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
Multifamily Housing | Aug 27, 2018
5 noteworthy multifamily projects: summer 2018 edition
The 5 buildings highlight MFDC's summer issue noteworthy projects section.
Multifamily Housing | Aug 20, 2018
$53 million Chamberlain apartments will comprise six buildings, three new and three renovated
The project’s groundbreaking was held on July 19.
Multifamily Housing | Aug 17, 2018
Sound advice on multifamily construction
Four leading experts tell how to ensure your next multifamily project achieves acoustic privacy.
Multifamily Housing | Aug 15, 2018
Memphis construction: Can this city become the next Austin?
One local design firm is trying to make it happen.
Multifamily Housing | Aug 8, 2018
Flyin' high: Humphreys & Partners Architects keeps soaring to new heights
HPA, which reported $78.2 million in multifamily design fees in 2017, ranks as the nation’s largest multifamily design firm.
Multifamily Housing | Aug 7, 2018
Even after redevelopment, the iconic 'Chicago Tribune' sign will remain at 435 N. Michigan Ave.
The newspaper and the building's new owners reached a settlement.
Multifamily Housing | Aug 2, 2018
The recipe for bicycle kitchens
Bike storage and workshop spaces are rapidly turning into full-service social amenity spaces in multifamily projects.
Multifamily Housing | Aug 2, 2018
Bicycle kitchens give cyclists their very own amenity space
Bike storage and workshop spaces are rapidly turning into full-service social amenity spaces in multifamily projects.
Multifamily Housing | Jul 31, 2018
Put air rights to better use
If your school district is building a new school, build housing in the air space above it and put lower-paid public employees at the front of the line to live there.
Multifamily Housing | Jul 25, 2018
Multifamily market trends 2018: Demographic shifts reshape the residential landscape
Changing generational preferences are prompting multifamily developers to re-strategize.
