Remote work is not only here to stay but is shaping the modern renter’s wants and needs while influencing design decisions and building plans across the industry.
New data from the 2022 National Multifamily Housing Council (NMHC)/Grace Hill Renter Preferences Survey Report, which features insights from more than 221,000 renters living in 4,564 communities across the U.S., shows that a rise in remote work was a driving force among renters who relocated during the pandemic. Of the 60 percent of survey respondents who moved during the past 18 months, 25 percent moved as a result of the shift to remote work.
Like many, renters are teleworking with higher frequency than ever before. Nationally, the share of respondents who are teleworking daily is roughly five times higher than it was two years ago. And many aren’t counting on that changing. Of those who currently telework (with any frequency), 64 percent anticipate working from home about the same amount over the next 12 months and 9 percent anticipate working from home more. In contrast, 27 percent said they anticipate working from home less over the coming year.
Curb-to-couch connectivity in multifamily housing
Renters have long demanded seamless connectivity, from curb to couch and everywhere in between, but this need has become critical as telecom and internet technology have become a lifeline to their livelihoods.
Respondents ranked reliable cell phone service as the No. 1 community amenity, with 86 percent of survey respondents indicating interest. Renters are even more serious about their internet connectivity in their units, with nine out of 10 respondents saying they were interested in or wouldn’t rent their home without it. An environment conducive to work also needs to be quiet and private, leading to strong interest in soundproof walls with 90 percent of renter respondents saying they are interested or won’t rent without this amenity.
As such, some communities are opting to offer high-speed, community-wide Wi-Fi as part of the properties’ amenity package. For example, AvalonBay Communities’ Kanso Twinbrook, in Rockville, Md., partners with WhiteSky to offer seamless, secure and instant high-speed Wi-Fi internet connectivity throughout the entire community. Residents can move in and log on—no equipment or installation appointments required.
![AMLI 808 in Chicago offers downtown living with a plethora of work-from-home amenities, including an on-site podcast studio and a DIY studio for makers and builders.](/sites/default/files/inline-images/AMLI808DIYStudio.jpg)
Home offices and shared meeting spaces have also become in-demand features. While 19 percent of renter respondents said they would consider using a co-working facility when teleworking, such as WeWork or SPACES, a greater share of respondents (35 percent) indicated interest in using a shared workspace at their communities.
Not only are these amenities sought after, but renters are willing to pay an additional monthly premium for them. Of those interested, the average survey respondent is willing to pay $47.93 more per month for high-speed internet, $42.78 for reliable cell phone service, and $46.21 for soundproof walls. And for a convenient onsite alternative to work from home, interested renters are willing to shell out $36.60 more on average for an on-site rentable co-working space.
Recognizing this, some developers are making significant investments in their co-working amenities by repositioning common areas as co-working space, adding charging and print stations and even introducing more specialized equipment. For example, AMLI 808 in Chicago offers downtown living with a plethora of work-from-home amenities, including an on-site podcast studio and a DIY studio for makers and builders.
Flexibility becomes a key feature in apartment design
With the lines blurred between work and home, renters are increasingly looking for flexibility in their homes to accommodate these shifting needs. Versatility rules as nearly two-thirds of survey respondents said that flexible space in their homes was either important or extremely important. Adaptable floorplans that can adjust to a variety of needs and options for furnished or unfurnished units are among the features these live-work-play from home renters desire.
As an example, AMLI 808 also features Ori studio suites. Choreographing movement into apartment homes, this modular furniture system creates a private bedroom, an open living room, work from home space, storage and more—all at the touch of a button.
![AMLI808OriStudiogif.gif](/sites/default/files/inline-images/AMLI808OriStudiogif.gif)
However, flex living isn't limited to just physical space. As remote work gives more renters the freedom to move about, they are considering alternatives to the traditional leasing model. For example, 56 percent of those who moved because of a switch to remote work said they would consider joining a rental housing membership program similar to a vacation club. That same group also indicated more interest than their non-mover counterparts in having the ability to list their rental homes on short-term rental sites like Airbnb or VRBO.
The pandemic has certainly changed the way we work; owners, developers and architects who recognize this new paradigm and respond with creative solutions will keep renters satisfied and the industry moving forward.
About the survey: Since its inception in 2013, the NMHC/Grace Hill Renter Preferences Survey Report has been the authoritative data source for apartment owners, managers, developers, industry suppliers, as well as architects, financial institutions and others seeking insights into the minds of renters. This biennial survey of residents at institutional-grade properties provides users with reliable data to make a variety of investment, development and operational decisions. Survey partners featured NMHC 50 companies including Greystar, AMLI Residential, and Windsor Communities.
Related Stories
Multifamily Housing | May 19, 2015
Zaha Hadid unveils 'interlocking lattice' design for luxury apartments in Monterrey, Mexico
Hadid's scheme was inspired by the Mexican tradition of interlocking lattice geometries.
Multifamily Housing | May 19, 2015
Study: Urban land use policies costs U.S. economy $1.6 trillion a year
The research contends that more affordable housing options can help cities generate significantly more income.
Multifamily Housing | May 17, 2015
New York City runs into affordable housing dilemma
New York City’s affordable housing policy has created attractive low-cost housing, but the price of success has been high.
Sponsored | Coatings | May 14, 2015
Prismatic coatings accent the new Altara Center
This multi-use campus will contain a university, sports facilities, medical center, and world-class shopping
High-rise Construction | May 6, 2015
Two new designs submitted for New York City Riverside Center
Both designs reference the cantilevers and other elements featured in architect Christian de Portzamparc’s original masterplan for the complex, which has now been scrapped.
High-rise Construction | May 6, 2015
Parks in the sky? Subterranean bike paths? Meet the livable city, designed in 3D
Today’s great cities must be resilient—and open—to many things, including the influx of humanity, writes Gensler co-CEO Andy Cohen.
Mixed-Use | May 5, 2015
Miami ‘innovation district’ will have 6.5 million sf of dense, walkable space
Designing a neighborhood from the ground-up, developers aim to create a dense, walkable district that fulfills what is lacking from Miami’s current auto-dependent layout.
Codes and Standards | May 1, 2015
Colorado House kills construction defects bill
The legislation would have made it harder for condo owners to sue builders.
Multifamily Housing | May 1, 2015
Trade groups extend campaign to promote apartment living
The groups claim that there are more than 37 million Americans—12% of the population—living in just under 20 million apartment units nationwide. Apartments and their residents contribute $1.3 trillion annually to the economy.
Multifamily Housing | Apr 28, 2015
Masdar City: Construction on sustainable residential complex begins
The planned city’s new residences will help support Abu Dhabi’s rapid population growth.