From Flash to Function: Why Practical Amenities Are Stealing the Show
The race to win renters has moved beyond flashy amenities to focus on practical solutions that improve daily life. Here’s why practical amenities like storage, coffee, and printing services are becoming more popular—and why they make sense.
Why the Shift Toward Practical Amenities?
- Affordability Concerns:
- Many renters, especially Gen Z, face tight budgets.
- A Redfin report shows the average renting household income is over $11,000 short of the amount needed to afford a median-priced apartment in 2024.
- Extravagant amenities add costs renters may not want—or be able—to pay.
- Underused Luxury Features:
- Dog spas, rooftop gardens, and bowling alleys sound exciting but often go underutilized.
- Residents are increasingly prioritizing amenities they will consistently use.
Examples of Practical Amenities Gaining Popularity
- Storage Solutions:
- Residents value privacy, space and convenience, making accessible and affordable storage options a top priority.
- Coffee Services:
- Companies like SipWithMe and Nestle Coffee Partners provide apartment communities with barista-quality coffee options, satisfying daily routines without leaving home.
- Wireless Printing Stations:
- Services like PrintWithMe allow residents to print documents conveniently, supporting work-from-home and hybrid lifestyles.
Why Practical Amenities Work
- Meet Evolving Needs:
- With remote and hybrid work models here to stay, renters need amenities that promote productivity.
- Transforming shared spaces into functional hubs saves time and adds value.
- Cost-Effectiveness:
- Practical amenities help residents save money by reducing outside expenses, such as buying coffee or paying for printing elsewhere.
- Boost Resident Satisfaction:
- Features that simplify daily life make renters more likely to choose a community and renew leases.
- Jonathan Treble, CEO of WithMe, explains, “Residents prioritize features they can consistently use. Amenities that save time and money increase satisfaction and the community’s overall value.”
The Future of Amenities
In a challenging rental market, practical amenities are redefining what renters look for in a home. From storage to coffee and printing, communities that focus on functionality over flashiness are winning over residents by offering genuine value. Because at the end of the day, practicality is the new premium.