What is most important to housing buyers today
What factors determine housing choice? What is crucial for buyers? What modern technological solutions are being implemented in new developments? Which are scored highest by buyers?
Tomasz Kaleta, Sales Department Director, Develia S.A.:
Today - probably more than ever - it is the price of a flat that matters most to buyers. That is why we design our premises in such a way as to make them as functional as possible, without unnecessary traffic routes. Where possible, the layouts of the flats allow for possible rearrangement, such as separating an extra small bedroom or workspace in large studios or two-room flats. Buyers are guaranteed additional outdoor space in the form of a terrace or balcony or, in the case of ground floor floors, a garden. We try to select the location of our investments so that they are built in an area with a developed service and educational infrastructure, in the vicinity of green and recreational areas.
Angelika Kliś, board member of Atal:
For buyers, the key selection parameters are usually price, location and quality of construction, including the design and functional solutions used. Sometimes these factors are of different importance to individual customers, but most buyers pay attention to accessibility, the aesthetics of the finish, landscaping and amenities, as well as proximity to green and recreational areas.
Increasingly, customers expect ecological solutions, reducing energy consumption in common areas, as this translates into cost savings. This is why we install photovoltaic panels or use water retention in our investments.
Cezary Grabowski, Sales and Marketing Director of Bouygues Immoblier Polska:
One of the most important factors that determines the purchase of a flat is its location. Customers very often pay attention to how far they will have to commute to work, whether children will be able to walk to school, and whether there is adequate infrastructure and public transport stops nearby. Of course, the location dreamed of by customers is not always the location where they ultimately decide to buy a flat. The reason for this is financial constraints, so if they choose a neighbourhood with similar priced investments, they will choose the one with the advantages they desire, such as adequately sunlit and bright flats, functional layouts, large balconies, parking spaces, bicycle and storage rooms, ecological solutions or aesthetically designed common areas and well-kept and well-developed land right next to the investment.
When it comes to ecological solutions, what counts most are those that save energy and, in the long term, reduce bills. For this reason, at the end of 2023, we introduced the Appartme residential automation system to new developments. It increases the security of the premises and also saves energy.
Zuzanna Należyta, commercial director at Eco Classic:
The most important features of an investment for customers are partly dependent on the market segment. In the popular segment, price is a key factor. Another feature is the number of rooms in relation to the area. Other considerations are the availability of storage cells and parking spaces, the finish of the common areas and landscaping. Customers value green patios with playgrounds, devoid of car traffic. A balcony is also an important advantage, especially in the case of larger flats, the bigger the better.
Małgorzata Ostrowska, Director of the Marketing and Sales Division at J.W. Construction:
The question of rent and general property maintenance costs is being asked more and more often, as we have seen a steady increase in recent years. For example, as of the beginning of this year, the minimum wage has increased, which applies to property maintenance services, such as security, cleaning and greenkeeping companies. This will translate into rent increases.
We try to look at the market in the long term, which is why we have already anticipated this trend. In line with our strategy, we have recently invested in timber frame and prefabricated building technologies, together with additional ecological solutions such as photovoltaics, heat pumps and recuperation. The energy-efficient investments we are realising in this spirit, such as Naturally Aluzyjna and ECOBerensona in Warsaw or Apartamenty na Wzgórzach in Zawada near Krakow, are not only environmentally friendly, but are also distinguished by low property maintenance costs.
Dorota Gdaniec, land sales specialist at Alter Investment:
Today's housing market is highly developed and diversified in terms of amenities. Buyers certainly value access to communication and retail and service infrastructure. Nevertheless, the project itself must feature amenities; the number of parking spaces and a lift are very important. One of our projects envisages a lift shaft going all the way to the roof of the building, thanks to which the residents will be able to use the recreational area located there, providing a view of the panorama of Gdańsk.
Mariola Żak, Sales and Marketing Director at Aurec Home:
Today's customer looking for a flat from a developer is aware and well educated. He or she is looking not only for a comfortable apartment, but a comfortable and functional living space. Residents of the environmentally friendly Miasteczko Jutrzenki estate praise the amenities that provide them with relaxation and leisure right next to where they live, i.e. educational playgrounds for children, green roofs, restaurants and cafés, shops, services, parcel machines or electric vehicle charging points. Residents appreciate the private space of Aurec Active, where they can practice sports at any time of the day or night, without having to travel to distant sports centres.
We design all estates according to the idea of a 15-minute city, so that the most necessary errands can be done right next to the house in no more than a quarter of an hour on foot or by bicycle. We implement our projects in accordance with the principles of sustainable development and the smart home concept. We install energy-saving elements in buildings, such as photovoltaic panels, mechanical ventilation or ground heat exchangers.
Michał Witkowski, Sales Director of Lokum Deweloper:
Customers attach great importance to the square footage and functional layout of the rooms, as well as additional areas such as wardrobes, terraces or gardens. Future residents are looking for good locations that provide quick and convenient access to school, work or university. Our investments are located in the city centre or in its vicinity, which facilitates free use of convenient transport, urban infrastructure or educational offer.
Buyers also pay attention to the nearest surroundings of the flat, appreciating attractively arranged, green common areas. They value amenities such as car parks, playgrounds, off-road gyms or retail and service outlets located within the estates we build. Buyers are also increasingly looking for a favourable offer of turnkey finishing. Customers also pay attention to elements that guarantee an increase in the value of the property in the long term, thus appreciating the higher standard of our investments. They are characterised by timeless architecture and high-quality finishing materials of the buildings. Stylish landscaping, fountains, ponds and flowery pergolas complete the aesthetics of the estates. The purchase decision is increasingly linked to the energy-saving solutions present on the estates. The designs of our investments include large windows that maximise natural light in the space, triple-glazing, as well as led lighting, movement sensors and electric car charging stations, car parks and bicycle repair stations. Buyers also appreciate the use of ecological solutions in the form of numerous plantings of low and high greenery, flower meadows and green roofs and walls, which prevent buildings from overheating and creating urban heat islands. We provide a minimum of 30 per cent of biologically active area in our estates. We also include rain gardens in the designs to retain rainwater and rainwater tanks for watering the greenery.
Monika Szostek, Marketing Manager at Okam Capital:
Attractive location, high quality finishes, and amenities directly on the estate or in its close vicinity are the most important criteria for customers in the medium plus and premium segments. Our residential developments are located in strategic locations. They are characterised by extensive surrounding infrastructure and easy access to important points in the city. Since 2018, we have been developing the New Quality Policy, which includes pro-ecological and functional solutions that enhance living comfort and have a positive impact on the environment. We focus on smart solutions, enabling remote management of the flat.
We are creating communal spaces, Resident Zones with billiards, a gym, sauna or co-working space, as well as green areas for relaxation or outdoor activities.
Joanna Chojecka, Sales and Marketing Director for Warsaw and Wrocław at Robyg Group:
Customers looking for a flat are aware of their needs and have a good understanding of the market. That is why they always pay attention to the standard of flats. Buyers expect a very advanced technological and eco offer, as well as low-carbon solutions such as fibre optics, LED lighting, SMART HOUSE systems included in the price, triple-glazed windows, a monitoring and security system, but also appropriate landscaping: greenery, parks, playgrounds, anti-smog elements, chargers for electric cars or solar benches and bicycle infrastructure. Such elements are being implemented on every estate. In addition, balconies, gardens and loggias are always an important aspect when making decisions.
Source: dompress.pl
Photo: Naturalnie Aluzyjna - JW Construction
