Healthy built environments are often conceptualised as higher density environments. For example, higher residential density has been associated with increased uptake of physical activity, more social interaction within the community and with providing better access to healthy food options. 

For many Australians, and particularly in some stages of life, the cultural and practical default is the detached dwelling as a preference. Living in density throughout the whole life course therefore challenges the status quo, and requires transition in Australian cities. To facilitate a transition that realises the health benefits associated with density, and minimises any harm from disruption, it is imperative to understand the experiences and identified barriers to higher density living, particularly for groups traditionally associated with lower density housing.

Parents of young children represent one such group, and this study contributes to a growing body of qualitative research that records the experiences of parents in density. Its points of departure are the structural and cultural barriers to parenting in density identified by previous research. Previous research demonstrates that density in Australia is not designed to accommodate families. Bathrooms are too small, balconies are hazardous and common areas are uninviting for play. Neighbours unaccustomed to children living in density resent the intrusion of toys, bikes and prams in common areas, and parents are concerned about conflict with neighbours over the normal noises of childhood.

Our study adds a temporal dimension to these established barriers by honing in on two specific obstacles characteristic of the process of densification in Australian cities. These are related to the timing of both the construction and occupation of density, and they have the potential to derail the ability to build healthy built environments in Australia.