Why 2025 Renters Choose Smart Amenities Over Flashy Perks

At the halfway point of 2025, we’re seeing a shift in the multifamily housing market that’s less about flash and more about function. Renters aren’t looking for rooftop dog spas or golf simulators anymore—they’re craving smart, practical features that make everyday life easier, especially as many continue to navigate hybrid work, urban living, and tighter budgets.

One trend we’re seeing firsthand? Renters are placing a higher value on amenities that directly enhance their personal living space, especially private, on-site storage. While it may not have the same immediate ‘wow factor’ as an infinity pool, storage is emerging as a quiet essential. It helps renters keep their units organized and livable, supports longer stays, and offers multifamily operators a surprising boost in both tenant satisfaction and bottom-line performance.

Understanding What Renters Really Want

So, what’s driving this evolution? It starts with changing demographics. Many multifamily communities are now home to a mix of downsizing baby boomers, city-loving millennials, and Gen Z renters—all with varying needs but a shared demand for flexible, clutter-free living. Remote work continues to play a major role, too. With more people spending more time at home, every square foot has to count. This means renters are looking for ways to keep seasonal items, sports equipment, bikes, and bulky belongings out of sight—but not out of reach. On-site storage fills this gap seamlessly, without requiring renters to leave the building or shell out for an off-site unit.

Why Storage Is Outperforming Flashier Amenities

It’s not just about renter preference—it’s about practical performance. Many of the high-cost amenities that once set new developments apart (think game rooms, concierge services, even in-building cafes) are seeing lower usage rates today. That’s in part because renters are tightening their budgets and focusing on features that enhance their daily routines. Storage, by contrast, offers consistent value with minimal upkeep. It doesn’t require staffing, constant cleaning, or maintenance-heavy equipment. It’s secure, private, and easily integrated into both new builds and existing properties. And for property owners, it presents an often-overlooked opportunity to generate additional revenue with very little operational burden.

A Shift Toward Smarter Design and Longer Tenancy

Another key advantage of prioritizing amenities like storage is design flexibility. In today’s market, where construction starts are slowing and inflation is still impacting material and labor costs, developers are looking for ways to get more from every square foot. Thoughtfully planned storage solutions allow for more livable units—especially smaller ones—and can be incorporated into underused areas like basements or parking levels. Just as important, storage contributes to tenant retention. When renters feel that their space is truly working for them—not just aesthetically but functionally—they’re more likely to stay. And in an era where high turnover can significantly impact a property’s performance, that’s a benefit that can’t be overstated.

Looking Ahead

As we move into the second half of 2025, the message from renters is clear: lifestyle-driven amenities that offer real-world utility are in, and flash-for-the-sake-of-flash is out. Developers and property owners who take the time to understand and meet these needs—especially with practical features like secure on-site storage—are likely to see stronger returns and happier residents. The future of multifamily design doesn’t have to be complicated. Sometimes, the smartest solutions are the simplest ones—thoughtfully placed, intentionally designed, and built around how people really live.

Feature Image Courtesy of: Bradyl Storage Solutions