People's expectations of housing have shifted quite significantly in recent years. Those looking to buy or rent a luxury property are usually not after a grand mansion with a huge footprint, but rather prefer the quality of the materials used and high environmental standards. Oversized properties built after the Velvet Revolution, designed to dazzle at first sight and signal the social status of their owners, are now virtually unsellable on the property market. Luxury living is instead represented by flats and family houses that give every member of the household enough space and make up for a smaller floor area with functional design tailored to individual preferences.
Properties without needless ostentation
Luxury can mean something slightly different to each of us. While some will prioritise a location in the city centre with views of historic landmarks, for others the key may be the use of cutting-edge technology and the level of comfort on offer.
Luxury living has traditionally been associated with showy features such as gilded door handles or marble cladding. That no longer holds true today, and the essential element is arguably individuality
The parameters of luxury properties that remain unchanged in the long run include a good address in an attractive neighbourhood, private outdoor space with an interesting view or high material standards and quality craftsmanship. These are gradually being joined by further criteria such as spacious underground parking spaces, ideally with the option of charging electric cars. In central Prague, for example, private parking can increase the value of a property by as much as a quarter. Environmental considerations are also coming increasingly to the fore. Care for nature is reflected in both construction and the subsequent running of the household, for instance through the smart use of rainwater. While a balcony was once a welcome extra, today private outdoor space is often regarded as an essential part of a flat. The option of growing your own vegetables in a hydroponic greenhouse on a terrace in the middle of a big city can then be described as a luxury. According to experts, clients are mainly interested in sensitively renovated historic properties in the city centre. They prefer them to new builds above all for their unmistakable atmosphere and their genius loci, the unique spirit of the place. High ceilings, for example, which are only rarely found in new residential projects, give an interior a sense of airiness and timelessness.
Life on your own terms
Today's perception of luxury focuses on the meaningful use of space that gives residents maximum comfort and privacy. Premium flats make extensive use of open-plan spaces, allowing the layout to be adapted flexibly to residents' current needs. Sensible layouts go hand in hand with environmental sustainability and the economic situation, in which premium flats and houses are hard to afford even for the upper middle class. Those interested in luxury living increasingly look for a sense of freedom, inner calm and a connection with nature. Eye-catching interior features are therefore giving way to thoughtful details that let residents step out of the daily rush and enjoy a well-earned rest. Furnishings and décor grow out of the residents' personalities and reflect their lifestyle and interests, whether that is art, sport or travel.
Today's luxury is not about a single property. Wealthy people usually own several properties for their own use – besides a flat in the city centre and a family house in a quiet location, there is often a villa by the sea or a chalet in the mountains
The parameters of luxury also differ according to the purpose of the building. A residential portfolio often includes properties for secondary living used for private relaxation. Chalets in Czech and foreign mountain resorts or villas on the seafront typically stand out for their picturesque setting and high level of comfort. Long-term life in rented housing remains widespread here, and this trend does not bypass the luxury and premium property segment either. Tenants increasingly include very wealthy people who value their freedom. According to property market experts, foreign nationals used to account for a large share of demand for luxury housing in the capital, but today Czechs clearly predominate. At FLAT SERVICE, we know how to find the ideal resident for every property. Thanks to many years of experience in professional property management, we understand not only the needs of landlords, but also the requirements of prospective tenants. We will be happy to look after your luxury or premium flat in Prague or the surrounding area. A personal approach to every client and a service tailored to their individual needs are a matter of course for us. For more information about our services, write to sales@flatservice.cz or call +420 277 000 330.
