Apartment trends to watch in 2021
The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated innovation in the rental housing industry, with the adoption of new technologies offering ways to both engage prospective and current residents as well as better manage operations.
In his latest column for the Washington Post, NAA President & CEO Bob Pinnegar examines existing and emerging trends to keep an eye out for in the new year.
Even though they existed pre-pandemic, some of these technologies became a necessity in the last 10 months to engage prospects, like virtual and self-guided tours, and will likely see improvement in quality and interactivity as their use continues. Other technologies benefit both onsite staff and the residents, such as upgraded package technology to keep pace with the ever-growing explosion of e-commerce.
Some of the innovation comes stems from resident preferences, seen in the growth of smart-home tech and touchless features on elevators and doors to improve the feeling of safety among the community’s denizens and their guests, as well as the ongoing need to improve community-wide digital amenities and offerings.