What are the top trends in multifamily construction?

1. Disruptive technology
2. Artificial Intelligence
3. Increased competition for land
4. Sustainability
5. Increased demand among key demographics
6. Increased risk due to supply chain and labor shortages
7. New focus on amenities

What are the top trends in multi-family construction?

Read on to learn more about the trends and factors that influence apartment, condo and senior living multi-family residential construction.

 

Multi-Family construction growth tapering, but stable for the time being

Thanks to many factors, new multi-family construction is expected to remain stable.

While the full impact of the coronavirus has yet to be fully realized, a housing shortage and demographic considerations indicate demand for high-density dwellings for the foreseeable future.

If you’re considering investing in the market, or are already involved, understanding the forces moving the market will be paramount to your success.

Still, there may be opportunities in single-family housing, including the built-to-rent space that could be compelling. 

Here is a short glimpse of the top 7 trends in multi-family construction.

 

1. Technology invades the market. 

The tech world has started to make inroads in the real estate market, by offering amenities that appeal to early adopters and the tech-savvy.

With this in mind, developers and operators who prioritize technology can create spaces that are highly in demand.

This includes spaces for rideshare pick-ups or drop-offs, electric car charging stations, and incorporating disruptive technology into building plans. 

 

2. Artificial intelligence is becoming a big-league player. 

Commercial real estate companies are already using machine-assisted learning for analytical purposes, but the train does not stop there.

Contractors, engineers/architects, and developers alike can put artificial intelligence to use through building management, design, and even organization.

When designing spaces, builders should keep in mind that tastes are gravitating towards “smart homes” with voice technology, smart locks and occupancy sensors.

Artificial intelligence can also be used as a powerful marketing tool to get the best renters, as more tech-savvy individuals look to move into units already outfitted for their needs.

This technology can also have important impacts on security, building access, and even efficiency in day to day life. 

 

3. Competition for space amid the online warehouse frenzy

Thanks to Amazon and its competitors, warehouses and shipping hubs are snapping up large pieces of multifamily real estate near both major and lesser-known cities.

In order for companies to meet the increased shipping demands of online shoppers, they need to be located close to large populations.

Logistically speaking, this is convenient for them, but not so convenient for other developers.

Aptly named the Amazon effect, this phenomenon is something to keep an eye on, especially as it relates to acquiring new property. 

Development costs may be prohibitive in these areas, or incredibly lucrative, depending on the market. 

 

4. Buzzwords to watch for: sustainability, green, climate change

As climate change becomes an increasingly hot topic, many millennials are looking to move into multi-family units that reduce their carbon footprint.

Architects and engineers can design LEED-certified buildings, contractors can employ sustainable practices and source local products, and owners can request spaces that meet these desires. 

Forbes talks about a phenomenon called “co-living,” a model many younger people gravitate towards for both environmental and economic reasons.

These generations are combining technology and multifamily living spaces in order to create affordable space inside high population areas.

Owners and developers alike would be doing themselves a favor to stay on top of these buzzwords and look for effective ways to incorporate sustainability into their branding.  

 

5. The housing crisis and demand for Multi-Family units

In many cities, affordable housing is a thing of the past. Younger generations and boomers alike are clamoring for smaller, more affordable units.

Multi-family residences are uniquely situated to fill this void. The rise in housing costs prices many people out of single family homes.

Developers can maximize on this trend by designing multi-functional spaces within each unit, as many individuals are now seeking smaller living spaces that are located closer to urban centers.

This reduces commute time as well as places them in a convenient location.

While on its surface this appears to attract mostly millennials, the truth is that many empty nesters, boomers who are downsizing, and others seeking a more urban lifestyle are also migrating towards urban-based multifamily units that provide amenities, are technology-savvy, and convenient for their daily lives.

Suburbs and smaller cities are also benefiting from this trend, absorbing the population swell from larger cities.

6. Development risks surge

Not everything in the multi-family construction space is looking up, unfortunately.

Thanks to trade tariffs, building material supply chain disruptions and a dire shortage of qualified labor, many contractors are struggling to deliver completed projects on time and under budget.

Qualified labor left the construction industry and pursued other careers after the financial crisis of 2008, and those who have filled the void often lack the experience needed to deliver stellar products.

 

7. Amenities are increasingly important.  

One significant draw towards MultiFamily housing are the amenities provided.

As people flock towards urban centers, they are increasingly willing to trade the privacy offered by single-family homes for high-quality amenities available to those who live in communities.

These include gyms, recreational facilities, recycling, fiber internet, and even pet-focused amenities.

Capitalizing on this is increasingly important to remain competitive in the market. 

 

Understanding The Top Trends In Multi-Family Construction

At BuildCentral we understand that the economic and societal influences on future multi-family construction will be complex to navigate whether you are an owner/developer, investor or building product manufacturer.

Where to find multi family construction leads?

Consider a free trial to www.MultiFamilyData.com

To stay in the loop on multi-family trends in real-time, consider a subscription to MultiFamilyData.com, where you can search new multi-family construction projects near you and access market leaders reports for any region in the U.S. to help plan your growth strategy, find multi-family acquisition targets and more.

Easily track new multi-family construction projects and activity from industry peers, customers and competitors with the earliest pre-construction lead data available.

Get your free trial and demo by speaking with a data specialist today at 866-316-5300.