Multi-family smart home research conducted by Xfinity Communities suggests that smart technology is becoming more of a necessity than a nice-to-have option in the multi-family sector.
“Smart Technology in the Multifamily Housing Industry” is a survey of 200 property managers, multifamily home developers and residents. Respondents were asked if specific technologies are fully adopted, are in the process of being deployed or if a decision has been made to adopt. Seventy-seven percent of respondents said that smart locks were in one of the categories. They were followed by smart thermostats (75%), smart lighting (71%), water leak detectors (70%), smart home energy use (69%) and smart washers and dryers (66%).
Adrian Adriano, VP of Strategic Initiatives at Xfinity Communities pointed out the benefits to residents, which include security, peace of mind, convenience and lower costs. He said that there also are advantages to those sponsoring the technologies. “Sometimes overlooked, however, are the benefits to the organizations implementing these technologies,” he said in a press release. “They’re able to remotely monitor various building infrastructures, such as water and energy systems, realize long-term savings from the efficiencies gained, and are empowered to promote themselves to residents willing to pay a premium for the latest technology.”
Respondents largely agreed with a series of seven statements:
- 74 percent believe smart home technology is the way of the future, the sooner they have it the better.
- 73 percent think that it is environmentally responsible to adopt smart home technology.
- 72 percent said smart home technology is good for the bottom line.
- 72 percent contend competitors do not offer smart home technology, creating an advantage for those that do.
- 70 percent agree implementing smart home technology can help tenants with disabilities and limitations.
- 70 percent agree smart home technology makes the organization’s job easier on a day-to-day basis.
- 68 percent have current and prospective tenants with a strong desire for access to smart home technology.
The Wyatt FOCO, a luxury community in the Fort Collins, CO, area, will offer Xfinity Communities’ smart home platform. The announcement was made last month and was the first deployment of the platform.
