Strata property trends shaking up the market

Instead of location as the key selling point, modern day apartment dwellers are looking for resort-style facilities to suit their fast-paced lifestyles and needs – features like green walls, bamboo chairs, community gardens and infinity pools.

With tech-savvy retirees, professional up-and-comers and families increasingly choosing apartment living over suburbia, location is no longer enough.

Elements of building design that were once considered an extravagance are now must-have staples of apartment living, attracting an ever-increasing market of socially- and environmentally-conscious consumers.

Consequently, developers are stepping up their game, devising innovative ways to cater for strata residents. This has seen buildings push the boundaries of traditional design, with timber styles and natural fibres rapidly replacing concrete and steel.

In many strata properties, roof top recreation areas now boast infinity pools, wood-fired pizza ovens, garden terraces and city sky viewing platforms. This external space acts as an extension of the apartment living space and provides an opportunity for communities to develop and interact, while adding value to the property.

Sustainable living is also high on the agenda, with green initiatives like solar power and community gardens delivering an increased return on investment, by attracting more tenants and reducing operating costs.

Apartment-style living has changed dramatically over the past 10 years. For smart property investors aiming to tap into the rental market now, location should not be considered the beginning, middle and end of their investment decisions.