Multifamily and mixed-use properties are under pressure to deliver the latest smart-tech living experience while keeping costs in check. Surveys show that about 75% of renters want smart home features, and roughly 60% would trade amenities such as pools or fitness spaces for better-connected living. The result is a technology dilemma where the balance between resident demand and operating cost becomes critical.
In this climate, leading operators are choosing an infrastructure-first approach—building reliable, scalable networks that serve current needs and scale for whatever technology comes next. The heightened attention on Wi‑Fi 7 is a case in point: while the new standard promises speed, the return on investment isn’t there yet. Most properties haven’t maxed out Wi‑Fi 6, and less than 6% of new devices are Wi‑Fi 7 compatible, making a faster but costlier upgrade impractical for many MDUs.
Residents want ubiquitous, dependable connectivity that works across common areas and throughout the community. Relying on unit-by-unit, retail Wi‑Fi can create gaps—coverage gaps on balconies or interference between units—while open networks raise security concerns. A property-wide managed Wi‑Fi network provides immediate ROI and creates a platform for ongoing monetization, not just a fast-but-fragile service.
That ubiquitous connectivity becomes a foundation for revenue. The typical technology amenity fee hovers around $75 per month, and more than 80% of renters say the premium tech experience is worth it. In practice, smart features should add clear value: a video doorbell, for example, is more impactful than a smart fridge, with roughly 60% of residents wanting door-monitoring or intercom-style communication at the door.
Beyond convenience, smart tech supports energy efficiency and sustainability. A property-wide EMS can reduce energy costs by about 19% and lower operating expenses by roughly 18%. EMS enables residents to set comfort schedules while allowing managers to monitor consumption and flag anomalies—like an unusually high heat setting or an open window—before it compounds costs. For cities with mandates, such as NYC’s carbon-reduction targets, EMS data can demonstrate compliance and help avoid penalties, protecting NOI.
Security remains a top resident priority, and a unified network makes smart access control feasible. Electronic locks, gates, surveillance, and alerting can be deployed cohesively and at lower total cost, with properties reporting up to 21% fewer safety incidents and lower insurance costs. Smart access also reduces turnover costs by streamlining lock changes and key distribution, while enabling safe, flexible access for workers, service providers, and residents alike.
Looking ahead, the challenge isn’t predicting the exact technology of the future but ensuring compatibility and interoperability. About 41% of MDUs report challenges managing multiple proptech solutions, and properties often juggle an average of 21.5 vendors across portfolios. A foundation-first strategy—prioritizing interoperable, scalable network components—turns an operational expense into a strategic asset, enabling measurable ROI from day one and a platform that grows with future technology.
— Sandy Jack, Vice President of Strategic Relations – Multifamily at Nomadix, underscoring how a sustainable, scalable network can unlock revenue and improve NOI for MDU operators. Subscribe to the Broadband Communities newsletter for ongoing insights.
