Urban housing: one area generations agree on

All generations, from baby boomers to Gen Z, may have more in common than they think.

It appears people of all ages are broadly aligned when it comes to urban housing preferences.

No matter their age, or where in the world they live, people are looking for basics such as safety and affordability. But their next biggest priority? More green space, according to JLL’s Experience Matters Global Consumer Experience Survey. 

Yet with space at a premium in high-density cities, balconies are often the only option for apartment dwellers. This has made communal outdoor areas increasingly important for buyers and renters alike.

Investors are taking note.

“In recent years investor decisions have become more values led, driven by ESG commitments,” says Simon Latson, JLL’s Head of Building Consultancy for Living. “Awareness of real estate’s social impact is creating an expectation of ‘better’ that developers are responding to – and that includes being thoughtful about green space.”

Solving for this can mean taking over the roof, or even entire floors of high-rise buildings, to create recreational spaces with trees, plants, pathways and running water.

The Landmark Pinnacle building in Canary Wharf created one such sky garden on the 27^th floor, featuring over 3,500 plants and hundreds of trees for residents to enjoy.

Meanwhile in central Singapore, a new high-rise residential development of two 38 storey towers features an allotment garden every four storeys, with close to 200 plots where residents can grow their own herbs, fruits and vegetables and integrate as a community.

“It's all about the resident experience and what people want from a home,” says Latson. “There’s a sense of wider purpose when it comes to placemaking. We’re creating communities, not just buildings.”