What Renters Want with Jessica Fiur: Package Management is the New Black (But What Will be in Style Next?)
Package management is hot right now. But what will be the next big trend in multifamily amenities?
By Jessica Fiur, Managing Editor
In previous years, pet amenities were the thing. Dog runs, pet grooming areas, doggy spas… But now these amenities are sort of standard, and no longer making waves. This year, it’s all about package management. (Check out MHN’s coverage, including an interview with Camden on their new package police and a byline from NMHC.)
But, the year is quickly coming to a close, and I want to talk about the Next. Big. Thing. in apartment amenities. Do I know what it is? Of course not. If I knew I’d be investing in it and moving to a tropical island.
Anyway…
While I might not know what the next big thing in apartments is, I’m going to venture some guesses.
Security. This one is kind of a bummer, so I’m going to get it out of the way. It could be dangerous and scary out there, and renters should certainly feel safe in their homes, so perhaps apartment communities will beef up their security. Maybe they will add more cameras around the community, or have security guards patrol the parking lots constantly. If there’s no doorman, I bet communities will upgrade their technology at the buzzers, maybe using videos so the residents can see who’s at the door, and even connect that to their smart phones, so even if the resident isn’t there they can be sure they’re buzzing in service people who need to be there.
A focus on health. My boss was just talking about how standing desks are becoming even more popular, and that some hotels are going to start focusing on fitness and health. Could this trend move to multifamily? I, for one, hope not, because I am a lazy, lazy woman and would like to watch TV and eat cookies in peace (though I do own a treadmill and eat vegetables occasionally, mom). But it’s definitely important to stay healthy. Leasing agents could start offering Fitbits or free gym membership as incentives to sign the lease. Gyms at apartment communities are already a hot amenity, so maybe these will expand as well.
