Contemporary Housing Trends in Niš, Serbia: An Analysis of Market Conditions and Regulatory Compliance

<p>This study investigates contemporary housing trends in Niš, Serbia, focusing on urban planning, architectural practices, and socio-economic conditions influencing the local housing market. The primary objectives are to identify prevailing housing trends, assess their conformity with current regulatory frameworks, and propose improvements to planning policies. Employing a mixed-method approach, the research combines qualitative analysis of architectural developments, and regulatory compliance, supported by case studies of recent residential projects. The study highlights key market conditions affecting housing development, including limited purchasing power among potential tenants and increasing demand for affordable apartments. A noticeable preference for multi-family residential buildings has emerged, driven primarily by economic factors. Findings indicate partial alignment of these market-driven trends with existing regulatory constraints, pointing to specific limitations in current planning and regulatory practices. The research emphasizes the importance of revising regulatory frameworks to better address affordability issues, thus facilitating sustainable development and effectively responding to the housing needs of the population in Niš.</p>