Huge Majority Of DFW Renters Don't Care About High-End Amenities, New Survey Shows

It has long been understood by the CRE community that long lists of lavish property amenities are a must for drawing apartment renters.

But a new survey of what Metroplex tenants are really after indicates Zoom rooms, extensive walking trails and other expensive perks are the most important factor for just 11% of DFW renters, and 1 in 4 rated them as their least important consideration when looking for a new place to live.

Survey results gathered by multifamily real estate data platform RCKRBX found basics like space allocation and location are the most important motivators for renters looking for a new apartment. The former was the No. 1 consideration for 31% of renters, while 30% picked the latter.

“There are certain tastemaker groups that obviously have a strong bias toward amenities, but they tend to be the small minority of renters,” RCKRBX CEO Michael Broder told Bisnow. “Generally speaking, amenities are more eye candy and less impactful on the decision of where to rent.”

RCKRBX's analysis found that DFW renters are 82% “utilitarian” when making decisions on their next apartment, while the other 18% are what the company calls “tastemaker renters,” those interested in things beyond the four walls of their living space. 

Topping the survey list of decision-making criteria for tenants are basics like rental costs and fees (32%), safety and security (27%) and proximity to work (10%). Less than 5% listed pet-friendliness, amenities like gyms and common areas, and on-site perks like concierge services, dog walking and dry cleaning as their No. 1 priority.

“All the bells and whistles are important, but … fundamental drivers of renter demand still come down to utilitarian criteria,” RCKRBX Chief Research Officer Kevin Hudak said. “The tastemaker options really help check the box when you're on a tour [or] when you're eliminating one building versus another when they're across the street from each other.”

Yet despite the small number of tastemaker tenants, developers are still including unique amenities to set their properties apart. Those speaking to Bisnow said they believe the extra touches add value and plan to continue incorporating them.

Multifamily developer JPI still sees demand for top-tier amenities like putting greens, resort-style pools and race car simulators at their properties. Senior Vice President of Development Blake Taylor said the company prioritizes luxe features because they enhance residents’ living experiences.

“These features not only improve residents’ quality of life but also create a strong sense of community,” Taylor said via email. “Our goal is to ensure that every amenity adds real value in building community and makes residents proud to call a JPI property home. We want each community to have a memorable moment.”

Melanie French, CEO of property management company RR Living, said high-end amenities and unique features are vital to attracting residents. 

“With nearly half the U.S. population being Gen Z and Millennials, and being well within their prime renting ages, this demographic is looking for unique places that provide a well-rounded living experience,” she wrote in an email.

Workspaces Still Pay Off

One thing tenants and developers agree on is the importance of dedicated workspace as an amenity.

Taylor said JPI has also seen continued interest in coworking spaces, which the company included at its Jefferson Lumen development in Irving.

“While people are reconnecting socially outside their homes, residents now look for spaces that allow flexibility — places to socialize, relax, or work closer to home,” Taylor said. 

The RCKRBX survey found that 55% of renters consider a dedicated workspace nook an important interior unit feature.

Hudak also listed fitness centers and club rooms as essential amenities for a multifamily development. But Hudak said RCKRBX advises developers to include coworking areas in their buildings, although having dedicated space inside units is also popular. 

“You obviously have a shift from some of those smaller, more efficient units to those that have an additional private workspace, like a den or a second bedroom that can function as an office,” Hudak said. 

The trend toward satellite offices popping up at coworking spaces in the DFW suburbs has followed the growth of cities like McKinney and Frisco. And renters increasingly want to work close to home.

The majority of DFW renters RCKRBX surveyed were interested in renting in more suburban areas of the Metroplex. Hudak said the farther a development is from Dallas proper, the more renters have an expectation of better amenities.

That is as true for older apartment developments as it is for brand new ones, French said.

“Legacy apartment communities and new development projects alike are revamping the amenity and common space offerings for their residents,” she said. “Gone are the days where people lived in an apartment because homeownership is unattainable. Rentership is a choice now and one that many see value in, allowing for flexibility and less of a long-term commitment while renting.”