a stronger sense of community, and they’re clearly an important housing type that we need to plan for.”
Just last month, research from UNSW found new units across Australia are being built to meet the needs of developers and investor-purchasers and not residents, as families increasingly live in apartments.
