Renters want amenities focused on sustainability, technology and thoughtful design.
Five Amenities Renters Can’t Live Without
What amenities do renters want most? Greystar surveyed more than 90,000 people to find out which amenities they consider nice to have and which amenities they say they can’t live without. The survey revealed widespread interest in amenities focused on sustainability, technology and thoughtful design.
Topping the list of most desired amenities for renters across the country was walk-in closets. Eighty-eight percent of respondents expressed interest in this amenity while 37% said they would not rent an apartment without one.
Renters in Miami and Dallas were especially keen on having ample closet space, with more than half of renters considering a walk-in closet a must-have amenity, according to the survey.
Second on the list of desirable amenities was large windows and abundant light. Eighty-six percent of respondents prioritize this amenity and 31% said it is essential. Residents in Miami, Los Angeles and San Francisco showed the strongest interest.
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Fresh air ventilation came in third place on the most-desired amenities list, with 86% of respondents showing interest. Seventeen percent said they’d be unwilling to rent a property without fresh air ventilation. This feature was especially important to renters in Seattle, San Francisco and San Jose, which reflects the importance of sustainability in those markets, said Greystar.
Covered parking or garage facilities ranked fourth on Greystar’s list. Eighty-four percent of survey respondents said they value secure parking and one-third said it is a necessity. This amenity ranked high among urban renters, with 42% saying they would be unwilling to rent a property that doesn’t have secure parking.
Finally, high-efficiency appliances are a highly sought-after amenity among renters. Eighty-three percent indicated such appliances are important to them, and 12% said they are essential. High-income renters across all markets were particularly interested in high-efficiency appliances.
The Greystar survey also revealed regional preferences and trends. For instance, renters in New York, Boston and Washington, D.C., were most interested in amenities like controlled community access and keyless smart locks, as well as storage solutions and walkable neighborhoods.
In Midwestern markets like Chicago and Minneapolis, renters want side-by-side washers and dryers and indoor coworking spaces. Private, bookable offices are particularly popular for renters in these cold climates, said Greystar. Pools and fitness centers are non-negotiable amenities for renters in warmer Sun Belt markets, along with covered parking and shaded outdoor space.
“Understanding what renters value in their homes is critical to creating communities that feel tailored to their needs,” said Quinn Eddins, managing director of research & analytics services at Greystar. “The 2024 Design Survey reflects evolving preferences, especially as renters increasingly prioritize sustainability, technology, and thoughtful design. Regional differences also stand out, showing the importance of localized strategies when designing and marketing rental properties.”
Source: GlobeSt.
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