The real estate market in Romania is constantly developing, which directly influences the increase in demand for interior design, higher by 20% in the first half of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023, according to data from MiSo Architects. Thus, more and more Romanians both from the country and those from the diaspora, but also expats and foreigners from Europe, the Middle East and the USA aim to purchase apartments, houses or villas, especially luxury properties, in Brașov or the Capital. Against the background of this high interest in housing, the segment of real estate consulting for the right decision regarding the future property is growing spectacularly.
“From the perspective of the high interest in the purchase of housing and the growing number of requests for fitting out newly built apartments or houses, the real estate sector in Romania continues its growth rate. Buyers are particularly interested in luxury properties, generally new and spacious, which they want arranged in a harmonious and functional way. The most sought-after types of properties are centrally located apartments and apartments or houses located in green areas, close to nature, especially luxury homes, for an exclusive lifestyle. In this context, the real estate consultancy component is increasing a lot, 2 times in the last year compared to the previous period, considering that most buyers want a special property, which fulfills a series of facilities, and a personalized layout of the spaces from the desired homes”, declares Sorana Leru, co-founder and interior architect at MiSo Architects.
What type of housing are Romanians and foreigners looking for in Romania
Both Romanians and foreigners want to buy houses in the capital, big cities or in cities with landscapes such as Brașov, either to rent them later, or to settle in the country for investments. Among the most sought after types of housing are the apartments in the central areas of the cities and the villas in the proximity of Bucharest and Brașov, which offer important advantages such as larger green areas, spectacular views, peace and much more generous areas.
In Bucharest, the most appreciated areas are the north, the Aviation/Floreasca area and the central area. In Brașov, on the other hand, homes with a spectacular view of Tâmpa, surrounded by nature or in historical areas, such as the Șchei district, are more appreciated. Also, buyers, Romanian or foreign, are also interested in houses in Constanța and in localities in Ilfov county.
“Buyers are looking for apartments with useful surfaces of at least 90 sqm-100 sqm or houses, villas over 200 sqm. Lately, more and more spacious and airy homes are being purchased, which integrate modern technologies, and the interest in smart homes is high. They are mainly sought after by Romanians from the country or from the diaspora, but also by expats. Over 30% of those we work with and for whom we design interior spaces are foreigners, from countries such as Italy, Germany and the USA or Romanians who returned to the country for investments. They are looking for spaces in key areas of the city, near an intermodal hub or, on the contrary, isolated in nature, here being more the case of Brașov, where our team mainly sets up spaces in the complexes at the foot of Tâmpa, Șchea or on hilly areas with views spectacular“, says Mihaela Tampiza, co-founder and interior architect at MiSo Architects.
Romanians and foreigners want homes that are as functional as possible, being a new trend on the interior design market, opting for the integration of new elements that offer a state of well-being, peace and relaxation in all the spaces of the property. There is thus a high interest in homes that allow a harmonious arrangement, but also the automation of several functions inside: gates, security and video monitoring systems, shading or control systems for blinds/curtains and drapes, cleaning devices, ventilation, Heating.
“Buyers also want less common automations, such as sensors and special lighting, stoves hidden in the worktop, special hoods, innovative sanitary systems, etc. It is being integrated into more and more interior design projects for which there is a growing demand. The budgets invested in interior design start from 600 euros/sq m and end up exceeding 1,700-2,000 euros/sq m, which means that an apartment of 90 useful square meters will be furnished with a total budget of at least 54,000 euros, and a house of 250 useful square meters can reach an investment of 500,000 euros, depending on the furniture, equipment and decoration elements chosen”, says Sorana Leru, co-founder and interior architect at MiSo Architects.