An apartment’s market value is not defined only by its size or location.
Often, smart spatial design, interior finishes, and lighting have a far greater impact on both price and rental yield.
A well-planned studio or micro-apartment can achieve up to 15% higher rent and attract better tenants in less time.
🏡 Good design creates space – it doesn’t take it away
In today’s compact urban developments such as Volta Quarter, Noblessner, or Kalaranna, every square meter matters.
If the layout feels bright, well-zoned, and functional, the apartment will appear larger and more comfortable.
💡 Light and clean geometry create space where square meters cannot.
🌿 1. Neutral and timeless interior
Rental properties perform best when designed with calm, neutral tones and natural materials.
Light walls and warm greys give a sense of airiness and pair well with most furniture styles.
Use warm LED lighting (2700–3000 K) and add subtle wood details for a balanced, high-quality look.
🎨 Tip: Always note down the paint codes and keep a small reserve of the same floor finish – it prevents expensive repainting later.
🪑 2. Multifunctional, space-saving furniture
Think vertically.
A raised sleeping platform or under-bed storage (as shown in the Brokerly photo example) can add cubic space without changing the footprint – effectively turning a studio into a “one-bedroom” feel.
- Murphy beds fold up during the day and open up the floor.
- Fold-down tables adapt to work or dining.
- Sliding doors can save up to 1–1.5 m² compared to swinging ones.
💬 Each additional square meter of usable space can raise a Tallinn apartment’s value by €4 000–€6 000.
🗄️ 3. Clever storage and visual order
A tidy layout always feels larger and more luxurious.
- Use full-height cabinets up to the ceiling.
- Optimize corners, under-window areas, and bed bases.
- Prefer hidden storage over open shelves – it conveys quality and peace.
📸 The raised sleeping zone with built-in storage from Brokerly’s portfolio is a perfect example of design meeting practicality.
🪞 4. Floor-to-ceiling curtains – a small detail with major impact
Elegant curtains that stretch from ceiling to floor visually raise the room height and add a sense of sophistication.
They also help to separate sleeping and living zones, and improve acoustics.
💬 Textiles such as linen or wool blends give softness and warmth – a simple upgrade that can noticeably increase perceived rental value.
🧠 5. Smart zoning and flow
Even a small studio can feel complete if each activity has its zone:
- a workspace by the window,
- a dining corner under good lighting,
- a cozy sleeping area in a quieter part of the room.
You can define zones with shelves, half-walls, or curtains – no extra construction needed.
📈 6. Example: value and yield growth
| Improvement | Investment (€) | Value increase (€) | Extra rent (€ / month) | ROI % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sliding doors + storage | 1 500 | +5 000 | +40 | 32 % |
| Murphy bed / raised sleeping area | 1 000 | +3 500 | +30 | 35 % |
| Floor-to-ceiling curtains + lighting | 800 | +2 000 | +25 | 37 % |
💬 A €3 000 upgrade can easily add €10 000 in value and nearly €100 in monthly rent.
✅ Summary
Space-saving design is not about living smaller – it’s about using space intelligently.
A bright, well-planned apartment feels more expensive, rents faster, and keeps tenants longer.
👉 Brokerly recommends preparing a detailed floor plan with furniture and dimensions before listing or selling. It helps evaluate true usability and position the property correctly on the market.
🔹 Quick summary (below the visual)
Smart design | Efficient layout | Higher yield
Clever space planning and multifunctional furniture boost apartment value and return on investment without adding a single square meter.
