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
Mixed-Use | Apr 22, 2022
San Francisco replaces a waterfront parking lot with a new neighborhood
A parking lot on San Francisco’s waterfront is transforming into Mission Rock—a new neighborhood featuring rental units, offices, parks, open spaces, retail, and parking.
Multifamily Housing | Apr 20, 2022
A Frankfurt tower gives residents greenery-framed views
In Frankfurt, Germany, the 27-floor EDEN tower boasts an exterior “living wall system”: 186,000 plants that cover about 20 percent of the building’s facade.
Multifamily Housing | Apr 20, 2022
Prism Capital Partners' Avenue & Green luxury/affordable rental complex is 96% leased
The 232-unit rental property, in Woodbridge, N.J., has surpassed the 96 percent mark in leases.
Senior Living Design | Apr 19, 2022
Affordable housing for L.A. veterans and low-income seniors built on former parking lot site
The Howard and Irene Levine Senior Community, designed by KFA Architecture for Mercy Housing of California, provides badly needed housing for Los Angeles veterans and low-income seniors
Market Data | Apr 14, 2022
FMI 2022 construction spending forecast: 7% growth despite economic turmoil
Growth will be offset by inflation, supply chain snarls, a shortage of workers, project delays, and economic turmoil caused by international events such as the Russia-Ukraine war.
Wood | Apr 13, 2022
Mass timber: Multifamily’s next big building system
Mass timber construction experts offer advice on how to use prefabricated wood systems to help you reach for the heights with your next apartment or condominium project.
Codes and Standards | Apr 13, 2022
LEED multifamily properties fetch higher rents and sales premiums
LEED-certified multifamily properties consistently receive higher rents than non-certified rental complexes, according to a Cushman & Wakefield study of two decades of data on Class A multifamily assets with 50 units or more.
Multifamily Housing | Apr 7, 2022
Ken Soble Tower becomes world’s largest residential Passive House retrofit
The project team for the 18-story high-rise for seniors slashed the building’s greenhouse gas emissions by 94 percent and its heating energy demand by 91 percent.
Multifamily Housing | Apr 5, 2022
New Covenant House New York contains multiple services for youth in crisis
The new Covenant House New York, a crisis shelter for homeless youth in the Hell’s Kitchen neighborhood, provides a temporary home and multiple services for young people.
