HOUSING PRICES AS PAYMENT FOR ECOSYSTEM SERVICES OF URBAN GREEN SPACES: CASE STUDY IN KYIV

Abstract

The purpose of the study is to analyze the impact of the availability of urban green spaces (UGS) and air quality on the cost of residential real estate in Kyiv. Additionally, it seeks to identify the level of awareness among city residents regarding the advantages of living close to UGSs in areas with relatively clean air and their willingness to pay a higher price for such housing. The QGIS software was employed to assess the pedestrian and time accessibility levels of recreational green spaces, and the results are depicted on the corresponding map. The least accessible for everyday recreation is the UGS in the central districts of the city, which traditionally have the highest population density and the most expensive residential real estate. The article analyzes the priority criteria for determining the housing cost, depending on the spatial localization relative to the city center and the comfort class of real estate. The distribution of housing across different tiers and the price range for the apartments in new constructions in Kyiv during 2015–2021 were also examined. To identify the correlation between the cost of residential real estate in the capital’s new buildings and the availability of green spaces nearby, we investigated the spatial distribution of prices in the largest residential complexes in the city. The results of spatial visualization obtained through Voronoi diagrams or Delaunay triangulation indicate significant disparities in the cost of housing located in the center of Kyiv or on the periphery. Logically, residential complexes with the highest apartment prices are located in the central districts of Kyiv and near the metro stations. However, most of these locations lack accessible green areas suitable for everyday recreation. Therefore, there is no positive correlation between housing prices and the presence of UGSs nearby. To achieve the research goal, we also conducted a sociological survey among Kyiv residents in various districts of the city. The survey results indicate that most Kyiv residents do not have the desire or are not currently willing to pay a higher price for the opportunity to live near a park or forest and breathe clean air, i.e., to enjoy the ecosystem services provided by UGSs fully. The scientific novelty of the research lies in determining the pedestrian and time accessibility of recreational green spaces in Kyiv, identifying trends in spatial clustering of the most expensive residential real estate in central city areas, and demonstrating the lack of a positive impact of the availability of green areas on the per square meter cost of housing in new developments. Additionally, the study reveals a remarkably low willingness of the city residents to pay a higher price for the opportunity to receive ecosystem services from available UGSs.