The Russians talked about their preferred ways to protect their homes.

Almost half of home buyers consider a video surveillance system with facial recognition to be the most effective security measure, according to data from Unikey, which was reviewed by Izvestia on June 3.

Round—the-clock security scored only 20% of the votes, while the high perimeter fence scored 24%. Interest in technology has also shifted: 34% of respondents would like to see video surveillance with artificial intelligence, 25.5% — a system for calling emergency services through an application. Traditional solutions like an electronic key are becoming a thing of the past.

According to Ivan Zolotarev, a leading expert at the Floors Moscow Academy of Sciences, the share of projects with a closed territory is really growing.

"If earlier developers sought to block off the entire territory, today they are more often limited to only a part: the main walking areas remain open, in accordance with the urban planning requirements of the city. In the standard and comfort class, houses with a closed-loop courtyard are common, while in the premium class there are various architectural elements integrated into the landscape," he said.

According to Aigul Yuusupova, managing partner of Unikey, the market is experiencing a transition to the aesthetics of "quiet safety".

"Developers are abandoning fences in favor of hedges and decorative structures, emphasizing status and creating a softer urban landscape. Entrance to the residential complex is increasingly carried out through the lobby, and access is via biometrics or phone," she added.

Luxury replenishment: prices for luxury housing have increased by almost a third in a year

The sales volume in this segment increased 2.5 times.

The trend towards privacy is also confirmed by the results of the survey: 48% of respondents have increased their need for silence and a closed space over the past five years. And among the fears associated with an open courtyard, noise and debris are in the lead (33%), as well as the presence of strangers (25%).

According to the experts of the Academy of Sciences "Floors", security remains one of the key factors affecting the value of real estate.

"Intelligent control systems, biometric access and video surveillance can add from 5 to 10% to the cost per square meter, depending on the segment," Zolotarev notes.

In the premium segment, about 75-85% of projects are implemented with a closed area, in the mass segment — about 50%.

The city imposes new requirements on developers: housing should not just be fenced, but integrated into the environment.

Earlier, on January 9, Izvestia got acquainted with a study by the Aeroplane company, which reported on the mandatory amenities of Russians when buying an apartment. According to experts, in the new year Muscovites want to buy apartments with dressing rooms (23%), built-in closets (15%), additional outlets on the balcony (13%), a second bathroom (12%), a master bedroom (9%) and a niche for a washing machine (8%).