Western Australia's retirees have been identified as the state's most satisfied apartment dwellers in new research from the Western Australian Apartment Advocacy.

In a survey of 3300 respondents, of which 23 per cent were classified as retirees, the older demographic was found to have a 96 per cent satisfaction rate, with 75 per cent saying they would also recommend an apartment to friends and family.

Over half the apartment owners have been living in their apartment for less than five years and were made up of two person households (65 per cent) as well as singles occupiers (35 per cent).

At a glance:

• New research from the Western Australian Apartment Advocacy has revealed retirees to be the most satisfied apartment dwellers.
• Of those surveyed, retiree apartment dwellers had a 96 per cent satisfaction rate, with 75 per cent saying they would also recommend an apartment to friends and family.
• According to the research, 83 per cent of respondents purchased their apartment because of the location, with 78 per cent stating they could walk to public transport. 

WAAA Director Samantha Reece said the research demonstrated that retirees should not be classified solely as downsizers, but rather as "rightsizers".

"The baby boomer market is mainly seeking to lose the backyard in their transition to the apartment lifestyle," she said.

“The data also demonstrated that while satisfaction rates were high, over half of the retirees surveyed would seek to purchase a three-bedroom apartment next time." 

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WA Apartment Advocacy Director Samantha Reece. Source: WAAA

According to the research, 83 per cent of respondents purchased their apartment because of the location, with 78 per cent stating they could walk to public transport.

They also liked the ability to lock and leave (68 per cent), low maintenance (63 per cent), security (67 per cent) and parking for residents (62 per cent) within their development.

While retirees represented the largest cohort of households where kids had left home (49 per cent), lifestyle (41 per cent) also proved to be a significant motivator.

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 3/10 Bellevue Terrace. Available through Vivien Yap and Phoebe Si of Ray White. As seen on Luxury List.

Ms Reece stated that the retiree cohort also relied on traditional means for researching apartments.

“More than a third of the retiree sector found out about their apartment through the newspaper (again the largest proportion across all the age demographics) and 50 per on the internet,” she said.

“In addition 64 per cent chose an apartment over a house because it was the right size for them, and 69 per cent because it was easier to care for and maintain.

“Next time, 57 per cent said they would choose an apartment over other traditional housing choices, with 51 per cent seeking a coastal setting and 25 per cent in the inner CBD.”

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