Updated amenities and energy-efficient features are the two most-popular building product trends among multifamily professionals, according to MFE's exclusive 2017 MFE Concept Community study.
Of the 151 multifamily builders, developers, and architects responding to our survey, 19.2% report testing updated or more-convenient amenities in their projects. Energy-efficient and energy-conserving products were nearly as popular, with 17.2% of respondents noting they're implementing the next-generation items in their developments.
New technology or high-tech products and high-efficiency appliances, HVAC, and heating products came in third among participants, with 6.6% of respondents incorporating the features in their communities, followed by smart features/appliances and LED lighting, both at 6.0%.
Outdoor amenities are among the least commonly cited product trends in current projects. In particular, no West Coast–based respondents reported implementing new outdoor amenities, nor did respondents with revenues under $5 million.
The survey, conducted by our data partner on the 2017 MFE Concept Community, The Farnsworth Group, examines usage and perceptions regarding next-generation building performance. This year’s survey, which received responses from 159 multifamily builders, developers, and architects, sheds light on current conditions for industry professionals by addressing the following questions:
- What are the current trends in next-gen products?
- Which next-gen products are industry pros currently installing or considering installing?
- What efficiencies are being promoted to residents about these products, and how are they being communicated?
Given the myriad variables involved in producing housing, it’s always smart to prepare for the future. With that in mind, the 2017 Concept Community examines processes and products that can help close the gap on code, land, labor, and materials challenges by shaving time and cost from the construction process.
Over the coming weeks and months, we’ll share additional tidbits and stats from the survey in anticipation of the annual Multifamily Executive Conference, which will be held this year in September in Las Vegas.