‘A good home’ in 2040 – a new definition of value
By 2040, nearly 30% of Poles will be over 65. The “Living 2040” report shows that changes in the age structure of the population will have a significant impact on the way homes are designed and perceived – this topic will be one of the key points on the agenda of the 2026 Polish Real Estate Forum.
Poland has one of the fastest-ageing populations in Europe. According to forecasts presented in the “Living 2040” report, prepared by Open Format in collaboration with Skanska Residential and the Nieruchomosci-online.pl portal, by 2040 nearly 30% of the population will be aged 65 or over. This demographic shift will have a significant impact on the housing market, both in terms of demand and how properties are used.
The report indicates that the traditional perception of a “good home” as a symbol of social status is gradually losing its significance. Today, safety, predictable living costs and functionality that can be adapted to changing life and health needs are coming to the fore. An increasing number of households view housing not as a one-off decision made “for life”, but as part of a long-term financial and life strategy.
Looking ahead to 2040, a “good home” is, above all, a well-organised daily life: stable costs, a safe neighbourhood, access to green spaces, and infrastructure that promotes a comfortable lifestyle. As the report’s authors emphasise, design is no longer focused solely on floor space and the standard of finish. Increasingly, it encompasses entire living environments that cater to the needs of different age groups.
The findings of the “Living 2040” report serve as a key reference point for the programme of the 2026 Polish Real Estate Forum, during which experts will discuss the long-term implications of demographic change, new models of living, and the direction of the housing market’s transformation in the coming decades.