The most sought-after types of apartments in Bosnia and Herzegovina: What do buyers and renters look

The real estate market in Bosnia and Herzegovina has experienced dynamic changes in recent years. Rising prices, population migration, the development of new urban zones, and changes in lifestyle have significantly influenced the demand for certain types of apartments. An analysis of current trends shows that buyers and renters in BiH are increasingly focusing on functionality, location, and energy efficiency, while luxury and square footage are losing priority to practicality and quality of life.

One-bedroom apartments - the golden middle of the market

One-bedroom apartments (one bedroom and a living room) remain the most sought-after type of property in major cities such as Sarajevo, Banja Luka, Mostar, and Tuzla. This type of apartment offers the perfect balance between price, size, and functionality.

Buyers: most often young couples and singles who plan to stay in the city long-term.
Renters: students and employed individuals seeking a comfortable space with acceptable maintenance costs.

One-bedroom apartments are also attractive to investors, as they offer the best investment-to-return ratio through long-term rental.

Studios and one-room apartments - growing demand among young people

In urban centers, the demand for small, modern apartments is becoming increasingly prominent. Studios and one-room apartments have become popular due to their lower prices and easier maintenance, but also because of the growing number of people living alone.

A new trend is “smart” studios, compact apartments up to 35 m² that offer maximum space utilization thanks to contemporary design and multifunctional furniture.

Two-bedroom apartments - the choice of family-oriented buyers

For families with children, two-bedroom apartments (two bedrooms and a living room) represent the ideal compromise between space and cost. This segment of the market remains stable, as local families still prefer living in apartments over houses, especially near schools, parks, and business districts.

Two-bedroom apartments in new buildings are particularly sought after, offering better insulation, private parking, and additional amenities (elevators, video surveillance, green areas).

Newly built apartments as a synonym for safety and quality

Despite rising prices, new construction still shows the strongest demand. Today’s buyers strive for greater energy efficiency, safety, and aesthetic value.

The main reasons for the popularity of new developments include:

• lower heating and maintenance costs,

• modern construction materials and technologies,

• contemporary design and room layout.

Apartments with private parking, a terrace, and south-facing orientation have additional market value.

Future trends: sustainability and flexible living spaces

Buyers in BiH are increasingly following global trends, and interest in energy-efficient and smart apartments continues to grow. In the coming years, demand is expected to rise for apartments that offer flexible layouts, the possibility of working from home, and integrated “green” technologies (solar panels, air recuperators, LED lighting).

The real estate market in Bosnia and Herzegovina is becoming increasingly sophisticated. One-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments maintain stable demand, while studios and new-build apartments are seeing significant growth in interest. Today’s buyers are not simply looking for space, but for a higher quality of life—energy-efficient, functional, and located in a well-connected urban environment.

The market is clearly moving toward modernization, and those investors who recognize this trend will be a step ahead of the competition.

Ena-Lemana S.

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