The space-saving loft apartments would feature higher ceilings than regular living spaces to accommodate a six square-metre bedroom loft. The housing investment company Sato says the proposed monthly rent would come in at 500 euros.
“In terms of numbers, the size sounds rather small, but if they are well-planned and we can make the loft into sleeping quarters to create more space in the living room, then even a small area would be sufficient for a relatively good living experience,” said Sato investment manager Miikka Karjaluoto.
The plan is to build 68 of the mini-flats in a new apartment block as part of a zoning modification to be considered by the Vantaa city council planning committee next Monday.
If the proposal goes through, it would reduce the current minimum apartment size from 20 square metres to the 15 proposed by Sato.
New concept in affordable living
The mini solution to scarce housing is being piloted by Sato in an attempt to plug the hole in the lack of affordable housing in the capital area. Because the homes will be so minimal, the apartment complex will be designed to offer more communal spaces for residents.
“Naturally the main goal is affordability, but we also want to make the experience enjoyable. We will try to custom-design the fittings to improve the ambience and we will otherwise invest in the décor to provide something a bit different from traditional rental homes. Custom design will focus on non-traditional fixed furnishings that aren’t offered by fixtures providers, so they will have to be tailor-made,” Karjaluoto explained.
The common areas will include a terrace sauna, a large communal living area and a cafeteria. The Sato spokesman said the company would like to roll out the concept in other cities, including downtown Helsinki.
500 euros a widely-accepted threshold
Sato said the rent being considered for the mini-units won’t conform to the traditional euros-per-square-metre pricing common in the housing market. Karjaluoto said that 500 euros is widely considered to be an affordable rent.
"Customers never come to us asking for a home with a certain price-per-square-metre, there’s always some upper limit they’re prepared to pay. In terms of market pricing, 500 euros is clearly an affordable rent in this area. Rental rates vary considerably, but normally they start from around 600 euros. And if we’re talking about a new build, they start at 700 euros," he outlined.
If the mini-flats get a green light from Vantaa city leaders, Sato plans to begin construction at the end of the year at the proposed address, Raikukuja 4.
Residents who are lucky enough to get a foot in the door will settle in a location bordering the Vantaankoski rail line, providing good transport connections.