When Research meets Practice: The International Research Forum on Multi-owned Properties
The International Research Forum on Multi-owned Properties was recently held by Nicole Johnston of Deakin University. As an attendee myself, I was inspired by the academics and researchers both in Australia and internationally, who are dedicating their time to research the physical, social, psychological and economic issues facing people who live in strata.
This academic strata research provides invaluable insight into the decisions of those who purchase apartments, the ‘lived experience’ of people residing in strata, and planning and preparation for future issues such as the redevelopment of apartment buildings that are no longer viable to maintain.
The Forum also touched on a number of novel research projects, including women’s perspectives of buying and living in strata, their unique motivations and the apparent prevalence of current apartment marketing campaigns dominated by male perspectives. The Research Forum reminds us that humans have lived in close quarters for thousands of years, and assists us in reflecting upon the evolution of the methods we have developed across the world to deal with the key aspects of shared property ownership, joint decision making, and behavioural issues.
Most importantly, it gives us the time to stand back from our busy lives in the strata industry and think, “How can we do this better?”
There is a Consumer property law review currently being undertaken (February 2017) in Victoria that proposes to change the laws and regulations governing Owners Corporations. Tisher Liner FC Law would like to see the valuable academic strata research presented at the International Research Forum of Multi-owned properties taken into account in any draft new legislation proposed to regulate Owners Corporations.
