Image of building residents in a lobby interior

How Tenant Expectations Are Shaping the Next Generation of Build-to-Rent Projects

In Australia’s evolving rental housing market, build-to-rent (BTR) developments are experiencing a renewed focus, not because the concept is new, but because tenant expectations are becoming central to how these projects are designed, operated, and managed. As renters demand more from their living spaces, greater convenience, integrated tech, stronger community, the next generation of build-to-rent projects is being shaped by the very people who live in them.

Recent reports from ABC News highlight the sector’s shift toward tenant-centric property development, with resident expectations driving new levels of innovation.

How Renter Demands Are Redefining the Build-to-Rent Model

Today’s renters aren’t just looking for four walls and a roof, they’re seeking a lifestyle. From on-site gyms and rooftop gardens to smart home integrations and concierge-style services, modern tenant demands are encouraging developers to focus on resident experience over traditional metrics. Read more on why build-to-rent is a smart choice in Australia.

This shift reflects a broader trend in Australia’s rental housing market: people want more liveable, connected, and convenient homes. And in a build-to-rent trends, where long-term relationships with tenants matter, these expectations are driving long-term strategy.

PwC report notes that BTR developers are now prioritising professional, service-led offerings across their entire operations. It highlights that long-term leases, premium amenity packages, smart technology in rental properties, and consistent on-site management are increasingly central to attracting and retaining tenants, signaling a clear pivot from traditional rental models toward a holistic resident experience.

What Are The Most In-Demand Build-to-Rent Property Features?

Leading BTR projects are responding by incorporating a wide array of tenant-focused features:

Concierge services to assist with deliveries, bookings, and daily needs

Smart intercom and visitor management systems to enhance safety and access

Integrated parcel lockers for seamless delivery and pick-up

Flexible leasing options to accommodate evolving lifestyles

Coworking spaces and study hubs for remote professionals and students

Community-focused amenities like rooftop BBQs, lounges, and events

According to Savills Research, the success of BTR lies in delivering professional management, a sense of community, and amenity-rich living elements that are attracting high occupancy and strong tenant loyalty.

These features aren’t just trends, they’re becoming standard expectations. Read more about build-to-rent property features here.

Designing for Tenant-Centric Living

Designing with renters in mind means prioritising function, flexibility, and aesthetics. Interior layouts are open-plan and storage-smart, while communal areas foster interaction and convenience.

Build Australia highlights that successful build‑to‑rent design hinges on community-centric placemaking and sustainability with shared lounges, co-working zones, rooftop terraces, pet parks, and green spaces enabling social interaction and tenant connection. They also note the importance of energy efficiency and smart home functionality as core expectations among renters in Australia’s evolving BTR sector.

Developers are increasingly adopting sustainability strategies for designing for renter preferences, which can include:

Green Building Feature	Examples
Eco-Friendly Building Design & Materials	Use of sustainable, low-VOC (volatile organic compound) materials for healthier indoor air Green roofs and rooftop gardens that improve insulation and create communal green space High-performance glazing and insulation for better comfort and reduced energy use
Energy Efficiency & Smart Tech	LED lighting, motion sensors, and smart thermostats to reduce energy consumption Solar panels powering common areas to reduce carbon footprint and lower resident fees Real-time energy usage tracking via resident apps to promote energy awareness
Water Conservation Initiatives	Low-flow fixtures, dual-flush plumbing, and drought-resistant landscaping Rainwater harvesting systems used for irrigation or toilet flushing in common areas Onsite greywater systems to reduce reliance on potable water
Sustainable Transport Support	Bike storage to encourage low-impact commuting EV charging stations for residents with electric vehicles Car-sharing partnerships or resident shuttle services to reduce car dependency
Recycling & Waste Reduction Programs	Clearly marked recycling stations and organic waste disposal systems Onsite composting programs for resident participation Education initiatives on waste separation and sustainability tips via digital platforms
Biophilic & Wellness-Oriented Design	Integration of natural elements like green walls, indoor plants, and water features Orientation of apartments to maximise natural light and ventilation Outdoor areas designed for relaxation, connection with nature, and stress reduction

Incorporating these building sustainability features not only boost convenience for residents and occupants, but also help future-proof developments.

The Role of Technology in Resident Experience

Technology is at the heart of improving the resident experience in build-to-rent trends. Platforms like MYBOS simplify building management while enhancing tenant satisfaction. Through centralised systems, managers can:

Streamline amenity booking

Improve communication with residents

Track maintenance requests and asset lifecycles

Smart integrations also allow residents to enjoy more autonomy, leading to stronger engagement and longer tenancies.

Some of the standout features in leading BTR properties include:

Concierge services and parcel lockers

Smart intercom and visitor management systems

Flexible leasing options

Integrated mobile apps for residents

These features not only enhance lifestyles but also streamline operations, especially parcel lockers and tenant portals, which automate everyday tasks and reduce manual handling for concierge teams, resulting in a smoother resident experience and more predictable workflows.

For a closer look at how amenity booking tools contribute to an improved resident experience, explore MYBOS’s insights here: 4 Ways to Enhance Tenant Experience with Amenity Booking Tools

Creating Community-Focused Rental Buildings

Fostering social interaction contributes to a sense of belonging, an increasingly valuable quality in urban environments. Community-focused rental housing models increase resident retention and satisfaction, ultimately benefiting the bottom line for developers.

A defining feature of successful BTR projects is their emphasis on building community. These properties often include shared kitchens, co-working lounges, and event calendars curated to bring residents together. These can include:

Amenity Type	Examples
Shared Amenities for Social Connection	Rooftop gardens, BBQ terraces, and communal lounges to encourage casual interaction Co-working spaces that double as community hubs during after-hours events Shared kitchens and dining areas for resident-hosted dinners or cooking classes
Health, Wellness & Recreation Spaces	Fitness centers and yoga studios with scheduled group classes On-site wellness rooms or meditation spaces for quiet connection and reflection Pools, cinemas, and games rooms designed to be used socially
Organised Events & Activities	Monthly social calendars including trivia nights, movie screenings, and wine tastings Fitness challenges, running clubs, or pet meet-ups to bring like-minded residents together Workshops, hobby groups, or activity nights curated for diverse interests
Digital Platforms for Resident Interaction	Resident apps (such as MYBOS) with forums, event listings, and messaging features Booking systems for amenity spaces that also show who’s attending Community boards for skill-sharing, ride-sharing, or social meetups
Pet-Friendly Initiatives	Dedicated dog parks and pet wash stations Pet-owner networking events or training workshops “Pet of the month” features to build connection through shared interests
Resident Involvement and Co-Creation	Feedback loops through surveys or resident committees to shape future amenities Community gardens or DIY projects residents can help maintain Resident-led initiatives supported by building management (e.g. sustainability clubs, book clubs)

Building a strong sense of community also depends on open, consistent communication. Explore strategies to improve tenant engagement in this helpful guide: How to Communicate Effectively with Your Tenants

Looking Ahead: The Future of Rental Living

As the BTR sector matures, we can expect to see greater innovation, increased use of data analytics, and a heightened focus on sustainability. With urban populations growing and housing pressures mounting, build-to-rent is set to become a cornerstone of Australia’s rental landscape.

Projects in Queensland and Victoria are already exploring the next phase of BTR 2.0, with a stronger emphasis on affordability and community wellbeing, a shift highlighted by Development Ready.

Going Digital: Elevating Your Tenant Experience with MYBOS

As tenant expectations continue to evolve, build-to-rent trends and projects offer a strategic path forward for property developers and building managers alike. By focusing on community, smart design, and seamless technology integration, the future of rental living is not only more comfortable but more connected.

To stay ahead, it’s essential to have the right tools in place. MYBOS equips you with powerful features to simplify management and elevate the tenant experience, supporting both day-to-day operations and long-term success.

Ready to transform your approach to build-to-rent real estate management? Book a demo today to see how MYBOS can support your next project.