A young family merged two neighboring apartments to avoid relocating. Initially, they hadn’t planned for children, but soon a pregnancy changed their needs. With rising rents and no affordable homes nearby, moving out of the neighborhood was neither a wish nor an option.

The adjacent flat, owned by their landlord, had previously been part of a merged apartment. It was being rented on Airbnb, but the family saw an opportunity. As architects, they proposed renting both apartments, renovating them to fit their growing family’s needs. In return, the landlord agreed to a fair rent with a 10-year freeze.

This solution allowed the family to remain rooted in their neighborhood. After ten years, when their children have likely moved out, the apartments can be separated again: the original flat stays with the couple, while the other can be rented or used by the landlord as they wish. The renovation has already increased the property’s value, and the kitchen and bathroom fixtures have been preserved and can be reactivated, ensuring flexibility and added benefits for any future separation.