The future of urban living in the UK

City living in 2024 is driven by population growth, technological advancements, and an urgent need for sustainability. In response to these challenges, modern housing developments are evolving and those based in urban areas are rethinking their home setup.

Here are some of the trends that are set to shape the future of city living in the UK.

Space-efficient living

Space-saving solutions such as micro-apartments are becoming increasingly popular. Typically ranging from 200 to 400 square feet, these offer a compact yet functional living space ideal for single professionals and young couples. These units maximise every square inch through features such as multi-purpose furniture, built-in storage, and open-plan layouts.

This isn’t a new trend, however. Back in 2017, a YouGov poll revealed that 71% of people supported the idea of these types of property. While they are compact spaces, they have their advantages.

One of the primary benefits of space-efficient living is affordability. By reducing the size of individual units, developers can offer lower rental prices, making city living accessible to a broader range of people. Plus, smaller living spaces are, by their nature, more sustainable, because they need less energy for heating, cooling, and lighting. This reduction in energy consumption is crucial for cities aiming to lower their carbon footprints.

Building in a commute

For those who prefer more space, living just outside the city centre can be an attractive alternative. As many businesses have moved away for the standard five days a week onsite, the appeal of moving to the outskirts holds more appeal for many.

New build developments provide larger homes with a short commute to the city centre, balancing the need for space with the convenience of urban living. These homes are suited to families and individuals looking for a bit more room without losing access to shops and other amenities found in cities.

Co-living spaces

Co-living spaces offer affordability and can reduce social isolation. These setups are typically a building with 50 or more private bedrooms and these are alongside shared communal areas such as kitchens, living rooms, and workspaces.

These spaces encourage sustainable living practices through these shared resources. For instance, communal kitchens reduce the need for individual appliances.

This offers the opportunity to make friends and meet people with shared interests. This can be appealing in busy cities where traditional community structures may be lacking.

While they share similarities with HMOs (house in multiple occupation), these are much larger, and a management plan agreement is needed before planning permission is granted.

Smart technology

Smart systems enhance energy efficiency, security, and convenience, making urban living more sustainable and user-friendly. From automated lighting and heating systems to advanced security features and voice-activated assistants, smart technology is becoming a standard feature in modern housing.

As well as modernising daily living, this tech reduces energy consumption. For example, smart thermostats learn residents’ schedules and adjust heating and cooling systems accordingly. This reduces energy use when no one is at home. Similarly, smart lighting systems can be programmed to turn off when no one is in the room, further cutting down on unnecessary energy use.

Security is another important form of smart technology, especially in cities where there are larger numbers of people. Features such as smart locks, video doorbells, and surveillance cameras provide enhanced safety for residents, giving them peace of mind whether they are at home or away.

As the population continues to trend upwards, it’s likely we’ll see more innovative types of urban living in the coming years. From rethinking who we live with and how we live, to moving to the suburbs, there are plenty of ways to tackle the challenges we face as city dwellers.