Smart is one term that has attained whole new meanings in a predominantly-digital age. Living smarter and more efficiently is the aspirational goal now for a large chunk of global travellers. And when it comes to renting apartments, some of them are undoubtedly smarter than their tenants! Yes, you read it right!
Several new-age apartments are way more innovative and advanced than you may think! Sounds interesting? Let’s take a look at this aspect in more detail below.
What People Usually Want While Renting Apartments
Before we dive deeper into smart apartment technologies and features, it’s important to first assess what people usually want while renting these properties. Here are some valuable insights worth noting in this regard.
- An MRI Software survey had 2/3rds of renters highlighting sustainability as a key consideration. So, they are more likely to look at apartments that follow eco-friendly practices, since about 40% of people stated that they would not live in properties not adhering to the same.
- The study mentioned that more than 50% of renters wish to digitally communicate with landlords/property managers and would rather pay rents online.
- More people are interested in space and privacy above all else, something that has increased considerably ever since the lockdown.
- Some other features that people desire include an on-site pool, in-unit laundry, private garage, high-speed broadband, on-site gymnasium, additional storage, playground, premium appliances, flat-screen televisions, and online portals for communication and bookings/management. These features are increasingly common in smart serviced apartments in Barcelona, offering comfort with flexibility.
- Demand for high-speed internet links to the increasing number of people who are remote workers or digital nomads and renting apartments in various locations. Co-working spaces are also in demand along with meeting rooms, work desks, and conferencing/business facilities.
Let us now look at some smart features that we often do not know about in apartments worldwide.
How Apartments Have Smarter Features These Days
Coming back to our core premise- modern-day apartments are often way smarter than their tenants. Here’s how:
- Smart devices like lighting, thermostats, and advanced security systems are integrated into several apartments and are becoming standard in modern serviced apartments in Amsterdam. They are also controlled remotely through voice commands or smartphone apps.
- Most apartments come with energy-efficient and intelligent systems that will learn your usage habits/behavior and adjust systems for optimizing energy consumption. This leads to lower utility bills at the same time.
- Voice-controlled assistants and automated systems are making daily tasks easier, while taking orders and deploying commands for everything from room service to maintenance/housekeeping requests.
- In-built services like package delivery, resident assistance, cleaning, etc. are now offered in these apartments, while buildings are tailored to connect systems, people, and devices (IoT-based), creating a more responsive and integrated ecosystem.
- Several apartments integrate sustainable design components such as energy-efficient appliances, rainwater harvesting, energy-monitoring tools, and so on. Other such features include video doorbells and smart locks, along with motion detectors, alarm systems, and so on.
- Online/digital payment options and communication via mobile apps and email or other digital channels is also the need of the hour.
- Many apartments are also offering on-demand services like ridesharing, pickup points, access control, etc. They collect data through the building management system and link smart devices, Wi-Fi, sensors, lighting, HVAC, access control, and system management dashboards. This helps property managers get building data and take more effective operating decisions.
Shifting to a Smarter Way of Living
Moving towards a smarter way of life is the norm today, with more apartments offering integrated technologies and cutting-edge features. In fact, property managers are now collecting rent and tackling maintenance tickets and accommodation packages for tenants. Connected building networks are now helping them improve resident experiences considerably, with smart in-built features like instant messaging, event calendars, on-demand property maintenance and other services, and resident assistance/concierge/support.
More guests can get remote access to apartments in case they get locked out and even set automated door locking for added security. Temperatures can also adjust themselves in various weather conditions to maximize comfort and sustainability alike.
Smart technologies are also enabling apartments to manage tenants more effectively while also facilitating better energy management. There is also increased focus on integrated data privacy and cybersecurity, which are two of the major challenges of the age. Smart apartments gather resident data, which is why it should be kept responsibly. Single-window platforms for smart apartments link community management, property management, smart home devices, building automation, and more. It enables more control over the entire spectrum of services.
Final Thoughts
Smart apartments have completely transformed the way in which tenants live and experience a new location throughout their stays. This has also spurred a revolution in the hospitality and construction industry with more developers and hotel brands looking at capitalizing on massive demand for serviced apartments throughout major global cities. However, integrating smart technologies and other features is steadily becoming a norm, rather than the exception.
It is not only transforming hotel stays, but also leading to a sustainable and eco-friendly approach that is apt to address future needs. So, if you ever pictured a future where voice assistants take orders and guide you throughout the stay and the room lighting and temperature adjusts as per your preferences, it’s right here and now! Going forward, the evolution of AI and machine learning will further accelerate the rapid digital transformation of the hospitality sector and bring smarter living to the forefront. On that note, here’s to enjoying your next stay at a smart apartment that will wow you with its cutting-edge features.
