One-room apartments are disappearing from the market: Buyers are lowering their expectations to afford housing
One-room apartments are experiencing record demand
The real estate market in Slovakia is undergoing a significant shift. One-room apartments are currently among the most in-demand properties and are disappearing from listings the fastest.
As stated by Viktor Obtulovič from the real estate agency Wilusa in a report for TA3, buyers are increasingly choosing smaller apartments as a compromise solution just to be able to afford their own housing.
Why demand for small apartments is growing
The main reasons are high property prices and mortgage interest rates. The combination of these factors significantly limits housing affordability.
While two- or three-room apartments used to be the standard, a large portion of buyers is now moving into the one-room apartment segment. These represent the most affordable entry point into the real estate market.
Slovaks prioritize ownership over comfort
The trend is clear – owning a home still has a higher value than the size of the living space.
Many people are willing to live in smaller or more cramped conditions if it means they are not paying rent and are instead investing in their own property. This factor has a long-term impact on demand in the real estate market.
One-room apartments as an investment
Small apartments are not only attractive for buyers looking for a place to live, but also for investors.
The reason is simple:
- they sell quickly
- they are easy to rent out
- they have stable demand
That’s why they are among the most liquid assets on the market.
Real estate market outlook
Demand for smaller apartments is expected to continue in the coming months. Until financing becomes more accessible or property prices decrease significantly, buyers will continue to choose pragmatic solutions.
