Satisfactory housing conditions define, in many aspects, people’s comfort and high standard of living. The psychological and social characteristics of residents strongly determine housing needs and preferences. They also depend on economic, spatial, technical, and cultural factors. The Covid-19 pandemic that humankind has been experiencing for two years influenced all the spheres of human life, especially inhabitation. The functional program of homes has changed as well as public spaces, transportation and social ties. While the future is uncertain, the many changes provoked by the pandemic might become irreversible. This paper aims to present how the phenomena mentioned above have influenced the housing environment and residential preferences and trends that may follow. A survey conducted among Cracow residents in Autumn 2021 revealed a significant shift in lifestyles that corresponded with the change in residential needs, preferences and attitudes toward the housing environment. Working from home has induced redefining the use of particular rooms/spaces. For security, families attempted to reorganize the entrance zone. Outdoor public spaces have become more appreciated following the trend of more healthy everyday life. Over the long term, the pandemic experience may influence the residential market.