The multifamily real estate landscape is experiencing a fundamental shift as wellness-focused features transform from luxury add-ons to essential components that drive property value. According to a May 2024 report from the Global Wellness Institute, the wellness real estate market has experienced explosive growth, rising from $225 billion in 2019 to $438 billion in 2023 globally, with projections showing it will more than double to $913 billion by 2028. This remarkable trajectory reflects a deeper understanding among both developers and consumers about how our built environments directly impact our physical and mental wellbeing.
The Wellness Real Estate Revolution
The COVID-19 pandemic served as a catalyst, accelerating consumer awareness of how our built environments impact our physical and mental health. Industry experts note that our lifestyles and requirements are changing in terms of happiness and longevity, pushing the traditionally conservative real estate industry to adapt accordingly.
This evolution isn't happening in isolation. Major industry players recognize the shift, acknowledging that unprecedented demand drivers are now in place. Consumer awareness of wellness has reached new heights, with people increasingly placing value on wellness features, which in turn generates value for real estate investors and owners.
Top Wellness Amenities Driving Value
Today's renters and buyers are looking beyond basic fitness centers—though those remain important, with 62% of respondents in a 2024 Greystar Design Survey saying they use their community's fitness center. What constitutes an effective wellness amenity has expanded to include:
1. Comprehensive Fitness Facilities
While traditional gym spaces remain crucial, today's tenants expect more sophisticated offerings. According to the 2023 Greystar Design Survey, free weights (41%), 24/7 access (40%), water stations (39%), and cardio machines (38%) were deemed "absolutely essential" features of fitness centers. The survey also revealed that 73% of respondents preferred live fitness instructors over virtual options, highlighting the value placed on in-person wellness experiences. For property managers, well-maintained fitness centers with updated equipment can be a significant draw for health-conscious renters who appreciate the convenience of on-site workout facilities.
2. Biophilic Design Elements
Features that connect residents with nature are gaining prominence, with many developments incorporating:
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Rooftop gardens and green spaces
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Natural lighting and ventilation systems
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Indoor plants and living walls
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Water features that create calming environments
3. Air Quality and Environmental Health
The pandemic heightened awareness of indoor air quality, making advanced filtration systems, touchless technology, and natural ventilation increasingly important selling points. As the Global Wellness Institute notes, "Safe and healthy air is not only important for our homes but is also top-of-mind for managers and occupants of non-residential buildings."
4. Mental Wellness Spaces
Dedicated areas for relaxation and meditation are becoming standard in wellness-focused properties. These might include:
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Meditation gardens or quiet rooms
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Technology-free zones to encourage digital detox
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Spaces with acoustic treatments to reduce noise stress
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Sensory gardens with calming elements
5. Enhanced Wellness Technology
Smart technology that supports wellness goals is increasingly sought-after in premium multifamily properties:
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Air quality monitoring systems with real-time feedback
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Circadian lighting systems that support healthy sleep patterns
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Smart thermostats for personalized comfort
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Touchless technology to minimize germ transmission
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Noise-reduction technology for improved sleep quality
6. Health-Focused Amenities
Modern multifamily developments are incorporating specialized features designed specifically to support resident health:
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Spas and recovery rooms with hot tubs, saunas, and cold plunge pools
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Dedicated spaces for yoga, meditation, and mindfulness practices
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Water filtration systems throughout the property
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Allergen-reducing HVAC systems with advanced filtration
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Low-VOC building materials and finishes for better indoor air quality
The Challenge of Accessibility
One challenge in the wellness real estate sector is what the Global Wellness Institute report calls "premiumization"—the widening gap between ultra-wellness real estate built for the wealthy and housing built for average families. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for developers to create wellness-focused communities across various price points.
According to their findings, wellness isn't just a luxury—the United Nations considers it a human right. Research suggests that up to 85% of our wellness is based on the built environment, indicating a significant obligation for the industry. This perspective suggests that wellness features will increasingly become standardized across market segments, not just in luxury developments.
Future Trends in Wellness Amenities
Looking ahead, several trends are expected to shape wellness amenities in multifamily developments:
Climate-Adaptive Features
As extreme weather events become more common, wellness-focused properties will incorporate climate resilience features like:
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Heat-reflecting materials and green roofs
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Backup power systems and water conservation technology
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Designs that maximize natural cooling and heating
Mental Health-Focused Design
Research in neuroaesthetics is demonstrating how our environments affect our mood and emotions. Future developments will increasingly leverage this science to create spaces that optimize mental well-being through thoughtful design of light, sound, scent, and tactile elements.
Biophilic Design Integration
The integration of nature into building design will continue to expand through:
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Living walls and indoor gardens
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Nature-inspired materials and patterns
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Natural ventilation systems
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Strategic use of daylight throughout properties
As consumer interest in wellness reaches what industry experts call a "critical mass," according to a May 2024 article published in Multifamily Dive, multifamily developers who invest in thoughtful wellness amenities are positioned for success. Whether through comprehensive fitness facilities, biophilic design elements, or better indoor air quality systems, these features deliver value for both residents and property owners.
Related Articles:
- Health Drives Value in Real Estate (MarketRent)
- Wellness Lifestyle Real Estate and Communities (MarketRent)