“In the past everything was simpler”. This well-known saying comes to mind when thinking about the transformation in living circumstances over the years. The classic father-mother-child family has long been replaced by countless versions of patchwork families, and for most dwellings the so-called “household community” is also a thing of the past.
Individuality gaining ground
The new requirements for housing are as individual as the people themselves: divorcees who want to live together with new partners and children without giving up space for themselves, older people who require care, and young single parents who long for contact with others like themselves. For this reason there is increasingly frequent expression of the desire for flexible housing solutions meant to simplify our living arrangements and lives.
But what does this mean for the market for flats?
Together with developers architects are coming up with individual housing concepts that take new family structures and social changes into consideration. These generally involve rental flats because patchwork families, in particular, want to first try out new housing solutions before deciding to buy. Another important point in planning is the integration of linking elements such as common rooms or connecting doors. For one need that many residents share is the desire for community without having to relinquish opportunities to retreat. There is also greater focus again on cross-generational housing concepts offering barrier-free flats with rooms for care personnel. The Austrian daily “Der Standard” deals with this issue in the following article (in German): http://derstandard.at/2000011847322/Modernes-Wohnen-lieber-gemeinsam-im-Partyraum-statt-einsam-in-der
Housing solutions of tomorrow
With its OASE 22 project BUWOG Group has already created a residential area based on the new requirements. For example, two flats are connected by a room that can be used as a common room. There are also large common terraces and possibilities for group recreational activities. If you, too, are interested in a flat that adapts to your life requirements, you will find information on OASE 22 and other individual housing concepts on the BUWOG Group homepage at www.buwog.com or from the Vienna housing service Wohnservice Wien. But as a patchwork family, former partner or best friend the following points should be clarified before you opt for such a housing solution:
- A harmonious relationship is a prerequisite
It makes little sense to decide in favour of a joint housing solution if neither party has a long-term harmonious relationship with the other. If disharmony prevails, a common area can lead to formidable tension rather than relaxed living conditions.
- Define your boundaries in advance
It is important for both parties to clarify where the common area ends and private area begins. This form of housing can only work if each person also has individual space for themselves to develop.
- Clarify costs and rights by contract in advance
Whether moving in with your own family or sharing a space with your best friend, it is always important to clarify the distribution of rights and costs in advance. This avoids misunderstandings and lays the groundwork for a happy and fair shared living arrangement.
Patchwork families, in particular, face the challenge of creating a living environment that strengthens the cohesion of families, but allows each individual his personal freedom. That is why the search for a flat for patchwork families is often a tedious undertaking. But don’t despair, for through ongoing development of housing design real estate companies such as BUWOG Group are creating a wide range of new opportunities for you and your demands.
For further project information and to make an appointment for a personal consultation our real estate advisers will be pleased to assist you via e-mail under vertrieb@buwog.com.
