Author(s): Sue Williams & Jimmy Thomson

Business Finance Management

The complete guide to buying, renting, surviving and thriving in apartments. More than 200 things you should know - and the developers and real estate agents don't want you to know - about apartment living. Australia is currently going through a major lifestyle shift. The land of the quarter acre block is increasingly becoming a nation of apartment-buyers, renters and dwellers. Young couples and singles are buying apartments as a way of getting a toehold in the market. Empty-nesters are cashing in their suburban palace for an easier, lower-maintenance residence, closer to the action. But do they know what they're letting themselves in for? Apartment living can be a dream come true or a nightmare from which there's no escape, depending on how well you're prepared before you sign the lease or hand over the mortgage cheque. Apartment Living is a must-have weapon in the war against greedy developers, shoddy builders, unscrupulous real estate agents, inept tradesmen, selfish neighbours and incompetent managers. It combines sound fact with anecdotal evidence - often amusing, occasionally horrifying - to help you become a savvy owner/occupier, investor or tenant. This could be the best real estate investment you've ever made.