Building a sense of belonging, pride and ownership

That’s why I set up the topic “Why I love living in strata” The fact is that people don’t write in when they are happy. Why would they? So this is a very skewed view of strata living, no doubt.
But, to put a positive spin on it all,when people who have problems , questions and doubts come here, at least they know there is a whole bunch of knowledgeable people out there who are happy to lend a hand. Try getting help when you have problems with a neighbour in a free-standing house – then people might appreciate the advantages of living in a well (if not perfectly) run community

I am the opposite of Scotlandx. I have lived in my complex for over 10 years. Initially it was like nirvana with people taking pride in their homes. We had a couple of people who had to be brought into line but we ony needed to say “hey mate you can’t do that” and all was well.
Then we had people move in who expected the OC to pay for everything and anything. Then people moved in who thought that as an owner they could do what they want. That was when Iwe had to seek help from flat chat (pre forum days) and a lot of input from Jimmy. Then fair trading, then the lawyers.

I used to live in a place where people helped and looked out for each other. Where we had regular drinks nights and homes were decorated for Christmas, prompting discussions that we should hold competitions for the best decorated. Now there is nothing. No drinks. No Christmas tinsel. No maintenance, no repairs. People are complacent and always blaming someone else.

Someone’s alarm went off the other day. Once upon a time this would cause half a dozen doors to open and residents to investigate. Not now. Not even me. Complacency breeds complacency.

The problem I believe is not limited to my complex. And the remedy is education. A friend moved into a strata complex about 6 months ago. I asked him how it was going. He said he hadn’t heard from anyone, EC OC etc. I asked what he has done about it. Nothing. He is sitting back waiting for someone else. A work colleague said he is thinking of downsizing into strata as his house needs work and he has to spend thousands on it. I happened to say what if your strata needs thousands of dollars spent on it as a couple of aquaitences of mine have had to do recently. He said that he wouldn’t need to spend money because levies covered that. Then finally, as I bemoaned to someone that I was over strata and wanted out, she said why don’t I buy a townhouse. I said I am in a townhouse already. Oh is a townhouse strata she said.

If I could find somewhere where like minded people lived who cared about their own homes las well as the complex as a whole and the people who live in it then I would gladly move there. But what guarantee would I have that the same thing doesn’t happen there as has happened here. And though it may be said that you are on your own to fight any battles in a house, I am afraid you are also on your own in strata if no one else gives a rats.