Commercial density: a key factor in choosing where to live

A recent study has linked the presence of shops to people's moods and property values. 

The importance of a good commercial fabric near home

A new study by Confcommercio and Swg has focused on commercial desertification and the related countermeasures taken by Italians, attempting to quantify the phenomenon. It emerged that our fellow citizens want to reside in neighborhoods where there are more local businesses, as not having nearby stores can make life very inconvenient.

The absence of shops, however, is not only a practical problem, but it also affects people's moods, communicating feelings of sadness, loneliness, and danger. The concentration of retail activities therefore ends up guiding housing decisions: for 88% of those interviewed, a good commercial fabric is decisive in choosing a neighborhood, while only one in ten people prefers to live in an exclusively residential area.

The real estate repercussions of commercial desertification

Given the aforementioned, the effects of the retail fabric on property prices are particularly significant. According to those interviewed, the same apartment could increase its value by at least 20% if located in an area with many or some retail outlets. Conversely, it is estimated that desertification could decrease the value of a house by as much as 15 percentage points.

Local businesses are also recognized as having a marked social role. For nearly two-thirds of those interviewed (64%), they represent an opportunity for meeting that strengthens community belonging, but also a service attentive to vulnerable people (59%), a security presence (57%), a guarantee of public space care (54%) and a facilitator of integration (49%).

Turning to consumption, daily or recurring purchases of pharmaceuticals (64%) and tobacco (59%) are predominantly made "locally," while for clothing (64%), long-life food (60%), household goods (60%) and electronics (53%) shopping centers and large retail structures become the dominant places of purchase compared to central or nearby retail outlets.

Custom supporting a thriving retail sector

As demonstrated in the Confcommercio and Swg survey, a healthy retail sector plays a crucial role in promoting social well-being, enhancing quality of life, and safeguarding communities.

With its extensive and flexible range of complete hardware, software, and service solutions for the retail sector, the Custom Group is committed to supporting these important objectives. Discover our full range of offerings at: www.custom.biz/en_GB/solutions/retail