Not just square meters: new housing formats

Odesa's real estate market is changing rapidly. Ten years ago, the key factor in choosing an apartment was the area, but today more and more buyers are looking for a comfortable living environment rather than just housing. The new formats emerging in the suburbs of Odesa are a response to this demand. ZEZMAN Holding, a developer that not only builds houses but also creates entire infrastructure neighborhoods with a focus on quality of life, urbanism, and safety, spoke about trends and reality.

New benchmarks

Ukraine's construction sector has undergone a profound transformation since the outbreak of full-scale war. What used to be a marker of the premium segment - the availability of infrastructure, convenient planning or energy-efficient solutions - has now become the norm of expectations for any modern housing.

The safety of residents has become a top priority. In new projects, shelters, bomb shelters, or at least safe basement areas designed not only for the number of residents but also for guests during their stay in the complex have become mandatory. Developers are learning to work in conditions of constant risk: building layouts now include emergency exits, autonomous power supply, and enhanced thermal insulation.

The company's landmark project is Gross Liebental. Here, ZEZMAN focuses on sustainability, space, and privacy. This is a low-rise housing format with spacious apartments, green alleys, and a minimum building density. This option is chosen by families seeking tranquility, access to nature, but with all the benefits of modern life.

Another clear trend is the decentralization of development. Instead of dense, spotty development in the city center, developers are focusing on the suburbs, where they can create not just a house but a living environment. Such residential complexes have their own school, kindergarten, supermarkets, work and leisure spaces. The market is shifting towards integrated solutions where people get not only a roof over their heads but also a comfortable social environment.

Construction companies pay considerable attention to energy efficiency. Due to frequent power outages, projects are increasingly including solar panels, heat pumps, and energy storage systems. And this is not just a way to survive, it is a new standard of environmental responsibility.

In addition, the demand for smart housing is growing rapidly in cities: apartments with well-thought-out layouts, where it is easy to separate a workplace, organize a home office or a recreation area for each family member. Space is no longer perceived as square meters - it is important how it can be adapted to the changing rhythm of life.

As an example, the ARTVILLE project is not just a residential complex, but a full-fledged environment with a school, kindergarten, outpatient clinic, coworking, shops, cafes, and recreation areas. The emphasis here is on the functionality of housing - smart planning, social infrastructure, and a safe space without cars in the yard.

This is housing for young people, IT professionals, and the creative class - people who value the balance between cost and quality but are not ready to give up comfort.

Photo: ZEZMAN Holding. Gross Liebental project

What will Odesa residents choose in 2025?

Demand is shifting from "walls and roofs" to a comprehensive solution: transport accessibility, shelter, convenient zoning, and interior spaces for work and leisure have become important. ZEZMAN Holding shows that the format matters: today a new building is no longer just square meters, but a space that reflects the lifestyle of its residents.

The developer's projects are characterized by a clear concept of space: carefully thought-out navigation, recreation areas, car-free courtyards, spacious halls, and smart layouts. Architectural identity also plays an important role: even low-cost housing looks modern and aesthetically pleasing. After 2022, security has become a priority. All new residential complexes have shelters or protected spaces, autonomous power supply systems, video surveillance, and access control. This makes housing not only comfortable but also reliable in an unstable environment.

Thus, Ukrainian construction is becoming not only a reaction to the war, but also a catalyst for a new quality of life. A modern home is a safe, functional, and socially integrated space, and this is the direction in which the industry is moving today.

Photo: ZEZMAN Holding. Gross Liebental project

Олена Болган