WASHINGTON, D.C. – What do apartment dwellers want for Christmas? (Well, they probably want these things the other 364 days a year, too.)
The latest survey unveils the big items on renters’ wish lists:
In addition to a convenient location, renters say they need lighting fast internet, according to the National Multifamily Housing Council’s (NMHC) 2015 Apartment Resident Preferences Survey. The NMHC and Kingsley Associates analyzed data across 44 markets and found the top community amenity renters desire is ample parking and inside the unit high-speed internet is important to 94% of residents. With 38 million apartment renters in the U.S., an increase of 1.6 million renters over the last five years, this growing market is greatly impacting the multifamily market.
Renters today utilize their mobile devices more than ever and 53% of respondents said they tested internet connectivity during their apartment tour. Renters will be using all that internet to pay rent, at least the 78% percent of residents that said they prefer paying online to writing a check.
“There have been 1.6 million new renter households created in the past five years,” said Rick Haughey, Vice President of Industry Technology Initiatives with the National Multifamily Housing Council. “Many of these new residents are making a lifestyle choice to rent instead of buy and are thus looking for personalized services and amenities. The apartment industry is stepping up to provide those experiences.”
As online shopping increases in popularity, management office struggle to accept as many as 100 packages a week. Recently Houston-based Camden Property Trust announced it will no longer accept parcels at an of its 169 properties. The study found 72% residents want a package locker but do not want to pay a premium for the service.
“Many of these new residents are making a lifestyle choice to rent instead of buy and are thus looking for personalized services and amenities. The apartment industry is stepping up to provide those experiences,” said Haughey.