5 Real Estate Trends Shaping Multifamily Housing in 2022
Despite predictions to the contrary, the pandemic did not dampen demand for multifamily living over the past year. In fact, the rental market boom of 2021 is expected to continue in 2022, with more people prioritizing the low-commitment, highly amenitized, service-oriented lifestyle offered through leasing. Taylor Johnson's rental housing experts have shared their insights on 5 top trends they predict will shape the multifamily industry over the year ahead, from the infusion of urban style into suburban rental communities to the sticking power of remote work and the increasing demand for apartment buildings that prioritize sustainability and wellness. 
For more information or to schedule interviews with Taylor Johnson housing experts featured in this report, please contact Gretchen Muller at gmuller@taylorjohnson.com or 312.267.4511. 
Trend #1: Not Your Parents' Apartment - City Style Hits the 'Burbs
Suburban locales have long been dominated by single-family homes, but now the rental market is gaining prominence there, too. And while many people are opting to live outside dense city centers, they remain attracted to the bells and whistles of a downtown multifamily lifestyle, which includes highly amenitized apartment communities with upscale unit finishes and walkability to dining, retail, entertainment and transit. Developers have taken note, so expect to see even more new-construction, city-inspired multifamily developments in suburban areas, where residents can have the perks of city living with the added benefit of better access to more open space.
Trend #2: Making Room for Work From Home
With hybrid and remote work arrangements part of the new normal, multifamily communities are adapting to accommodate residents whose apartments — and apartment buildings — also function as their offices. Developers are planning for flex space, higher ceilings and bigger windows within units. And knowing that residents’ homes expand beyond their units’ walls into every corner of the building, they’re creating a series of varied workspaces and nooks throughout amenity areas, hallways and even in mailrooms. Plush booths, surprise pocket spaces, ‘Zoom-Rooms’ with backgrounds that wow, and expansive tables with armchair seating can serve double duty for both work and socializing. 
Trend #3: Mission Responsible: Social Impact Investing
It turns out the bottom line is not always about the bottom line as real estate investors consider which projects to finance. There is a growing desire among multifamily investors to direct capital toward projects that not only meet traditional requirements for a high financial return, but also consider the greater responsibility of minimizing environmental impact and maximizing positive social transformation in neighborhoods. Whether by creating quality affordable housing, pursuing sites that can accommodate equitable transit-oriented developments (eTODs) or implementing sustainable design and property management principles, expect to see developers in the new year place a greater emphasis than ever before on addressing critical social needs to meet a new set of mission-driven benchmarks and financial objectives.
Trend #4: Decarbonization Drives Sustainable Growth
Sustainability has been the focus of the multifamily development arena for decades, but many firms are going beyond green certifications by publicly setting aggressive, measurable goals to decarbonize all operations – those directly within their purview, as well as the operations of suppliers and vendors up and down the supply chain. In addition to protecting the environment, the economic payoffs with sustainability are clear, as properties are better prepared to weather the effects of extreme climate change, the health and wellness of residents is improved, and long-term operating costs are reduced. Net-zero carbon commitments will be realized in a variety of ways in 2022 and beyond. Expect to see more biophilic design, use of on-site renewable energy, and integration and expansion of both natural and manufactured materials that are more durable and less harmful to the environment.
Trend #5: Property Management 2.0
With the constraints of the pandemic, it’s no surprise residents spent more time than ever before in their apartment buildings during the past 19 months, as they served as home, office, gym and social hub. This 24/7 “at home” lifestyle means renters have come to expect a higher level of service for the long-term. In 2022, savvy property managers will continue to implement creative solutions to deliver on that expectation, often via new and improved technology that gives residents a more controlled, customized day-to-day service experience. Look for widespread implementation of tech-forward automation to not only manage residents' tasks, but also connect them with each other. Also, expect to see a fresh range of recreational options that cater to remote workers and happy homebodies. 

About Taylor Johnson
Taylor Johnson is a public relations and events firm 100% niched in real estate. We represent some of the industry’s most highly regarded companies – large and small, public and private, residential and commercial, and touching nearly every property sector.

Since 2006, Taylor Johnson has been distributing the Taylor Johnson Trends Report, an annual compilation of our clients’ predictions for the year ahead in real estate. Broken into residential, multifamily and commercial editions, the TJ Trends Report shares insights from experts across a range of real estate disciplines – from development, design and construction to brokerage, investment and finance – resulting in a robust forecast that examines the industry from multiple perspectives.

For more information on Taylor Johnson’s expert sources or to see previous Taylor Johnson Trends Reports, please contact Gretchen Muller at gmuller@taylorjohnson.com or 312.267.4511. 
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