The Real Estate Market: A balancing Act Between Demand and Supply
Table of Contents
- 1. The Real Estate Market: A balancing Act Between Demand and Supply
- 2. What financial solutions could help Latvia’s developers bridge teh gap between housing demand adn supply?
- 3. Balancing Act between Demand & Supply: Latvia’s Real Estate Market
- 4. Jana Krumina on Latvia’s Real Estate Market Dynamics
The real estate market is a dynamic beast, constantly responding to economic fluctuations and shifting consumer trends. In recent times, the global landscape has been anything but stable, with inflation reaching unprecedented heights, the war in Ukraine causing geopolitical turmoil, and energy prices skyrocketing. These factors have inevitably impacted the real estate sector, causing some projects to stall and developers to hit the brakes.
Despite the initial turbulence, signs of recovery are emerging. “[The situation] has stabilized and the developers are resuming work,” explains Boje, highlighting a resurgence in activity. Though, the market is facing a unique challenge: demand is rebounding faster than developers can deliver new properties.Boje points out that the construction cycle for new housing takes a minimum of two years, creating a gap between the eager buyers and the available inventory.
This imbalance is evident in the renewed interest in existing apartments.“YIT Latvija” is reportedly ready to restart projects in several locations, such as Ågenskalni, Dreiliņi, Pļavnieki and Zolitūde, reflecting the growing demand. Boje believes the market is “waking up,” a testament to the pent-up desire for housing in these areas.
But to truly bolster the market and meet the growing demand, developers need a certain financial versatility. Boje emphasizes that developers need significant financial resources at their disposal to embark on multiple projects together, allowing for a faster replenishment of the housing supply.
A importent hurdle for developers in Latvia is the current system where payment is only received after the project is fully completed and registered. “In Latvia, the project is put into operation, divided into apartment properties, registered in the land register, and only after that the developers can receive money… only when the project is concluded,” Boje explains. This system puts a strain on developers’ cash flow, potentially hindering their ability to take on new projects.
Boje suggests a potential solution by drawing inspiration from Poland.“In Bože’s view, Latvia could learn something from Poland, where ‘open escrow accounts’ or open transaction accounts are created,” he says. This model would allow developers to access funds from banks immediately upon the sale of apartments during construction, creating a smoother and more lasting financial flow.
By implementing such measures,Latvia could unlock further development in its real estate sector,bridging the gap between supply and demand and creating a more vibrant and dynamic housing market.
What financial solutions could help Latvia’s developers bridge teh gap between housing demand adn supply?
Balancing Act between Demand & Supply: Latvia’s Real Estate Market
Jana Krumina on Latvia’s Real Estate Market Dynamics
Archyde: Jana,thank you for joining us today. Let’s dive right in. How would you describe the current state of Latvia’s real estate market?
Jana Krumina: Thank you for having me. Despite the initial challenges posed by global economic instability and the war in Ukraine, Latvia’s real estate market is showing signs of recovery. we’re seeing a resurgence in developer activity and renewed interest from buyers.
Archyde: That’s encouraging news. Though, we’ve heard that there’s a unique challenge facing the market – demand is rebounding faster than developers can deliver new properties. Can you expand on that?
Jana Krumina: Absolutely. The construction cycle for new housing takes at least two years, creating a gap between eager buyers and available inventory. This imbalance is evident in the renewed interest in existing apartments. Developers like YIT Latvija are restarting projects in areas like Āgenskalni, Dreiliņi, Pļavnieki, and Zolitūde, reflecting the growing demand.
Archyde: To meet this growing demand,what changes do you think the market needs to see from developers?
Jana Krumina: Developers need meaningful financial resources to embark on multiple projects together,allowing for faster replenishment of the housing supply. Though, the current payment system in Latvia, where funds are received only after a project’s completion and registration, puts a strain on developers’ cash flow.
Archyde: What potential solutions do you see for this hurdle?
Jana Krumina: Latvia could learn from Poland’s open escrow account system. This would allow developers to access funds from banks immediately upon the sale of apartments during construction, creating a smoother financial flow. This could significantly boost Latvia’s real estate sector, bridging the gap between supply and demand.
Archyde: That’s a thought-provoking idea. Lastly, what trends or shifts do you anticipate in Latvia’s real estate market in the coming years?
Jana Krumina: I expect to see continued growth in demand for residential properties, particularly in urban areas. Developers who can adapt and innovate to meet this demand will thrive. Additionally, I anticipate a growing interest in sustainable, eco-friendly properties as environmental concerns gain more attention.