Almost One Third Oppose Densification In Capital Area

According to a new survey by the Housing and Construction Authority (HMS), 60 percent of people oppose densification in their local environment, with 20 percent in favour.

Out of all age groups, people aged 25-34 are most likely to be in favour of denser urbanisation. Thirty-six percent in the age bracket claim to be very in favour, while 47 are opposed to it.

Disparities in opinion vary between neighbourhoods. More than half, 52 percent, of downtown Reykjavík and Vesturbær residents are in favour of denser construction projects, with 34 percent opposed. In Reykjavík, highest levels of opposition are among residents of Efra-Breiðholt.

Those who live in smaller housing, walk, cycle, or use public transit frequently are more positive towards density than those in larger apartments or drive frequently.

According to the survey, 40 percent of responders prefer two parking spaces for their property, while 26 percent prefer one. Four percent prefer no parking space, while 31 percent prefer three to four spaces. The youngest respondents are more favourable towards no parking spaces than older ones.