Out of the city, but not too far – why do homebuyers increasingly prefer suburban life?

The 2025 residential construction statistics clearly show that homebuyer preferences are changing. While an ideal home was previously associated with the city center or its immediate surroundings, people's choices are now increasingly moving outside the city limits – to greener, quieter, and more private areas. The trend is consistent across Estonia: a living environment that offers space and peace, but does not cut the connection with the city, is preferred.

Statistics support a changing lifestyle

Data on Estonian building permits and new constructions show a clear shift from major cities to their surrounding areas. In the second quarter of 2025, the highest number of building permits for new residential buildings in Estonia was issued in Harju County – a total of 49% of all permits. However, only 10 percent of that volume concerned construction within Tallinn itself. This shows that the vast majority of new homes are being planned specifically for suburban settlements and neighboring municipalities.

A similar pattern is repeated in Tartu County. There, 24% of Estonian building permits were issued in the second quarter, but only nine percent concerned the city of Tartu. This means that the rest of the new constructions are moving outside the city, towards Raadi, Ülejõe, Tammistu, and other rapidly developing areas.

These numbers confirm that this is not a matter of random fluctuations but a long-term trend: people are looking for more space and a calmer living environment while wishing to maintain a good connection to the city. 

Why are people moving to the suburbs?

Moving outside city limits is influenced by several factors.

  • Quality of the living environment. The opportunity to step from the front door directly into greenery and enjoy silence and privacy has become an important factor in choosing a home.
  • Changes in working habits. Hybrid and remote work have expanded people's opportunities to live slightly away from the city without daily stress or loss of time.
  • Growing infrastructure. Suburban areas are developing rapidly: schools, kindergartens, shops, sports facilities, and public transport have become accessible on a daily basis. This creates a living environment that is as convenient as the city center but significantly more private.

What does this mean for developers?

The role of the developer is becoming increasingly strategic. Suburban areas are no longer the "edge of town" but new hubs where a significant portion of Estonian residential development is moving. This means a greater responsibility in creating comprehensive living environments—not just in constructing buildings, but also in shaping community and well-being.

Landen kinnisvara's Raadi Roosipark , offers exactly this kind of suburban lifestyle. The new development provides precisely what homebuyers are looking for today – a peaceful living environment that does not require giving up convenient proximity to the city. Tartu city center is just a fifteen-minute bus ride or a ten-minute drive away, the bus stop is located next to the residential area, a grocery store is only a few hundred meters away, and the kindergarten is also within a comfortable walking distance. This is an example of how well-thought-out suburban developments can offer balance, quality, and a sense of community.

Suburban life as the new normal

In recent years, the suburban lifestyle has increasingly become a conscious choice for homebuyers. Statistics show that the majority of new residential buildings are rising on the borders of Estonia's larger cities – where a peaceful environment, proximity to nature, and a convenient connection to the city meet. Remote work opportunities, growing infrastructure, and the desire for more spacious living have shaped a trend that shows no signs of slowing down. Areas located slightly away from the city are becoming new centers where developers create comprehensive and well-thought-out living environments – just like Landen's Raadi Roosipark in Tartu.

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