Multifamily housing construction is booming in the United States, with projects springing up in both urban and suburban areas to meet increasing demand. However, as competition grows, developers and contractors are incorporating cutting-edge designs and high-quality amenities to ensure their properties attract and retain tenants. In this article, we’ll explore the latest trends in multifamily housing construction and how they’re shaping the future of apartment living.
Whether you’re working on new builds or extensive renovations, understanding these trends can help you make design choices that resonate with today’s renters and increase the value of your properties.
Current State of Multifamily Housing Construction
The multifamily housing construction market remains active, even as new multifamily construction starts have declined substantially. Due to extended development lead times, the pipeline of projects under construction is still robust, reflecting an elevated forecast for unit completions in the coming years. Urbanization trends, shifts in lifestyle preferences, and rising demand for rental housing have been major drivers contributing to the increase in multifamily home construction.
According to Yardi Matrix’s latest Q4 2024 Multifamily Supply Forecast, the supply outlook for 2025 has been raised to 508,089 units, with a projected 371,509 units in 2026. These figures highlight sustained market activity despite the slowed rate of new construction starts.
While multifamily housing construction is down from previous highs, demand remains strong in certain regions, particularly in the Northeast, where construction activity has increased year-over-year.
Key industry players—from general contractors and architects to property management executives—are increasingly involved in the planning stages to deliver spaces that offer both comfort and efficiency. For professionals in multifamily construction, choosing quality materials and innovative designs is essential to creating spaces that stand out in a saturated market.
Sustainability & Eco-Friendly Design
Sustainable design is no longer optional in multifamily home construction. As demand for eco-friendly options rises, developers are increasingly adopting green building practices, which include everything from energy-efficient appliances to responsibly sourced materials. Eco-friendly kitchens and storage solutions can significantly impact a property’s overall sustainability footprint.
Popular practices in multifamily residential construction include:
- Energy-efficient materials and appliances that reduce energy consumption
- Water-saving fixtures in kitchens and bathrooms
- LEED-certified buildings contributing to improved air quality, reduced water & energy consumption, and decreased utility expenses
Multi-Housing Depot offers design consultations to help developers select sustainable materials, such as low-VOC cabinetry finishes that help contribute to LEED certifications and enhance the eco-friendliness of their new multifamily construction projects. Our Acacia line, made in the USA, aligns with sustainability initiatives while providing high-quality, durable products.
Technology Integration
Technology is revolutionizing how multifamily housing is built, from smart-home features and appliances within units to advanced construction technologies like modular building and Building Information Modeling (BIM). Many new multifamily buildings now include technology-driven amenities, such as:
- Smart Home Technology packages including smart thermostats, AI-enhanced appliances, and lighting control that offer both convenience and energy savings.
- Keyless entry and security systems for enhanced safety and accessibility.
- Advanced layout planning tools like BIM optimize design and streamline the building process.
Modular construction and prefabricated components are also becoming more common in multifamily housing construction, allowing controlled environments for faster project timelines without sacrificing quality. Multi-Housing Depot’s appliance and cabinetry products are designed with compatibility for smart technology integration and modular apartments, ensuring future-forward solutions for our clients looking to stay current with the latest multifamily construction trends.
Shift Toward Urban Living
Urbanization continues to drive demand for multifamily housing construction in city centers and dense metropolitan areas. With urban living comes the need for apartment spaces that are compact, efficient, and designed to maximize square footage. Builders are focusing on layouts emphasizing open spaces, efficient storage, and design features that enhance comfort within limited space.
Urban new multifamily construction projects often require durable, attractive solutions that cater to renters seeking a modern aesthetic. At Multi-Housing Depot, our custom-made cabinets and furniture are ideal for urban spaces, providing efficient storage solutions without compromising style. Designed to meet the needs of both spacious and compact apartments, our products help make urban living more comfortable and convenient.
Amenities & Community Spaces
In today’s multifamily developments, amenities and communal spaces are essential. Features such as coworking areas, fitness centers, and green spaces are in high demand and add significant value to properties. Amenities attract residents and create a sense of community within apartment complexes.
Trending community amenities include:
- Coworking spaces to accommodate remote work.
- Outdoor lounges and green spaces that encourage social interaction.
- State-of-the-art fitness centers that support healthy lifestyles.
- Large community clubhouses with features including coffee bars, game rooms, and living areas that invite residents to relax or host events
By integrating custom cabinetry, built-ins, and tailored furniture solutions, Multi-Housing Depot enables developers to enhance shared amenities with additional storage that complements the aesthetic and design of each space in their new multifamily construction projects. Our custom solutions create beautiful, functional areas that residents will love spending time in, whether a lounge, fitness center or community kitchen. Thoughtfully designed to blend seamlessly with other amenities, these features elevate the resident experience and add lasting appeal to the property.
Affordability Changes
Affordability remains a pressing issue in the multifamily housing market as developers seek solutions to provide high-quality housing at reasonable prices. Balancing construction costs with tenant affordability is an ongoing challenge, but there are ways to overcome these barriers and realize solid ROIs on new construction projects.
Solutions to increase affordability include:
- Using cost-effective, durable materials that minimize maintenance.
- Incorporating modular construction to reduce labor and material costs.
- Partnering with local suppliers and manufacturers to cut down on transportation and sourcing expenses.
Multi-Housing Depot supports multifamily housing construction initiatives with products designed for durability and longevity, ensuring that properties meet both budgetary constraints and high-quality standards.
Future Predictions for Multifamily Construction Trends
Multifamily housing construction is expected to evolve in 2025 as economic, technological, and lifestyle shifts shape the market. Key trends anticipated in the future include:
- Further integration of smart technology & AI in both units and shared spaces.
- Increased focus on sustainability and green building practices.
- Continued innovation in modular and prefabricated construction.
- A focus on amenities promoting health and wellness to residents.
Multi-Housing Depot remains committed to supporting industry innovation with products that meet evolving needs. Our custom cabinets and furniture solutions offer flexibility and quality, ensuring your properties stay competitive and appealing to future tenants.
Get Started on Your Multifamily Project Today!
From custom cabinetry made in the USA to durable, eco-friendly materials, Multi-Housing Depot offers a comprehensive suite of solutions for multifamily housing construction. Contact us today to learn how we can help you stay ahead of construction trends and create spaces that impress and attract residents.
