The pandemic brought about significant changes in the working arrangements of countless employees, and even after operations returned to normal, many chose to continue working remotely.
Latest statistics show that 22% of Americans work from home out of 34.3 million. That is an entire tenant pool you can appeal to if you have the right amenities to support their lifestyle. If you’re looking to add amenities in your rental property, here are some you should consider.
Key Highlights:
- Remote work has increased demand for rental properties that support productivity and comfort at home.
- High-speed internet and reliable connectivity are essential features for attracting remote-working tenants.
- Flexible living spaces that can accommodate home offices add strong appeal and long-term value.
- Lifestyle-focused amenities, such as outdoor areas and wellness features, enhance tenant satisfaction and retention.
- Landlords should evaluate budget, market demand, and return on investment before adding new amenities.
1. High-Speed Internet
Fast, reliable internet is non-negotiable for remote workers, given how many need constant communication with clients, customers, or co-workers. Having an internet connection is not enough. For large files and video calls, strong connectivity is required.
Properties that are pre-wired for fiber internet or located in areas with strong broadband availability have a major competitive advantage. Research which internet options will serve you best, considering how many rental units or tenants you have.
2. Dedicated Home Office
Remote workers would prefer a rental unit with a dedicated workspace, whether it’s a vacant corner where they can set up, an office nook, a built-in desk, or an extra bedroom for minimal background noise.
Even an open floor plan can be presented as flexible for a home office setup. You can include furnishings that would make it easier for your tenants to establish a working area, such as tables, swivel chairs, or amenities like socket extensions.
3. Soundproofing
Not many landlords would think about soundproofing their rental property or units for the sake of remote work. However, a quiet environment is a huge selling point for remote workers, especially those who regularly take calls and attend virtual meetings.
Thick walls, double-pane windows, quiet neighborhoods, and carpeted floors in multi-floor properties can all help reduce noise disruptions that would hurt productivity. Since you can’t typically add these to listing images, you can still mention them in descriptions.
4. Outdoor Areas
A lot of remote workers spend most of their time indoors because of their work arrangement, which can be enough to give anyone cabin fever. Having an outdoor space where tenants can unwind and enjoy the fresh air can make a huge difference.
If your rental units don’t have balconies, you can build a common area, which can be a dedicated space for leisure and recreation. It can be a garden, a swimming pool, a barbecue area, or just a shared space where others can work in a different environment.
5. Smart Home Features
Since remote work usually involves being glued to a computer, having an efficient way to interact with amenities like lights, locks, and even appliances can be a huge convenience for them. A central hub is relatively easier to set up now with the newest technology.
Some of the smart home features that are popular in the rental market include smart thermostats, smart locks, and smart lighting. You can also install other smart features, such as automated curtains or appliances that can be controlled using a central app.
6. Wellness and Lifestyle Amenities
Working from home usually means spending most of the time seated, and a sedentary lifestyle can be unhealthy in the long term. Tenants have to make up for the lack of movement by working out, which means they will look for rentals that can accommodate that.
Having a fitness center on your property allows your tenants to have a work-life balance without leaving the premises. If you have nearby gyms or walking trails, you can also mention these in your rental listings.
Which Amenities Should You Include?
If you can add all the mentioned amenities and more, then all the better. However, being financially realistic can sometimes mean you have to allocate your budget to upgrades that have the maximum return on investment (ROI). Here are factors you should consider:
- Budget: Some of the amenities you can add are cost-effective but still add a lot of value to your investment. Soundproofing, for instance, can be achieved with a few minor changes, like adding carpet or installing soundproofing panels.
- Target Market: Young professionals might prefer co-working spaces and smart home features, given how they tend to be more tech-savvy. Families, on the other hand, might opt for rentals with daycares so they can work without having to worry about their kids.
- ROI: Before adding new amenities, ask yourself whether they can justify higher rent, reduce vacancy, and increase property value.
- Market Competition: Research nearby competing properties and find out which amenities provide them with an advantage. How much are they charging for rent? Where are the gaps? You can either match their standards or offer something better.
- Space Limitations: If you want to offer in-unit amenities, you have to consider what it can do to the space. If an amenity is becoming more of an obstacle than an asset, tenants might not appreciate it.
Remote Work Amenities FAQs
How do I know which amenity my tenants actually want?
- Study your target market and survey current tenants. You can also review competing rental listings to see what features are attracting renters in your area.
Will adding amenities always allow me to raise the rent?
- Not always. The amenity must match tenant demand and local pricing standards. If it doesn’t add perceived value, renters may not be willing to pay more.
How do I calculate the ROI of a new amenity?
- Compare the total installation and maintenance costs against potential rent increases and reduced vacancy rates. The numbers should justify the investment.
Are low-cost upgrades worth considering?
- Yes. Simple upgrades like better lighting, modern fixtures, smart thermostats, or in-unit laundry often provide strong returns with lower risk.
Is it better to add one major amenity or several small ones?
- It depends on your budget and market. Multiple practical upgrades can sometimes attract more tenants than one expensive feature.
Protect Your Investment
Remote work isn’t just a trend. It’s shaping long-term rental demand. Adding the right amenities can help you attract quality tenants, reduce vacancies, and increase your rental income. At Investment Safe Property Management, we help property owners maintain these upgrades through lease enforcement and access to our vendor network.
Contact us, and let us keep your rental property competitive and profitable!