Modern Multifamily Housing: Why Are Wellness Amenities a Must?

Residents are increasingly seeking wellness spaces and experiences in their communities. A growing focus on health and well-being drives this shift.

As property owners, adding wellness amenities can significantly improve your residents' lives and increase your property's value and return on investment (ROI). Let's see why wellness features are now a must-have for modern living.

4 Reasons To Add Wellness Amenities to Multifamily Properties

Adding wellness amenities to your residential communities does more than keep up with trends. It also addresses today's renters' basic needs and desires, enhancing their lives and your bottom line.

Let's look at four key reasons to consider these upgrades.

1. Fulfill Modern Renters’ Needs and Priorities

Modern residents are increasingly health-conscious and actively seek living spaces that prioritize their physical and mental well-being. This means amenities like fitness centers, green spaces, and wellness programs are high on their list. Offering these features makes your apartment building more appealing and meets a growing demand for amenities among prospective tenants.

A recent National Multifamily Housing Council survey found that more than half of all renters are interested in properties with fitness centers and wellness features. Access to wellness services ranked in the top three factors in resident satisfaction. By integrating wellness amenities into your property, you’re directly addressing this ongoing demand.

Consider a multifamily community in a bustling city. Properties without green spaces or fitness amenities might struggle to attract tenants. Today's renters want communities with top-notch fitness centers, yoga studios, and serene green areas.

2. Improve the Health and General Satisfaction of Residents

Wellness amenities go beyond attracting residents, significantly enhancing their quality of life. Facilities like fitness centers and community gardens promote physical health and mental well-being.

A residential property with a rooftop garden, for example, provides a serene retreat while nurturing a strong sense of community. Residents with access to features like these amenities tend to be happier with their living situation, leading to lease renewals and lower turnover rates.

These amenities can also help reduce residents' stress. Whether it's a quiet meditation room or a well-equipped fitness center, these spaces provide essential outlets for relaxation and physical activity, contributing to a more content and cohesive resident community.

3. Build a Community That Everyone Would Like To Join

Wellness amenities help create a vibrant community atmosphere, which is important to tenant retention and satisfaction. Shared spaces like fitness centers and community rooms encourage interaction, fostering lasting connections among residents.

This sense of community can transform an apartment complex into a place where residents feel valued and at home.

Consider a property that hosts regular wellness activities, such as group yoga sessions or healthy cooking classes. These initiatives promote well-being and can strengthen community bonds, encouraging residents to stay longer and contributing to a lively, welcoming environment.

Integrating spaces like community gardens or wellness lounges further encourages social interaction. When residents participate in shared activities, they form friendships and support networks that enrich their overall living experience.

This community-focused approach is a significant factor in resident retention and satisfaction.

4. Enhance the Value of Your Property

Investing in wellness amenities can significantly boost your property’s appeal and market value. Properties that boast modern amenities, particularly those focusing on health and wellness facilities, command higher rents and stand out in a competitive market.

For instance, adding a comprehensive wellness center with a gym, spa, and meditation area can lead to increased rental rates and property valuations. Prospective tenants are willing to pay a premium for these added benefits, resulting in a higher return on investment for property owners.

Additionally, such properties tend to have lower vacancy rates, as residents are more likely to stay longer in environments that support their wellness needs.

Multifamily Property Wellness Trends With the Potential To Increase ROI

Keeping up with wellness trends helps you meet residents' expectations and helps your property stand out in a competitive market. Let's explore some of the latest wellness trends that can elevate your property's value.

Fitness Community Centers and Fully Equipped Gyms

A top-notch fitness center is among the most sought-after wellness amenities in today's multifamily communities. Residents expect more than just basic gym equipment — they want comprehensive fitness experiences.

This includes:

• State-of-the-art facilities
• Dedicated yoga and Pilates studios
• Spaces for group fitness classes

By providing a fully equipped gym that serves as a community hub of fitness activity, you offer a valuable service that sets your property apart. An on-site fitness center offers residents the convenience of exercising at home. This is particularly appealing in urban settings where gym memberships can be costly and time-consuming.

Digital Fitness Offering

As technology evolves, so do residents’ expectations for digital amenities, including digital wellness solutions. Incorporating digital fitness offerings makes fitness and wellness more accessible to current and potential renters.

On-Demand Fitness Classes and Digital Signage

Residents appreciate the convenience of accessing fitness classes on their schedule. On-demand fitness classes, accessible via apps or dedicated in-unit screens, offer variety and flexibility.

A seamless fitness experience brings the desired healthy lifestyle directly into residents' homes. They can choose from a variety of virtual classes — including HIIT, yoga, and meditation.

You can use digital signage to display schedules and upcoming event announcements in common areas. You can also live stream classes, enhancing residents' overall fitness experience.

Fitness Apps and Wearable Tech Integrations

Integrating fitness apps and wearable technology provides residents with personalized fitness experiences. Offering a property-specific app where residents can track their workouts, set goals, and participate in virtual challenges improves the perceived value of your wellness amenities.

Wearable technology like fitness trackers can sync with these apps, giving residents detailed insights into their physical activity and health metrics. These devices provide real-time feedback and personalized workout plans, making fitness more engaging and effective for tenants.

These digital tools cater to tech-savvy residents who value flexibility and personalized fitness options.

Resident Wellness Programs Guided by Experts

Enlisting wellness experts to lead health and wellness programs can enhance your community engagement efforts. Offering expert wellness services shows your commitment to improving residents’ overall well-being, not just providing a place to live.

Popular wellness experiences to consider include:

Nutrition counseling

Personalized sessions with nutritionists or dietitians educate residents on healthy eating habits, meal planning, and dietary choices.

Personalized training sessions

Fitness sessions led by certified trainers offer personalized workout plans and guidance on strength training, cardio, flexibility, and overall fitness goals.

Mindfulness workshops

Sessions focused on mindfulness practices — such as meditation, breathing exercises, and stress reduction techniques — promote mental clarity, emotional well-being, and resilience.

Yoga classes

Regular sessions led by certified instructors can help residents reduce stress, improve flexibility, and experience mindfulness.

Healthy cooking demonstrations

Interactive sessions where residents learn to prepare nutritious meals empower healthier eating habits and culinary skills.

Stress management workshops

Workshops focused on techniques like breathing exercises, time management, and relaxation techniques help residents cope with stress effectively.

Wellness retreats or day retreats

Occasional retreats focused on overall wellness (held off-site or within the community) provide a deeper dive into holistic health practices.

Self-care and beauty workshops

Sessions on skincare routines, self-massage techniques, or DIY spa treatments promote self-care and relaxation.

Offering diverse opportunities for personal growth and connection lets you cater to a variety of wellness needs while nurturing community spirit and resident satisfaction.

Wellness workshops can attract new tenants who value a holistic approach to wellness. It’s a fantastic way to create a vibrant, health-focused community in your multifamily property.

Green Areas and Popular Common Spaces

Beyond just looking nice, green spaces are important for residents' mental and physical well-being. Adding gardens, walking paths, and outdoor seating gives residents a vital connection to nature.

Turning unused areas into lush community gardens or rooftop green spaces creates peaceful havens for residents. These spots become favorites for relaxing, socializing, and even gardening, making your property more appealing to current and potential residents.

Common areas like lounges and collaborative workspaces also play a big role in creating a sense of community. They're perfect for social events, group projects, or simply unwinding after a long day. Designing these spaces with residents in mind makes them both practical and welcoming.

Start Modernizing Your Multifamily Property

Adding wellness amenities to your multifamily properties is no longer optional — it's a strategic move. By meeting the demand for wellness amenities, you improve the quality of life for your residents, build a stronger community, and increase your property's value.

Ready to start modernizing your property? Request a demo with a Fitness On Demand consultant to see how these features can be seamlessly integrated into your residential property. By taking this step, you position your property as a leader among modern apartment communities, attracting and retaining residents by prioritizing inclusivity, progressiveness, and their overall well-being.

Let's embrace the future of multifamily housing together, creating spaces that provide shelter and promote health, happiness, and a sense of community.