The U.S. multi-family real estate sector—which spans townhomes, duplexes and high-rise buildings—has been on an upward trajectory that shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon. Renters in particular are seeking out multi-family spaces as a result of rising interest rates and a growing preference for convenience over ownership. However, today’s renters aren’t just looking for a place to live—they’re looking for a better living experience.

Smart multi-family buildings—those that integrate modern amenities, building automation solutions, and property management into one connected building system—offer residents amenities that help them save time and hassle. Statistics show that people of all ages are willing to pay for these innovations. Younger generations are particularly focused on finding smart places to live: A survey conducted by Schlage and Wakefield Research found that 86% of millennials would pay one-fifth more to live in a smart building.

Smart Access Controls, Connected Fitness, and Flexible Spaces Are in Demand

These days, many occupiers expect the ability to change the temperature in their unit from their desk at the office, or to confirm that the front door is locked by checking their phone rather than retracing their steps. They also expect to have high-performing, and always-on connectivity to support both smart access controls as well as other IoT-enabled devices—all while simultaneously streaming movies and television shows on multiple TVs, laptops, and iPads. Outside of their residences, they are looking for integrated services including home cleaning and package delivery, designated pickup space for Uber and Lyft, gyms featuring connected fitness equipment, and flexible spaces with high-end AV systems and lighting for working or socializing.

Smart buildings also benefit their owners/operators, too. These buildings are more efficient buildings, which are both better for the environment and less expensive to operate. The process of managing buildings and supporting resident needs also becomes more efficient and effective in a connected building. Smart locks alone make in-unit maintenance trips faster and easier.

Smart Network Infrastructure Solutions for Smart Multi-Family Developments

Meeting the growing demand for technology-enabled solutions requires a robust network infrastructure that can support smart building functions, as well as:

• Wired and wireless networks in the leasing or management office
• Wi-Fi and cellular connectivity within residences and common areas such as the lobby, gym, mail center, laundry facilities, hallways, and more
• AV systems in common areas such as lobbies or a theater, or for digital signage throughout the building

While most new construction buildings are wired for smartness from the beginning, older buildings can also be retrofitted with smart apartment connectivity. In either case, meeting tenant needs while maximizing the amount of rentable space means outfitting telecom closets with high-density patch cords designed to optimize space, and cabling that can connect networking applications in any setting.

How Panduit Helps

Panduit provides the broadest portfolio of innovative network infrastructure and AV solutions in the market, including:

• Copper Systems that deliver the bandwidth and reliability required to connect networking. Our industry-leading Category 6A Vari-MaTriX™ HD Cabling System delivers 10G and takes the guesswork out of applications like Power over Ethernet.
• Innovative fiber-optic solutions that meet today’s network requirements and provide a migration path for tomorrow’s applications. Panduit’s PanMPO™ Fiber Connectors and the HD Flex™ Fiber Cabling System simplify the migration to 40G and beyond.
• AV Solutions that are simple to install and even easier to operate.
• Rugged, reliable infrastructure in equipment rooms including vertical cable managers that can hold patch panels for ultra-high density deployments.

Download our solution guide, Network Infrastructure for Commercial Real Estate, to learn more about robust, reliable solutions for commercial real estate environments. You can also learn more at Panduit.com.