Resident Amenities and Wellness: New Drivers of Occupancy

Resident amenities are no longer just perks—they’re a deciding factor for younger renters. Millennials and Gen Z increasingly choose properties that prioritize resident wellness through features like fitness spaces, green areas, mental health amenities, and sustainable design. Properties that invest in wellness-focused amenities see higher occupancy, stronger retention, and premium rental rates.

The Rise of Resident Wellness

A decade ago, amenities like a pool or gym were considered extras. Today, resident wellness amenities—features that actively support health, happiness, and community—are at the heart of rental decision-making.

This shift stems from cultural changes: increased focus on health, sustainability, and work-life balance. With remote and hybrid work keeping renters at home more often, their living spaces now need to support physical, mental, and social well-being.

The Global Wellness Institute projects the “wellness real estate” sector to nearly double in value between 2023 and 2028, signaling that this isn’t just a fleeting trend, but a longer-term market shift.

Resident Amenities That Resonate

1. Fitness and Movement Spaces

Modern residents expect more than a small gym. Yoga studios, group fitness rooms, outdoor exercise zones, and virtual training platforms cater to diverse lifestyles. Flexible scheduling and hybrid options help renters integrate fitness into their daily routines.

2. Green & Outdoor Spaces

Biophilic design (integrating nature into buildings) reduces stress and improves mood. Rooftop gardens, landscaped courtyards, and walking trails provide daily exposure to greenery, even in urban settings.

3. Social & Community Hubs

Connection is key to well-being. Well-designed lounges, coworking areas, pet-friendly parks, and makerspaces create opportunities for interaction and foster a sense of belonging.

4. Mindfulness & Mental Health Support

Meditation rooms, quiet study spaces, and sensory-friendly designs offer respite from daily stress. These amenities appeal to renters seeking balance and focus.

5. Sustainability as Wellness

Eco-friendly features like energy-efficient appliances, filtered air systems, and recycling programs not only support the planet but also improve residents’ health. Younger renters often see sustainability as part of personal wellness.

The ROI of Wellness-Focused Resident Amenities

Wellness-centered amenities aren’t just good for residents, they’re good for business. Properties with such features often command higher rents, experience reduced turnover, and attract more qualified leads.

Developers have reported double-digit increases in demand for properties with wellness integrations. When residents feel healthier and more connected, they’re less likely to leave—boosting occupancy and long-term revenue—and more likely to recommend your property to others.

Designing for Younger Renters: Implementation Tips

Here are some quick tips to help you integrate these wellness-focused amenities into your property as efficiently as possible.

1. Survey residents to identify the most valued amenities before investing.
2. Blend digital and physical wellness. For example, pair an onsite gym with a fitness app or wearable integrations.
3. Create flexible spaces that serve multiple purposes, like meditation rooms that become coworking spaces during the day.
4. Integrate wellness into the whole property, from lighting and acoustics in hallways to greenery in shared spaces.
5. Market the wellness story, not just a list of features—show how your property helps residents live healthier, happier lives.

Looking Ahead: Wellness as the Standard

In the next few years, wellness-focused resident amenities will move from differentiator to expectation. From AI-powered health insights to on-demand wellness services, innovation in this space is accelerating.

For property managers, the opportunity is clear: wellness investments don’t just improve resident satisfaction—they future-proof your property in a competitive market. The question for younger renters is no longer “Does it have a gym?”—it’s “Will this place help me live well?”