Modern trends in real estate investment
The real estate market has been undergoing major shifts in recent years, in step with technological, environmental and social developments. The climate crisis and the need to cut greenhouse gas emissions and save energy, the new opportunities arising from the development of digital technologies and communications, the flexible ways of working post-pandemic, as well as the desire to adopt a healthy and pleasant lifestyle are shaping a new landscape for real estate investment.
From bioclimatic buildings to smart cities and urban regeneration, people who want to follow the latest investment trends have more opportunities than ever before.
Sustainability: Global challenge and investment opportunity
The global sustainability challenge has undoubtedly affected the real estate investment sector. In recent years, green, bioclimatic buildings have consistently ranked among the top investment trends. These buildings are constructed using sustainable materials with a low carbon footprint and make the most of renewable energy sources to conserve natural resources. Buildings that carry LEED or BREEAM international sustainability certifications are particularly appealing, as these 2 top-tier certifications greatly boost their value.
The latest trend in real estate investment is the so-called “15-minute cities”. These are cities where within a 15-minute walk or bike ride, people can get to work, go shopping, access educational and health facilities, as well as cultural venues and recreational areas. 15-minute cities require modern urban planning, including mixed-use buildings or areas, open public green spaces, and redesigned road and transport networks, focusing on e-mobility and micro-mobility.
Modern work models and real estate demand
The world of work is undergoing major transformation, thanks to the advances in communications and certain exceptional circumstances, such as the pandemic. In recent years, the rise in remote work has increased the number of digital nomads, who seek comfortable housing around the world that includes modern workspaces to combine work with pleasant living. At the same time, the new hybrid work models have significantly raised demand for co-working buildings that offer flexible workspaces with high aesthetic value. Small and medium-sized enterprises are mostly interested in such spaces
In any case, modern office spaces must be designed to foster collaboration and interaction, as well as enhance the quality of life. This is why modern offices feature gyms, cafés, restaurants and other amenities that promote wellbeing and productivity. Through these investments, companies are creating a more attractive and comfortable work environment that helps to attract and retain talent.
Real estate investment in the digital technology era
The explosive growth of digital technologies such as IoT, cloud, 5G and AI has sparked investor interest in smart buildings and, by extension, smart cities. These developments make the most of new digital technologies to optimize energy efficiency, reduce maintenance costs, lower the environmental footprint and provide comfortable living conditions tailored to modern needs. In a smart city, the infrastructure is interconnected, resulting in less waste, easier and greener transport, and a more functional day-to-day life.
In commercial real estate, cutting-edge technologies have redefined shopping malls, which now offer well-rounded interactive experiences that combine shopping with entertainment. A typical example is the LAMDA malls where luxury and high aesthetics blend with moments of relaxation, entertainment and culinary delights for the entire family. At the same time, the interest in technology infrastructure buildings, such as data centers, has also increased. These trends will most likely continue over the coming years.
A major development in this sector is the rise of virtual property tours, which have now become the 1st step in investment decision-making, as they save investors both time and money. LAMDA Development offers a virtual tour option using VR technology for the properties in the Little Athens neighborhood, currently underway in The Ellinikon.
The Ellinikon: The largest real estate investment in Europe
The investment in The Ellinikon along the Athens Riviera is positioning Greece on the map of the most attractive real estate investment destinations in Europe. In an environment of breathtaking natural beauty, a 6.2 million m2 15-minute smart city will host the largest coastal park in Europe, a beach complex and marina, as well as green buildings with smart sensor and IoT technologies:
- Residential buildings – The Riviera Tower, the tallest seaside skyscraper in the Mediterranean, the exciting Little Athens neighborhood and unique villas and houses will provide highly-aesthetic accommodation and great comfort.
- • Shopping malls – The Riviera Galleria, designed by renowned architect Kengo Kuma, and The Ellinikon Mall will provide a first-class shopping, culinary and entertainment experience.
- Hotels – Luxury hotels and resorts guarantee the absolute tourist experience in the Mediterranean.
- Offices – A mixed-use tower combining residential units and office spaces, along with modern office buildings designed according to LEED certification standards, offers state-of-the-art and flexible workspaces for every professional need.
- Education – Schools, colleges and research facilities will provide education of the highest standards.
- Health – The state-of-the-art Health Park will offer a wide range of innovative health and wellbeing services.
In addition, at The Ellinikon Experience Centre, visitors and future investors can experience a virtual tour around the facilities even before they are completed.
The Ellinikon highlights LAMDA Development’s commitment to sustainable development and meets the latest trends in real estate investment. Our efforts were initially recognized by the investors themselves, as at end-2024 91% of The Ellinikon residential buildings were already covered by sale or rental agreements. Our vision is to place Greece among the top real estate investment destinations worldwide.