In today’s multifamily housing market, resident expectations are evolving faster than ever - and smart home technology is leading the charge. What was once a novelty is now becoming an expectation, with connected living features influencing everything from lease decisions to resident retention. Properties that invest in integrated, reliable technology aren’t just offering a perk – they’re delivering a lifestyle residents demand.
At Dyverse, we’re continually studying how digital tools impact resident behavior, satisfaction, and retention. Recently, we connected with Sarah Bonder, an industry expert from Livly and a leader in multifamily smart technology solutions, to gain insights on what residents truly value, and we’ll explore how data-driven property marketing and management can harness this demand.
What Smart Technologies Do Residents Value Most?
According to Livly, it’s less about the individual devices and more about how those devices work together to simplify and secure everyday life.
Residents value seamless control and security above all else when it comes to smart technology. The Livly app is the single command center for modern living, integrating smart locks, thermostats, video intercoms, and package systems into one streamlined experience. When everything is connected in one app, residents don’t just feel more conveniently connected, they feel safer and more in control of their home.
This emphasis on seamless integration speaks to a growing consumer expectation for on-demand, app-based control. Residents no longer see keyless entry or mobile thermostat controls as luxuries - they expect them to work effortlessly, and data from resident satisfaction surveys confirm this trend. Properties that fall short risk losing valuable renewals.
Smart Technology’s Impact on Satisfaction and Retention
Smart living isn’t just a buzzword - it’s a powerful driver of resident happiness and loyalty.
This is where data capturing becomes crucial for property management teams. By tracking usage patterns, feature adoption rates, and resident feedback through integrated platforms, operators can identify which smart features are resonating and where adjustments are needed. For example, if data shows frequent resident frustration with package room access or app glitches, addressing those issues quickly can prevent turnover and negative reviews.
Smart Technology’s Impact on Satisfaction and Retention
Does Smart Tech Influence Lease Renewals?
By monitoring resident engagement and satisfaction metrics tied to technology performance, property managers can address friction points before they impact renewal rates. At Dyverse, we often advise clients to build these data touchpoints into their leasing and retention reporting to identify actionable trends.
How Should Properties Market Smart-Enabled Homes?
Residents care about how smart technology improves their daily life - not the brand names behind the devices.
Practical, resident-focused messaging resonates most. Highlight real benefits like:
- No more lockouts - unlock your door with your phone.
- Grant secure access to guests, dog walkers, or house cleaners without sharing keys.
- Control your thermostat from anywhere.
- See who’s at the door in real time for added peace of mind.
Final Thoughts: A Data-Driven Future for Resident Experience
Smart technology isn’t just transforming how residents interact with their homes - it’s redefining how properties capture, analyze, and act on data to improve satisfaction and retention. Platforms like Livly don’t just enable smart living; they create valuable data ecosystems that help operators make smarter decisions.
“Smart technology isn’t just about convenience. It’s about security, autonomy, and a better overall living experience,” Sarah concluded. Like Livly, Dyverse believes in a “It’s all Connected” philosophy - we believe data-informed marketing and operations are tied to the future of multifamily housing through strong data analytics and marketing automation. By investing in technology that improves resident satisfaction and provides actionable insights, communities can stay competitive, attract quality renters, and build long-term loyalty.
