FirstService Residential Compiles 2015’s Top Condo Amenity Trends
North America's leading property management firm reveals the top amenity trends in luxury multifamily living today.
Dania Beach, Fla. (August 11, 2015) --- Condominiums today have become more than just living spaces, with features like on-site day care centers, pet grooming stations and exclusive socializing and community areas quickly becoming the norm. In 2015, these emerging trends have given condominium buyers something new to consider beyond just location and square footage.
FirstService Residential, North America’s largest manager of residential communities, provides full-service management and five-star service for an extensive portfolio of luxury high-rise buildings in major cities across the U.S. These include such prestigious landmarks as LUMINA, home to San Francisco’s most expensive condo listing, The Plaza Residences, where residents can enjoy many of the services offered by New York City’s iconic Plaza Hotel, and the Private Residences at Hotel Georgia in Vancouver, voted Best Residential High-rise during the Vancouver Sun Readers’ Choice Awards and presented by the Urban Development Institute.
Servicing amenity-rich properties requires a different skill set than traditional property management. With its deep experience and hands-on expertise in managing high-rise luxury buildings and their exclusive offerings, FirstService Residential has become an authority on sought-after lifestyle amenities, both current and emerging, as well as those that have fallen out of favor, like once-popular screening rooms. Its condo lifestyle experts have compiled a list of seven luxury amenities that have been gaining traction in the multifamily housing market this year – exclusive offerings that are transforming condominium living into resort-style experiences for their homeowners and residents.
Dania Beach, Fla. (August 11, 2015) --- Condominiums today have become more than just living spaces, with features like on-site day care centers, pet grooming stations and exclusive socializing and community areas quickly becoming the norm. In 2015, these emerging trends have given condominium buyers something new to consider beyond just location and square footage.
FirstService Residential, North America’s largest manager of residential communities, provides full-service management and five-star service for an extensive portfolio of luxury high-rise buildings in major cities across the U.S. These include such prestigious landmarks as LUMINA, home to San Francisco’s most expensive condo listing, The Plaza Residences, where residents can enjoy many of the services offered by New York City’s iconic Plaza Hotel, and the Private Residences at Hotel Georgia in Vancouver, voted Best Residential High-rise during the Vancouver Sun Readers’ Choice Awards and presented by the Urban Development Institute.
Servicing amenity-rich properties requires a different skill set than traditional property management. With its deep experience and hands-on expertise in managing high-rise luxury buildings and their exclusive offerings, FirstService Residential has become an authority on sought-after lifestyle amenities, both current and emerging, as well as those that have fallen out of favor, like once-popular screening rooms. Its condo lifestyle experts have compiled a list of seven luxury amenities that have been gaining traction in the multifamily housing market this year – exclusive offerings that are transforming condominium living into resort-style experiences for their homeowners and residents.
1. Rooftop Lounges
Rooftop lounges are becoming a standard feature in many condo buildings, providing welcoming and convenient venues where homeowners can enjoy sunning, relaxing, socializing and dining just a few flights up from their homes. High-rise developments are capitalizing on the appeal of a panoramic view and adding engaging extras like landscaped alcoves, cabanas, fire pits and grilling stations. For residents, a vacation is now just an elevator ride away.
2. High-end health clubs
2. High-end health clubs
High-quality exercise equipment and personal trainers are just the beginning for many on-site condominium health clubs. Many of these upscale clubs now offer flexible fitness facilities and a variety of instructor-led group classes, such as yoga, Pilates, dance and spin classes, as well as interval training, golf simulators, volleyball and basketball courts, providing a place for residents to exercise and socialize without leaving home.
3. The “living lobby”
3. The “living lobby”
In many buildings, the traditional lobby has expanded to become a “living lobby,” where residents and guests are greeted with cafes, coffee bars, tea rooms, reading rooms, and even tech support. These enhanced welcoming areas provide residents not only with a secure and inviting entrance, but also a shared space integral to the community’s social life.
4. Lifestyle, entertainment and concierge services
4. Lifestyle, entertainment and concierge services
Great amenities are expected in luxury condos, but what sets many luxury high-rises apart are the fun, lifestyle-driven programs that bring residents together. From lounge parties, wine tastings and guest authors to intimate dinner parties and gala birthday celebrations, concierges and lifestyle directors strive to create unique programs that fill the tastes, interests and social needs of their residents. In addition, concierge services enhance residents’ lifestyles by setting appointments, making reservations and even securing last-minute or hard-to-get tickets for local performances and concerts.
5. Kids’ playrooms
With more families opting for vertical living, creating spaces for kids of all ages is important. Children’s playrooms now offer programming with interactive gaming on iPads and computers, and some even book readings from professional storytellers. Older children can enjoy rooms designed just for them, filled with the latest online and arcade games.
6. Pet services
Our feline and canine friends have become part of the family, and according to the Humane Society of America, over 62% of Americans own at least one pet. In response, many condo buildings not only welcome four-legged residents, but also offer specially tailored amenities for both pets and their owners. These services include on-site pet spas, grooming services, on-site dog parks, walking services, pet play groups, healthy diet programs and even toys and other pet gear.
7. Exceptional service
7. Exceptional service
Valuing outstanding service above all else, residents of luxury buildings are served by highly trained staff members who cultivate a spirit of excellence and attentiveness. Five-star service is key to resort-style living, and luxury condos are modeling their services after the philosophies pioneered by the hospitality industry. These residents want their living experiences to mirror their luxurious vacation experiences, and exceptional service makes all the difference.
Condo buildings are moving closer toward offering a full-service hotel experience, delivering services and amenities that create a sense of community and bring neighbors together. FirstService Residential is ahead of the curve, leveraging the expertise gained by managing its vast high-rise portfolio to deliver high-end lifestyles while ensuring efficient operations of complex multi-family communities. As a result, the company can add more value by sharing best practices, specialized resources and tailoring its property management services to meet the needs of clients throughout North America.
“The progression of urban-luxury development has led to a market where resort-style experiences are considered standard, and multifamily developments must follow suit and identify new and unique amenities for residents,” said Chuck Fallon, CEO of FirstService Residential. “At FirstService Residential, we work alongside the properties we represent to deliver desirable offerings to attract homebuyers and stay competitive in this booming real estate climate.”
About FirstService Residential
FirstService Residential is North America's largest manager of residential communities and the preferred partner of HOAs, community associations and strata corporations in the U.S. and Canada. FirstService Residential's managed communities include low-, mid- and high-rise condominiums and cooperatives, single-family homes, master-planned, lifestyle and active adult communities, and rental and commercial properties.
With an unmatched combination of deep industry experience, local market expertise and personalized attention, FirstService Residential delivers proven solutions and exceptional service that add value, enhance lifestyles and make a difference, every day, for every resident and community it manages. FirstService Residential is a subsidiary of FirstService Corporation, a North American leader in the property services sector. For more information, visit www.fsresidential.com.
Condo buildings are moving closer toward offering a full-service hotel experience, delivering services and amenities that create a sense of community and bring neighbors together. FirstService Residential is ahead of the curve, leveraging the expertise gained by managing its vast high-rise portfolio to deliver high-end lifestyles while ensuring efficient operations of complex multi-family communities. As a result, the company can add more value by sharing best practices, specialized resources and tailoring its property management services to meet the needs of clients throughout North America.
“The progression of urban-luxury development has led to a market where resort-style experiences are considered standard, and multifamily developments must follow suit and identify new and unique amenities for residents,” said Chuck Fallon, CEO of FirstService Residential. “At FirstService Residential, we work alongside the properties we represent to deliver desirable offerings to attract homebuyers and stay competitive in this booming real estate climate.”
About FirstService Residential
FirstService Residential is North America's largest manager of residential communities and the preferred partner of HOAs, community associations and strata corporations in the U.S. and Canada. FirstService Residential's managed communities include low-, mid- and high-rise condominiums and cooperatives, single-family homes, master-planned, lifestyle and active adult communities, and rental and commercial properties.
With an unmatched combination of deep industry experience, local market expertise and personalized attention, FirstService Residential delivers proven solutions and exceptional service that add value, enhance lifestyles and make a difference, every day, for every resident and community it manages. FirstService Residential is a subsidiary of FirstService Corporation, a North American leader in the property services sector. For more information, visit www.fsresidential.com.