The new wave of hip home buyers are demanding for more than just a roof over their heads.

Customers can be very fickle beasts. What was fashionable yesterday might not be in vogue tomorrow.

It's no different when it comes to buying properties!

The evergreen mantra "location, location, location" still holds true for all property hunters, but in this day and age, customers are demanding so much more. Property buyers have evolved over the years in tandem with advanced technology and lifestyles which in effect has property developers adapting constantly, to meet their customers' ever-changing needs.

This is especially true with the current wave of Gen-Y and Gen-Z aged between 23-39 years old, who make up a vital and thriving segment of future home buyers. Unlike old school, traditional property buyers and investors, this new generation is not only internet savvy, but Insta-worthy of your attention!

Fortunately, some progressive property developers have kept abreast of the rapid changes in the market and are actively engaged with the new generation. One of them is Aikbee Development with its Unio Residence, a KL North project in Kepong offering chic and stylish high-rise apartments that are surrounded by charming, old-world ambience.

With this exemplary developer as a reference, let's dive into the minds of today's hip Gen-Y and Gen-Z buyers and see how they choose their dream homes.

#1 I want to be close to the action!

The nearer to the action, the hustle and the bustle of city life, the better! It's not surprising that most Gen-Y and Gen-Z buyers want to be within 30-minutes drive from the city centre or central business district (CBD).

Unio Residence fits the bill perfectly. The 36-storey tower with 520 serviced apartment units is less than 15KM away from hotspots that are popular with the younger crowd - Publika, KLCC, Pavilion Kuala Lumpur and 1 Utama Shopping Centre. Getting around is also a snap with its central location and convenient access to major highways.

#2 Let's get to places, fast!

Or in other words, "Jom MRT!" Taking the intra-city trains (be it the MRT or LRT, depending on which lines you take) has become such a central function of everyday life in Kuala Lumpur that most Gen-Y and Gen-Z commuters can't imagine life without it. Needless to say, being close to a transportation hub is a very important criterion when buying property.

Unio Residence is certainly not lacking in this department. It is just about 400 metres away from an MRT station that has a linked pedestrian bridge with a covered walkway. Transportation convenience is pretty much at your doorsteps! For many young home buyers, this factor alone would be a major deal clincher.

#3 Cool Insta-chic living!

Who in their right minds would buy an apartment that is not fit for social media consumption?! At least, that's what most Gen-Y and Gen-Z buyers would think.

After coughing up hard-earned cash for their dream homes, they would love for it to be seen on social media - #OOTD shots in their cosy apartments, chilling out with friends and family, and having fun at beautifully designed facilities within their home.

Saying that Unio Residence is an Insta-class above other apartments could be an understatement! It offers an array of 60 stunning state-of-the-art facilities and services including a rooftop garden, a 60m long infinity pool, a 360-degree-view gym, as well as a rooftop sky yoga and a mini putting green. Perfect for a million cool Insta-poses (and likes!).

#4 But hey, let's keep it eco-friendly too!

Having an environmentally friendly home is no longer just a fad or gimmick for the younger generation. It is often a matter of principle that guides their core buying decisions.

This would allow them to fully enjoy their plush homes and its multitude facilities, without the guilt that they might somehow be negatively impacting the environment, in the long run.

Luckily, homes such as Unio Residence meet these extremely high standards. It is a Green Building Index (GBI) project that promotes a contemporary green concept through sustainable living and user-friendly designs, featuring units that support natural lighting as well as a solar energy system.

#5 Value for my M-O-N-E-Y!

Arguably, nothing speaks louder to the Gen- Y and Gen- Z generation than M-O-N-E-Y and V-A-L-U-E.

Buyers are always looking for savings, discounts, rebates, low prices and other promotions/incentives. This generation is no different. However, a lot of property projects tout themselves as affordable developments, but in the end, lack overall value. This includes important but often overlooked details such as the quality and finishing of the units.

On all counts, Unio Residence delivers in spades. Other than its prominent address and location, its apartment units are accentuated with best-in-class finishing. All these at an affordable range too - starting from RM413,600.

#6 Make me feel safe and secure!

The phrase "safe as houses" can't be more appropriate in this instance. Gen-Y and Gen-Z - as would any home dwellers out there - place a premium on the security of their residences. You can't take anything for granted when it comes to the safety and wellbeing of you and your family.

This is especially true living in the heart of Kuala Lumpur that is often a mix of the good, the bad and the ugly. Bottom line, better to be safe than sorry!

With that in mind, UNIO Residence is equipped with state-of-the-art security features such as a four-tier enhanced security feature throughout the compound, 24-hour CCTV surveillance, IP-based video intercom systems as well as controlled access to every floor of the residence.

What matters most is that you and your loved ones sleep well at night, free of worries!