WALLENSTAM: Neighbors crucial for security and togetherness
New report:
In a society where more than 40 percent live alone and where the feeling of isolation is becoming more common, the property company Wallenstam launches a new report that highlights how neighborly relationships impact the sense of security and togetherness. This shows that 88 percent believe that neighborly relationships are important for wellbeing and security. Meanwhile, half of all people living in apartments have no contact at all with their neighbors.
With the Ensamma tillsammans report (Alone together report), Wallenstam wants to highlight how neighbors impact security in our residential areas, how the relationships among neighbours look today and what initiatives can strengthen social capital.
"The entire industry needs a greater understanding of how neighborliness impacts security and wellbeing, especially in apartment blocks. This is a core part of the work in developing residential areas where people feel at home and want to stay," says Hans Wallenstam, CEO of Wallenstam.
The report shows that the type of housing has a direct impact on social cohesion. Only every second apartment dweller has some form of contact with their neighbors, compared to 74 percent of those who live in houses or terraced houses. At the same time, a quarter of Swedes feel that it has become more difficult to establish relationships with their neighbors compared to ten years' ago, and 58 percent point to increased anonymity and more reserved attitudes as a contributory factor.
In spite of this, there is a strong willingness to contribute to security and togetherness. Of those surveyed, 88 percent believe that neighbourly relationships are important for wellbeing and security, and many take an active interest by greeting their neighbors (88 percent), keeping an eye on the area (54 percent) and helping when needed (45 percent).
In order to strengthen the cohesion in multi-dwelling housing, Wallenstam sees a need to work actively with social initiatives and living environments that encourage spontaneous meetings.
"Building homes is not just about properties - it's about creating an everyday life where people feel secure and seen. If we want to break anonymity, we have to create the conditions that make it easier for neighbors to meet naturally," says Hans Wallenstam.
To read the full report (only in Swedish), please visit Ensammatillsammans - Wallenstam
About the report The survey was carried out in Kantar Media's online panel (the Sifo panel) during the period January 22-29, 2025. A total of 1,025 people aged 18-79 were interviewed. The online panel is nationally representative where participants are recruited based on random sampling. There is no self-recruitment in Kantar Media's online panel (the Sifo panel).