The purpose of any Build to Rent development is to offer purpose-built apartments to prospective tenants. This means that gaining and retaining tenants is a priority of any Build to Rent development. Thus, a major feature of any Build to Rent design development should be that it is tenant-oriented. This is what sets Build to Rent developments apart from the conventional block flats.
Improving Tenant Experience
From the onset, everything about a Build to Rent development is tailored to provide a superb rental experience. From the planning and design, to the management and maintenance. To achieve the best tenant experience possible, diligent research must first be conducted.This is the primary reason why Whole Life Costing is advised in the initial stages of the planning process. As properly conducted, whole life costing informs the decisions of the investors and the developers. Furthermore, it highlights the best design options available.Market research is also crucial to understanding what the location of the development lacks and needs. This knowledge will improve the marketability of the Build to Rent development. We should conduct this research individually for each development and design. We should also tailor improvements to the findings of the research.
Apart from the personalised or tailored design principles added to each development, some design principles are common to every development. These are sure-fire to improve the quality of the tenants experience in every BTR development. Below are five design particulars to give you an idea.
The 5 Design Principles of Build to Rent
Apartment Mix:
Integrating the apartment mix is a major design principle for a development that is tenant-oriented. (Unlike conventional block flats where all the apartments are identical in shape, size, and structure). Build to Rent apartments can provide a mix of small, medium, and large sizes. As well as different shapes & layouts that suit different budgets and needs of the target tenant.
Grand Entrance:
The entrance hall of a BTR sets the tone for the first impression of what to expect in the apartments. We must integrate certain factors into the the development, to achieve a grand entrance design. Having a double-height ceiling gives room for a spacious entrance lobby. It also gives room for the installation of unique art and other aesthetic pieces such as; grand chandeliers, beautiful lighting, and other decorative pieces of furniture. A great deal of attention is given to the entrance lobby, to ensure it’s welcoming and alluring. This element is often compared to the hotel industry – where the entrance speaks volumes about what the guest can expect to experience from the moment they walk through the door.
Amenity Space in BTR Design:
The inclusion of amenity space is a necessary addition to any Build to Rent development. This design principle is one of the most obvious benefits of Build to Rent development over the conventional block flats. The amenity spaces include facilities such as; events spaces, lounges or bars, restaurants, gym, and more. However, it is important to conduct market research in choosing the design facility for the amenity space. For example, you wouldn’t add a gym to the building if there was a large gym next door.
These amenity spaces also serve as a social interaction hotspot for residents. They encourage a more enjoyable stay in the development and attract more prospective tenants. Understanding the development area needs is crucial to securing a quick lease velocity. Providing an amenity that is hard to come by – could be the difference between a tenant renting in one development over the closest competitor.
Security of Build to Rent Design
In choosing a home, one of the important factors tenants consider is safety, or how secure the home is. It is therefore crucial to ensure that the development is as secure as possible with the appropriate technological measures in place. You can use cameras in common areas, lifts, access swipe entry, and protection of storage spaces. Furthermore, Bluetooth card readers, door locks, portal management of car parks, and other services are also a benefit. By providing these security measures in the development, tenants staying within BTR developments are both comfortable and safe.
Efficient Layout
In the design plan of any BTR, it is important to ensure that the layout is efficient. Moreover, it should also be convenient for the tenants. For example, a designated parking space in a secure area, close to a lift, will make the moving experience easier. Also, having fast and adequate lifts in the development, makes a massive difference in the waiting time for lifts. (Which can save the day when you’re running late!).
Conclusion
There are hundreds of design considerations that we can put in place to increase the experience of the tenant. It is vital to the success of a development to research the target demographic of the building. Making sure to meet as many of their needs as possible.
Failure to include design principles to increase the quality of tenant experience, would be counterproductive to the success of the development and the BTR philosophy. Because, a great tenant experience is the largest contributing factor to the success of a Build to Rent scheme.
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