Survey examined tenants’ views on housing

We conducted an extensive tenant survey this spring. It was answered by a total of 2,323 tenants. Thanks to all the respondents!

The study examined views and experiences of, for example, apartments and residential areas, Hoas as a landlord, common spaces of properties, preferred study places, and the effects of the covid-19 pandemic on housing.

Our strengths are seen in low housing costs, good location and quality of housing, and efficient services. 83% of the respondents feel that the quality-price ratio of our apartments is good.

Improvements in the comfort of the living environment, more active maintenance of the aparments, more efficient property maintenance, and the development of services by listening to students are seen as areas for development.

According to the survey, the top five common spaces of the property are laundry room, sauna, guest parking space, bicycle storage room and gym / hobby room. The least interesting spaces are playground in the yard, space to rent for own use and study space.

For the majority of respondents, a school building is the preferred place to study. The main reasons for studying at school are the opportunity to concentrate, the inspiration from the environment and the opportunity for peer support. A home is the second favorite place to study. The benefits of studying at home are peace and ease. The third favorite place, according to the survey, is a library. (Responses were asked to be evaluated in a situation without any covid restrictions.)

85% of the respondents consider the residential area as a significant factor in choosing their student apartment.

The main criteria for choosing the area are transport connections (accessibility to the place of study, distance from the center and availability of shopping services), outdoor activities and nature, and the tranquility and security of the area.

73% of respondents said they could imagine living in their current residential area even after graduation. The criteria for staying in the same area are the experience of the area as comfortable, quiet and safe, as well as the area’s good local services and transport connections.

The study asked how covid-19 time has affected attitudes towards living and the home. The responses showed that increased time spent at home has increased the importance of the home. A cozy and quiet apartment helped to cope with the restrictions. Continuous living at home has also made many people to pay attention to the small details of the apartment. For some, on the other hand, being stucked at home has been distressing and on a large scale, the sense of security has been shaken.

When asked about the future, three things were highlighted. First, the importance of a comfortable home and living environment will continue and thus increase expectations related to housing. Second, the communality of housing is seen to increase in the future. Third, distance learning is believed to have come to stay, and as a result, living conditions need to be able to support increasing home study.

We conduct this kind of extensive tenant study every two years and use the results in improving services and planning operations. In addition to this, we send a short electronic survey to tenats of 10-15 property every month. In these short surveys we ask about matters related to housing and properties.

Based on both the extensive tenant study and the briefer surveys, we continuously make smaller and bigger changes and improvements to make living as comfortable and easy as possible for everyone.