Building a Sense of Community in Strata Living: Simple Ideas to Strengthen Connections

Living in a strata community can offer many benefits—shared amenities, lower maintenance responsibilities, and a strong sense of security. However, it can also feel a little disconnected at times, especially when you’re surrounded by neighbours who may not know each other well. Whether you’re a long-time resident or a newcomer, fostering a sense of community in your building or development can enhance the overall living experience and make it a more vibrant, attractive to buyers and enjoyable place to call home.

As a strata management service, we at Strata Sense are committed to helping our clients build thriving communities where people feel connected, supported, and valued. In this post, we’ll share a few simple, practical ideas to help you build a stronger sense of community within your strata scheme.

1. Engage Owners in Decision-Making

A Strata Committee that keeps owners in the loop, listens to their feedback, and involves them early in decision-making helps build a sense of ownership and trust. By fostering transparency and communication, owners feel more connected to the process and are more likely to support the decisions being made.

For example, when considering an upgrade or renovation of a shared amenity like the pool, gym, or communal garden, the Committee can:

• Host an information session: Organise a meeting or online survey where owners can voice their opinions on what improvements they’d like to see.
• Share detailed proposals: Present detailed cost breakdowns, potential benefits, and timelines, so owners feel informed and confident in the Committee’s decisions.

In this way, owners are not left in the dark—they’re partners in the process, which helps to build trust and overall alignment.

2. Work Collaboratively with Strata Management

An active Strata Committee should work closely with the strata management team to ensure the smooth operation of the building or development. Regular meetings between the Committee and the strata manager allow for efficient problem-solving and ensure that the Committee’s goals align with the professional advice and management strategies provided by the strata management team.

By fostering a collaborative relationship with your strata management company, the Committee can ensure that:

• Projects are managed effectively, with the right resources and timelines in place.
• Financial matters are transparent and well-communicated to residents, reducing concerns about the building’s budget or spending.
• When residents see that the Committee and management are aligned and working together, it builds confidence in both the leadership and the services provided.

 Organise Consistent Social Gatherings

One of the easiest and most effective ways to bring people together is through social events. You don’t need to throw large, expensive parties—small, low-key gatherings often utilising the common facilities such as BBQs can work wonders in helping residents get to know each other.

In our experience, the social event with the most success is around end of the year celebrations. One of the most rewarding aspects of living in a strata community is the opportunity to connect with your neighbours, share experiences, and build lasting relationships. Social events provide the perfect platform for these interactions, but getting residents to attend can sometimes be a challenge.

Effective communication is key to increasing participation in community events. Don’t rely on just one method of promotion. Use a mix of channels to ensure your message reaches as many people as possible.

• Resident newsletters and noticeboards: Use the building’s newsletter, email list, or noticeboard to promote upcoming events. Include a brief description of the event, along with date, time, and location. Make it personal and inviting, highlighting why the event will be fun or beneficial for residents.
• Social media and building apps: Many strata communities have private Facebook groups or apps like BuildingLink or WhatsApp, which are great for engaging residents quickly. Post regular reminders and updates to keep the event top of mind.
• Personal invitations: For special events or gatherings, a personal touch can go a long way. Committee members or volunteers can visit residents or send personal messages inviting them to participate. People are more likely to attend when they feel personally invited and included.

4. Create a Welcome Committee

Moving into a new strata can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the area or the building’s rules. A “Welcome Committee” can play a pivotal role in helping new residents feel at ease and part of the community right from the start.

A group of volunteers can welcome newcomers with a friendly introduction, a small gift (like a plant or a welcome basket), and a packet of important information about the building’s rules, amenities, and upcoming events. Not only will this help new residents get oriented, but it’ll also set a positive tone for future interactions within the community.

5. Encourage Collaboration on Shared Spaces

Shared amenities such as gardens, pools, gyms, and common rooms offer excellent opportunities for interaction and collaboration. Encourage owners to take ownership of these spaces by creating sub-committees that help maintain or improve them.

• Garden clubs: If your building has a garden or green space, consider starting a gardening club. Residents can work together to plant flowers and maintain outdoor areas.
• DIY projects: Residents may be interested in collaborating on small projects to improve the common areas designing new seating in the courtyard. These kinds of projects create a sense of pride and foster teamwork among residents.

6. Be Open to Feedback and Adaptable

At Strata Sense, we pride ourselves on our ability to adapt to the unique needs of each community we manage. Building a strong community in your strata is no different. Encourage residents to share their thoughts and feedback on the initiatives you’re implementing. What works well? What could be improved? By actively listening and adjusting where needed, you’ll create a more inclusive and responsive environment for all.

Conclusion: Community Is Key

A sense of community doesn’t happen overnight, but with a little effort and the right mindset, it can be nurtured and grown over time. Whether it’s through social events, welcoming new residents, or fostering open communication, the key is creating an environment where everyone feels like they belong.

At Strata Sense, we are committed to helping you build and maintain a thriving community within your strata scheme. By prioritising relationships, fostering open communication, and providing opportunities for residents to connect, we can work together to create a more vibrant and supportive living environment for all.

For more tips and support on managing your strata community, please get in touch with our team. We’re here to help you build a thriving community.