Design matters

When we consider factors for choosing a place to live, the first things that come to mind are price, location, and the condition of the housing. Price likely plays a crucial role in any case, whether we are buying or renting. We either choose what we can afford, or we evaluate whether a specific property is worth the listed price. Another essential factor is location. We either search for a comfortable neighborhood to live in, or we look for something closer to our current workplace. Housing size is also important. Let's talk about apartments: for a family, we'll look for a larger apartment, while for one or two people, a one or two-bedroom apartment is sufficient. Overall, are we talking about buying or renting? In this case, it doesn't matter much because we want to address an aspect that can apply to both buying and renting.

The housing market of the Soviet era instilled in many who lived in such housing the belief that small size equates to poverty, perpetual discomfort, and a lack of personal space. A stark example of this was the way housing was constructed in the late 90s and early 2000s. Large one-bedroom apartments measuring 70 square meters, two-bedroom apartments measuring 90-120 square meters, were built at that time, while a typical Soviet "khrushchyovka" apartment had only 3 rooms and a total area of 56 square meters. A so-called "gostinka" with a niche barely wide enough to accommodate a narrow bed and a sitting bathtub had a total area of 21 square meters.

However, the trend of "gigantomania" began to wane over time, and there was growing demand for more compact apartments. Developers responded quickly, and compact apartments in new buildings with areas as small as 18 square meters started to appear in the market. They were even given their own name - "smart apartments."

So, on the market, there are now Soviet-era "gostinkas" and "smart apartments" in new buildings, which have roughly the same size and are generally very small. What sets these apartments apart from each other?

His Majesty - Design

Once, 10-15 years ago, I used to admire and be inspired by images of apartments in New York, where on a 30-square-meter area, designers managed to fit everything necessary and create a cozy space. They were compared with Soviet-era "gostinka" apartments and their interior with battered sofas and worn-out carpets on the walls and floors.

Fortunately, evolution doesn't stand still, and the situation started to change for the better. Very nice options for small-sized apartments with great designs began to appear on the market. These serve as a kind of "proof of concept" answering the question: "Can a small-sized apartment be comfortable to live in?"

This material was inspired by excellent examples of designs for small-sized apartments. Here, we have only described the impact of design on real estate in general and have not considered several crucial factors. Specifically, we are not trying to convince you that living in a "shpakin" (a small apartment) is cool and the only way to go. Of course, it's not. A small apartment is suitable for a young person who is planning to leave their parents' home and start independent living.

Another important factor is whether it's worth investing in a small apartment at all. Good design will come at a cost. Additionally, a designer is more likely to choose a larger project to implement their ideas rather than a smart apartment. So, you need to consider several additional aspects. If you plan to buy such an apartment for your own residence, it's quite likely that its size won't satisfy your needs for your entire life, and there will come a time when you need something more spacious.

It's also extremely important to consider the "three Ls" principle - location, location, and location. If the apartment is in a good neighborhood with nice neighbors, it's a plus. In conclusion, perhaps the best option for such apartments with the aforementioned benefits will be an investment for future rental.