Residential complexes are becoming "cities in the city"

Resource: РОССИЙСКАЯ ГАЗЕТА
Residential complexes are becoming "cities in the city"

Demand for new buildings in Moscow increased markedly in February after a lull at the end of last year and the beginning of this year. According to Analytical Center CIAN, the number of transactions increased by 23 percent compared to January and by 19 percent compared to February 2018. Revenues rose 28 percent and 41 percent, respectively.

Analysts say the key factor of successful sales is a slowdown in price growth. The average price per square meter of primary housing in comfort class increased by 2 percent in February, to 165.5 thousand rubles, according to the "BEST-Novostroy". In the economy class one square meter went up by 8 percent only in February (122.1 thousand rubles). Experts explain this by the large number of one-bedroom apartments on sale. The most affordable economy class new buildings rose by 9.2%.


Market participants pay attention that buyers of apartments in new buildings are increasingly interested in non-commercial spaces which developers create for future residents. Projects of large-scale residential complexes include areas for social activities - parks, squares and other places where you can spend time without spending it on moving to the city center. Recreation areas near the house become a good alternative to trips to large city parks. One of the residential complexes has a promenade - a large promenade with cafes and stores; the other has an entire square with walking paths, benches and a pond.


- Modern residential complexes continue to evolve in the paradigm of a "city in the city", - said the managing partner of "Metrium" (member of the CBRE partner network) Maria Litinetskaya. - As the megacity is expanding, the time and material costs of movement are increasing, not to mention the stress and fatigue. City dwellers seek to buy housing in a kind of autonomous micro-world, where there will be "everything at hand".

In modern residential complexes there are areas where residents can work, solve business issues, meet with partners.

Developers show imagination not only in what spaces to offer future residents, but also where to place them. Thus, in several projects the recreation areas will be located on the roof of the stylobate - the upper part of the general floor that unites several residential high-rises. Here, the residents will have access to restaurants and cafes, stores, a wellness club, children's play areas, sports fields and summer verandas.


- When we talk about any project, at first we should think that it should be interesting to live in, so that people would come to their house not only to sleep, but could get the most of the amenities of city life, without moving away from home, - said the founder of urban planning bureau Master's Plan Yulia Zubarik.


The expert pointed out several principles that should be taken into consideration for a successful development project. First and foremost the houses should be comfortable to live in. In addition to the convenient layout of the apartments themselves, according to Ms. Zubarik, it is important not to forget about the infrastructure that is located on the first floor and the yard space: ideally it should be closed and designed according to the principle "without cars". Social infrastructure for children is also important, so that they can walk to kindergarten, school, various sections. Another condition is roads. "In any project of integrated development of the territory we develop transport and engineering infrastructure. And not only the street and road network within the territory, but also connect the already formed neighborhoods with those that we design", - said Zubarik.


Analysts of "Metrium" note that the concept of "live and work" is gaining in popularity. It implies organizing working space where specialists live. In modern residential complexes there are areas where the residents can work, solve business issues, meet with partners. Several residential complexes have co-working rooms, lounge areas, presentation and negotiation rooms.

People today want a full range of commercial services and social amenities within walking distance of their homes, recreational spaces on the street and in the building.


- The city today is returning to the principles of polycentrism. People should have a choice whether to commute to the center or work close to home," said Yulia Zubarik. - Having places to work is important both for residents, who spend less time commuting, and for the city. Office space near the house reduces the daily commute.


Ten years ago it was enough to provide a kindergarten and a store when building a residential complex. Today, according to Maria Litinetskaya, people want to have within walking distance of the whole range of commercial services and social benefits, space for recreation on the street and in the building, as well as a place to work. "Residential complexes with such infrastructure will be in high demand, especially among future generations of home buyers," - said the expert.