In Quebec, like elsewhere, our way of life is evolving - and so are our living spaces. Expectations have changed: people are no longer just looking for four walls and a roof. They want to live in a neighborhood, not just an address.  
 
With VISTOO, which has the largest inventory of new housing in all of Quebec, we have identified the essential criteria for today's tenants to address this new market reality.  

Noble and durable materials

Wood is making a strong comeback in Quebec, both for its low carbon impact and for its warm ambiance. It can be seen in more and more projects — a reflection of a collective desire to live in durable, authentic, and environmentally respectful spaces. 

Durable wood comes from responsibly managed forests, often certified by organizations such as FSC (Forest Stewardship Council). It is both renewable and biodegradable, in addition to having thermal insulation properties, which helps reduce energy needs for heating and cooling.

By integrating this material into construction projects, we are not only helping to preserve forests and reduce waste, but also to create healthy and sustainable living spaces.

Proximity to nature

Reconnecting with nature, adopting healthy and active lifestyles, fostering a sense of community - these are strong trends redefining the rental market. 

Tenants are looking for projects close to green spaces, parks, and bike paths. Buildings that offer landscaped outdoor areas with trees, vegetation, and outdoor furnishings are gaining popularity. These spaces allow for fresh air, relaxation, movement... and connecting with neighbors.

Nature outside... and inside

The need for nature doesn't stop at outdoor design. Inside as well, tenants want to find this connection: large windows, abundant natural light, natural materials, soft and soothing colors.

Natural materials like wood and stone bring a sense of tranquility and serenity, creating calming and harmonious spaces. In terms of palette, soft shades — terracotta, pale blue, soft green, beige, off-white or light gray — contribute to establishing relaxing and warm atmospheres. 

Since the pandemic, there is a clear desire to inhabit bright, comforting, and healthy spaces – places that feel good on a daily basis. 

Accessibility and gentle mobility

Living in a community means being able to easily enjoy your surroundings. When searching for housing, tenants now prioritize the proximity of local services and shops, access to public transportation, as well as safe pedestrian pathways and bike lanes. 

In the context of ecological transition and in response to these new expectations from residents, developers must now rethink the urban layout of their projects to encourage more environmentally respectful modes of transport : walking, biking, public transport, car-sharing, etc. These alternatives to solo driving significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve residents' quality of life.

In short, being well-located for better living.  

Conveniences for their time

Today's tenants want more than just a simple apartment: they want a complete and accessible living environment, offering good value for money. Among the essential criteria:

• Security: feeling safe at home is non-negotiable. Controlled access to entrances, surveillance camera systems, and well-lit common areas (hallways, lobbies, elevators, etc.) make all the difference.

• Parking: even though modes of transport are changing, many people still use cars daily for commuting. Providing parking spaces is therefore essential - and adding charging stations for electric vehicles or spaces dedicated to car-sharing is a highly appreciated plus.

• Well-designed common areas: the presence of well-thought-out common spaces like workout rooms, indoor pools, or multifunctional rooms is very appreciated. These facilities encourage an active lifestyle and contribute to tenants' well-being.

• Reliable Wi-Fi: a fast and stable Internet connection is now indispensable. Buildings must be designed to provide good connectivity and be ready to accommodate tomorrow's technologies.

• Included appliances: one no longer moves appliances from one apartment to another. Including them in the rental allows future residents to save time, money, and especially hassle - a benefit that has become essential.
  
  

Other amenities, such as a wall-mounted heat pump to ensure control of heating and air conditioning, as well as the acceptance of pets, are also among the most sought-after criteria.

In short

To meet these new expectations, real estate developers must rethink their projects and focus on: 

• noble and durable materials; 

• warm and bright apartments; 

• common spaces that promote well-being and community life; 

• living environments that respect the environment ;

• buildings where well-being is not an extra, but the foundation. 
  
  

A concrete example: Merlo Valleyfield

Are you in search of an inspiring living environment or simply curious to discover the projects that redefine our way of living? Our project Merlo in Valleyfield embodies this vision: a construction entirely in wood, inspired by best practices and Scandinavian inspiration. 

 And to explore other new projects all over Quebec, VISTOO remains an essential reference !