What Are Smart Apartments? | The Amenities of the Future

In the 1960s, The Jetsons cartoon imagined a futuristic world filled with automated robots and zany gadgets. Not all of the show’s predictions have come true — you won’t hop into a flying car or eat 3D-printed bacon and eggs anytime soon. But smart apartments are bringing residents closer to the lives of ease and convenience envisioned in the show.

These futuristic apartments have built-in smart technology that offers residents more control over their homes. Complexes can offer these tools to improve package delivery, security, and other aspects of daily life.

This guide explores the benefits of smart amenities and six must-have technologies for the apartments of the future.

Top Benefits of Smart Home Apartments

Apartments with smart home technology offer many benefits for property owners and residents. Here are three reasons to embrace these innovative solutions.

Improves Resident Experience and Attracts New Generations

Modern apartment residents have sky-high expectations for their living spaces. They want their homes to adapt to their needs and provide more than just the basics.

Smart apartment technology meets these demands by offering optimal convenience and comfort. Residents can use these tools to control the temperature with their voice, access virtual fitness classes from their smartphones, and more. These functions improve their daily lives and overall well-being.

Advanced technologies also influence resident satisfaction. According to a recent survey by Parks Associates, 83% of multifamily complex residents with property-provided smart devices report high satisfaction with their units. By contrast, only 66% of those without property-provided smart technology feel highly satisfied.

Additionally, property and regional managers can use smart technologies to appeal to younger residents. A 2022 OnePoll survey commissioned by Google Nest found that 63% of Generation Z customers have little to no resistance to using home automation devices. These tools can help you market your complex to this age group more effectively.

Allows You To Manage Properties Remotely

Many property managers and owners find it challenging to oversee all their units, especially from a distance. For example, vandals could break into an unoccupied unit, or the pipes could freeze during an unexpected cold snap. Scenarios like these often require costly repairs and decrease your revenue.

Fortunately, smart home property management lets you monitor your complexes from afar. With the tap of your smartphone screen, you can turn up the heat or view a unit's interior. These solutions give you peace of mind and help you protect your investment.

Enhances Resident Safety While Lowering Operational Costs

Prospective residents often prioritize safety when choosing their next apartment or condo. According to Allegion’s 2023 Multifamily Living Trends Report, respondents consider these security features as “need to have” when apartment shopping:

• Outdoor lighting (53% of respondents)

• Outdoor security surveillance cameras (43%)

• Smart doorbell with video (37%)

• Motion-activated sensors (35%)

• Mobile access control with remote monitoring (35%)

Many residents are willing to pay more for these amenities. The Allegion report found that 61% of respondents would pay 1% to 10% more monthly for smart doorbells, outdoor cameras, and mobile access control. An additional 29% would pay 11% to 19% more for these features.

Smart technologies typically cost less than traditional security measures, such as hiring guards and installing fences. Use these tools to maintain a safe environment while reducing your costs.

6 Smart Tech and Amenities of the Apartments of the Future

Embrace the future of apartment living with these in-demand amenities and smart devices. They provide a more fulfilling experience for residents while streamlining operations.

1. On-Demand Amenities

Empower residents to take control of their well-being with on-demand amenities. They can instantly access these services and resources at any time. These high-tech amenities offer more convenience than traditional services, which residents can typically use only during specific hours.

Virtual fitness experiences are one of the most popular on-demand services. They let residents participate in virtual workout sessions on their schedules. For example, someone could visit the on-site gym at midnight and play a high-intensity interval training (HIIT) class on a smart TV.

This on-demand amenity accommodates people with nontraditional schedules and increases access to fitness services. Members can choose different virtual classes based on their goals and needs. They can also participate in interactive workouts and fitness competitions to stay motivated.

Other examples of on-demand amenities include:

• Digital maintenance requests

• Dry cleaning services

• Online nutrition counseling

• Remote workspaces

• Virtual fitness coaching

2. Voice Assistants and High-Speed Internet

Voice assistants transform ordinary units into smart comfort apartments. These artificial intelligence-powered devices let residents control their homes through spoken commands.

Automate your units by combining voice assistants with other smart technology. For example, you can integrate these devices with smart lighting systems and thermostats. Residents can control their environment by saying, “Hey, Google, turn off the kitchen lights” or “Siri, switch on the air conditioning at 5:00 pm.”

Voice assistants learn and anticipate user preferences over time for added convenience. The smart technology automatically adjusts apartment settings based on resident routines, such as coming home from work. This automation personalizes the apartment unit to suit each resident’s lifestyle and needs.

Users can also set up multi-step routines that activate with a single command. For example, “Good morning” could trigger the voice assistant to open the blinds and turn on the bathroom lights. This function improves efficiency and saves time.

Additionally, voice assistants help residents accomplish their wellness goals. They can remind users to exercise at specific times and suggest on-demand fitness classes. Residents can also ask the assistants to suggest healthy recipes and track their fitness progress. These functions motivate users to improve their health and stay active.

Popular voice assistants include Alexa, Google Assistant, and Siri. Install smart speakers in key locations like the kitchen and master bedroom to add these amenities to your units. Residents will appreciate the convenience and customization offered by this apartment tech.

Finally, every high-tech apartment needs speedy internet to operate its devices effectively. Partner with an internet provider to offer high-speed internet packages and reliable infrastructure.

3. Smart Lighting and Appliances

Customize the home environment with smart appliances and lighting. These amenities allow residents to control and monitor their living environments remotely. Users can operate these devices with mobile apps or voice commands.

For example, a resident can ask Siri to preheat their smart oven while driving home from work. It can also notify the residents if they leave the oven on, giving them peace of mind.

Other popular smart appliances include:

• Automatic coffee makers

• Robot vacuums

• Smart microwaves

• Smart refrigerators

• Smart washers and dryers

Smart lighting increases customization and reduces energy consumption. Smart light bulbs automatically switch on and off based on the resident’s preferences and schedule. This lighting can also dim and change colors to set specific moods for cozy movie nights or romantic dinners.

4. Smart Locks and Cameras

Keep residents safe with smart cameras and locks. These devices improve your apartment complex’s security and enable remote monitoring.

Smart locks allow keyless entry with mobile apps or codes. Residents will never have to worry about accidentally locking themselves out of their homes if they lose their keys. They can also set up temporary codes to allow pet sitters or maintenance workers to access their units.

Smart cameras provide an additional layer of security. These devices automatically start recording when they detect motion and can send notifications to users. They can also notify law enforcement directly if someone breaks into a resident’s unit for speedier response times.

5. Virtual Concierge Services and Automated Package Management

Offer 24/7 assistance with virtual or personal concierge services. This digital doorman responds to resident inquiries and needs.

Here are a few ways residents can use virtual concierge services:

• Ask for recommendations for local restaurants and parks

• Book the community clubhouse for a private event

• Order a Lyft or Uber ride

• Request maintenance assistance

• Schedule virtual wellness coaching

Virtual concierge systems also streamline package management. The software vets delivery workers and allows them to access secure buildings to deliver packages to secure locations. It also notifies residents about deliveries for seamless retrieval.

6. Smart Thermostats and Eco-Friendly Amenities

Protect the planet with environmentally friendly smart home features. This apartment technology reduces energy usage and promotes more sustainable lifestyles.

Start by installing smart thermostats in every apartment unit. These devices let users control the temperature remotely for increased convenience and customization. Residents can also create automatic routines, such as turning the heat down one hour before bedtime. These functions optimize energy usage and help residents save money.

Other examples of eco-friendly amenities include:

• Community compost heaps

• Electric vehicle charging stations

• Energy-efficient smart appliances

• LED light bulbs

Start Offering Amenities of the Future to Your Residents

Smart condos and apartments provide the ultimate convenience and luxury. Advanced technology lets residents customize their living experiences based on their lifestyles and schedules. These devices also improve accessibility for people with disabilities and mobility challenges.

Fitness On Demand can help you implement these smart apartment ideas. We offer over 1,200 virtual fitness classes, a user-friendly mobile app, and other advanced services. These on-demand solutions empower residents to meet their fitness goals and improve their well-being.

Contact us today to schedule a free demo and discover how we deliver top-notch personalized fitness experiences for apartment residents.