Rental properties have to keep up with the times. 2016 promises to see some of the coolest properties yet, with amenities straight out of a futuristic movie. So what are the most sought after apartment amenities that renters will be expecting in their leasing community? Below we have done our research and come up with the top five 2016 amenities predictions.
1. Rooftop Terrace
The rooftop pool and garden used to be something that was for the most expensive rental properties, however looking toward the future they will become much more common.
“In many of these buildings, we’re not doing amenities on the ground floor, to a certain extent, because we’re moving all of these traditional amenities up to the rooftop,” says Rohit Anand, principal at architecture firm KTGY.
The main reason people are gravitating to the rooftop is pretty clear, it’s all about the view.
“The guy on the second floor of a building downtown gets a view of the building next door,” says Mark Humphreys, CEO of Dallas-based Humphreys & Partners Architects. But upon entering the rooftop, the image of an uninspiring building wall is long forgotten. “That person owns that skyline view. That’s his view too.”
2. Bike-Friendly
The eco-friendly lifestyle is being embraced more and more, especially among Millennials. Bike-friendly amenities present new spatial and security problems for architects and contractors: where do you put them, and how do you keep them safe?
This shouldn’t stop leasing communities from embracing the bike culture. Maintenance stations, secure bike-parking, and bike washes are just a few of the perks a bike-riding resident is looking for.
3. (Extremely) Pet-Friendly
Many apartment communities have embraced their resident’s furry friends with dog-parks and walking trails. The pet-friendly trend for 2016 includes pet-grooming areas and pet-sitting services. Some properties have partnered with local pet salons and kennels to offer residents exclusive discounts or even free services without renovating their property grounds.
4. Improved Common Areas
As apartments shrink, common areas expand to meet the needs of residents who want space to gather socially or get work done. These areas now include the technology required to support live-work interactions. USB ports, dependable Wi-Fi, iCafes, and other web-access features have become standard. To handle heavier use, properties are also upgrading with more durable furniture and carpeting.
In addition, co-working areas are rising in popularity. More Millennials are choosing nontraditional work situations, such as freelancing and telecommuting, and they expect their living spaces to support that lifestyle.
5. Group Exercise Classes
The empty apartment gym is quickly becoming a thing of the past. Today, residents want more. They ask for group fitness classes and detox programs directly from their leasing properties. Popular classes include yoga, boot camp fitness, and weightlifting. To meet this demand, many properties now partner with local personal trainers and instructors. Together, they bring the fit-lifestyle directly to residents.
Looking ahead, 2016 is set to be the year leasing properties raise the bar on amenities. Cities continue to grow more crowded, and people choose multifamily housing for convenience rather than cost alone. As a result, expectations from potential residents will keep climbing. Don’t wait – stay ahead of the trend!