Healthy living isn’t what it used to be. It’s no longer just about squeezing in a gym session or eating well a few nights a week. Today, wellness is holistic: it’s physical, mental, social, and environmental. And increasingly, it’s something Australians are choosing to build into the places they live, not around them.
When it comes to apartment living, especially in modern Build to Rent communities, this shift represents an opportunity. Instead of juggling commutes to the gym, expensive memberships, and time-consuming routines, residents now have the chance to weave healthy living into daily life that feels simpler, more natural, and more consistent. Apartment living, done right, can be a catalyst for wellbeing.
At Indi, we believe wellness starts at home. And apartment living has never been more aligned with a healthier way of life.
The wellness advantage: why apartment living supports modern health
Modern apartment living, especially purpose-built Build to Rent communities, are designed for the way Australians live today. Where older rentals might have been a compromise, Build to Rent residences are intentionally created to support lifestyle, flexibility, and everyday wellbeing.
Flexible, secure lease tenures and professionally managed communities reduce stress by eliminating many of the uncertainties of traditional renting. Residents don’t need to worry about surprise moves, maintenance burdens, or the hidden costs of home ownership. Instead, they gain back time, headspace, and energy, the essential pillars of wellbeing.
This concept isn’t new. In our recent article on work-life balance in apartments, we explored how intentional design helps residents create healthier routines. Wellness is simply the next evolution of this idea: when your home environment sets you up for success, healthy habits don’t feel forced - and can become second nature.
Amenities that make healthy habits effortless
One of the biggest barriers to staying active are the everyday hurdles that make it hard to start. Small barriers like packing a bag, commuting to the gym, or dealing with crowds add up, and many people fall into start-stop patterns.
Build to Rent communities change that by seamlessly integrating health, fitness and lifestyle with apartment living.
All Indi communities include some or all of:
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A fully equipped gym
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A yoga, Pilates, or stretching studio
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A pool, sauna, or dedicated recovery spaces
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Outdoor courtyards and decks perfect for morning walks or body-weight workouts
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Pet-friendly* areas that encourage movement and play - for people, and their pets!.
When your gym is an elevator ride away, consistency becomes exponentially easier. It’s simple to fit a workout into your lunch break, unwind with a sauna session, or start your mornings with a slow stretch before work. The accessibility transforms exercise from a chore into a normal part of everyday life.
This is the same principle behind rentvesting, using where you live to support how you want to live. For many residents, wellness amenities aren’t “nice extras”; they’re part of the value proposition of choosing an apartment lifestyle.
Healthy home design: small spaces, big impact
Wellness isn’t only about physical exercise, your home environment plays an equally important role. Modern apartments are thoughtfully designed to maximise light, improve airflow, reduce clutter, and make daily rhythms feel smoother. Features such as large windows, open-plan layouts, and efficient appliances support better sleep, more energy, and lower stress levels.
Inside your apartment, small changes can make a big difference:
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Natural light: Morning sunlight helps regulate your sleep cycle, boosts mood, and increases daytime alertness.
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Indoor greenery: Plants improve air quality and have been linked to reduced stress and higher productivity.
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Clean, low-maintenance spaces: Less time spent on cleaning means more time focusing on what matters, rest, movement, connection, or creativity.
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Quiet pockets for reflection: A reading nook, meditation corner, or small desk setup creates moments of calm during a busy day.
Intentional apartment living makes it easier to build the routines that support health, from preparing nutritious meals to unwinding at night without screens.
Community as a wellness multiplier
Humans are social creatures. Even the best fitness routine can’t replace the wellbeing benefits of connection, belonging, and shared experiences.
Traditional apartment buildings often lacked this sense of community. Indi Build to Rent residences are changing that, making connection a core part of the living experience, through premium, shared facilities that are available to all residents.
Indi communities feature:
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Social lounges and shared co-working spaces
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Yoga and group fitness classes
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Resident-led events like run clubs, book clubs, and community events
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Rooftop BBQ spaces perfect for weekend or after work gatherings
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Private dining and entertaining areas that bring the community, family or friends together.
Social wellness is just as important as physical fitness, and studies consistently show that strong communities reduce anxiety and improve long-term mental health. When wellbeing is supported by your neighbours as much as by your habits, it becomes more sustainable, and far more enjoyable.
Sustainable living = a healthier you
Sustainability and wellness also go hand-in-hand. Many Build to Rent communities are built to high environmental standards, meaning residents benefit directly from healthier, more efficient living spaces.
All Indi buildings feature:
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7-Star NatHERS rating that demonstrates energy efficiency
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Targeting 5 Star Green Star Buildings certification that demonstrates Australian best practice in sustainability
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Energy and water efficient appliances in every apartment
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Proximity to public transport, walking paths, green spaces, pet friendly living and cycling networks
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Tenant sustainability toolkit to educate and promote sustainable living
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Bike storage areas
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Renewable electricity (from solar on the roof and our energy retailer) powering common areas.
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EV charging stations at Indi Southbank and Indi Footscray
At Indi, sustainability is built into the details of the apartment, creating comfortable, low‑carbon homes in a vibrant, connected, and environmentally friendly community.
A sustainable apartment reduces environmental impact while providing long term benefits, as well as improving comfort levels, and creates a calmer everyday environment. In a world where rising costs and environmental concerns can add to daily stress, sustainable apartments help residents feel more grounded, conscious, and in control.
Small habits that make apartment wellness stick
Healthy living doesn’t require massive lifestyle overhauls. In an apartment living community, micro-habits compound quickly:
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Start your morning with five minutes of sunlight on your balcony, or on the building's outdoor terrace.
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Take a midday stretch in your building’s yoga room.
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Use your gym for short “movement snacks” between meetings.
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Create a bedroom ritual that avoids screens before sleep.
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Step into a communal lounge for a quiet moment, or join a class for connection.
These small patterns add up, especially when supported by an environment that’s built for wellness.
Apartment living as a path to wellness
Healthy apartment living today is about intention. It’s about designing a life, and a home, that makes wellness a natural part of your day, not a task you have to schedule or force.
With thoughtfully designed apartments, fitness-focused amenities, vibrant resident communities, and sustainable features, Indi creates a foundation for healthier, happier living. From weights to wellness, apartment life has never been more aligned with holistic wellbeing.
Explore our Indi communities at Indi Sydney, Indi Southbank, and Indi Footscray, and see how renting can be part of your wellness journey.
*Pets are subject to approval.
✝ Subject to availability. Additional terms and conditions, fees and charges may apply.
