Adé attic, idea basement?
Climate change with trend towards garden & basement apartments?
Just a few years ago, living in the attic was the absolute trend - the view, the brightness and the special flair excited many buyers. But in times of climate change and heat waves, the top floors are falling behind. Apartments on the ground or even in the basement could be the new favorites of apartment seekers. In this article, we look at how this change is taking place and what it means for you as an apartment seeker.
Attic apartments: A Sinking Star?
For a long time, the number of loft conversions was a clear indication of the popularity of apartments on the top floors. However, figures from the Vienna Building Police show that a trend reversal is emerging here. While 925 permits were issued in 2017, the figure was only 787 in 2021. And even if the Corona pandemic in 2020 led to an initial dip in the statistics, the general trend seems clear: top-floor apartments are becoming less attractive.
Garden and basement apartments: The new favorites?
While demand for attic apartments is falling, garden apartments are experiencing a real boom. Especially in the summer months, more and more people prefer a cool oasis on the ground to heated attic apartments.
But it is not only garden apartments that are experiencing increased demand. Basement apartments, some of which are underground, are also enjoying growing popularity. They offer pleasant coolness in summer and natural thermal insulation in winter - which is not only comfortable, but also sustainable.
Basement apartments: The ultimate luxury?
Living in a basement - that sounds unusual at first. But once you have recognized the advantages of this special living situation, you won't want to miss it. Basement apartments offer a unique indoor climate. They are pleasantly cool in summer and well insulated in winter. In addition, some apartments offer the possibility of having their own garden. So living "underground" could well become the ultimate luxury. See also a corresponding article in the STANDARD, which points to this possible trend.
However, the supply of such quiet and at the same time extremely appealing basement apartments is extremely limited. Unlike in big cities like Paris or London, basement apartments in Austria and especially in Vienna are usually not (yet) equipped and furnished to such a high standard. But with persistent search - and we are happy to help - you will eventually find a suitable object (see the following offer).
Current offer in 1030 Vienna
If you are enthusiastic about the new forms of living, we have just the thing for you: In 1030 Vienna, we are currently offering a noble basement apartment with garden share and premium furnishings for sale. However, the supply of such quiet and at the same time extremely appealing basement apartments is extremely limited. Convince yourself of the advantages of living on the ground floor and basement level and let yourself be enchanted by the special charm of this apartment. Feel free to contact us for further information and an individual consultation.
Conclusion
The trend in apartment hunting seems to be turning: Away from the heated attic apartment, towards the pleasantly cool garden and basement apartments. It remains exciting to see how the real estate market will develop over the next few years. For more information on this and on suitable properties, please contact us.
Real Estate South Styria
Southern Styria has the nickname "southern Styrian Tuscany" and inspires more and more real estate buyers with its landscape, culinary delights and climate. See the visual impressions in this video:
Among the most popular places are:
Gamlitz
Ehrenhausen
Großklein
Leutschach
Kitzeck
Particularly desirable in this region are the properties, where you can enjoy the distant view, for example, from a country house on one of the hills. From time to time, a plot of land, a vineyard or a winery comes on the market. However, because there has been a strong buying boom in recent years, the supply of real estate is now not huge. So it's a case of constantly staying tuned and searching until something interesting comes in at some point.
If you want us to keep you informed, you can register with us as a SUNSET Member ' with your search criteria and be placed on our member distribution list.
In a series of articles we give advice and tips on the subject of "Real Estate in Austria" - especially from the perspective of a potential buyer from abroad. You can find more articles here '
Mallorca Special: From vacation to residence
Read how, thanks to Covid and modern technology, some vacation homes have now become a second home or even "main residence" for many. The example of Mallorca, where I was able to interview some part-time or full-time residents and real estate agents during a trip.
In this article, I share some impressions of how, thanks to Covid and modern technology, some vacation homes have now become a second home or even "main residence" for many. The example of Mallorca, where I was able to interview some part-time or full-time residents and brokers on a trip.
In the past, the division was still simple: Those who could afford it had, in addition to their main residence in or near the big city, a weekend domicile in the countryside and some the vacation home in the sunny coastal regions of Spain, Portugal, Italy or Greece. In recent decades, the USA, South Africa and Dubai have also been added as destinations.
Just recently, the development of vacation ownership has taken a decisive turn: Increasing digitalization, modern telecommunications including the Internet, and flexible travel options have created a new layer of buyers interested in longer stays and amenities designed for longer-term living:
So fully equipped apartments and villas with modern home and telecom technology, open indoor and outdoor spaces and enough storage space for year-round comfort.
The Covid pandemic now accelerated the use of digital remote communications and the acceptance of teleworking and working in one's own home office. As some interviewees have confirmed to me, new opportunities are opening up for many self-employed and business people to now use a suitably developed and equipped vacation home as a fully-fledged "home" and "office". My clientele includes a number of entrepreneurs who, thanks to a good Internet connection and the same or similar time zone, conduct their business from Mallorca, South Africa or Madeira. And enjoy the sun, garden and sea view the rest of the time.
What the most sophisticated clientele has been practicing for quite some time, this second headquarters is a top-down trend that will become prevalent for more wealthy segments.
Required for these "second prime homes" are ...
modern, fully equipped real estate with ...
more spaces, green areas and work areas
with fluid concepts of home and vacation home, where families increasingly divide their time between two or more locations.
A trend that has come to stay.
What do you think?
If a second residence or second domicile is of interest to you, we will be happy to support you from Austria, as a search broker who will locate specific properties for you on site according to your criteria.
Otherwise, thank you for your comments and feedbacks and see you next time!
Dr. iur. Andreas Bonschak, LL.M.
licensed real estate trustee (broker)
Managing Director SUNSET IMMOBILIEN