���������

This research investigates the demographic characteristics, types of buildings and neighbourhoods of lower income apartment residents in Australia so as to improve wellbeing, community and housing affordability outcomes. In Australia, 10 per cent of the population lives in an apartment; 85 per cent of apartment residents live in capital cities; and 39 per cent of households living in high-density apartments are lower income households.

Lower income residents often have less choice and influence over the housing or location in which they live, and fewer resources available to respond to challenges that arise. Their experiences of apartment living are influenced by planning and infrastructure provision; urban design; building design and management; neighbourhood amenities and facilities; and ongoing place management and community engagement.

Findings highlight the central importance of public infrastructure for lower income residents—especially open space, libraries and community centres. Support for ‘soft’ infrastructure, like community engagement programs and community-led activities, was also important. In the high-density areas studied, infrastructure outcomes were uneven, creating an equity issue where lower income residents have a different quality of life, even within the same local government area.

The research also identified five main points of tension in delivering high-density buildings and precincts that meet the needs of lower income residents: tensions between the development and operational phases of a new development; at the interface between private buildings and the public domain; over the alignment of infrastructure needs and delivery; at the intersection of local and state government responsibilities; and in meeting the needs of both current and future residents.