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 | Jan 9, 2018
New 58-unit luxury apartment building under construction in Chicago’s Gold Coast neighborhood
The 8-story building will feature two- and three-bedroom residences.
Multifamily Housing | Jan 5, 2018
Let’s discuss the Energy Star Multifamily High-Rise Program
The demand for rental housing has been on a steady climb since 2004.
Multifamily Housing | Jan 4, 2018
Shigeru Ban’s mass timber tower in Vancouver gets city approval
The 232-foot-tall Terrace House luxury condo development will be the tallest hybrid wood structure in North America.
Mixed-Use | Jan 3, 2018
A Houston luxury apartment complex has its own co-working space
The new community is located in the economic and population center of Houston.
Multifamily Housing | Dec 12, 2017
Call for technical experts: Dog wash station design
The editors of Multifamily Design + Construction magazine need your expertise.
Multifamily Housing | Dec 7, 2017
Planned Denver apartment community is for those 55 years and older
KTGY Architecture + Planning designed the new Avenida Lakewood just six miles from downtown Denver.
Multifamily Housing | Nov 29, 2017
First Porsche, now Aston Martin: Sports car maker co-develops Miami condo tower *UPDATED
The 391-unit Aston Martin Residences will feature seven penthouses and a duplex penthouse, all with private pools and terraces overlooking Biscayne Bay.
Industry Research | Nov 28, 2017
2018 outlook: Economists point to slowdown, AEC professionals say ‘no way’
Multifamily housing and senior living developments head the list of the hottest sectors heading into 2018, according a survey of 356 AEC professionals.
Multifamily Housing | Nov 28, 2017
Elementary school, daycare campus will serve Toronto’s skyrise neighborhood
The $65 million Canoe Landing Campus brings much needed social infrastructure to the 20,000 residents of Toronto’s CityPlace towers.
Multifamily Housing | Nov 15, 2017
6 noteworthy multifamily developments: artists housing, tech lofts, resort-style senior living
These recently completed projects represent emerging trends and design innovations in the multifamily sector.