Australian Apartment Advocacy Expands National Footprint with ACT and SA Events

Australian Apartment Advocacy (AAA) is set to expand its national presence this winter, announcing upcoming industry events in both the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) and South Australia (SA). The events, scheduled for 21 July in Adelaide and 4 August in Canberra, will showcase findings from AAA’s 2025 national apartment living research—one of the most comprehensive studies of its kind.

The expansion marks a significant step in AAA’s mission to elevate the voice of apartment owners and residents across Australia, particularly as apartment living continues to gain momentum in smaller capital markets.

Giving apartment owners a voice

The 2025 research underpinning the events surveyed 1,100 apartment owners nationwide, providing a detailed snapshot of Australia’s evolving relationship with higher-density housing. Participants were asked what they were seeking at the time of purchase, what they ultimately bought, what they value most about apartment living, and what they would change. The research also explored what owners would purchase next—insights that are proving invaluable to developers, planners, and policymakers.

Early insights reveal a nuanced picture of apartment living in Australia. While location, lifestyle convenience and low maintenance remain key drivers, respondents also highlighted the growing importance of design quality, storage, and long-term liveability. Importantly, many indicated a willingness to purchase apartments again—challenging long-held perceptions that apartments are merely a stepping stone to detached housing.

These findings will form the centrepiece of both the Canberra and Adelaide events, offering stakeholders a rare opportunity to hear directly from the people shaping demand in the sector.

ACT: A growing appetite for apartment living

The ACT has emerged as a standout performer in Australia’s shift toward higher-density housing, underpinned by population growth, infrastructure investment and changing lifestyle preferences.

Recent data shows Canberra completed nearly 900 new apartments in the first quarter of 2025 alone, with approximately 1,000 more expected throughout the year, signalling a steady pipeline of supply. At the same time, demand is strengthening: unit sales in Canberra have risen 8.6% annually, reflecting increasing buyer interest in more affordable, compact housing options. [jll.com] [nab.com.au]

Longer-term trends reinforce this trajectory. The ACT recorded one of the fastest rates of dwelling growth nationally, with total dwellings increasing 14.4% between 2016 and 2021, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics. [abs.gov.au]

Taken together, these trends point to a market where apartment living is no longer niche, but an integral part of the housing mix—particularly for young professionals, downsizers and public sector workers seeking proximity to employment hubs and amenities.

South Australia: affordability driving density

In South Australia, the apartment market is being shaped by a different but equally powerful dynamic: affordability.

Adelaide has seen a surge in apartment price growth and demand, with median apartment values rising 12.9% year-on-year and remaining significantly more affordable than detached housing. New supply is also continuing, with hundreds of additional units expected to be delivered in 2026, reflecting developer confidence in the sector. [jll.com]

At the same time, population growth and constrained housing supply are placing upward pressure on all dwelling types. Recent figures show Adelaide’s population increasing by around 1.3% in 2024–25, supporting sustained underlying demand. [nab.com.au]

While South Australia recorded more modest dwelling growth than some larger states, the number of dwellings still increased by 5.4% between 2016 and 2021, highlighting a steady shift toward a more diverse housing mix. [abs.gov.au]

These conditions are reshaping perceptions of apartment living in Adelaide, with buyers increasingly viewing apartments as a viable long-term option rather than a compromise.

Why these events matter now

AAA’s decision to bring its research and advocacy efforts to Canberra and Adelaide reflects a broader shift in the national housing conversation.

Historically dominated by Sydney and Melbourne, the apartment sector is now gaining momentum in smaller markets where affordability pressures, urban planning strategies, and lifestyle preferences are converging. In both the ACT and SA, apartments are playing a critical role in accommodating population growth while maintaining access to jobs, infrastructure and services.

The upcoming events will provide a platform for industry leaders, government representatives and consumers to engage with the research findings and discuss what the future of apartment living should look like in their respective markets.

Looking ahead

As Australia continues to grapple with housing supply challenges, the role of apartments is only expected to grow. AAA’s 2025 research suggests that buyers are becoming more discerning, with a clear emphasis on quality, functionality and community—factors that will shape the next generation of developments.

By expanding into the ACT and South Australia, AAA is not only broadening its national footprint but also ensuring that the voices of apartment residents in these rapidly evolving markets are heard.

With Canberra and Adelaide set to host the next round of events, the conversation around apartment living—and its role in Australia’s housing future—is gaining momentum.

To register for the Canberra event click here and Adelaide event click here.