Millennials are looking for somewhere to live

A generation born and raised with technology, as a study by the consultancy Coldwell Banker points out, millennials try to carry that into their homes, looking for smart, connected houses with conveniences such as automatic light and temperature levels, direct control from mobile apps, and doors that open and close on their own. These buyers will even give up space in order to have an intelligent home. Concern for the environment is another trait that marks out Generation Y, so homes with energy-saving features, space for plants and flowers, and natural light that reduces energy use are all highly valued.

With a strong instinct for sharing and socialising, they also look for buildings with pleasant common areas inside and out, where they can spend time with their neighbours, along with shared laundry facilities and flats built around open space that can adjust to friends arriving or to a growing family.

Wanting more flexibility between working life and personal life, this generation looks for somewhere that allows them to work from home: comfortable, well lit, and able to take storage and organisation solutions.

Beyond the homes themselves, other criteria matter too, particularly location and what is nearby. Being within walking distance of restaurants, cafés and local shops weighs heavily on their choice. Health and wellbeing are equally central to this generation, so millennials like to be close to places where they can exercise.

All of these concerns and requirements have been shaping demand, and anyone operating in this market has to adapt quickly to this new kind of buyer.

They matter no less to construction and to architecture, which have to adapt their projects to this new generation of buyers.