Lucy Harrison, founder and CEO of SouthPark Interiors, believes that the trend of extravagant and elaborate apartment amenities may be changing. According to her colleague Jonathan Treble, founder and CEO of WithMe – a multifamily amenity solutions company – residents are now placing greater value on practical features that enhance their everyday lives.
In a recent survey conducted by WithMe among over 2,000 multifamily residents, fitness centers were still the top desired amenity but lobby-based coffee stations came in second place with 25% of respondents choosing it as their preferred feature. This supports the idea that tenants want amenities that can simplify their daily routines.
Other in-demand features include printers and printing stations which offer convenience without the hassle or expense of owning one. Additionally, co-working spaces have become popular as more people work remotely due to COVID-19. Outdoor space is also highly sought after for spending time outdoors.
While practical amenities are becoming more important to renters, traditional luxury features like yoga studios and fitness centers are not going away anytime soon according to Harrison who notes that health and wellness remain important factors for most residents.
Treble advises landlords and property managers to prioritize useful amenities over trendy ones when considering extras for properties. These could include self-serve coffee stations or co-working spaces which encourage community engagement while simplifying routines for tenants.
Harrison adds that focusing on flexible spaces allows developers to stay up-to-date with trends without investing in long-term amenities that may lose popularity among renters over time.
