According to research conducted by the real estate development company Eika, when choosing a home, among criteria such as price, quality of construction work or layout of the apartment, the social environment of the project and neighbors are also among the top ten most important criteria. When buying an apartment, buyers acquire not only real estate, but also the environment in which they will live, neighbors with whom they will greet each day when they meet on the stairs of the house and will be able to ask for help if necessary.
The established community and traditions in the settlement, which are jointly fostered by neighbors, create the attractiveness of the project not only for existing residents, but also for potential home buyers. Living in a friendly, familiar environment is pleasant, and creates a sense of security. “As a rule, a certain real estate project is chosen by people who are similar to each other in terms of some personal traits, family situation or hobbies. This natural process is similar to choosing a workplace, when a company, creating a certain image in society, attracts similar people to whom that image and values seem close and acceptable,” says Martynas Žibūda, Development Director of Eika.
Thus, one of the tasks of real estate managers in the projects they develop is to create favorable conditions for the formation of a community. Special attention is paid to the arrangement of gathering places and common spaces for residents, where neighbors could get to know each other, communicate and spend time together. “In the courtyards of newly built apartment buildings, we try to distinguish the main zones for residents with different interests and needs: green and children’s play areas – for safe play of children and communication of their parents. Active recreation areas, outdoor exercise equipment, basketball and volleyball courts, table tennis are also being created – not only for the physical activity of residents, but also for maintaining relations with neighbors. Each project has slightly different zones, which gives it uniqueness,” says the representative of “Eika”.
The formation of a community is also promoted by various organized events, some of which eventually become a tradition that unites residents. Neighbors’ or Pie Day is rapidly becoming popular, when residents of a house gather in the yard, treat each other with homemade pastries, exchange collectible coins, children’s toys and clothes, or read books. If possible, basketball or table tennis tournaments, strongest neighbor tournaments, etc. can be organized. According to M. Žibūda, “Eika” also organizes free events, tries to interest and involve residents in joint activities. For example, families of “Santariškės namai” actively gather every year for the Christmas tree lighting ceremony near their homes. “We plan to transfer the good experience accumulated over many years to the low-rise settlement “Bajorų alėjos” – the settlements will be similar, so we believe that the emerging new community will also actively engage in creating traditions,” says M. Žibūda, a representative of “Eika”.
Along with the emphasis on courtyard areas and the organization of events, the creation of written community rules is becoming more popular. The “Santariškės namai” project unveiled community rules this year – “etiquette” that every resident should follow. Informal and witty rules, such as “listen loudly only to your neighbor’s favorite music” or “don’t forget to greet and smile at your neighbor every day,” not only raise a smile, but also show what values unite residents and encourage respect for each other.
About the Eika group of companies
Founded in 1992, the company “Eika” is one of the largest real estate development and construction groups in Lithuania, successfully developing residential, commercial, public and other purpose building projects, creating a new quality of life and work. The company has already built more than 3,750 apartments and 320 thousand square meters of buildings. “Eika” has been awarded many times as the best real estate developer in Lithuania, and the company’s projects “Santariškių namai” and “Eika namai Pilaitė” have also become the best in Lithuania.
More information:
Raimonda Janusonytė
Marketing and Communications Manager
Phone: +370 5 2045 809
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