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The Ultimate Apartment Interior Design Guide for 2022

Daniel Chadrawy on May 31, 2022

So, you’ve just moved into a new apartment. Amazing! One problem. You’re ready to get the place looking lit but there are waaaaay too many interior design styles to choose from. What is the best way to turn your small apartment into a magazine-worthy abode or spice up your living room to really show off its quirky personality?

In this guide, we’ll share a few of our favourite design styles to give you decorating ideas and to inspire thoughts on how you can make your apartment look picture perfect with the right décor.

Whether you need general style ideas for your new apartment, are trying to create a focal point in a living space or want to find a unique statement piece to match your existing style, read on and answers ye shall receive!

What Common Interior Design Problems Do Apartment Dwellers Face?

Small Spaces

With the small square footage that some apartments have, it can be especially difficult to design the interior just how you’d like it. The good news is that there are PLENTY of ways around what seems to be a small space.

Not A Homely feel

Another hurdle that many apartment dwellers face is that the apartment tends to retain that sterile ‘rental feel’ after moving in and they’re just not sure how to style it into a home.

Weird Angles

A small space, like in studio apartments, can be challenging to work with when it comes time to make your abode feel like a home. The apartment may have lots of weird angles and strange nooks and crannies, especially if it’s older.

Lack of Natural Light

Most modern apartments will take this into account by increasing the size of windows and facing the apartments in the most favourable direction to gain maximum sunlight throughout the day. Some older apartments, and even modern apartments positioned on shady sides of the building, don’t have that luxury.

Have hope though, there are ways around the problems listed above.

Our Top Interior Styles For Apartments With Limited Floor Space

Our number one tip for styling your apartment in 2022 is to choose colour wisely. It can be an incredibly useful tool and can bring life into a dull space.

For most of the following styles, white features heavily, especially white walls. This is because white can help brighten a room, not to mention it is a great base to amplify any style and colour choices you wish to incorporate into your home.

Whether you need to decorate your living rooms, the dining area, or are simply unsure what colour wall will suit a room best, keep reading for some solid advice from our design experts.

Contemporary Apartment Decorating Ideas

Let’s kick things off with contemporary design. Not to be confused with the modern design style, contemporary design consists of splashes of colour and different textures, as well as abstract décor and artworks, and feature walls. The main tones are often muted (whites, greys, and blacks), enhancing the different colours you may want to present in your home.

One current trend that’s circulating within the contemporary design style is ceramics and vases of all different shapes, such as arched or curved.

Minimalist (A Small Coffee Table Can Be a Massive Feature)

Similar to contemporary, in this style we see lots of grey, white, and black, with often only a very small splash of colour used as an accent.

In the ‘less is more’ fashion of minimalist style, there is a focus on more space by removing clutter and keeping the home tidy.

A classic minimalist designer trick used in areas of low natural lighting is installing slim floor lamps to create a natural light-style ambiance.

When looking to implement a minimalist style, functionality is key. Ensuring furniture is both practical and stylish is key, such as incorporating storage space for a few books and remotes in a quaint coffee table.

Boho Vibes

Unlike contemporary and minimalist styles, the boho style consists of more natural and neutral base colours like browns.

Woods, rattan, cane, ceramics, and knotted wool are all coveted furniture pieces, shying away from the more ‘hippie’ theme with the addition of luxury-style furniture and décor.

Try styling your living space with a natural wooden coffee table, a beautiful ceramic vase, woven shades over pendant lights or decorative objects like vases or sculptures to make the space feel loved.

For homes that need a little extra ‘oomph’ in the style department, a ‘hybrid’ boho-coastal theme could be the perfect solution.

Coastal Themes To Cancel Out A Small Living Room Feel

The coastal style, in today’s day and age, isn’t necessarily ‘beachy’. It is breezy and bright; with ocean and sky influences, but not overly so. This style takes inspiration from more natural materials, such as wood, and features beautiful green and blue tones. Window treatments are often soft, flowing curtains so as to not obstruct breezes and natural light.

Relaxation, comfort and holidaying at home are what this style is all about. Woven rugs and pendant light shades, different tones of blue-greens, and timber furniture all pieced together create a warm, seaside vibe.

Popular decorating ideas for this style include large, shell-shaped bowls, woven trays and baskets, and photographic artwork.

Mid-Century Modern Interior Design Style

Mid-century modern style is a present-day take on, well, mid-century design.

This theme covers decor spanning from the mid-1940s to the 1970s. It incorporates clean, simple lines that are carried by fixed properties, such as wall panels and splashbacks, and heavily features the use of timber in both paneling and furniture.

Vintage furniture is often the centre point of the room, including items like those made by Hans Wegner.

A large, overhanging floor lamp, colours such as green or mustard yellow and abstract wall art create a certain ‘wow’ factor.

New Industrial Apartment Style Trends Have Hit Australian Homes

The industrial style, like minimalist design, is heavily stripped-back. It truly shows off the ‘bare bones’ of the home. This is achieved by highlighting exposed beams or ceilings, polished concrete floors, brick walls, and even exposed piping! These features can easily make the room feel larger than it is.

The industrial style involves a lot of metal and leather furniture. Metal fixtures, even a metal coffee table or leather couches encapsulate this style. A play on colour can help make the house or apartment feel less cold when using lots of metal and leather, so a splash of red or yellow can go a long way. In the living room, for example, wall sconces and lamps can accentuate industrial features and really make them pop.

A ‘new wave’ of industrial styling is also emerging. For Australians, this style hasn’t been common due to the nature and build designs of our houses and apartments. A warmer type of industrial trend is beginning to grow – in some spaces, timber is also used but it is far more refined than that of other styles, plus indoor plants are making an appearance.

Scandinavian (For That Classic IKEA-Inspired Look)

Scandinavian style starts, first and foremost, with a white base and continues with splashes of black elements. Although the base colour scheme is monochromatic, a feeling of warmth can be obtained from décor choices.

Texture plays a large role in this style, so incorporating plants, fur, and wood to introduce a natural component is genius. Quite similar to the minimalist style, the focus is on clean spaces without clutter.

A gallery wall (lots of photos arranged together on a wall), marble décor, and a statement lighting piece on a high ceiling can bring a Scandinavian-style room to life.

Luxe Means Big, Bold and Glamourous

Splendour and elegance. Honey, if you ain’t got it, don’t try to pull off this style.

Colour is applied boldly and patterns feature prominently. Nothing but the best for this style with everything made of the highest quality and placed with precision.

Beautifully designed lighting and large mirrors add an element of grandeur. Furniture is often custom-made to fit the room perfectly, while carpets and joinery are eccentric and unique. Window treatments usually include plantation shutters and light, flowing curtains.

Furs, brass, and gold feature prominently to make rooms feel extra elegant and luxurious. Stone also features, especially unusual or rare pieces. The incorporation of a big dining table can make a luxe space feel even more extravagant.

Our Top 5 Interior Design Tips For Your Apartment

Now, we’ve spoken about different styles, but what are some easy apartment decorating ideas that you can do yourself that don’t cost a fortune? Whether you want something to spice up the living room or dining room, or you have limited space, here are our best design tips.

1. Shelving

Installing open shelves and bookcases is an excellent way to save space and display your décor.

Floating shelves are really cool and creative instalments in rentals that make it feel more like your own home and free up valuable floor space. When installed in a small living room space on an empty wall, swapping couch side tables out and just running with some cleverly placed shelving is a nifty alternative.

2. Mirrors

Mirrors reflect light around the room, creating more brightness in areas that don’t get much natural light. By using large, tall mirrors against white walls, you can also add the illusion that the floor continues through the mirror, giving a larger apartment feel.

A large mirror paired with a white wall or a gallery wall featuring mirrors are both *chef’s kiss* stunning uses of this overlooked decor option.

3. Multi-Use Areas

Repurposing an area for multiple uses can help save a lot of space. Transform your living room furniture to incorporate a desk, if you can’t have a dedicated office, or add a dining table into the living area for a living/dining room feel. You can easily create different zones that share a purpose within a small apartment.

4. Low furniture

Installing furniture that appears low to the ground can have a super positive effect on your space. A low bed frame or couch can make it appear as if small spaces have tall ceilings. Coupling this with a hanging pendant light fixture will further accentuate the height of the ceiling and create an illusion of bigger space, especially in a small apartment.

5. Storage

Built-ins (wardrobes) are a great way to maximise small space if you are able to add them to your home.

Building shelves into walls are an excellent storage solution and will help maximise storage and declutter an entire room. Hidden storage underneath beds or other furniture is also a genius way to open up the entire space of the room and keep clutter to a minimum.

Kitchen storage and organisation can give you some much-needed extra counter space, especially in a small apartment.

Our final tip is to try not to focus on too many rooms at once. Interior design can be overwhelming. Start with either the living room or kitchen and move on from there.

Minimalist Home Office Storage

We hope this has been an interesting read for you, and even if you didn’t find a style that tickles your fancy there will be something out there for you. You could even create your own style that’s never been done before and make it a thing. Why not? You do you!

You may never find a perfect example for your room style, so just do your best, make the most of the space you have and use whatever apartment decorating style suits your vibe. As long as your space feels homely to you, you’re on the right track.

Any questions or queries about who we are and what we do here at Liviti, feel free to get in touch.

What is the Best Apartment Floor to Live On?

Daniel Chadrawy on May 19, 2022

Apartment Levels

So, you’re on the hunt for your dream apartment. You’ve thought about location, proximity to schools, public transport, and the energy of the neighbourhood. BUT – have you thought about which level you should live on?

It may all come down to personal preference, but before you secure your next apartment, you should consider the perks of each apartment floor.

READ ON to discover the ins and outs of each apartment level!

Giving your furry friends or the kids a real treat with space in a ground floor apartment

If you’ve got an energetic cavalier, or young kids, you’re probably keen for an apartment that has prime space. Luckily, a ground floor apartment provides just that!

Ground floor apartments usually come with a private garden or courtyard, perfect for cooking up a barbecue for guests and letting your children and pets run around (don’t forget to get approval from strata for your pets). These outdoor spaces are usually larger than balconies, and they almost act as an extra room. So you get more room for entertainment, loads of fresh air, and great space for pet owners and parents – woohoo!

Hey, but there’s more!

1. No Stairs

A ground floor apartment generally has fewer or no stairs at all – YES, your grocery hauls just got ten times easier. Fewer stairs also allow for an effortless move in and cater for less mobile or elderly relatives. Plus, in case of an emergency evacuation – you’re the first one out!

2. No neighbours below

Gone are the days of worrying whether you are bothering your downstairs tenants – because there are none! On the ground floor, your kids can play, stomp and run around freely.

3. Cooler temperatures

Who doesn’t like saving money? Since heat rises, ground floor apartments enjoy cooler temperatures in the summer months, meaning you can save energy costs on air conditioning or fans.

For those living alone or looking to rent a place that doesn’t need a courtyard or patio, ground floor units may not be for you. If you prefer to have good views, lots of sunlight and warmer temperatures, why not level up and score a top floor apartment?

Living the high life in a Top Floor Apartment!

Yep, if there’s any home that just screams wealth and class, it’s a penthouse. We all swoon over top floor apartments, maybe because we want to enjoy the view, or maybe above others… But if you’ve seen Kim Kardashian’s former New York Penthouse, you’d want one too.

Let’s talk about the highlight of top floor apartments – the views. If your apartment is near the city or water, the top floor will undoubtedly score the best views. Not only will you be able to host the prettiest cocktail parties, but you’ll be able to attract premium selling prices if you decide to move! The icing on the cake is, of course, the balcony to enjoy the view.

More pros include:

1. More security & privacy

Top floor apartments are usually positioned further away from the street, with windows that are not accessible from the outside. If safety is a top concern, you’re good up here!

2. Light, light & more light

Who doesn’t love more natural light? You’ll be warm and cozy in those cooler months in a top floor apartment with more exposure to light and rising heat. This is important in inner-city areas, where tall buildings overshadow others. Thankfully, you can save energy costs by using less heating and enjoying the natural light flooding into your living spaces.

3. Less noise

Living at the top means you’re far from street noise and vehicle traffic noise. The volume from underlying neighbours is minimal and there’s no-one above you either. You can sing in the shower as loud as you want!

If you don’t want to work up a sweat with long flights of stairs, or endure the warmth of the top floor, this may not be your personal choice.

Hauling a bike, groceries or going to greet guests or delivery partners can become a challenge from the top floor (depending on the video intercom available), so why not consider going for a middle-level apartment instead?

Don’t forget what’s in between – The Middle Level Apartment Floors

So, you’ve thought of living on the first floor and the top floor – but what about the middle? Much like the best part of a sandwich, the middle floor is a prime level in apartments. It offers the best of both worlds and has heaps of benefits to consider!

Life in the middle is a big win for your energy bills. Without air conditioning and heating, the higher floor tends to be challenging to cool down during summer, and the ground floor is difficult to heat up during winter. So being in the middle means your bills are more consistent, and you won’t have to worry about up and down temperatures!

Other perks include:

1. Lovely views

Living on the middle level still offers better views than a ground floor apartment! You can enjoy your views from the balcony, and probably for a lower price than a top floor unit.

2. Easy access

You may still get a workout from the stairs (if you’re not opting for the lift), but there will be less to worry about compared to living on the top floors. And the best thing is – there’s less wait time for lifts too!

Other things to consider

Before deciding your apartment floor you should live on, there are loads of other things to think about! At the end of the day, you want to pick an apartment complex that suits YOU (or your tenants) and fits your unique flair and lifestyle.

1. Price

Check the purchase price that comes with the apartment floor. Top floors usually come with higher prices, and the first floor may mean more bills for heating. You could stick to the middle levels if you want consistent billing prices.

2. Proximity

Is your apartment floor close to any laundry rooms or shared spaces, such as a pool or gym? Does your apartment complex have communal spaces or barbecue areas that you want to be close to? Check the proximity of your floor to amenities – if you want to be close to them (or far!) make sure you pick the right level! If you have less mobile friends or relatives consider the accessibility of your floor from the entrance.

3. Location

Probably one of the most important things to consider before you buy! Do you have children who need to be able to walk or catch the train to school? What about proximity to parks and shops for your daily needs? You don’t want to be too close to noisy street areas, nightclubs or dining precincts either. Don’t forget to consider where the apartment itself is situated.

Discover more on The Pros & Cons Of Apartment Living In Australia

What does our team say?

We’ve asked our team at Liviti which apartment floor they prefer and why!

Here is what we found:

“Top floor, for more privacy, less noise, good views, and perfect sunlight. Even facing south gives good neutral light” – Kevin

“Ground floor – dual entry point from the courtyard and your front door” – Jeremy

“My ideal choice would be Top Floor. I would enjoy the natural light received in a top floor apartment and the beautiful outlook over the district and possibly even towards the bay or city. Often Top Floor Apartments come with a higher price tag, in which case I would then opt for a Middle level apartment on a higher level. This would still give me amazing light and views.” – Lara

“My dream apartment would definitely be from the middle level up with a lot of glass to maximise the views. There is something about living up high with great views that always make me feel so relaxed, especially if it’s a city view at night time. And yes, for me, views is the most important feature!!” – Lucy

So before you secure the deal on your next unit, think about which floor you want to live on!

Contact Liviti today for more helpful property tips and news, or to find, fund, buy and live in your new apartment!

Cash Flow or Gearing? Growth or yield? Understanding Property Investment Terminology

Daniel Chadrawy on May 19, 2022

When it comes to property investment, questions like, “Which is better, positive vs negative gearing?” or “Should I go for yield or growth?” is kind of like asking, “Which is better, a hammer or a screwdriver if I want to mow the windows?”

Firstly, let’s start with understanding gearing.

Put simply, ‘Gearing’ means using borrowed funds. Investors typically ‘gear’ their investment properties because buying property for cash is really, really, really hard for ordinary Australians – even for those on incomes well above average.

If you know anyone with a mortgage, they have used gearing. If the property is their home, the gearing has no tax implications. If the property is an investment, the gearing will have tax implications.

So why use borrowed money or ‘gearing’ to buy a property? Why not just save up the money required and pay cash?

Imagine a 100m race between a bicycle and a Tesla. The bicycle represents the speed at which most Australians can genuinely save money and the Tesla is the increasing purchase price of an average property in the Australian market. Unless the Tesla has its wheels removed, the bicycle doesn’t stand a chance. And so it is with the ability for most Australians to save money quicker than property prices are rising. The majority of property buyers need a super quick injection of funding (borrowed money) to complete the purchase or they will never catch the market.

So now we know what gearing is, what is all the talk about positive and negative gearing? Is one better than the other and which is best for you?

So, What Is Negative Gearing?

Let’s apply a basic bookkeeping idea – debits on the left and credits on the right.

In simple terms, an investment property is negatively geared when the debits (you could also call them costs or expenses including interest, maintenance, insurance, strata, council rates and depreciation) are bigger than the credits (usually called rent or rental income). That is, more money is going out per year than is coming in.

Just like with any business, when more money is going out than is coming in, the business is making a loss. The difference when it comes to personal property investment, however, is what can the loss be used for and what does the ATO permit on your personal tax return.

So, in this case, the ATO will permit the property investment loss to be deducted from the annual income of the investor *YES!!

Let’s explore further using basic numbers – Meet Billy!

Billy is a worker in a local factory. He earns $100,000 annually for this job.

His investment property has a rental income of $20,000 and expenses of $30,000 for the financial year therefore Bill’s investment property makes a $10,000 loss. The $10,000 loss is then able to be deducted from Bill’s factory wage.

So, Bill will pay tax on $90,000 income not $100,000.

Benefits of Negatively Geared Property Investment

Capital Growth

Properties purchased for negative gearing outcomes generally show great potential for capital growth, with the end goal being impressive gains received upon the sale of the home.

As long as the property shows high potential for future growth and quality research has been carried out to prove this, capital gains should outweigh any losses incurred by a long shot.

Long Term Tenants

Properties with the potential to successfully negatively gear are often located in areas with low rent and high vacancy rates. Finding long term tenants in these kinds of areas isn’t usually too difficult, so if you find a good renter, they may be with you for the entire life cycle of the property which is a huge plus and means less stress for you, as the property investor.

Drawbacks of Negative Gearing

Potential For Negative Cash Flow

When purchasing a negatively geared investment property, it is advisable to ensure you have a stable income that is likely to increase over time. By ensuring this, you can cover any property expenses that may be incurred where rental income doesn’t cover.

Capital Gains Attract Tax

Keep in mind that 50% of your capital gains will attract tax. It’s important to take this into account when considering a property purchase based on negative gearing.

What is Positive Gearing?

You’ll often find positively geared investments referred to as cash flow positive properties.

A positively geared investment is entered into with the understanding that the property will attract high rental income and produce more cash flow from tenants throughout the life span of the ownership.

Essentially, the positive cash flow from rental income on these types of investment properties is expected to cover property prices and fees, while generating passive income for the homeowner.

Think of a property located close to a city where vacancy rates are low.

This may put you in a position to charge $600 per week in rent. Say the overall costs of owning the property average out to be around $550 per week.

This means your property investing strategy is immediately paying off, leaving you with a net return on investment of $50 per week.

And while your ‘business’ is making a profit, we need to consider the ATO’s rules to complete the picture. For a positively geared property, the ATO will add the investment ‘profit’ to the investors existing taxable income.

Now, meet Mary!

Just like Billy, Mary also earns $100,000 working in a local office.

Her investment property has a rental income of $30,000 and expenses of $20,000 for the financial year therefore Mary’s investment property makes a $10,000 profit. The $10,000 profit (considered taxable income) is then assessed in addition to Mary’s factory wage.

So, Mary will pay tax on $110,000 not $100,000.

How Does Positive Gearing Work with An Investment Property?

As mentioned previously, the ultimate goal of owning positively geared investment properties is to gain positive cash flow that will not only cover the expenses of the investment property itself but also provide a source of passive income for the owner.

The goal of this investment strategy is to gain wealth and stability, which is in line with investors who choose the negative gearing approach. It’s just a different way of going about it.

Rather than seeing high capital growth and selling when the time is right, investors focus on gaining income while the property is in their hands when negative gearing is the chosen strategy.

Essentially, they want to make sure they’re seeing a return on their investment throughout their entire ownership, not just at the end.

Benefits Of Positively Geared Property Investment

More Cash Flow

Though a property focused on positive gearing may see lower capital growth overall than one designed to negatively gear, the major plus is that you can use your own home from the get-go as a source of additional income.

You’ll see the fruits of your labour upfront as you receive rental payments from tenants that cover not only your maintenance costs, mortgage fees, interest payments and other expenses, but will also provide extra cash for you to invest, set aside as savings or spend as you see fit.

Increase Your Borrowing Power

Properties that aim for positive gearing outcomes tend to be considered a little less risky than ones with negative gearing goals, simply because the income received throughout the ownership is greater than the expenses incurred.

This can ultimately set you up with more borrowing power should you wish to expand your investment portfolio.

Versatile Option for New And Old Investors

Positively geared properties are highly attractive investment opportunities for both seasoned and rookie investors alike.

New investors can begin their portfolio with a property that offers less risk or financial burden until the eventual sale.

Established investors with an existing property that is positively geared have seen/are seeing the benefits first-hand, and will likely choose to grow their portfolio with similar properties.

Cover Losses of Your Negatively Geared Properties

If you do decide that you’d like to try your hand at owning a negatively geared property, you can utilise the income from your existing properties built around positive gearing to cover any losses incurred so you’re not left out of pocket.

Drawbacks Of Positive Gearing

Your Rental Income Will Be Taxed

Yep, income from rent is taxable income so the ATO is going to want their share of your rental income as you receive it. Be sure to incorporate this into your tax payable calculations when deciding whether to go ahead with your investment.

Fluctuating Or Slow Capital Growth

The majority of properties with positive gearing benefits tend to be located in or near rural or regional towns, which can often affect the capital growth of an investment. This may take a toll on your ability to access equity to fund other prospective investments.

Low Rental Yields Can Negatively Impact Your Cash Flow

As mentioned above, one of the major benefits of positive gearing is positive cash flow. This can be negatively affected by low rental yields, depending on the state of the property market and other economic and social factors.

What about Neutral Gearing?

Yes, if you’re wondering is there a “neutral” gearing option, there is!

This concept happens where the amount of money going out per year is the same as the amount of money coming in – enough rent is received over twelve months to exactly cover the full cost of all the outgoings.

But, this usually doesn’t happen naturally and probably requires some creative accounting to make happen year on year on year.

Neutral gearing is more likely to be found in the space surrounding seasoned property investors with multiple property investments; whom by default have more moving parts than first-time investors. This will generally allow accountants more wriggle room to ‘carry the one’.

Okay! But what has positive or negative gearing got to do with hammers and screwdrivers?

Positive gearing and negative gearing should be considered separate tools available to investors to assist with certain investment (tax) outcomes. Positive and negative gearing can also be used to create opportunities that otherwise might have remained out of reach.

Just like there is no perfect approach to renovating, there is no one investment gearing tool that does all jobs. Much will depend on many varying factors.

If Mary’s goal is to reduce the amount of personal tax she pays, her positively geared property isn’t helping her.

If Bill is struggling with cash flow and generally finding it hard to make ends meet, his negatively geared property isn’t helping him (since now he needs to personally fund the $10,000 loss: $200 per week out of his own pocket).

Then Which Is Better, Positive or Negative Gearing?

The end goals of both positive gearing and negative gearing investment strategies are very similar: to gain wealth and stability through well-researched property investment opportunities.

As with all property investment, it is important to weigh up the different factors like overall taxable income, the depreciation schedule of the property, any tax benefit that may be afforded, any tax deductions that may come into play, as well as interest rates and more.

It’s always best to seek independent financial advice on any investment you plan to make but essentially, when it comes to negative and positive gearing, those investors with a steady income stream that is likely to increase could consider negative gearing as a quality investment, while investors who prefer an opportunity that will provide positive cash flow throughout the ownership could benefit from a positively geared property.

All in all..

If you’re interested in finding out more about positive and negative gearing or property investments in general, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our team of experienced and highly skilled real estate experts.

We can help you find the positively geared property, as well as negatively geared opportunities to suit your specific circumstances.

Pick up the phone and call (02) 9056 4311 for a friendly chat today!

If gathering info online is more your style, we’ve got a contact form where you can send us a message.

The Pros & Cons Of Apartment Living In Australia

Daniel Chadrawy on May 13, 2022

Population growth in Aussie cities across the country is growing rapidly, and housing prices are constantly shifting. It is becoming increasingly difficult for house hunters of all styles and backgrounds to purchase a home in the current climate while finding a property that ticks all the right boxes.

Due to the demand for city dwellings, there has been an increase in apartment developments meeting the needs of many buyers, as well as budgets. So, what’s there to know about apartment living in Australia before investing in the keys to the front door? Let’s find out!

What Is An Apartment?

Ok, this sounds like a silly question, but humour us for a second. Let’s make sure we’re all on the same page when it comes to the defining qualities of apartments.

An apartment, which we also refer to as a unit in Australia, is generally defined as part of a building that is a self-contained living space. Apartments are normally in blocks or complexes, with some offering more than 40 residences, contained over multiple stories. They will often have communal areas like grassy picnic zones for kids and families to explore, gyms and pools for fitness junkies and even pet care facilities in more recent developments that complement new laws surrounding pets and strata laws (YAY!).

Units can range in size from studio, a single space that hosts the bed, kitchen table and facilities and lounge room of the people living there, to 5+ bedroom penthouse suites with their own private pool. Depending on a buyer’s financial situation, a range of options can be readily available to them and suit their individual lifestyle needs or the needs of their family.

How Many Australians Live in Apartment Complexes?

From 1991 until the Australian 2016 census, the number of apartments occupied by Australians has increased by 78%. According to the same census, approximately 10% of Australians spent census night within an apartment at that point in time (with 95% of these in their usual apartment home). That is a whopping 2 million (approx.) people.

Through that census data, the Australian Bureau of Statistics also found that occupied apartments are increasing from one for every seven houses in 1991, to one for every five houses occupied in 2016.

The growth we’ve seen tends to happen within urban settings, meaning that a good majority of apartments are in close proximity to a capital city and its centre.

What Type of People Choose ‘The Apartment Life’ in Australia?

The data from the 2016 Census reported that the main age of those living within an apartment was around 33 years old. It was also found that the numbers were slightly more skewed towards females (51%) as opposed to males (49%).

Unsurprisingly, the study concluded that more of the younger generation are opting for apartment living. The reasons for this vary from apartments being a cheaper option to a preference for units over houses due to lower maintenance, but it’s not uncommon nowadays to see many young families living in an apartment rather than a house.

How to Ace Apartment Living

We interviewed renowned Australian Interior Designer, Alicia Xiberras on the art of “acing apartment living!”. Alicia is the Director of AXI, a female powerhouse of Interior Designers with over 15 years experience in residential and commercial spaces.

We asked Alicia, ‘What are your top 5 design tips to ace apartment living?’.

“We recently designed an apartment in the heart of the Sydney CBD district, the project was called Australian indulgence. When we designed this apartment for our clients it was fundamental we considered these topics, to achieve the perfect apartment lifestyle for our clients.” said Alicia.

Let’s find out what Alicia’s Top 5 tips to acing apartment living.

*You will want to TAKE NOTES!*

Take Notice of Noise

“This is fundamental with apartment living as it can impact your wellness and sleep cycles.”

*No one wants to be woken up by the sound of a truck going down the highway at 4am*

“Consider acoustics, like rugs or fabric furnishings within your apartment to collect any excess sound. ”

Natural light – How much do you really want?

“Bring the outside in and don’t be afraid to consider window furnishings that allow complete sunlight to saturate the apartment. Its still important to also ensure that you can still have complete privacy or block out.”

Designer Tip: “A double roller blind, with block out & sheers overlaying will be an ideal selection for apartment living.”

Furniture size can impact how the space feels

“If you are concerned with working with a tight or small space, always consider the scale of furniture in the room.”

For example, “if you have circulation issues, instead of a rectangle dining table top, consider an oval top, this allows a softer curve and further circulation around your dining table.”

Accessorizing

“I avoid over accessorizing in styling and décor. This can make the apartment feel cluttered and overdone.”

Designer Tip: “Remember that old fashion quote ‘less is more’!”

Colour pallets

“Avoid loud and dark colour pallets when the space is small!”

*Does anyone remember Matt & Kim’s ‘Panic Room’ from The Block 2013? – You don’t want to, what a nightmare! *

Source: Channel Nine

Designer Tip: “Remember to work with your space and not compete with it.”

Want to check out some of Alicia Xiberras’ work? Head to her website, you won’t be disappointed!

Apartment Living Pros & Cons

The apartment lifestyle isn’t for everyone, but it certainly does have some great benefits. If we can provide one piece of advice to future apartment owners, it is that versatility and convenience are absolutely key when looking at the benefits of a particular apartment, and its location.

Pros for Apartment Residents

1. Affordability

A major plus in terms of apartment living is the cost to purchase. For first home buyers, a $500,000+ price tag on a house can be super daunting and often seem entirely out of reach. It’s a struggle, we get it. Wages aren’t on the rise, but house prices are #gofigure. Here’s where apartments provide a solution.

According to Canstar, apartments are priced at almost $200,000 less than median house prices which are approximately $800,000 in capital cities. This makes them much more affordable for both first home buyers and those looking to expand their existing portfolios.

Units and apartments are a fantastic way for new investors to break into the property market, considering how much they will be saving. Making a solid investment just became much easier to afford.

It also tends to be easier to find tenants to rent out to, if the property is in a good location (most units are based in or around capital cities), plus there are fewer costs associated with the upkeep of a unit as opposed to other property types.

2. Access to Shared Facilities & Amenities

Many complexes, especially those in high-rise buildings, often come standard with facilities such as a pool, gym, and even outdoor communal areas like small parks for entertaining family and friends and for letting the kids run wild and free. Want an excuse to meet the neighbours? Hang out in the communal spaces every so often and you’re sure to pick up some new acquaintances.

On top of this, gym memberships, for example, can cost upwards of $100 per month. With a gym on-site and available for residents to use without additional fees attached, that 100 dollarydoos can go towards buying an extra pack of protein powder or, like, 150 potatoes for carb loading. Think of the gains, people!

3. Insurance Savings

Apartment living is a sure-fire way to save money on home insurance. Often house/building insurance is paid for by body corporate fees, meaning that the resident only has to pay for insurance on their contents within the apartment, such as furniture and electronics.

4. Less Maintenance

One of the main reasons people live in apartments is the fact that they generally require less maintenance than a house.

Apartment complex amenities like a communal outdoor space and even the building itself are generally cared for through the strata body or the landlord, meaning that the resident need not fret about having to mow the lawns or clean the gutters.

A comparatively small space for living in can also be a benefit in regards to household maintenance, as less space means less cleaning. I think we can all get around that!

5. Exciting Lifestyle

Because a lot of apartments are based in areas close to cities or areas with lots of attractions or business precincts, you can generally expect to be close to public transport and other super convenient amenities. This can help reduce living and travel expenses, while also providing a lifestyle full of excitement, fun and good food which is usually high up on the ‘must-have’ list when it comes to buying a home.

6. Convenient Location

A great location close to the city is often the biggest drawcard when people consider apartment living. For many Australians, buying or renting an apartment means they can live in close proximity to a city and all its attractions at a much more affordable price. The city is practically their backyard to explore!

7. Security & Peace of Mind

Apartment buildings tend to have extra security when compared to other properties. Nine times out of ten, buildings will have a communal entry area that is locked for resident-only access, and many new developments come equipped with surveillance cameras, secure parking and security doors.

With neighbours close by and above ground level units difficult to reach, it is much riskier for criminals to attempt an apartment break-in, as opposed to entering a house. Apartments located in more extravagant buildings may also have a security guard present on site.

For families with young children and, honestly, anyone who isn’t a fan of dealing with break-ins (most people, we assume), living in a unit can provide some serious peace of mind, in that sense.

8. Sustainability

Think about it; less air conditioning usage due to smaller spaces, fewer living areas to fill with furniture that will eventually end up in landfills and a whole other slew of aspects that help old Mother Nature live her best life.

Living in an apartment opens the possibility of a sustainable lifestyle much more than living in a house or larger property.

Cons of Becoming Apartment Dwellers

1. Space Can Be Limited

While apartments are cute and cosy, they often have limited space when compared to other types of residences. Many apartments are often compact, which can be a slight drawback for those with a large family who need more space and lots of storage.

Also, some smaller and older apartments may not have room for an internal laundry, meaning the resident must use external laundry facilities provided on-site or at a laundromat or dry cleaner.

Families can often find apartment living difficult due to the limited areas for children and lack of private backyard space. If you love a balcony view, you’ll enjoy living in an apartment, but if you need a backyard for kids or pets, it may not be the best option.

2. Noise & Privacy

It’s no secret that the high-density housing situation of apartment design can often affect privacy. In some complexes, the balcony areas of each apartment may be close together, and any communal space, such as the pool, will have to be shared with neighbours who live within the building.

Noise may also pose an issue, especially for apartments located close to the inner city. Sounds from the street can filter into a unit from below, while the struggles of neighbours fumbling for their front door keys or hosting gatherings in a small apartment can prove to be an annoyance as well.

3. Parking Availability

Unlike houses with private garages and driveways, apartments can often limit the ability of residents to park nearby. It is quite common for high-density apartment buildings to have limited parking and in some buildings, private car parks don’t come standard with the purchase of the unit.

Those residing within large complexes often have to seek paid secure parking away from the apartment, or turn to street parking which comes with its own risks.

Sure, the complex may offer communal parking spaces on-site, but there’s no guarantee that Larry from across the hall isn’t going to drive in just before you make it home and take the last available spot. Classic Larry, amirite?

4. Strata Fees & Restrictions

Apartment living can be a little more restrictive than residing in a house. Any changes to the external area of the unit are subject to body corporate approval, as well as potential restrictions on noise levels, the ability to have pets within the building, and the use of the shared facilities.

In some cases, there may be ongoing costs associated with the general upkeep of the building and the communal areas.

5. Lower Potential for Renovations

Thinking more about the future of the property, it is far less likely a resident would be able to carry out major renovations on an apartment than a house.

Firstly, the body corporate of the building must be made aware of any planned changes to the external area of the home, as noise from construction could upset the neighbours.

It can also be difficult to change internal fixtures and the floorplan layout within an apartment, as ceilings and walls are considered a shared space, whilst plumbing is a huge pain to access and move around.

How to Access Home Loan Options When Buying an Apartment

The home loan process when purchasing an apartment is much the same as that of purchasing a house.

A property expert like those in our team at Liviti can often provide much-needed assistance throughout this process. It’s important to have the right people on your side when discussing home loans as some banks may not be willing to lend, depending on the size of the apartment and the location when compared to a buyer’s circumstances.

How to Buy an Apartment in Australia?

At Liviti, we have quality information and research right at our fingertips, allowing us to offer advice that leads to informed and clever decision-making surrounding the purchase of an apartment.

Aside from that, carrying out your own research online usually won’t hurt and can help ensure that the loan option you choose is perfect for you and your financial situation.

Whether you’re after a studio living space or an apartment with a little more room for families, we’ve got you completely covered! Check out our current listings and come chat with us if any tickle your fancy.

Sustainable Apartments: Everything You Need To Know

Daniel Chadrawy on May 13, 2022

YES, we’ve all heard sustainable living is becoming more and more important! Have you realised you’re already doing it? We are re-using our Woolies bags, using keep cups for our morning coffee, struggling (slightly) to drink out of paper straws and reducing our plastic usage.

With growing concerns about climate change, biodiversity loss, resource depletion, and more, sustainability has become a necessity in today’s society.

More Aussies than ever are embracing apartment living. The country is witnessing a HUGE rise in the popularity of high-density.

For Sydneysiders, more than half of the city will call an apartment home by 2030, and right now 80 per cent of them want information about a building’s environmental performance at the point of sale or lease. HURRAY, people are finally getting the message and sustainable apartment buildings are the perfect solution!

So is sustainable apartment living paving our future way of living? Keep reading to find out!

An image of sustainable apartment complex taken from Architecture & Design website — (Source: Architecture & Design)

Basics of Sustainable Design

Aussie residents are on the lookout for more green features before they buy or rent. They are searching for sustainable design elements, which aim to reduce negative impacts on the planet and boost the well-being and health of the community.

The innovative use of renewable energy systems, and shared electric vehicle charging spaces for tenants are just a few of the eco-friendly features introduced in recent developments.

But what about the basics of sustainable apartment design?

1. Reducing our Energy Use

Encouraging the use of natural light is an easy and effective way to help apartment dwellers enjoy the winter sun and avoid the summer heat. This can be done by enhancing the number and size of windows and skylights in the home.

Not only does this reduce the building’s energy costs, but it also improves residents’ well-being and productivity. Solar panel design, energy-efficient appliances and lighting such as LEDs are also effective eco-friendly features to look out for to lower energy and water consumption.

2. Renewable Building Materials

Architects and developers can include materials that have come from natural, renewable sources in sustainable apartments. The production of traditional building materials releases a mass of greenhouse gases into our atmosphere, contributing to the dilemma of climate change.

So green materials such as bamboo flooring, timber, natural stone, wood, low VOC paints and carpets are the new way to go.

3. Rooftop Gardens

Rooftop gardens are another beautiful and basic sustainable design feature that removes harmful airborne particles within the urban city air and provide a ‘green shield’ for the building. The plants absorb direct sunlight and act as a natural insulation blanket, lowering energy costs by reducing the need to use electricity, and helping our environment too.

Using solar panels to produce green electricity — (Source: Anders J & Biophilico)

Apartment Living is on the rise

Gone is the great Australian dream of the 1000sqm block, lost to apartment blocks as high density living rapidly grows across the suburbs. Raising a family in an apartment is becoming an exciting new trend! According to ABS data, the percentage of Australians choosing to live in apartment buildings has increased by 78 per cent over the past 25 years!

Apartment buildings in inner-city regions are carefully designed to deliver convenience and comfortable living, without the maintenance and long commutes associated with traditional suburban homes.

High-density living offers easy maintenance, awesome amenities, increased safety and short-term options to residents who have a busy lifestyle and want to save money. Sounds perfect, doesn’t it?

Workers want to have the city at their fingertips, opting to move closer to the CBD to manage their busy lifestyle and enjoy convenience. The inner-city apartment lifestyle combines innovative design and modern living with a short walking distance to work, fine restaurants, shopping areas and opportunities for leisure. What more could you want?

How can individual apartments be sustainable?

High-density living, whether the buildings are sustainable or not, provides a great opportunity to reduce your carbon footprint.

If your apartment building is not sustainably designed, you can still adopt small habits to become more eco-friendly. Here are 3 tips to transform your apartment into an eco-friendly space!

1. Save energy

There are so many ways to save energy in your own apartment! First, consider switching out your lightbulbs for LED lights. LEDs are eco-friendly and use less energy, with a longer lifespan that will help you save energy and lower your power bills.

Take advantage of the sunlight during the day to add more natural lighting into your space, and further reduce energy usage. Conserving water by using water-efficient appliances such as washing machines and showerheads can also help to save energy and water consumption.

2. Adopt a zero-waste lifestyle

Reduce, reuse, and recycle! If you don’t have an apartment complex that provides recycling facilities, you can still establish your own personalised system to make your space more sustainable. Reuse or repurpose old items before they go to waste, separate recyclable items from general waste and drop them off at local recycling centres.

Change your purchasing habits and invest in more sustainable products such as eco-friendly toilet paper, reusable tea bags and paper materials. Research into what you can or can’t recycle, to ensure you do it right!

3. Plants!

‘Going green’ can be taken literally by adding plants into your apartment space. Not only will they brighten up the home, but also improve air quality, natural ventilation and your wellbeing.

An indoor garden is easy to maintain and has been proven to relieve stress, and enhance your mood, focus and creativity. Who doesn’t love a natural mood-booster?

greener apartment living — (Source: Space Joy)

How can new apartment buildings be sustainable?

High-density living is usually assumed to be more sustainable than other housing options. But each year apartment living contributes to 22 per cent of the city’s water usage and 9 per cent of greenhouse gas emissions. This calls for action to be taken within the development process to improve sustainability.

1. Perfect Location

Firstly, developers should choose an urban village location that is central to public transport options and local facilities such as schools, shops, dining and entertainment. This will lower the need for tenants to use cars, reducing carbon pollutants.

2. Energy efficiency

As mentioned earlier, installing water and energy-friendly features into the apartment block is important to ensure it is sustainable. This includes water tanks, a greywater system, dual-flush toilets, low flow faucets, showerheads, washing machines and dishwashers.

Designing an apartment building that maximises solar panel electricity, natural light, insulation and ventilation will reduce the need to use power for heating and cooling. A green roof is another optimal installation that reduces stormwater runoff, increases biodiversity and lowers urban heat effects.

3. Sharing is caring

Incorporating shared common spaces within the structure that encourages social cohesion can also minimize environmental impacts. This includes gyms, swimming pools, gardens or even commercial spaces that residents can share without having to leave the apartment building.

This reduces the need to leave the property and travel to other facilities by car, lowering emissions that negatively impact our environment.

How can existing apartment buildings improve their sustainability?

Once an apartment complex is built, people often think they are ‘stuck’ with them. But with simple maintenance and fine-tuning, apartment buildings can actually become more sustainable! Here are a few ways that building owners and tenants can transform complexes into sustainable living spaces.

1. NABERS

NABERS can help apartment owners to measure and manage the performance of their property and reduce the cost of energy consumption. A high NABERS rating indicates a strata community is well-governed, makes good decisions and attracts buyers with a deeper insight into a property’s performance. So apartment owners should track the performance of their building and aim to improve their rating, to ultimately enhance their sustainability.

To improve their NABERS rating, building owners can encourage tenants to use energy efficient appliances, and lower their consumption of water and lighting when not necessary. They can also implement shared common areas to motivate tenants to spend time together at the property without the need to travel for social amusement.

2. Green Building Initiative

Another option is the Green Building Initiative, a not for profit organisation that encourages the adoption of building practices that are resource efficient and environmentally sustainable. The initiative facilitates a web-based program for green building rating and certification, including an onsite assessment by a qualified third-party assessor.

(Source: NettZero) Image of NABERS rating scale

Liviti’s Top 5 sustainable apartment developments in Australia

1. Ridgewaters Kiama

Design

These elegant and spacious three-bedroom apartments have social, economic and environmental sustainability embedded throughout their design. Ridgewaters Kiama is centrally located to communal amenities and recreation, reducing the need for residents to travel by car. It has rainwater tanks, cross ventilation and provisions for solar panels, to lower the cost of electricity and save water and energy consumption.

Ridgewaters also offers Electric Vehicle Chargers and EV Charging Load Management, to encourage the use of electric cars which eliminate exhaust emissions and have a better impact on air quality compared to conventional vehicles. All the boxes are ticked!

Amenities

Ridgewaters Kiama project — A digital representation of Ridgewaters Kiama Project

2. Hotham, Melbourne

Hotham in North Melbourne offers apartments and townhouses that blend sustainable design with innovative, modern architecture. Just 2km from Melbourne CBD with exceptional access to public transport, Hotham encourages residents to ditch their cars and enjoy sustainable travel.

Hotham offers an incredible abundance of communal spaces, with SPECTACULAR facilities. A golf simulator, gold class cinema, sports bar… WOW! And did we mention Hotham’s gardens? There’s rooftop gardens, a Japanese garden and a central garden, with an array of plant-life that help to improve air quality and bring residents together.

3. One Central Park, Sydney

One Central Park in Sydney’s CBD inspires and drives the future of green architecture. It connects Australia’s leafy green landscape to high-density city living, with a lush, towering plant design set on display to thousands of pedestrians every day. Those who admire One Central Park at street level are able to realise how the mixed-use property epitomises the future of sustainable living.

With a green roof, plant-filled areas, an automated water irrigation system, a thermal tri-generation plant, and car-sharing systems… One Central Park has sustainability at its forefront.

It is beautifully designed, with a large panel of hovering mirrors that reflect flickers of sunlight down to lower levels during the day. At night, LED lights transfigure the panels into a sparkling light installation. One Central Park achieved a 5 Green Star rating for its residential and retail towers.

Image of One Central Park building in Sydney — One Central Park building in Sydney

4. Granville Place, Sydney

Located just 2km away from Sydney’s second CBD, Parramatta, Granville Place pairs vibrancy and energy with relaxation and harmony. These highly liveable homes place you in the heart of the community, allowing residents to enjoy the convenience of cafes, restaurants, retail stores and schools just minutes away from home.

With a brand new public park and resident’s oasis garden, you can indulge in these apartments where everything is at your doorstep! Granville Place allows for a profusion of natural light to reduce the use of artificial lighting and encourages a sustainable lifestyle.

Granville Place high rise development — A digital representation of Granville Place development project

5. The Retreat Precinct in Lidcombe, Sydney

The Retreat Lidcombe is Sydney’s newest five-star sanctuary, surrounded by shopping centres, schools, universities and stunning recreational facilities. Completed with a lushly landscaped 3000sqm central podium garden, open parklands and BBQ facilities, the Celeste structure brings the community together.

The property is situated amongst Sydney Olympic Park’s world-class sporting, dining, entertainment and retail venues, enabling residents to enjoy an active lifestyle and achieve a sense of neighbourhood.

Retreat Celeste in Lidcombe new residential development project — A digital representation of the new Retreat residential development in Lidcombe

Australia leads Green Building Boom

Did you know that Australia dominates the world’s green building sector as a leader in the art and science of green building?

The World Green Building Trends 2018 SmartMarket report has shown that Australia sets the standard as the leading country in the world’s sustainable building sector. The global green building trend indicates increasing demand for new eco-friendly infrastructures that reduce your energy cost and consumption, and improve liveability for present and future generations.

Australian developers prove that green architecture and sustainable building design such as concrete floors that absorb thermal energy, energy efficient window placements and solar energy are highly effective in achieving sustainability. We are finally working towards reducing our environmental impact! 37 per cent of Australia’s office space is now Green Star certified, and the country’s renewable development revolution will only continue to grow from here!

Conclusion

Sustainable apartments are truly driving the future of urban living. They offer a heap of benefits to residents, the community, and our planet. With the definite rise in apartment dwellings and the need to protect the environment, sustainable apartments offer an excellent solution!

Liviti is committed to going green and developing sustainable properties that are not only beautifully innovative and artistic but also thriving and flourishing with life.

So next time you are looking for a new space to call home, GO GREEN, and CONTACT US for sustainable apartment options!