Transportation seems to be an increasingly important service in modern multifamily housing units. Developers have been paying attention to the recent needs of electric vehicle charging, bicycle storage and maintenance, and transit access in their 2021 projects.
The 2021 Multifamily Amenities Study conducted by Multifamily Design+Construction had 342 industry professionals rank the top 131 amenities that they’re providing in today's apartment and condominium communities. This ongoing research project includes surveys conducted in 2017, 2019, and 2021.
The makeup of the 2021 survey respondents includes architects/interior designers (34.9%), developers/owners/property managers (30.5%), construction professionals (21.4%), consultants (5%), engineers (3.2%), and others allied to the multifamily housing field (5.1%).
Top 10 Convenience Services at Multifamily Housing Developments
Bicycles were top of mind for more respondents. Bike storage remained #1, at 69%, while almost one-third (31.3%) of developments included a bicycle repair center. Additionally, one in seven respondents (12.7%) had worked on a bicycle-sharing service for their projects.
Besides biking, there’s another popular transportation method that is as new as it is green—the electric car. Electric vehicle port installation moved into the majority (52.1%) in 2021, a shift from 48.6% in 2019 and 42% in 2017. This in part may be accelerated by government mandates around renewable energy, and the greater availability of electric vehicles by the public.
Other items included in the top 10 list: package delivery, both inbound (63.6%) and outbound (27.8%); dry cleaning/laundry (23.4%); an Uber/Lyft waiting area (27.8%); and a concierge (25.9%).
The 2021 Multifamily Amenities Study ranks amenities and features across nine other building areas:
• Top ‘smart connectivity’ systems
• Top 10 outdoor amenities
• Top 10 indoor amenities
• Top 10 recreation 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
For the full 16-page PDF report, click the DOWNLOAD THE REPORT button below.
