Walk-in closets, natural light and fresh air ventilation are the top three amenity priorities for renters in Greystar’s 2024 Design Survey Report, according to a press release shared with Multifamily Dive.
Leading a list of over 50 amenities, a full 88% of the 90,000 residents surveyed at properties owned and operated by Charleston, South Carolina-based Greystar expressed interest in walk-in closets. Thirty-seven percent said they wouldn’t rent an apartment without one. They were especially important to renters in Dallas, according to the report, released last month.
Natural light and large windows came in close behind with 86% of residents showing a strong preference and 31% requiring them in their homes, with the strongest preferences in Miami, Los Angeles and San Francisco.
Top 5 preferred amenities
| Ranking | Amenity | Residents interested | Residents who “wouldn’t rent without it” |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Walk-in closets | 88% | 37% |
| 2. | Large windows and abundant natural light | 86% | 31% |
| 3. | Fresh air ventilation | 86% | 17% |
| 4. | Covered parking/garage | 84% | 33% |
| 5. | High-efficiency appliances | 83% | 12% |
SOURCE: Greystar
While Greystar has conducted the survey since 2017, the company revamped its question structure starting with the 2023 survey, adding new questions about sustainability and smart home technology, according to Quinn Eddins, managing director of research and analytics services at Greystar. The full report is available only to Greystar personnel and clients.
These new questions have revealed how much renters value sustainable features and technology in their homes, Eddins told Multifamily Dive. Out of these new choices, fresh air ventilation and high-efficiency appliances saw the most interest from renters — 86% and 83% respectively, with 17% and 11% unwilling to go without.
He said he was surprised by how popular these features were with residents.
“Four of the top 10 most-preferred attributes were related to sustainability,” Eddins said. “A number of them had a large percentage of respondents who said they wouldn't rent without them.”
Regional preferences
Technology and security features were especially important for renters in the Northeast, particularly keyless smart locks, according to the release. Walkability and proximity to grocery stores were also important in this area, and over 80% of New York City residents showed interest in modular closets.
Renters in the South prioritized outdoor amenities, including green spaces, barbecue grills and community spaces. Reserved parking and covered garages were also high on the list of priorities in Atlanta, Dallas and Charlotte, North Carolina.
In California, private outdoor spaces were most important, particularly balconies or patios. Pools and fitness centers were a priority in the Sun Belt, while Midwest renters value in-unit laundry and indoor co-working spaces.
