According to Remigijus Pleteras, head of “Bonava Lietuva,” the study shows that the life priorities of different generations are rapidly changing today, and housing needs are transforming accordingly.
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One in three does not plan to have children
The study shows that the traditional family model among young people is rapidly changing. One third of respondents aged 20–29 in all countries said they do not think they will have children in the future, while another 44% of respondents indicated that they currently do not have children but plan to have them in the future.
“We see that not only people’s lifestyles are changing, but also their attitudes towards family and future plans. This directly affects the housing market – people need more flexible housing that can easily adapt to different life stages,” says R. Pleteras.
Meanwhile, about 20% of young people in the study countries are classified as consciously unwilling and not planning to have children. The smallest share of such respondents was recorded among women in the Baltic countries – about 10%, and the largest – among men in Finland and Germany, where this indicator reaches about 26%.
Significant differences are also seen between regions. According to the study data, almost half – 47% – of 20–29-year-old residents of Finland said they do not think they will have children in the future. This is significantly higher than the overall study average of 32%. Meanwhile, in Sweden, 26% of respondents answered this way, in Germany – 30%, and in the Baltic countries – 24%.
Seniors are reluctant to change housing
The study also revealed low mobility among older people. As many as 45% of respondents aged 65–74 said they do not think they will ever move to live elsewhere. Meanwhile, interest in moving to newly developed residential areas among 65–74-year-olds remains quite low – 26% of respondents would consider such an option.
“The study results show that this is because older residents are not inclined to expect a significant improvement in quality of life by moving to another home. Instead, many seniors want to continue their usual lifestyle in their place of residence and in the familiar social environment,” says R. Pleteras.
Among those who intend to move to a new home, the most frequently mentioned reasons for moving were the desire to live in a more easily maintained home – 34% of respondents answered this way. Another 30% said they are looking for a more comfortable or pleasant home, and 28% consider lower housing maintenance costs the most important motive.
When choosing a new place to live, 16% of seniors prioritized a safe and pleasant environment. Proximity to services and public transport (14%) and convenient, easily accessible housing, for example with an elevator or easy mobility (11%), are also very important to older people.
Working from home – the norm
Another clear trend is observed – working from home has become a regular part of everyday life. According to the study data, 41% of working respondents work remotely at least one day a week, and almost a third would like to have a separate workspace at home.
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Differences are also seen between regions. In Sweden, 32% of respondents would like a separate workspace at home, in Finland – 36%, while in Germany and the Baltic countries this figure is much higher – 48% and 47%, respectively.
“Remote work has become a long-term trend, so people increasingly expect that housing will be not only a place for rest but also for work. This is a message that more functional, easily adaptable spaces are needed at home,” says R. Pleteras.
Safety – the most important
In all countries participating in the study, safety remains one of the most important criteria when choosing a place to live. Almost half of respondents – 48% – indicated that it is most important for them to live in a safe and pleasant environment. This trend is even more pronounced when evaluating public spaces: as many as 75% of respondents said that a sense of security is a necessary condition to spend time outdoors in their residential area.
The study also revealed generational differences in assessing the safety of the living environment – younger respondents paid more attention to this aspect than older respondents.
“Today, people choose not only an apartment or a house – they choose the entire living environment. Safety, community, and quality public spaces are becoming some of the most important elements of quality of life,” says R. Pleteras.
According to him, demographic changes – declining birth rates, more diverse household models, and an aging society – are changing housing needs, so in the future flexible, easily adaptable housing suitable for different life stages will become increasingly important.
According to R. Pleteras, the study also revealed that people moving to a new home expect a higher quality of life, so the demand for common areas and functionally planned apartment buildings is increasing.
Meanwhile, older residents, although rarely inclined to change their place of residence, seek an environment that provides more independence, safety, and opportunities for an active social life.
“The study shows that the competitiveness of future residential areas will depend on the ability to adapt to different generations, lifestyles, and constantly changing residents’ needs,” summarizes R. Pleteras.
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