EXTENSION OF FLAT LIFE.

Press, Volume LIV, Issue 16159, 13 March 1918, Page 2

EXTENSION OF FLAT LIFE.

ACTIVITIES IN SYDNEY. Building activities for the past week boar testimony to the increasing popularity of flat-life (says the '•Sydney Daily Telegraph" of 2nd inst.). In many instances tenders are being invited for cither the election »{' ilats or the conversion of existing dwellings into flats. Mr V.\ F. Foster, president of the Master Builders' Association, in commenting on the growth of the flat system, explained Unit various influences | had combined to bring it about. Tho scarcity of domestic servants, which compelled many people to give up housekeeping, was a big factor, while others had adopted the new mode because uf comfort and convenience, and because it was fashionable. On tlie other hand, property owners had found it moro profitable to reap rentals from tenants on, say, half a dozen floors, than from one tenant, as is the cose with tho old-fashioned style. Furthermore, tho operations of the Fair .Rents Act, which prevents owners from receiving more than 7 per cent, profit, had diverted a large amount of capital from tho smaller dwelling to the flat. INot that the rentals of flats may not be regulated by the Fair Rents Court, but up to date occupants of tho lattor had displayed 110 anxiety to seek relief from the Court. Another important item from the owners' standpoint was the fact that roofing and other materials, which had increased in prico to almost 300 per cent., could he to a large extent eliminated. The astqunding pace at which flats wero increasing, Mr Foster concluded, could be attributed to the desire, of both ouno:i; and tenants for that style. The indications pointed to a still further development m the future.