Hi everyone,
Long-time lurker, first time poster!
I really felt like I had to respond to your post, Jess. I recently downsized from a house to a unit. I decided it would be the best way to enjoy a fuss free living environment, without the hassle and worry associated with maintenance of a house and large yard.
For me, I had never lived in a unit complex, and wasn’t entirely sure what to expect but bit the bullet and went ahead. I had all the necessary checks completed as far as a strata report goes, to confirm that the management of the place was in check, which it seemed to be.
However, what the strata report didn’t prepare me for, was the shock of moving from my own house, being king of the castle, to a very spatially-shared environment. Things like hearing my neighbours move about their unit, or performing day to day duties like cleaning and watching tv or listening to music. To things as mundane as awkward moments in the elevator with people who I assume are my neighbours – saying hello to people and not receiving a response. I’ve tried to get to know my neighbours, much like I did in my house, but I haven’t received positive responses! Some of the residents might be tenants and perhaps that’s affecting the way they interact with me, but I wouldn’t know for sure since conversation doesn’t ever occur.
I was also unprepared for the level of apparent ambivalence that some of my fellow owners have exhibited when it comes time for the AGM – I’ve tried to do my best to learn how things operate as far as decision making and financial arrangements go so that I can know where I stand and put my 2 cents in when I feel its needed, but some of the others really show no consideration for the rules. I’ve learned that, not being able to pick your neighbours is one thing (in terms of general living experiences like noise or rudeness) but not being able to pick the people who you make decisions with is a completely different game! I don’t feel like I’m on the same page with anyone else, and I was not prepared for that in the slightest, especially considering that decisions which I may not agree with in terms of being a good decisions for the long-term maintenance and management of the building, affect my personal finances now and most certainly will in the future.
I hope the above has provided some insight into what it’s been like for me, I’m sure this isn’t the everyone’s experience, but perhaps the others can comment???
Good luck with the purchase if you do go ahead!
Tazza