High-rises may be popular amongst homebuyers, but they may come with certain risks

Posted: 2012-01-27

Rising house prices may be one of the reasons why so many Australians are turning their backs on traditional bricks-and-mortar buildings in favour of apartments and smaller units.

But along with changes in the living habits of Aussies, the push toward affordable accommodation has come ahead of legislative changes, which is something of a concern for owners.

Along with calls to update the laws surrounding strata insurance, some civil libertarian groups are also asking for greater action to be taken on issues as varied as shared parking, gardens and safety rules.

In recent years, an increase in the number of accidents involving small children in strata accommodation has led some experts to suggest that health protocols need to change.

The Sydney Children's Hospital has treated 39 separate cases of fall-related injuries, as families struggle to put in place the appropriate measures that would normally prevent young children from having this kind of accident.

And while public liability laws state that owners are responsible for ensuring their home is hazard free, an academic from the University of Sydney, Cathy Sherry, has likened the situation to mandatory fences on swimming pools.

She recommended changing laws so that in future the owners' corporation would be responsible for ensuring certain safety features are in place.