Today’s buyer of a new development apartment in Tallinn: average age 40, looking for a three-room apartment with a balcony and making a decision within one and a half months

Endover's Sales Director Annika Saar. Photo: Renee Altrov

The market for new residential developments in Tallinn is on an upward trend. Last year, a total of 1,515 new apartments were sold – 22.7% more than a year earlier. The average price per square metre of sold new apartments increased from €4,434 to €4,537. The most active districts in terms of transactions were Haabersti, Kesklinn and Põhja-Tallinn. However, behind these figures lies a far more interesting question: who is the person buying a new apartment in Tallinn today, what are they looking for, and how do they make their decision?

According to Annika Saar, Sales Director at Endover, today’s homebuyer has a clear understanding of what they want. “People no longer come just to look at real estate and dream about it – they come to make a decision. Expectations have increased significantly,” said Saar.

The transaction data and insights into buyer behaviour collected by the company show that the average buyer is 40 years old, visits the property twice, and reaches a notarial transaction within one and a half months. Around 70% of apartments are purchased for own use and 30% for investment purposes. Foreign buyers account for an average of 15% of transactions.

The most sought-after apartments range from 65 to 80 square metres.
The living environment has become just as important as the apartment itself.

What does today’s buyer expect from an apartment?

The most popular type is a three-room apartment, with more than half of all transactions involving this format. This reflects a clear market trend and growing purchasing power. While two-room apartments previously dominated, buyers can now afford additional space – whether for a home office corner or a separate room for a child. The most sought-after apartments range from 65 to 80 square metres, and more than 60% of purchased units have two or more bedrooms. A balcony or terrace has become a standard expectation: 70% of sold apartments feature a balcony or outdoor terrace. Open-plan kitchen layouts dominate, and all apartments are sold fully finished.

According to Annika Saar, buyers have become more decisive over the past couple of years. “A growing trend is that when a buyer finds a suitable option, they do not delay the reservation. We also see a clear preference for completed or nearly completed properties, as buyers do not want to wait,” Saar noted.

A growing trend is that when a buyer finds a suitable option, they do not delay the reservation.

Annika Saar, Sales Director at Endover

In the view of Endover’s Sales Director, the profile of a new development buyer will not change significantly in 2026, although expectations will continue to rise. “Buyers want a minimal transition period – receive the keys and move in immediately. That is why we see growing interest in fully furnished apartments and increasing attention to the living environment and small added values,” said Saar. 

The living environment has become just as important as the apartment itself. Proximity to green areas and parks has become a significant value for homebuyers, while for families with children, closeness to schools and kindergartens is often a decisive factor. “Today, people are not just looking for four walls, but for an environment. They ask what is around, how children will get to school, whether there are places to walk,” Saar emphasised.

Real estate market outlook this year: growth is real, but seasonality has changed

Although annual sales volume in Tallinn increased in 2025, the usual year-end surge did not occur. In terms of transaction volume, the most active districts last year were Kesklinn (324 transactions, approximately €118 million, €5,181/m²), Põhja-Tallinn (323 transactions, approximately €107 million, €5,345/m²), and Haabersti (399 transactions, approximately €95 million, €3,703/m²).

Sales prospects for 2026 remain optimistic, according to Annika Saar. Euribor has stabilised at around 2%, competition in the home loan market is strong, and wage growth continues. In addition, no significant price increases in new developments are expected in the near future. In other words, if market supply meets buyers’ expectations, all prerequisites are in place for continued growth in new development sales volumes.

According to Citify data, Endover ranked second last year in both units sold and turnover, and the Volta Quarter has confirmed its position as Tallinn’s most preferred new development for the third consecutive year. The quarter’s growth has been largely driven by the newest building under construction, Volta SKAI, which within four months became Tallinn’s best-selling new development in terms of turnover. By mid-February, 12% of the total sellable area of the first tower had been covered by binding law-of-obligations sales agreements – a strong result for a project whose construction began only at the end of last year and whose projected sales period is five years.

“Buyers are willing to pay more, but only if the development offers something that cannot be found elsewhere: distinctive architecture, a cohesive living environment, unique views, well-thought-out solutions. A basic standard is no longer enough,” said Saar.

Endover’s largest project in Põhja-Tallinn: Volta Quarter 

Volta Quarter operates on the principle of the “15-minute city” – a private and secure living environment where everything necessary for everyday life is within walking distance. The quarter, consisting of a total of 29 buildings, is developing into a comprehensive urban complex. In the Volta HUB business centre, which will comprise 35,000 square metres of commercial space, the largest MyFitness sports club in Põhja-Tallinn opened at the end of last year, offering nearly 2,000 square metres of training area. The quarter also features a padel club with four panoramic courts. In the coming years, the range of services will expand further: a food street will bring together restaurants, cafés and grocery stores, everyday services will be added, and a kindergarten will be built. At the heart of the quarter will be a 15,000-square-metre landscaped park with high greenery.