According to Marijonas Chmieliauskas, Sales Director of the real estate development company “Realco,” the location of a home is strongly related to its price – even a small old apartment in the center of Vilnius can cost significantly more than a new and more spacious home in a residential district, as stated in the “Realco” press release.
“However, location is just one of the criteria considered when choosing a home. When evaluating what is important to residents in the home itself, it turns out that their dream home is not associated with exclusive architecture or amenities such as a gym or security. Much more important is what allows them to feel comfortable, cozy, and free at home every day,” notes M. Chmieliauskas.
Living space – more important than luxury
A representative survey conducted by the company “Spinter Research” commissioned by “Realco” revealed that the most important housing criterion for residents is its space and large area – this was chosen by more than a third, or 35%, of respondents.
In comparison, additional services, such as a gym in the apartment building or a security guard on duty, were highlighted by only 3%, and the building’s architecture by 5% of respondents.
According to M. Chmieliauskas, residents value not only square meters but also how many different daily life needs the home allows to be comfortably met.
“A home must fit more than just a sofa and a bed. People need space to work, rest, cook and eat, children need space to play, and the family needs to spend time together. Equally important are spacious closets or a storage room for seasonal clothes, bicycles, sports equipment, and other items so they do not clutter the living space. Therefore, regardless of location, area becomes the most important housing criterion,” he says.
Many residents also mentioned the interior, finishing, and materials used – these criteria were highlighted by 28% of respondents.
“Quality finishing is important not only for aesthetics. Durable materials, well-thought-out lighting, conveniently integrated storage spaces, ergonomic layout, and neatly arranged common areas mean fewer worries and expenses after moving in. The buyer wants not only a beautiful but also a conveniently planned home where it is good to live every day,” emphasizes the “Realco” sales director.
Read more “Mercedes-Benz” had to write off more than 700 million euros due to difficulties in China
Peace, privacy, and the view from the window
The survey revealed that housing security and a gated area are no less important to residents – this was highlighted by 27% of respondents. Security was emphasized more often by women than men – chosen by 31% and 23% of respondents, respectively. Another 21% of respondents indicated privacy as an important criterion.
“A gated area means more to the buyer than just a fence. It means controlled access to the home and yard, less flow of outsiders, a safer environment for children, and calmer and tidier common areas. New projects increasingly take this into account because residents consider it an important part of comfortable and peaceful living,” explains the “Realco” representative.
About one-fifth of respondents said that a beautiful view from the window is important to them. According to M. Chmieliauskas, this does not necessarily have to be a city panorama – value can also be created by visible greenery, a more open space, or simply a greater distance from neighboring buildings.
“The view from the window changes the feeling of the home: it provides more space and light, allowing one not to feel closed in among other buildings. This is a feature that cannot later be changed by renovation or new furniture,” he points out.
Modern technological solutions in the home were highlighted by 17% of respondents. However, as the real estate expert notes, the survey results contradict the belief that these are most relevant to young people. Residents aged 18–35 chose this criterion the least – indicated by 14–16% of respondents. Meanwhile, among respondents aged 46 and older, this share was 18–20%.
“Smart control of heating, ventilation, lighting, or home access is convenient for people of any age. Technology is gradually becoming not an exclusive novelty but a tool to more easily manage the home, save energy, and feel safer,” says M. Chmieliauskas.
Different generations value housing aesthetics differently. For older residents, a beautiful view from the window is much more important, while younger people more often pay attention to the building’s architecture. For example, respondents aged 46–55 chose the view from the window more than twice as often as the youngest respondents, while residents aged 26–35 emphasized architecture four times more often than the 46–55 age group.
Read more Bodies of three people found in Klaipėda, Utena, and Kalvarija municipalities
