With everything from work-from-home lifestyles to AI tech reshaping the world, things are changing at a breakneck pace. Sure, most renters still crave the basics (who doesn’t love an in-unit washer and dryer?), but these changes are impacting apartment communities in surprising ways. So, what’s on the horizon for renters? Let’s explore some of the must-have amenities for 2024.
Getting Plugged In
Connectivity will be all the rage in the new year. Renters want to power up their electric vehicles at home and switch off their ovens with a quick tap on their phones. That’s the kind of convenience today’s apartments are starting to offer. Smart locks for seamless entry, connected appliances for smart living, and EV charging stations right at your doorstep will all be hot amenities in 2024. Plus, with nearly a third of renters working from home, according to a recent Apartments.com survey, lightning-fast internet could soon be giving those in-unit washers and dryers a run for their money as the top amenity for renters.
Where’s the Leasing Office?
Remember when you had to physically go to the leasing office to get an apartment? While it hasn’t joined landlines, cable TV, and CDs in the dustbin of history just yet, the digital revolution has reached apartment hunting in the form of online leasing, a process sped up by the pandemic. Now, finding, touring, and leasing an apartment online has become the norm. As a result, the role of the in-house leasing agent is changing. In 2024, more property management companies will move away from the long-held practice of having leasing agents available onsite in favor of centralized leasing offices. This means one leasing office will handle several apartment communities, all from a singular location.
Models Are Out, Units Are In
When you’re looking for an apartment, it’s important to see exactly what you’re renting, especially if you are conducting your search solely online. You want to know which amenities are included in the apartment, where it is located within the building, and what the appliances in the kitchen actually look like. Because of this, more apartment communities are starting to provide information for individual units, rather than relying on general information or model units. Transparency is vital, especially if you rent without seeing the apartment in person first. This extends to pricing and fees, as well. Renters want to know the exact cost of the apartment they’re considering.
Pickleball Is the Real Dill
Is it a passing fad or here to stay? We don’t know, but pickleball is hot right now. Apartment communities have noticed the popularity of this sport, which combines elements of ping-pong, tennis, and badminton, and are rushing to create pickleball courts. Since pickleball courts are much smaller than tennis courts (four pickleball courts to one tennis court), many communities are converting existing tennis courts to accommodate the demand. Since pickleball courts take up so little space, it’s a quick and easy conversion that multiplies an apartment community’s recreational offerings. Pickleball courts are being added with such relish that it’s almost jarring.
The Rise of AI
Artificial intelligence is everywhere, and it’s even starting to find its way into apartment communities, mostly in the form of chatbots. A chatbot is a valuable resource for many property management companies since it can answer basic questions, schedule tours, and even collect online application information. Chatbots are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, meaning you can get your questions answered immediately rather than having to wait for a human to become available. AI might even help with an apartment’s heating and cooling by learning patterns and adjusting settings for optimal use. AI will also use patterns to predict when appliances might need maintenance or repairs, which will reduce the need for emergency maintenance.
Embracing the Green Revolution
Some of the trendiest amenities in 2024 will revolve around wellness and sustainability. Your next apartment community might offer yoga classes or a bike lending program that encourages you to pedal your way around town. More apartment communities are recognizing the importance of green spaces, so you might find large communal gardens and rooftop terraces filled with plants. Your next home could feature energy-saving appliances, and you might find recycling and composting becoming much more common. Don’t be surprised to see solar panels glinting on rooftops or eco-friendly materials throughout the buildings.
The interiors will reflect this green revolution, too. Expect a fusion of nature and design with plenty of wood accents and green finishes, creating a serene and eco-conscious living environment. Apartment communities may promote nearby shops, restaurants, and entertainment as well, as the concept of walkability aligns perfectly with green initiatives.
An Emphasis on Security
Thanks to advancements in technology, we’re seeing an influx of state-of-the-art security solutions like keyless smart locks, biometric-based security systems, and smart alarms. While they may sound futuristic, they’ll soon become the norm. With the prominence of online shopping, the need for secure package delivery is a major concern. To address this, more apartment communities will begin introducing smart package storage rooms and app-based package management systems.
While we don’t know for sure what will happen in 2024, it should be a much less volatile year for renters. An influx of new apartment buildings becoming available should help stabilize rent prices and, in some areas, drive them down a bit. If you’re ready for a change of scenery, this might be the year to make your move. Whether it’s getting competitive with pickleball or embracing sustainable living, there are surprising new features on the horizon, making renting an apartment this year an exciting adventure.
