For multifamily developers, and their building teams, getting the amenities mix right could make or break the success of their multifamily housing developments.
Ongoing research by BD+C's sister brand, Multifamily Design+Construction (MFDC), aims to help developers, owners, architects, and other project team members identify proven and trending multifamily amenities.
The latest iteration of MFDC's research, the 2021 Multifamily Amenities Study, ranks the top 131 amenities that developers are providing in today's apartment and condominium communities. A total of 342 industry professionals completed the online, 11-question survey over a four-week period in February/March 2021.
The makeup of respondents includes architects/interior designers (34.9 percent), developers/owners/property managers (30.5 percent), construction professionals (21.4 percent), consultants (5.0 percent), engineers (3.2 percent), and others allied to the multifamily housing field (5.1 percent).
Thanks to our 2021 Multifamily Amenities Study sponsor: EXACOR™ | Huber Engineered Woods
Top 10 outdoor amenities at multifamily housing developments
Among the findings from the 2021 Multifamily Amenities Study is a ranking of the top 10 outdoor amenities.
Fire pits (66.1 percent), lounge areas (64.0 percent), and covered parking (55.3 percent) were cited most often by survey respondents, followed by rooftop deck/terrace (54.4 percent), outdoor pool (53.2 percent), and walking paths (49.4 percent). Outdoor kitchens (43.6%) and community gardens (31.6%) are also popular items.
Looking at historical data from the 2019 and 2017 Multifamily Amenities surveys, almost all outdoor amenities tracked closely with the 2021 report. Although “storage (outside the unit)” seems to have dropped off significantly, at 44.2% this year, vs. 57.5% in 2019 and 62.4% in 2017.
Nearly one-fourth of respondents (24.6 percent) had installed a Jacuzzi, up slightly from 2019 (20.6 percent).
Outdoor movie screens (15.8 percent, vs. 14.4 percent in 2019) and catering pantries (12.9 percent, up a touch from 11.7 percent in 2019) also made the list.
The 2021 Multifamily Amenities Study ranks amenities and features across nine other building areas:
• Top ‘smart connectivity’ systems
• Top 10 indoor amenities
• Top 10 recreation amenities
• Top 10 convenience services
• Top 10 quality of life amenities
• Top 10 business and technology services
• Top 10 security services
• Top children's services
• Top services for pets
• BONUS: COVID-19 impact on amenities
• BONUS: List of ‘first-time amenities’ for developers
Download the complete findings for free (short registration required).
Related Stories
Multifamily Housing | Apr 9, 2024
March reports record gains in multifamily rent growth in 20 months
Asking rents for multifamily units increased $8 during the month to $1,721; year-over-year growth grew 30 basis points to 0.9 percent—a normal seasonal growth pattern according to Yardi Matrix.
Industry Research | Apr 4, 2024
Expenses per multifamily unit reach $8,950 nationally
Overall expenses per multifamily unit rose to $8,950, a 7.1% increase year-over-year (YOY) as of January 2024, according to an examination of more than 20,000 properties analyzed by Yardi Matrix.
Affordable Housing | Apr 1, 2024
Biden Administration considers ways to influence local housing regulations
The Biden Administration is considering how to spur more affordable housing construction with strategies to influence reform of local housing regulations.
Affordable Housing | Apr 1, 2024
Chicago voters nix ‘mansion tax’ to fund efforts to reduce homelessness
Chicago voters in March rejected a proposed “mansion tax” that would have funded efforts to reduce homelessness in the city.
Standards | Apr 1, 2024
New technical bulletin covers window opening control devices
A new technical bulletin clarifies the definition of a window opening control device (WOCD) to promote greater understanding of the role of WOCDs and provide an understanding of a WOCD’s function.
Adaptive Reuse | Mar 26, 2024
Adaptive Reuse Scorecard released to help developers assess project viability
Lamar Johnson Collaborative announced the debut of the firm’s Adaptive Reuse Scorecard, a proprietary methodology to quickly analyze the viability of converting buildings to other uses.
Green | Mar 25, 2024
Zero-carbon multifamily development designed for transactive energy
Living EmPower House, which is set to be the first zero-carbon, replicable, and equitable multifamily development designed for transactive energy, recently was awarded a $9 million Next EPIC Grant Construction Loan from the State of California.
Adaptive Reuse | Mar 21, 2024
Massachusetts launches program to spur office-to-residential conversions statewide
Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey recently launched a program to help cities across the state identify underused office buildings that are best suited for residential conversions.
Multifamily Housing | Mar 19, 2024
Jim Chapman Construction Group completes its second college town BTR community
JCCG's 200-unit Cottages at Lexington, in Athens, Ga., is fully leased.
