According to Elina Mesengiser-Garber, head of the real estate marketing and sales company “NTligence,” modern real estate buyers are looking not only for functional homes but also for places that allow them to live an active city life.
“We notice that for some young people, the most important thing is not a bigger home, but the ability to handle more daily errands without getting into a car. When work and leisure are accessible nearby, the very attitude towards what creates quality of life changes,” she says.
From factories to one of the most desirable districts
This lifestyle is well reflected today in Vilnius Naujamiestis. The district, long known for factories, warehouses, and administrative buildings, has become one of the fastest-changing parts of the capital. It is home to representatives of the creative industries sector, technology companies, design studios, restaurants, galleries, the Hales market, and a growing startup community – all of which have shaped a new identity for the district.
According to E. Mesengiser-Garber, this is not exclusively a Vilnius story – similar transformations have been happening for decades in other European cities as well.
“The Poblenou district in Barcelona, HafenCity in Hamburg, and Nordhavn in Copenhagen have transformed from industrial areas into desirable places to live. Their value today is created not only by buildings – workplaces, culture, green spaces, and a vibrant city atmosphere are equally important,” she says.
When the most important thing is not just the home, but also the environment
According to E. Mesengiser-Garber, these changes are most evident among first-time home buyers.
“Previously, people primarily asked about square footage or parking spaces. Now they more often count minutes – how long it will take to reach work, the city center, or favorite leisure spots. This shows that not only the criteria for choosing a home are changing, but also the very perception of living in the city,” comments the head of the real estate marketing and sales company “NTligence.”
One of Naujamiestis’s biggest advantages is its compactness. The city center, railway and bus stations, business centers, sports clubs, cafes, and cultural spaces are easily accessible, making everyday life simpler and more spontaneous.
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