D
evelopers are scrambling to differentiate their luxury apartment communities in a crowded market. This year will see the largest influx of new multifamily buildings in decades, with over 520,000 units expected to be delivered and another 900,000 in development. While this surge is expected to improve affordability and slow rent growth, it's also created a sense of urgency among property owners to stand out from the crowd.

    In high-growth metropolitan areas like New York City, Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston, Atlanta, and Austin, developers are seeking to "hyper-curate" their properties to appeal to specific demographics. This means offering unique amenities, showcasing environments that cater to particular tastes, or leveraging a property's geographic location to its advantage.

    In Philadelphia, Broadridge Philly Apartments was designed with the local community in mind, featuring uniquely designed units and cutting-edge amenities like private pods for remote workers and podcasting booths for content creators. The development has helped transform a former food desert into a thriving cultural hub.

    Developers are also identifying market gaps and creating products tailored to specific demographics. For example, Emblem 125 in Providence, R.I., was designed specifically for busy Millennials who might otherwise consider buying a home. The property features co-working spaces, a rooftop courtyard lounge, and ground-floor retail space within walking distance of the commuter rail station.

    In Portsmouth, N.H., SGA designed three buildings that connect the historic part of town with the new development zone, creating 308,000 square feet of luxury condominiums and commercial space. The project preserves the context and site lines of the historic area while providing a unique living experience for residents.