Shared services as a new standard? This is what Poles are looking for in modern housing estates

More than one third of respondents would consider living in a building with shared services, e.g. a self-service laundry, a gym or a work room – according to the Living 2040 report. A similar proportion of respondents gave a negative answer.

“Shared services in housing estates are largely a test of trust and privacy – and we are still learning about it. It is about specific things: a shared laundry, a gym for residents, a work room, seasonal storage rooms or parcel lockers. For some it is convenience, for others it is a concern about rules and order, because in Poland we still highly value what is 'mine'” – noted Anna Zachara-Widła from Nieruchomosci-online.pl.

According to the Living 2040 report, prepared by the Open Format agency in cooperation with the Nieruchomosci-online.pl portal and Skanska Residential, respondents are divided in their assessment of whether they would like to live in a building or housing estate with shared services. 37 percent survey participants indicated that they would consider living in a block of flats with such services, 33 percent gave a negative answer, and 30 percent had no opinion on this matter.

The most popular shared services in Polish housing estates include: bicycle/stroller rooms, storage rooms/lockers and recreational areas for residents – e.g. patios, courtyards, playgrounds. More and more often, modern development investments also include, among others: parcel collection points, fitness rooms for residents, and work (coworking) rooms.

The most frequently mentioned amenities in the common space that respondents would like to use included: local shop – 51%. subjects; local gym – 33 percent; common recreational spaces, such as a common room or relaxation zone – 32 percent; community garden – 30 percent; library – 29 percent; playground – 26 percent; self-service laundry – 21 percent and coworking space – 9%.

In the opinion of the authors of the report, new housing estates are increasingly becoming a social ecosystem, and residents pay attention not only to the size and standard of the apartment, but also to safety, trust and a sense of community. Therefore, the importance of spaces that make everyday life easier and provide an excuse for contact with others is growing: a work room, a common garden, recreation areas or places to store things.

“Some people may wonder whether such shared services will not translate into higher building maintenance costs. Convenience is tempting, but Poles are increasingly counting bills and asking what they actually get in return,” noted Zachara-Widła.

In her opinion, some people may also be concerned about whether the space intended for shared services will be well-kept, will allow people to feel comfortable there, and the rules of use will be fair and ensure good organization.

The study was carried out on a sample of 1,017 adult residents of Poland. The strategic partners of the report are Nieruchomosci-online.pl and Skanska. (PAP)

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