„In the two months since pre-sales began in late November last year, more than a third of the 306 apartments in the first phase of the Sakai project have already been sold. Last year, the average sales rate for similarly priced projects across the market was approximately 22 apartments per month. These results were driven not only by the project's exceptional location, environment, and quality features but also by the loyal customer base that had been anticipating the launch of this project for many years,“ says Mykolas Čiplys, Head of Sales and Leasing at Darnu Group.
The representative of Darnu Group notes that while high-end real estate projects are typically concentrated in the city centre, Sakai offers a unique appeal. Located just a short distance from the centre, it is surrounded by nature, features low-rise construction, and provides a spacious environment, all while maintaining essential infrastructure. This combination makes it highly attractive to buyers, both as a future home and as an investment.
As Čiplys points out, 258 apartments were sold in the capital's high-end real estate market last year, meaning that sales in Sakai already account for nearly half of the total sales in 2024. According to Čiplys, this trend suggests that Sakai will change the sales dynamics of the real estate market in the segment this year.
The rapid sales of Sakai, even before the official launch, clearly show that Vilnius residents are aware of the „deficit“ of exclusive locations. There is money in the market, but buyers are in no hurry. Today, they seek uniqueness and reliability, investing where they are most likely to see property values increase once the project is completed. This is a great compliment to us,“ says Čiplys.
The number of investment buyers is growing
Darnu Group's Head of Sales and Leasing points out that, alongside the activity in housing transactions, there is also a trend of investors returning to high-end properties. Today, some buyers are purchasing as many as 5 to 7 apartments at once.
The majority of customers, 65%, purchased homes in Sakai for themselves or their relatives, while the remaining 35% bought apartments for investment. By comparing investor activity in high-end real estate with sales in Paupys, we can see that the number of investors, which decreased in 2023, is now growing again. Last year, the share of apartment buyers in Paupys for investment was 17%. In 2023, this share was 26%, while in 2022, 47% of apartments were purchased for investment,“ estimates the company's representative.
He attributes the investor activity not only to the improving economic situation and falling interest rates but also to the launch of the project, which is considered the best time for investors to reserve apartments, offering the largest selection and the best prices.
The price per square meter in Sakai ranges from EUR 4,000 to EUR 5,800, with apartments available in sizes ranging from 33 to 153 square meters.
According to Darnu Group's data, the most popular choices among buyers in the Sakai project were 2– and 3-room apartments. Ground-floor apartments with private courtyards were especially sought after, accounting for nearly half of all sales.
„This unusual popularity of ground-floor apartments is due to their proximity to nature and the landscape we offer – people want to live as close as possible to greenery and enjoy a well-groomed environment, which has already become our calling card,“ says Čiplys.
The area will undergo a transformation beyond recognition
Two phases of the new Sakai neighbourhood are being developed on a site spanning more than 8 hectares, in a unique natural setting, next to the Karoliniškės Nature Reserve, along the banks of the Neris River. The first phase is being built along the banks of the Neris, with 10 low-rise (3–4 storey) houses already under construction. Most of them will have views of the Neris River or the Karoliniškės Nature Reserve. The company is investing EUR 57 million in this phase, which is expected to be completed in 2026.
In the first phase, the company will build playgrounds, recreation areas with loungers, sports fields, and picnic areas. It will also incorporate a central, open neighbourhood square that includes benches, greenery, a fountain, and a bike path linked to the urban network. The commercial space adjacent to the square will house cafés, bakeries, and various service businesses catering to the residents and visitors of the neighbourhood.
During this phase, Darnu Group will carry out reconstruction and renovation work on K. Jelskio Street, from the intersection with Parodų Street to the intersection with Šaltinių Street. This will provide even more convenient access to the city's main arteries for local residents and improve road quality for those traveling by alternative transport.
The company will landscape nearly 60% of the riverside area, covering a total of 2.74 hectares. The project will incorporate perennial herbaceous and medicinal plants, along with trees, shrubs, and a variety of fruit trees, further enriching the already lush vegetation in the area.
