Turnkey Connectivity Pitched as Key Amenity

Published by The Daily Scout

What happened

A whitepaper from Parks Associates and Xfinity Communities is promoting turnkey connectivity as a critical amenity for multifamily properties. The research details how providing a seamless, tech-forward move-in experience can boost resident retention and a property's appeal. This positions high-quality, pre-installed internet as a competitive differentiator beyond traditional amenities.

Why it matters

- According to the research, 41% of renters expect internet service to be active from the moment they move in. This demand for instant-on connectivity is a key driver behind the push for turnkey solutions. - Competitors are already leveraging connectivity as a key amenity; for instance, NEMA Chicago offers "ultrafast gigabit-capable internet" and smart-home-ready residences, including Lutron lighting and ecobee thermostats. - Xfinity's "WiFi Ready" program addresses this by pre-installing wireless modems in units, allowing new residents to activate their service immediately upon move-in without a technician visit. - The whitepaper notes that residents who have previously experienced bulk or managed internet services are significantly more likely to consider it "highly important" in their next move. - Beyond just internet access, many new luxury properties in Chicago are integrating smart home features. Millie on Michigan, for example, provides residents with smart home technology in their apartments. - The report highlights that dissatisfaction with a property's technology can severely impact resident sentiment, with a resident's Net Promoter Score (NPS) dropping to an average of -39 if they are unhappy with the smart tech provided. - Managed Wi-Fi not only serves as a resident amenity but also provides the necessary infrastructure for smart building technologies that improve operational efficiency, such as smart lighting and security systems. - While many luxury buildings in the Gold Coast area, like The Deco, list "high-speed internet access" as an amenity, the trend is moving towards more specific and managed offerings that guarantee a seamless experience.

Key numbers

  • - According to the research, 41% of renters expect internet service to be active from the moment they move in.
  • The report highlights that dissatisfaction with a property's technology can severely impact resident sentiment, with a resident's Net Promoter Score (NPS) dropping to an average of -39 if they are unhappy with the smart tech provided.

What happens next

  • According to the research, 41% of renters expect internet service to be active from the moment they move in.
  • The whitepaper notes that residents who have previously experienced bulk or managed internet services are significantly more likely to consider it "highly important" in their next move.

Quick answers

What happened in Turnkey Connectivity Pitched as Key Amenity?

A whitepaper from Parks Associates and Xfinity Communities is promoting turnkey connectivity as a critical amenity for multifamily properties. The research details how providing a seamless, tech-forward move-in experience can boost resident retention and a property's appeal. This positions high-quality, pre-installed internet as a competitive differentiator beyond traditional amenities.

Why does Turnkey Connectivity Pitched as Key Amenity matter?

According to the research, 41% of renters expect internet service to be active from the moment they move in. This demand for instant-on connectivity is a key driver behind the push for turnkey solutions. Competitors are already leveraging connectivity as a key amenity; for instance, NEMA Chicago offers "ultrafast gigabit-capable internet" and smart-home-ready residences, including Lutron lighting and ecobee thermostats. Xfinity's "WiFi Ready" program addresses this by pre-installing wireless modems in units, allowing new residents to activate their service immediately upon move-in without a technician visit. The whitepaper notes that residents who have previously experienced bulk or managed internet services are significantly more likely to consider it "highly important" in their next move. Beyond just internet access, many new luxury properties in Chicago are integrating smart home features. Millie on Michigan, for example, provides residents with smart home technology in their apartments. The report highlights that dissatisfaction with a property's technology can severely impact resident sentiment, with a resident's Net Promoter Score (NPS) dropping to an average of -39 if they are unhappy with the smart tech provided. Managed Wi-Fi not only serves as a resident amenity but also provides the necessary infrastructure for smart building technologies that improve operational efficiency, such as smart lighting and security systems. While many luxury buildings in the Gold Coast area, like The Deco, list "high-speed internet access" as an amenity, the trend is moving towards more specific and managed offerings that guarantee a seamless experience.

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