Work-life balance has shifted from a “nice-to-have” to a non-negotiable in modern life. With hybrid and remote work now the norm, our homes have taken on a dual role: a place to relax and a place to perform. For apartment dwellers, especially those in modern Build to Rent communities, the challenge is to create harmony between work and life in the very same space.
The good news? Apartment living, when done right, is uniquely equipped to support a balanced lifestyle. From smart design to onsite amenities and a strong sense of community, the modern apartment is quickly becoming the foundation for work-life balance and better living.
To ensure you get the most out of this new evolution of modern living, here’s some practical tips on how to create work-life balance in an apartment setting.
The apartment advantage: built for balance
Renting in an apartment used to mean compromise – just a step toward owning a home. But Build to Rent is flipping that perception on its head.
Unlike traditional rentals, these communities are purpose-built and designed with the specific goal of supporting modern living. Flexible leases provide adjustable options for residents – flexible lease terms start from a minimum of six months, allowing for life transitions such as renovations or relocations for work, while longer leases provide security and stability, so you can confidently put down your roots. Amenities rival those of luxury hotels, and shared spaces encourage a deeper sense of connection. Instead of juggling the demands of home ownership, residents get the freedom to focus on their careers, wellbeing, and social lives.
In this context, work-life balance is built into the very fabric of the building. The question is, how can you bring that balance to life in your own apartment?
1. Create clear boundaries between work and home
One of the biggest challenges of remote work is the blurring of boundaries. The kitchen table becomes a desk, the living room turns into a meeting space, and before long, work seeps into every corner of home life.
The fix is simple: define your zones.
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Dedicated workspaces: even in a compact apartment, set up a specific area for work, whether that’s a small desk, a nook, or a co-working lounge within your building. Research shows that separating work and personal spaces boosts productivity and reduces stress.
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Rituals that mark transitions: start your day with a walk, and end it by shutting down your laptop in a different room. These small cues help your brain switch gears.
To make this even easier at Indi, our building communities feature a variety of co-working spaces and resident lounges*, purpose-built areas that make it easier to separate your 9-to-5 from everything else.
2. Harness amenities for health and wellbeing
Work-life balance isn’t only about time; it’s about energy, and energy comes from looking after your body and mind.
Apartment living can make that easier. All Indi Build to Rent communities include some or all of:
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Fitness facilities like gyms, yoga rooms, and swimming pools.
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Wellness amenities such as saunas and meditation spaces.
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Pet-friendly areas✝ that encourages play and companionship.
With regular exercise linked to reduced anxiety and improved mood, and pets proven stress-relievers, having these facilities just a lift ride away removes the friction of squeezing wellbeing into your day.
Instead of commuting to the gym, you can fit a 30-minute workout into your lunch break or unwind in the pool after work – helping to keep your work-life balance in check.
3. Build a community that supports balance
Work-life balance doesn’t exist in isolation, it thrives in community. Human connection is one of the most powerful buffers against burnout and loneliness, both of which are common in remote-heavy work cultures.
In traditional apartment blocks, neighbours often remain strangers. In Build to Rent communities like those at Indi, connection becomes much more intentional. Shared entertaining spaces such as a BBQ deck or rooftop lounge, and curated events like yoga classes, BBQs, and social nights can help to create space for genuine interaction.
In fact, studies show that strong social networks are linked to better mental health and even longer lifespans. In other words, your neighbours aren’t just people you bump into, they could be your greatest asset in creating balance.
4. Sustainable living = less stress
Another hidden driver of balance is sustainability. The demand for sustainable rental housing is growing, driven by two key factors: a more environmentally conscious generation of renters seeking homes that align with their values and the rising cost of living, which is pushing tenants to prioritise properties that are energy, waste and water efficient.
That’s why many Build to Rent apartments – including Indi – integrate sustainability at their core. Indi buildings have earned impressive sustainability credentials such as:
- 7-Star NatHERS Energy ratings, demonstrating energy efficiency.
- Achieving (or targeting) 5-Star Green Star Design and As Built v1.3 or 5-Star Green Star Buildings v1 ratings, representing Australian Excellence in sustainable design, environmental performance and social responsibility.
- A net zero in operational emissions (scope 1 and 2) living footprint, with common areas powered by renewable electricity. Apartments with energy efficient appliances (4.5-Star ratings or above), including a dishwasher and washing machine designed to lower energy use.
- Bike storage and proximity to public transport, cycling and pedestrian pathways.
- EV charging points at Indi Southbank and Indi Footscray.
These sustainable living features have the potential to reduce your environmental impact and have long term benefits for developers, residents and the environment. Knowing that your home aligns with your values also adds a sense of purpose, is central to long-term balance.
5. Everyday practices to enhance balance at home
While your environment is crucial, your daily habits are what really bring work-life balance to life. Here are five simple practices anyone can implement in their Build to Rent apartment:
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Curate your routine: start the day with natural light and end it with a digital wind-down. Small rituals can anchor your time.
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Add greenery: indoor plants or balcony gardens improve air quality and boost mood (University of Melbourne).
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Practise mindful tech use: create no-phone zones, especially in bedrooms and dining areas.
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Embrace micro-breaks: step onto your balcony or into a communal garden for five minutes of fresh air between tasks.
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Carve out quiet nooks: dedicate space for reading, meditation, or journaling to recharge mentally.
These habits may sound small, but the benefits compound over time, creating a healthier rhythm between productivity and rest. And in many cases, they wouldn’t be practical without the intentional design of Build to Rent apartments.
Redefining balance through apartment living
In the past, achieving work-life balance was about managing calendars and to-do lists. Today, it’s about designing your environment to support the lifestyle you want.
Modern Build to Rent apartment communities are uniquely positioned to help you thrive. With flexible leases, extensive amenities, vibrant communities, and sustainable design, they give you the tools to make balance a reality.
At Indi, we believe that your home should be more than just where you live – it should be the foundation for a happier, healthier, and more productive life.
Explore our communities at Indi Sydney, Indi Southbank, and Indi Footscray, and discover how your apartment can help you live, and work, better.
*Subject to availability. Additional terms and conditions, fees and charges may apply.
✝Pets are subject to approval.
