By Tom Cowan, Director of Operations and Jessica Bell, Senior Project Engineer with Nexus 5 Group
The multi-family housing sector has been evolving to meet the changing demands of its residents. There are numerous amenities that are popular in today's market. However, the "top" amenities can vary greatly depending on the region, demographic, and specific needs of the residents. That said, here are several modern amenities that are frequently considered attractive in multi-family housing:
1. Smart Home Technology: This includes programmable thermostats, keyless entry, smart lights, and other devices that can be controlled via smartphone. These features add convenience and can also lead to savings on energy bills.
2. High-Speed Internet and Wi-Fi: Given the increasing reliance on digital connectivity for both work and leisure, having high-speed internet access is a must. Many properties offer community-wide Wi-Fi, including in common areas.
3. Fitness Centers: These are not new, but the modern versions may be larger and offer more specialized equipment or services, such as virtual workout classes or personal training sessions.
4. Outdoor Spaces: Whether it's rooftop decks, communal gardens, barbecue areas, or outdoor pools, well-designed outdoor spaces are a big draw.
5. Pet-Friendly Amenities: These can include pet grooming stations, dog parks, pet sitting services, and even "yappy hours" where residents and their pets can socialize.
6. Co-Working Spaces: As remote work becomes more prevalent, many residents appreciate having a dedicated space where they can work without being confined to their apartment.
7. Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Stations: As electric cars become more common, providing charging stations is a valuable amenity.
8. Bike Storage and Repair Stations: Especially in urban areas, safe bike storage and the tools to handle minor repairs can be very attractive.
9. Package Lockers or Delivery Rooms: With the rise of online shopping, managing deliveries in a secure and convenient way is important.
10. In-Unit Washer/Dryer: While not new, this is a sought-after amenity that adds considerable convenience.
11. Luxury Finishes: Things like quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances, high ceilings, and large windows can make a big difference in how attractive an apartment is.
12. Environmentally Friendly Features: Many residents appreciate efforts to be more sustainable, such as solar panels, recycling programs, energy-efficient appliances, and green building materials.
13. Car Wash: These can be a desirable amenity in multi-family housing communities, particularly in higher-end or luxury complexes. This can range from simple car washing stations, where residents can wash their own vehicles, to more comprehensive auto detailing services.
These are just a few examples, and the "best" amenities really depend on the particular market and what the residents value most. It's always a good idea for property developers and managers to do market research and get to know their prospective tenants' needs and desires.
