Shifting lifestyles redefine housing needs – Bonava

A new study by Bonava, "Happy Neighbourhood Report 2026," reveals that changing life choices are significantly reshaping housing needs.

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The study, based on 4,000 interviews in Sweden, Finland, Germany, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania, highlights several key trends:

Fewer young people are planning to have children, leading to a demand for homes and neighbourhoods that cater to diverse lifestyles beyond the traditional nuclear family. For instance, 47% of young Finns don't plan to have children, compared with 30% in Germany, 26% in Sweden and 24% in the Baltics.

While many seniors (45% of those aged 65-74) are reluctant to move, there's a need to encourage mobility in this group to free up family homes. They desire easily maintainable homes but show low interest in new developments, preferring safe and lively neighbourhoods that allow for an active life.

Remote work is now common across all six countries, with 41% of employed respondents working at least one day a week. This creates a demand for flexible, space-efficient homes with dedicated workspaces, or shared co-working spaces within neighbourhoods, a solution mentioned by 35% of those polled.

Safety is the most important factor for residents across all countries and generations when choosing a place to live, with 49% prioritizing it. However, a significant generational gap exists, with older generations feeling safer in their neighbourhoods (79%) compared to younger ones (63%). The report emphasises that perceived safety is influenced by community design, social interactions, and shared spaces.

Overall, the study underscores the need for adaptable and flexible housing solutions that can accommodate evolving lifestyles and address generational differences in priorities, particularly regarding family structures, ageing populations, remote work, and a strong emphasis on safety within communities.

Anna Wenner, SVP Brand and Culture at Bonava, commented: “How do we create homes and neighbourhoods where people want to live when fewer young adults plan for children, seniors do not believe that living conditions will improve over time, and work life permanently moves into the home? These are questions that need to be addressed in urban development across our societies. Achieving this requires close collaboration between business, municipalities, policymakers and civil society.”