How do people want to live in 2026? Trends changing the real estate market
How do people want to live in 2026? Trends changing the real estate market
The real estate market is changing not only in terms of prices and credit availability. Above all, buyer expectations are changing. What clients were looking for just 2-3 years ago is often no longer attractive today. In 2026, we see clear trends that are worth knowing – both as a buyer and a seller.
The end of the minimalism era – warmth returns to interiors
For years, the Scandinavian style dominated: white walls, simple forms, minimal decorations. In 2026, this trend is clearly weakening. Buyers are looking for warmth, coziness, and character. Sterile, cold interiors are giving way to spaces where you simply feel good.
What does this mean in practice? Natural wood on floors and walls (slats, paneling), furniture with rounded shapes, soft bouclé-type fabrics, fluffy rugs and pillows. Colors inspired by nature – beiges, greens, terracotta, dusty pink – are replacing the previously dominant white and gray.
For sellers, this is important information: an apartment decorated in a cold, minimalist style may require refreshing or a different presentation to attract today’s buyers.
A balcony is no longer a bonus – it’s a must-have
The pandemic changed our approach to living space. Having your own piece of outdoor space – a balcony, terrace, loggia, or garden – has become an absolute priority for many buyers. Apartments without balconies sell more slowly and often require price reductions.
In Kraków, this trend is particularly visible in the case of 2-3 room apartments for young families. A balcony is a place for morning coffee, evening relaxation, and for children – a substitute for a garden in the city. If your apartment has a balcony – be sure to highlight it in your listing and take care of its attractive presentation.
Smart home – an intelligent home is now the standard
Just a few years ago, intelligent lighting or controlling heating from a smartphone was a luxury. In 2026, it’s an expected standard, especially among younger buyers (25-40 years old).
The most popular smart home solutions include:
Intelligent lighting – the ability to adjust light intensity and color, voice control or via an app, automatic scenarios (e.g., “movie night,” “work,” “relax”).
Remote heating control – a thermostat that can be controlled from your phone. Energy and bill savings.
Automatic blinds and shutters – programmed for sunrise and sunset times or manually controlled from an app.
Intelligent locks and video intercoms – opening doors with your phone, seeing who’s calling even when you’re away from home.
For sellers: if you have smart home solutions installed, be sure to include this in your listing. It’s a real selling point.
Vintage and second-hand – furniture with soul is back
Another clear trend is moving away from catalog perfection. Buyers no longer want apartments furnished “from IKEA from A to Z.” They value eclecticism, individual character, and furniture with history.
Grandma’s dresser, an armchair from a flea market, a reclaimed table, a lamp from the 70s – all of this is making a comeback. Interiors should tell the story of their inhabitants, not look like a furniture catalog.
This is good news for owners of older apartments: original interior elements (e.g., herringbone parquet, old doors, tiled stoves) can be an asset, not a flaw. It’s worth showcasing them, not hiding them.
Home office – workspace at home is a necessity
Remote work is here to stay. Even if we don’t work fully remotely, the hybrid work model (2-3 days at home) has become the norm in many industries. Therefore, workspace in the apartment is no longer an option – it’s a necessity.
Buyers are looking for apartments with an extra room that can serve as an office, or at least with space for a dedicated work corner. Open living rooms combined with kitchens are great, but there must also be a place for quiet work away from household noise.
For sellers: if you have a 3-room apartment or larger, show potential buyers how one of the rooms can function as an office. This could be a deciding factor.
Energy efficiency and low bills
High energy prices have changed buyers’ approach to apartment maintenance costs. Questions about heating bills, building insulation, and energy class are being asked more and more frequently – even during the first viewing.
Apartments in well-insulated buildings, with modern windows and efficient heating, sell faster. If you know the maintenance costs of your apartment and they are favorable – boast about it in your listing.
What does this mean for sellers and buyers?
For sellers: Knowing current trends allows you to better prepare your apartment for sale. Sometimes small changes – warmer accessories, a tidy balcony, showcasing original elements – can significantly increase the attractiveness of your listing.
For buyers: It’s worth knowing what you’re looking for before you start viewing apartments. A list of priorities (balcony? smart home? office space?) will help you find the ideal place faster and not waste time on unsuccessful viewings.
At Eternel, we help both sellers and buyers. We know the local market, trends, and client expectations. If you’re planning to sell or buy property in Kraków – contact us. The first consultation is always free.