High housing prices in St. Petersburg and the Leningrad Region have noticeably increased interest in compact studio apartments and small one-room options. Such real estate becomes an affordable alternative for buyers who want to keep the opportunity to purchase housing on a limited budget. As Evgeny Beskrovny, General director of the Zapstroy real estate agency, notes, small-sized apartments attract not only investors, but also buyers planning to live here. “Demand for compact apartments remains high,” he says. “People are choosing affordable properties, especially in the context of today’s mortgage programs, which significantly limit the possibilities of buyers.”
Small apartments become not only a temporary solution, but also a way to “ride out” difficult times on the market. Studios are purchased as starter housing for young people, students, as well as families who want to invest in real estate without overpaying for extra meters. In conditions of economic instability, studios and small-sized studio apartments serve as an investment cushion. Nevertheless, as Evgeny Beskrovny clarifies, the majority of buyers, almost 75%, purchase such apartments not for income, but for living: “According to our data, small-sized apartments are most often bought for their own living, and not for renting. People see them as an opportunity to find their “corner” in the city, where prices for more spacious housing remain inaccessible to the majority.”
The trend for small-sized apartments is also supported by developers, for whom such facilities are more profitable from a financial point of view. A smaller square footage allows you to sell square meters at a higher price, which makes such objects attractive to construction companies. However, the developers’ plans face legislative restrictions: the authorities are considering measures to reduce the density of buildings in order to provide the city with a more comfortable living environment. Despite possible bans, developers continue to offer small apartments, adapting to the needs of the market.
“The massive interest in small apartments is shaping trends that developers are adjusting to,” the expert emphasizes. “As long as buyers cannot afford more spacious housing, the demand for small—scale apartments will grow.”
In addition, there is an increased interest in suburban real estate. Suburban areas of the Leningrad region are becoming increasingly popular, as suburban housing provides an opportunity for a more comfortable stay due to lower building density, many walking areas and ecologically clean areas. Country studios and studio apartments allow you to save on the total cost while maintaining access to nature. Evgeny Beskrovny emphasizes that this format attracts clients seeking a better balance of price and quality of housing: “The format of suburban real estate allows clients with a limited budget to get their own housing without overpaying for urban infrastructure.”
Against the background of current mortgage rates, renting is also gaining popularity. Some buyers consider renting a temporary alternative because it avoids the debt burden. In today’s conditions, rent often turns out to be cheaper than monthly mortgage payments, and this allows buyers to sit out financially unstable times without being tied to mortgage obligations. However, a significant part of buyers still prefer the primary market, attracted by new offers from developers.
With a limited budget and rising housing prices, buyers are forced to look for the most affordable options — from small-sized apartments to suburban housing. The choice between primary and secondary market or rental depends on the financial capabilities of a particular buyer. Evgeny Beskrovny sums up: “Customers make choices based on their budget and available market conditions. Someone can afford housing in the city, but for someone only suburban apartments or rentals remain available. Everyone chooses the option that best suits their capabilities.”
Источник: www.bsn.ru
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