Commercial real estate’s landscape has undergone significant changes over the last decade. Amidst an era where work-life balance, employee engagement, and well-being are more than just buzzwords, the importance of amenities in commercial properties cannot be overstated. Amenities have gone from ‘nice-to-haves’ to ‘must-haves,’ often acting as the determining factor for businesses looking to lease or buy commercial property. Some amenities can even help to increase the value of a property. But which commercial amenities attract the best clients?
Modern tenants are not just seeking square footage; they’re after a holistic work environment that complements their brand, culture, and values. They seek amenities that benefit their employees and enhance their productivity and job satisfaction. From fitness centers to gourmet cafeterias, the amenities you choose for your commercial property can be the deciding factor that sets you apart from your competition.
With the changing priorities of businesses, the right amenities in your commercial property have become a critical component in the tenant decision-making process. Keep reading to find tips to help you choose the right amenities.
Green Spaces and Sustainability
When you’re building your list of which commercial amenities attract the top tenants, make sure to include green spaces. Both inside and outside the building can profoundly impact employees’ mental health, enhancing creativity, reducing stress, and boosting morale. Investing in landscaped outdoor areas or indoor plant installations can significantly increase your property’s attractiveness.
Furthermore, as environmental concerns continue to gain momentum, sustainability has become a highly desirable feature in commercial properties. Tenants increasingly seek properties with eco-friendly amenities like solar panels, energy-efficient appliances, waste recycling programs, and even sustainable flooring options. By incorporating such features, you contribute to the planet’s well-being and attract a broader range of tenants.
Well-Ventilated Areas
Climate control is an essential amenity often overlooked when considering commercial properties. However, a comfortable and well-ventilated workspace is integral to employee productivity and satisfaction. As such, it’s prudent to collaborate with a reliable commercial HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) company.
Working with an HVAC professional ensures that your property provides an optimal indoor environment, regardless of the season. Whether it be a commercial HVAC company in Texas or Ontario, working with HTS could help you create well-ventilated areas in your commercial property. They can guide you on the most efficient systems and ensure they’re properly maintained for optimum performance and longevity. Additionally, they can assist you in making your building more energy-efficient, lowering utility costs, and appealing to environmentally conscious tenants.
Plenty Of Communal Spaces
Another trend is the one towards open and flexible workplaces has paved the way for communal spaces in commercial properties. Areas like shared lounges, rooftop terraces, or game rooms allow employees to relax, socialize, and collaborate informally. These features are instrumental in building a strong company culture and fostering creativity and innovation.
Moreover, shared amenities like conference rooms and event spaces can also be a significant draw. These spaces provide flexibility for companies that may need such facilities only occasionally, and having them readily accessible saves businesses the cost and hassle of sourcing them externally.
Health And Wellness Features
Health and wellness have become more than just buzzwords. It is a growing trend that has spread far and wide, influencing various industries and reaching a market evaluation of $1.5 trillion, and it is still growing! Gradually, health and wellness have become a key focus in commercial property. This significant trend with commercial property has a noticeable impact on the most desired amenities. For instance, the growing awareness about mental health and the importance of physical fitness has meant amenities, like on-site gyms, meditation rooms, and access to outdoor spaces, are highly sought after.
This category should also be expanded into the area of safety. From parking lot safety to proper railings on staircases. Today’s tenants expect safe work environments, especially in light of today’s OSHA laws.
Such amenities promote healthier lifestyles among employees and increase productivity and lower absenteeism. Furthermore, they present an appealing image to visitors and potential clients, highlighting the company’s commitment to its employees’ well-being.
Tech-Driven Amenities
Technology has become a cornerstone in commercial real estate, especially in our increasingly digital world. High-speed internet access, robust Wi-Fi coverage, smart lighting and temperature controls, and electric vehicle charging stations are some tech-driven amenities tenants now expect as standard.
Additionally, with the rise of remote work and flexible working hours, businesses are looking for properties that offer 24/7 access and high-tech security systems to keep their assets safe. Commercial properties that boast these amenities, along with some of the others mentioned, will be a highly desirable location, attracting plenty of interest.
Selecting The Right Amenities
So which commercial amenities attract the best clients? The ones we’ve outlined here are ones that are priorities for most businesses today. While the ideal amenities vary based on your target demographic, focusing on health and wellness, technology, sustainability, and accessibility can set your property apart. Remember, the goal is to create an environment where businesses can visualize their growth and success, an environment that reflects their brand and supports their team’s well-being.
In a highly competitive commercial real estate market, properties with well-chosen, high-quality amenities are more likely to attract and retain tenants, assuring a sustainable income stream and appreciating property values. Your choices can significantly influence your property’s desirability, setting the stage for a successful and profitable venture.
