I do think townhouses are slightly different to flats though - and also the age of the properties - newer ones tend to have better soundproofing. I don't know if anyone on here can comment on living in a townhouse strata complex - we lived here for 4 years with no significant issues at all - is only the last couple that have had their challenges, but it is a flat - on a block of 24 - with only 4 owner occupied. Higher strata fees (to me that sounds on the higher side - depending on the amount of communal space) can be a good thing as puts off investors some what so can give a higher percentage of owner occupiers, I suspect townhouse complexes have higher owner occupier rates than flats anyway. I would go speak to some people in some of the other townhouses if possible (we get people knock and ask us just when looking to rent) for some opinions.

The strata committee meetings should give an indication of what is going on somewhat (e.g. in ours you can see in the one from last October about the various issues going on).