The crisis caused by the Covid-19 pandemic has generated a paradigm shift: Europeans no longer want to adapt to their housing, but want to adjust it to their needs. Currently, half of homeowners are willing to invest in improving their home and creating a dedicated space to work from home. Several studies show that almost 50% of Europeans would opt for a home extension, if their home was too small, and not to move house. Rehabilitation is once again shown as the best alternative to improve the quality of life and make buildings more sustainable.
This provision varies from country to country, as the regulations are very diverse. In some cases, the rule facilitates this type of intervention and in other cases it is quite restrictive. A more frequent will among young people under 40 (60% compared to 40% of older). In this sense, 4 out of 10 homeowners have considered a possible extension of the home and its internal reorganization, in order to achieve better living conditions and re-value the property. Homeowners identify the immediate benefits of a home extension, but also, in the long run, in the sale of their property. Many homeowners are willing to invest between € 20,000 and € 30,000 in refurbishment.
The successive confinements and restrictions imposed by the pandemic have made three-quarters of homeowners want to enjoy their home more. The experience of these periods of confinement has clearly changed the perception of “living at home”.
Autor: Xavier Casanovas (RehabiMed)
