Planning and engineering experts, in a survey conducted by “Amlak Newspaper”, agreed that the efficiency of space distribution and functional utilization of every meter are the true criteria for raising the value of the real estate unit and deciding the buyer’s decision, stressing that poor planning and wasted spaces weaken the practical value of the home due to the impact of the first impression.
Eng. Abdulqader Al-Hamad: Distribution efficiency is more important than total area.
Engineer Abdul Qader Al-Hamad, Chairman and Owner of Bright Vision Companies, explained that the distribution of spaces within a real estate unit is one of the most important factors that affect the decision of the buyer or tenant, because the client does not only look at the number of meters but at the extent of actual benefit from them. There may be a smaller unit in terms of area, but it is better distributed and more comfortable and usable than a larger unit with unused corridors and spaces. Therefore, the efficiency of the distribution may be more important than the total area itself.
Al-Hamad stressed that wasted spaces can delay the completion of the deal, because when the client feels that part of the space for which he will pay does not provide him with a real benefit, he begins to re-evaluate the price and compare the unit with other alternatives. The more unutilized spaces there are, the lower the practical value of the unit, and this may lead to delaying the decision or even withdrawing from the deal.
Regarding the reason for the presence of wasted spaces in the real estate unit, Engineer Al-Hamad said: “The wasted spaces often result from weak architectural planning in the early stages or from not studying the user’s movement inside the unit well. They may also result from long corridors or difficult-to-use corners or unsuitable locations for columns and services. Sometimes the reason is the focus on increasing the total area without paying attention to the efficiency of its distribution. A successful design is one that makes every meter inside the unit perform a clear function and add real value to the user.”
M. Ibrahim Abu Saq: The problem in the purchasing decision begins with the first impression.
For his part, Engineer Ibrahim Abu Saq, CEO and founder of Leaders of Construction Engineering Consulting, explained that the distribution of spaces affects the preference for one real estate unit over another, stressing that there are units that are equal in the number of meters on the deed, and they differ completely in the feeling when living in them.
Abu Saq explained that on a first visit, the living room and decor are eye-catching, while many overlook a corridor that's longer than needed, a corner that's difficult to furnish, or a column that obstructs the flow of the room. These small details ultimately determine how much of the space you've purchased you'll actually use every day.
Abu Saq stressed that the total area alone is not a sufficient criterion for comparing the units, but rather the most important criterion is the efficiency of its distribution: Does it serve movement, furniture and daily use, or is part of it more present on paper than in the life of the resident?
Abu Saq noted that the problem with the purchase decision often begins with the initial impression, while the true layout emerges after furnishing and living in the space. At that point, the buyer may discover that the unit which appeared "more spacious" in terms of numbers is not actually the most spacious in terms of usability.
Engineer Abu Saq concluded his statement by saying: “The number on the deed tells you how much you bought, but the distribution of the space is what tells you how much of it you will actually live off.”
