Social media site Housenet launches dedicated micro networks for apartment blocks

Larry SchlesingerDecember 7, 2020

Owners and managers of strata apartments will be able to set up micro social networks for their apartment blocks to share key documents, run polls and host online discussions following the launch of a new service by real estate social media site Housenet.com.au. 

Housenet ‘strata pages’ allows managers or owners to create micro social networks for their building in minutes. 

“Our research found that communication and information management in strata schemes, especially self-managed, is often diabolical. There is no industry standard; some are using old clunky share software, others group emails – it’s a complete mishmash,” says Darren Moffatt, founder and CEO of Housenet. 

“Strata Pages solves this problem. It provides a central online place for scheme updates, minutes, budgets, documents, events, and discussions. It even has a polling feature, which we think will be especially useful in the lead up to NSW strata reforms.” 

Moffatt says the launch of strata pages taps into an international trend of niche social networks with overseas examples including www.honestbuildings.com and www.nextdoor.com. 

He says industry feedback has been very positive on the new feature, which has the backing of Rosy Sullivan, principal of Australian College of Professionals, the largest trainer of strata managers in Australia. 

Sullivan says she intends to include the platform in her course material for strata managers. 

Moffat says strata pages will aim to address to key issues affecting the strata industry: disputes between lot owners and communication. 

“Our platform is all about cutting conflict and saving time. We think it can transform how people experience strata, and with 50% of the population projected to live in high density by 2035 there’s a real need for something like this.” 

“Strata Pages makes it easier for all stakeholders in a plan to store and share information, manage relationships, and meet their legal obligations. Our simple Facebook-like interface makes it easy to use, and it’s also great for building a sense of community in the building and meeting the neighbours.” 

Housenet.com.au was launched in September 2012. It’s a social networking site where industry and consumers can sell, buy, rent, share and talk property for free. 

Readers can find an example of the new strata pages service here: www.Housenet.com.au/strata

Larry Schlesinger

Larry Schlesinger was a property writer at Property Observer

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