Older people who have retired from active working life change their goals and habits—not all of them, but enough to create a trend that will change the housing market for this clientele. Many factors contribute to this: the children have left home, visitors don't come as often, the actual time spent at home decreases due to more vacations, etc.
Last but not least, money also plays a role! The apartment that used to be "suitable" is simply too expensive, especially when you only use it part-time and occasionally.
The consistent implementation of reduced living space requirements is met with a market and supply that does not meet demand, or only partially. The desired properties are not (yet) available – neither in terms of quantity nor in the desired location (inner city, central, with all services).
This is the situation that an investor wants: to be able to invest in projects that serve not only a predicted but an actual demand.
What is appealing is that not only seniors but also students, commuters, and singles are eligible for this minimalist form of living.
What is lacking is land – cities and municipalities need to take action and designate buildable areas; it is also possible to convert existing vacant commercial space.
The trend affects capital investors who rent and manage the units created, as well as owner-occupiers and, of course, tenants of micro-apartments. Everyone can benefit.
In our opinion, this is not a short-term development in the housing market, but rather a trend that is consistent with the findings of opinion polls and reflects an adaptation to the changing structure of our population.
