Green surroundings and property prices

Over time, the approach to green areas in urban planning has changed dramatically. As recently as the end of the last century, Polish cities were dominated by huge estates of grey prefabricated-panel blocks, where it was hard to find an attractive patch of nature. Today the situation is changing, and we increasingly choose flats surrounded by parks, forests and other recreational areas. Are we even willing to pay correspondingly more for it? How much more? You will find the answer to this question in today's article.

It has long been known that a flat's location is a very important factor in its final price. More and more often, however, we are looking not for properties as close to the centre as possible, but for ones in a neighbourhood that suits us. Of course, it is best if these two aspects go together, but unfortunately that is harder and harder today. So we are more inclined to choose a flat somewhat further from the centre, as long as it is close to attractive recreational areas and green spaces away from the bustle of the city.

Why do we need access to greenery?

People have always been drawn to nature. For us, contact with the natural world is the most obvious thing of all. It soothes our nerves, quietens and calms us, gives us energy and improves our vitality. We are part of nature, which we often forget, especially when living in big cities. Fortunately, this trend is changing. Developers noticed long ago that estates close to nature sell better and are more appreciated by buyers. Influences are also coming to Poland from the West, where construction that emphasises combining residential and recreational areas is beginning to dominate. So Poles, too, want to live closer to nature. Suburban parks, forests and squares give us a chance to rest. We are also increasingly looking for places that let us escape the everyday noise. Green areas are also a great place to spend time with family and children, to play sports or to hold picnics and barbecues. Even the most beautiful apartment block in the city centre cannot replace this when it turns out that, on leaving it, we are surrounded by concrete.

How does proximity to greenery translate into price?

Of course, proximity to green areas is only one of the aspects that determine a flat's price. Besides, not all greenery is equal. Not every area offers the same possibilities. Well-kept areas that take into account the needs of families and small children, and of people who like to spend their time actively, will be valued more than wildly overgrown land that nobody really knows how to use. Aesthetic qualities matter too. The surrounding nature should therefore "look good", that is, please the eye. Its appearance will also affect how attractive a given location is.

If a developer takes these aspects into account and provides future residents with a beautiful and at the same time functional green space, property prices can rise by as much as 20%. Of course, everything also depends on other factors. The surroundings alone do not determine the price of a flat. Still, it is worth remembering that access to greenery is something buyers will want more and more, and they will increasingly choose to invest in properties that provide it.