How has the rise of forever renters influenced the design of residential spaces?
By Leah Wheary Brown, Design Director of Interiors, and Rachael Lewis, Co-Director of Housing, Ankrom Moisan
The growing trend of forever renters—those choosing to rent as a long-term, lifestyle-focused decision—is transforming residential design. Prioritizing flexibility and convenience over homeownership, these residents seek properties that meet their evolving needs as their lifestyle changes. In response, designers are curating programming and amenities that support diverse lifestyles, including:
- Livability: With many residents starting or growing families, they’re looking for spaces that can evolve with them—leading to a wider variety of unit sizes, including larger apartments with multiple bedrooms.
- Transformative (Day to Night) Amenities: These areas are designed for versatility and round-the-clock use, and can easily transform from meeting rooms to social lounges or a podcast studio that doubles as a karaoke lounge.
- Enhanced Finishes: Local materials, collaborations with emerging artists, and brand partnerships elevate spaces and reflect the local context, attracting residents who could buy a home but prefer the flexibility and maintenance-free lifestyle that renting presents.
- Hospitality-Inspired Spaces: Today's residents also expect a high level of comfort and accessibility, often comparable to a luxury hotel. Buildings now offer time-saving services concierge services, partnerships with retailers, local restaurants, and rental services.
- Lifestyle-Centric, Wellness-Focused Environments: Wellness extends beyond traditional gyms to include meditation rooms, salt rooms, saunas, and quiet zones that support both mental and physical well-being. Thoughtfully designed community spaces blur the lines between indoor and outdoor providing residents the ability to socialize or recharge as they choose.
Lifestyle Trends Among Forever Renters
As more people embrace long-term renting, several trends are emerging that drive the need for adaptable spaces, reflecting the evolving priorities of residents who seek spaces capable of supporting them both now and in the future. These include:
- Pet-Friendly Spaces: A pet spa designed for dog washing offers a luxurious, spa-like experience for both pets and their owners, often featuring natural light and scenic views. These pet-focused amenities, typically located on an amenity floor, serve as a social hub with features like agility courses, "yappy hour" lounges, and hospitality bars. Thoughtfully connected zones create a cohesive experience, fostering synergy across all amenities.
- Additional Storage Solutions: Long-term residents often require additional storage for seasonal items, sports equipment, and other belongings. Solutions like smart storage in the units maximize livable layouts based on the renter profiles and their needs.
To ensure these spaces evolve alongside residents' needs, it is vital to design with flexibility in mind by using modular layouts and multi-functional furniture that can adapt to changing expectations. Additionally, gathering regular feedback from residents helps keep spaces relevant, ensuring they remain functional and aligned with residents' lifestyles.
What are some innovative or experimental amenities designers incorporate into projects that specifically target the lifestyle of forever renters?
Over the years, we've incorporated a range of innovative amenities designed to align with the lifestyle priorities of forever renters. The coworking spaces and small meeting rooms cater to hybrid workers, while pet-friendly features ensure residents can work alongside their animals.
We've also introduced wellness-focused areas, including spas, cold plunge pools, and saunas allowing residents to prioritize their health and well-being. These amenities have been well-received, particularly by residents who value a balanced lifestyle without having to leave the building.
To further cater to personal interests and social connections, we've developed dedicated spaces for hobbies and social gatherings, such as gaming rooms, art studios, and podcast/music recording studios—giving residents creative outlets right at home.
Drawing inspiration from hospitality design, we’ve also added lively ground-level amenities including coffee and cocktail bars managed in-house or by third-party vendors, and top-floor or roof deck lounges, speakeasies, and music/karaoke rooms with bars to foster a dynamic, social atmosphere.
Although traditional retail can be challenging to fill, these engaging concepts have created a vibrant community feel that resonates with residents.
Sustainable Design for Long-Term Renters
Residents today are increasingly conscious of the impact their choices have on the planet and their health. They are seeking spaces with clean, sustainable environments that reflect their lifestyle priorities, including cutting plastics and forever chemicals. As a result, we are always looking for new renewable materials, low in VOCs, and safe for families and pets.
For example, we replace traditional vinyl fabrics with alternatives made from natural resources like cacti or aloe vera, which are both renewable and biodegradable. Bio-based materials such as Peelsphere, created from fruit waste and algae, and mycelium-based fabrics provide excellent durability while reducing environmental impact. In lighting, fixtures like Mushlume made from mycelium offer sustainable and aesthetically pleasing options that enhance indoor spaces.
The Future of Forever Renter Design
Looking ahead, several key trends will shape the design of rental properties to meet the needs of a growing forever renter population. These include:
- Furnished Units for Digital Nomads: Furnished properties will cater to this growing population offering stylish and functional spaces that allow for immediate occupancy without the need for extensive personal investment.
- Brand Partnerships and Local Offerings: Partnerships with local businesses provide exclusive services and events for residents. This could include curated experiences or collaborations to foster community and connection among residents.
- AI and Smart Home Integration: Property management software and smart home technologies will streamline operations and provide a seamless living experience for residents. From automated maintenance requests to energy-efficient systems and security, smart technologies will enhance convenience and sustainability.