Do Australians Really All Hate Living in an Apartment?

Australia is a land of sprawling suburbs, quarter-acre dreams, and the idea that "home" means a house with a backyard. But does that mean Aussies hate apartment living? 

I was recently browsing the internet looking for opinions (spoiler alert, I found a few) a certain Reddit thread caught my attention. 

What's the Deal with Apartment Living in Australia?

One Redditor put it bluntly:

"Yes living in an apartment in Australia would be 20x better if the government radically reformed strata laws and apartment building codes. Culturally, Australians seem to love a fight with neighbours and are trash at communal living so put all that together and it can be a nightmare."

Ouch. But let’s break it down—do Australians actually love a fight with neighbours? 

Do Australians Love a Fight with Their Neighbours More Than Other Countries?

This is a big claim, but there’s definitely something to it. Australians have a reputation for being friendly, but when it comes to neighbours, things can get heated. Just look at the number of disputes over fences, noise complaints, and parking wars. Whether it’s arguing about bins, loud parties, or whose cat keeps sneaking into someone else's yard, Aussies do seem to love a bit of a neighbourhood battle.

But are we worse than other countries? In cities like New York, London, and Paris, apartment disputes are just as common. The difference is, in those places, people are more used to communal living and the compromises that come with it. In Australia, where personal space is sacred, sharing walls (and decision-making) is becoming a bigger part of our culture.

I’m not ready to accept that Australian’s love a fight with neighbours, but I will accept that it is an area of improvement for us. I know from personal experience that the first I’ll hear of two neighbours fighting is through a strata complaint - we do as Australians - love to bring the authorities into a battle that could be solved through conversation. My impressions of New Yorkers is that they’ll just have it out on the spot, but that could just be from watching too many movies. 

The One Person Who Ruins It for Everyone

In my experience, there is always at least one person in every apartment building who seems determined to make life difficult for everyone else. And for some reason, these people always seem to end up as the captain of the strata committee. They thrive on control, love enforcing rules to the letter, and seem to relish the power that comes with managing shared spaces.

That said, as frustrating as they can be, these people do serve a vital function. In their effort to control everything, they also take on the unglamorous work—meeting with contractors, answering emails, chasing up repairs. Without them, a lot of buildings would fall into chaos. I try to stay grateful for their contributions… unless those contributions start harming our shared asset. Then, well, that’s when the real battles begin.

Why Do So Many Australians Avoid Apartments?

Unlike in Europe or Asia, where apartment living is the norm, Australians have always been told the dream is a house on a big block of land. High-density living is often seen as a downgrade rather than a lifestyle choice.

That said, plenty of people love apartment life. It’s low-maintenance, it’s close to the action, and you don’t have to worry about mowing the lawn. But others? Not so much. Common gripes include:

• Noise, noise, and more noise – Whether it’s music, crying babies, or someone stomping around upstairs, you’re going to hear your neighbours whether you like it or not.
• Strata dramas – Endless fights over renovations, pets, parking, and fees make apartment living feel like a reality TV show you never signed up for.
• Lack of privacy – Thin walls, shared spaces, and awkward elevator rides aren’t for everyone.
• Strict rules – Want to change your front door? Hang something on your balcony? Get ready to deal with strata red tape.

Are Aussies Just Bad at Communal Living?

Then there’s the argument that Australians just aren’t great at sharing spaces. We value independence and personal space, and sometimes, apartment living can feel like a test of patience.

But is that really true? Some apartment buildings have an amazing sense of community, with social events, well-run committees, and neighbourly vibes. Others? Not so much. It all depends on the people in the building and how the place is managed.

Do We Hate Apartments—Or Just the Bad Ones?

So, do Australians hate apartments? Maybe. But it’s more likely that they hate bad apartment experiences. The secret to making apartment living actually enjoyable comes down to:

• Good neighbours – A little mutual respect goes a long way.
• Well-run strata – No one wants to deal with unnecessary drama and bureaucracy.
• A mindset shift – Seeing apartments as a real home, not just a stepping stone to a house.

Some people will always prefer a house in the suburbs, but with property prices soaring and cities getting denser, apartments aren’t going anywhere. The real challenge? Making them a place people want to live—not just a place they have to.