Each generation is different than the preceding one, often in surprising ways. Unlike their parents and grandparents, Millennials, or Generation Y, are more comfortable paying rent rather than committing to a 15-30 year mortgage.
From 2006 through 2011, 25- to 34-year-olds experienced the largest decline in home ownership compared with any other age group, according to a USA TODAY analysis of Census Bureau data. Among households headed by 25- to 34-year-olds, renters increased by more than a million from 2006 to 2011, while the number who owned fell nearly 1.4 million.
For many Americans, particularly Millennials, there are a multitude of reasons why renting is on the rise and not expected to fall anytime soon. Young adults today are less inclined to buy a home because they don’t want to be tied down. They also don’t want to incur additional debts, as many already have loans from college.
Interestingly enough, one of the main reasons that drive Millennials to rent is not directly a question of money; it’s all about lifestyle. For this reason, it is important to understand what attracts Millennials and to design and build accordingly.
What Millennials Want in Rental Housing
Articles constantly appear in the media about what Millennials want. Let’s distill 6 key characteristics:
Technology: Millennials grew up with technology. It is second nature to them. Preferred living spaces are wired, connected, and up-to-date.
Community: The Facebook generation is plugged into their social circle, and the community is not just online – it’s also where they live.
“Within the apartment itself, one of the most important features that Generation Y renters look for is an open floor concept with a large living space. As a result, smaller bedroom spaces aren’t a drawback if the living space can support their naturally social lifestyles.” —Michael R. Ytterberg, BLT Architects
Authenticity: Millennials will not stand for fake. The truth is important and the objects with which they surround themselves must feel authentic.
Work and play: These fuse together in an online world. I can work anywhere; I can connect with my friends anywhere. Living arrangements need to support this.
Health: Their living environment must support a healthy lifestyle, both active and one that is clean and restful. This is one of the latest areas where multi-family projects have begun to differentiate themselves.
Experience: For Millennials it all comes together in a life that is rich in experience now, not delayed until success comes later. The road traveled must be an interesting one.
Buying a house ties one down and limits possibilities. Many Millennials today are willing to spend more on their monthly rent to live in a prime location that offers them convenience, comfort and choice.
Smaller apartments have become the norm as rents have risen so Millennials may continue to live in desirable neighborhoods. The neighborhood and the communal spaces in their building are their living spaces. Yet within the apartment itself, one of the most important features that Generation Y renters look for is an open floor concept with a large living space. As a result, smaller bedroom spaces aren’t a drawback if the living space can support their naturally social lifestyles.
Design elements and finishes must have character; uniqueness and charm are selling factors.
As Generation Y is inherently more social, common areas as well as outdoor space are very important to renters. Many Millennials also require access to a fitness center and a pool, spaces where health and sociability are combined.
How to Design Apartments for Millennials
In order to meet the needs of Millennials, one must offer amenities and finishes that are impressive in a competitive landscape. An active, inviting lobby is always important, as it is the first impression that the renter and his/her guests see upon entrance. The lobby should be open and situated like a lounge, evoking the feeling of an extended hangout space.
In addition to lobbies, public space is a necessity in attracting Millennials. Internet lounges within the building where residents and can bring their laptops, as well as rooms that people can rent out for parties are attractive to renters.
Rendering depicts the rooftop entertainment space at the 3737 Chestnut luxury apartment development in Philadelphia. Rendering: Radnor Property, SPG3 Architects
When designing for Millennials, keep in mind they understand that quality materials are important, and they favor granite or quartz countertops and clean looking finishes that are easy to maintain. Additionally, buildings must be developed to be pet friendly. Having pet centered amenities, such as a dog grooming facility and synthetic turf pet areas, is becoming the norm.
Many Millennials who live in cities are often doing away with the costly expense of owning their own cars. For this reason, developers should make sure public transportation is easily accessible and consider having a car share program nearby. It has also become a necessity to have plenty of bike storage that is both convenient, as well as easily accessible, to renters.
Millennials are not only renting more often than buying, but they are also renting for much longer periods of time than previous generations. With so many choices available, they have become much more particular when it comes to having the right amenities and living space. Keeping these trends in mind when developing your next project will be essential in remaining competitive within the rental landscape that is being driven by a new generation.
About the Author: Michael R. Ytterberg, PhD, AIA, LEED AP, is a Principal with BLT Architects, a Philadelphia-based architecture firm.
Related Stories
| Oct 13, 2010
Residences bring students, faculty together in the Middle East
A new residence complex is in design for United Arab Emirates University in Al Ain, UAE, near Abu Dhabi. Plans for the 120-acre mixed-use development include 710 clustered townhomes and apartments for students and faculty and common areas for community activities.
| Oct 13, 2010
Community center under way in NYC seeks LEED Platinum
A curving, 550-foot-long glass arcade dubbed the “Wall of Light” is the standout architectural and sustainable feature of the Battery Park City Community Center, a 60,000-sf complex located in a two-tower residential Lower Manhattan complex. Hanrahan Meyers Architects designed the glass arcade to act as a passive energy system, bringing natural light into all interior spaces.
| Oct 12, 2010
The Watch Factory, Waltham, Mass.
27th Annual Reconstruction Awards — Gold Award. When the Boston Watch Company opened its factory in 1854 on the banks of the Charles River in Waltham, Mass., the area was far enough away from the dust, dirt, and grime of Boston to safely assemble delicate watch parts.
| Sep 13, 2010
Richmond living/learning complex targets LEED Silver
The 162,000-sf living/learning complex includes a residence hall with 122 units for 459 students with a study center on the ground level and communal and study spaces on each of the residential levels. The project is targeting LEED Silver.
| Sep 13, 2010
Committed to the Core
How a forward-looking city government, a growth-minded university, a developer with vision, and a determined Building Team are breathing life into downtown Phoenix.
| Aug 11, 2010
Brown Craig Turner opens senior living studio
Baltimore-based architecture and design firm Brown Craig Turner has significantly expanded its housing design capabilities and expertise with the launch of its new senior living studio.
| Aug 11, 2010
CTBUH changes height criteria; Burj Dubai height increases, others decrease
The Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat (CTBUH)—the international body that arbitrates on tall building height and determines the title of “The World’s Tallest Building”—has announced a change to its height criteria, as a reflection of recent developments with several super-tall buildings.
| Aug 11, 2010
Morphosis builds 'floating' house for Brad Pitt's Make It Right New Orleans foundation
Morphosis Architects, under the direction of renowned architect and UCLA professor Thom Mayne, has completed the first floating house permitted in the U.S. for Brad Pitt’s Make It Right Foundation in New Orleans.The FLOAT House is a new model for flood-safe, affordable, and sustainable housing that is designed to float securely with rising water levels.
| Aug 11, 2010
Bovis Lend Lease, Webcor among nation's largest multifamily contractors, according to BD+C's Giants 300 report
A ranking of the Top 50 Multifamily Contractors based on Building Design+Construction's 2009 Giants 300 survey. For more Giants 300 rankings, visit http://www.BDCnetwork.com/Giants