Small, but comfortable: modern technology expands the space of small-sized
It has long been no secret that in the real estate markets of many large cities there is an objective shortage of residential space. The increase in the density of the urban population is due to the massive relocation to the cities, the growing economic and social importance of megacities.
According to research by the International Organization for Migration in 2015, about three million people move to cities every week
According to studies by the International Organization for Migration in 2015, about three million people move to cities every week.
Approximately 54% of the world’s population lives in cities (in 1950, this figure was 30%). More than half of the townspeople live in 1,022 cities of the world with a population of over 500,000 people. Today, there are about 30 megacities on the planet, the number of inhabitants of which exceeds 10 million people. Experts predict that by 2030 there will be more megacities – from 41 to 53.
It is not surprising that every year the sector of low-budget, small-sized apartments is gaining increasing popularity. Due to high demand and the lack of sufficient supply of affordable housing options on the market, its prices are constantly increasing. Accordingly, the rent increases. Thus, investments in residential buildings in large cities are becoming particularly relevant.
Smaller areas – greater availability
Investors around the world follow the trend. Both large companies and private individuals invest in the purchase and renovation of finished housing, striving to increase its profitability and capacity, and also acquire former hotels, garages, unused commercial premises, repurposing them into residential properties.
In England, the United States and several other countries, the number of mini-hostels is increasing (house in multiple occupation). Furnished under the HMO house in accordance with the project rented at least three independent tenants. Living in separate rooms, they use a common kitchen and bathroom. At the same time, the profitability of renting premises in mini-hostels is much higher than when providing ordinary houses for rent to individual families.
Due to the lack of living space and the high cost of renting “full-fledged” apartments, there is a growing demand for micro-apartments.
As the head of Tranio sales department Marina Filichkina emphasizes, “today, the profitability of micro-apartments is becoming higher than that of standard small-sized apartments with a slightly larger area. This format is in demand both among tourists (especially if such property is closer to the center), and among businessmen who come to exhibitions, business trips, etc. Often, micro-apartment buildings are erected near well-known office or exhibition centers – this increases demand and, accordingly, profitability. The cost of such apartments is lower than that of a full-fledged apartment, but the “filling” is often no different – the same bed, bathroom and kitchen area.
The format of micro-apartments is interesting not only for visitors, but also for local residents. In Europe, the number of households of 1-2 people is growing, which makes it easier to buy or rent micro-apartments, especially if the complex that provides them offers additional benefits – parking, a fitness room, swimming pools, etc. ”.
In Europe, the market for micro-apartments is especially developed in the UK and Germany, France and the Netherlands. The area of the proposed housing here is 17-35 m².
In Japan, studio apartments can range from 9 to 14 m². They include a room, a kitchenette, most often located in the corridor, and a separate bathroom. The bed is usually located on the “second floor” of the room or is a bed with a lifting mechanism, which saves a significant part of the space. Monthly rent of such housing can cost about $ 500.
Given the speed of technical progress and the level of urbanization, you can make the most fantastic predictions about what the “smallest” housing of the future will be, but in some countries (in particular, Japan and China) a new trend has already emerged – the so-called capsule hotels offering their guests “Capsules” instead of classic numbers.
The standard capsule is made of fiberglass, inside it is a single mattress (usually 1.2 x 2), the height of the capsule is one meter.
The standard capsule is made of fiberglass, inside it is a single mattress (usually 1.2 x 2), the height of the capsule is one meter.
Capsules are stacked and lined up along a corridor. The list of amenities includes bed linen, TV, wi-fi, air conditioning. In some hotels, the capsules contain a small cabinet, a mirror and a folding computer table. They surrender for a month or by the day. Renting such “rooms” in Japan and China costs an average of about $ 30 per night or $ 450 per month.
