2022 Multifamily Trends: Working at Home the New Way of Life for Apartment Residents

After nearly two years of working at home because of the pandemic, apartment residents are expecting more from their living experience. Communities that accommodate residents’ ability to earn a living and support their lifestyle at home are winning. A renter preferences survey due in early 2022 suggests that apartments and common areas with ample workspaces and solid connectivity are now more appealing to renters who are no longer commuting to the workplace. According to the National Multifamily Housing Council (NMHC) and Grace Hill 2022 Renter Preferences Survey Report, the pandemic influenced 25% of renter moves over the past 18 months, and 70% of renters anticipate teleworking the same amount or more going forward. The survey of more than 221,000 renters, living in 4,564 apartment communities nationwide, shed light on the pandemic’s impact on renters’ preferences. Renters offered insights into everything from home features and community amenities to leasing terms and connectivity needs. The report will be released in January. Of respondents who moved in the past 18 months (60%), 25% reported they moved because of the shift to remote work during the pandemic. About one in three respondents (35%) indicated interest in using shared workspace at their communities, while 19% said they would consider using a co-working facility when teleworking. The trends support predictions of multifamily leaders in early 2021 about remote working and the need for strong connectivity. Apartment residents depend on reliable Internet for working at home As expected, residents view solid connectivity as essential. Most respondents said they are streaming video daily, including about 40% who are video conferencing for work. Nearly 75% are streaming music and 31% are gaming. “Renters are streaming video content and music, gaming and working remotely, and all of this indicates a need for a strong technology infrastructure in rental communities,” says...