In 2025, renting has become far more than just finding a place to live—modern tenants are seeking homes that offer comfort, convenience, sustainability, and community. With rents rising and renters growing more discerning, what extra features are they willing to pay for? Data from recent studies and industry insights reveal a clear picture: renters are ready to invest more for sustainable features, tech-enabled homes, private comforts, and community amenities. Let’s explore the top upgrades and what they signal about the future of renting.
💷 1. Sustainable Features: Tenants Pay for Tomorrow
Environmental upgrades are no longer optional—they’re essentials. According to Handelsbanken’s 2025 Property Investor Report, an impressive 92% of UK property investors believe tenants are willing to pay more for sustainable homes—those featuring solar panels, heat pumps, EV chargers, and higher energy efficiency.
Over 57% of tenants are requesting electric vehicle charging points, while 47% demand better EPC ratings—C or higher. A study from Ireland even found tenants would pay an extra €38/month for a one-grade EPC boost.
Why it matters: With UK legislation raising energy-efficiency standards by 2030, renters are increasingly prioritising future-proof, eco-conscious homes—even if it means paying a green premium.
🏠 2. Tech-Enabled Comfort: Smart Homes as Standard
In the age of remote work and digital living, smart amenities are no luxury—they’re expectations:
- 82% of renters want at least one smart device (thermostat, lighting, or lock), and 86% of millennials say they’d pay more for a “smart apartment”.
- 70% of renters consider smart thermostats “must-have” features .
- Smart-home upgrades benefit landlords too—saving on energy costs and increasing retention .
Whether voice-controlled heating, app-managed security or light automation—they signal modernity, efficiency, and convenience renters are happy to invest in.
📱 3. In-Unit Essentials: Laundry, A/C & Connectivity
Passive amenities matter even more than flashy extras. Buildium’s 2025 data shows renters prioritise in-unit washer/dryer, air conditioning, and high-speed internet—even over access to gyms or pools.
In the U.S., in-unit launderette adds about a 6% rent premium, while A/C and internet can push rents up by 4–5%. Even smaller buildings reflect this trend—safe neighborhoods, utilities, quiet zones, and dependable wifi top the renters’ list.
So while rooftop gyms look good in brochures, comfort and autonomy at home win out.
🌳 4. Private Outdoor Space: A Mini Oasis
Whether it’s a plant-friendly balcony, patio, or secure yard, access to private outdoor space is increasingly coveted:
- Buildium data shows private outdoor areas rank in the top 10 for all rental types.
- Greystar’s survey of 90,000 renters emphasised walk-in closets, natural light & fresh air—highlighting the emotional value of personal outdoor retreats.
From pet owners to work-from-home professionals, fresh air at home adds calm and connection with the outdoors—and they’re willing to pay for that.
🔒 5. Parking & Storage: Practical Comfort to Count On
Space matters—even when it’s not glamorous:
- Garage parking adds ~8% to rent; in-unit laundry adds ~6%.
- Storage—walk-in closets, built-in shelves, external lockers—was a top feature in Greystar’s report .
Clutter-free living and reliable parking don’t just ease life—they offer tenants a sense of predictability and privacy.
🐾 6. Pet-Friendly & Community Perks
Pets, flexible terms, and social amenities matter:
- Pet policies, dog parks, and community events are in high demand—Buildium data shows pet-friendliness is top in single-family rentals.
- Community perks are evolving—from fitness centers to curated social programming: buildings like Brooklyn Crossing reimburse tenant-hosted events up to $500, fostering connection and loyalty.
These “social amenities” aren’t just extras—they’re retention tools.
📉 7. Junk Fees: Too Much Comfort Can Hurt
But riders add up—70%+ of renters are seeing rent baked into utility, junk or convenience fees. In the US, companies like Valet Living charge $40–60/mo for basic services—raising concerns about transparency. In the UK, rising rent (now ~39% of income for many) is stretching budgets despite increased comfort .
Landlords must balance valuable extras with transparent, ethical pricing.
🧩 8. Right to Rent: Security Meets Comfort
New UK legislation is reshaping rent priorities:
- The Renters’ Rights Bill removes “no-fault” evictions while introducing Decent Homes Standards.
- By 2030, all let homes must meet or exceed an EPC C rating.
Doing so aligns legal security with renter desires for green, efficient living—improving standards and encouraging investment.
🏘️ 9. Investment ROI: Renting Comforts That Pay Off
SmartRent highlights a key insight: amenities that help renters save time and money—like smart tech, energy efficiency, in-unit laundry—deliver the best return on investment.
Features that increase ROI include:
- Smart thermostats (energy-conscious tenants)
- EV chargers (57% demand, reducing future obsolescence)
- In-unit laundry, A/C, private outdoor space, parking—each offsets friction and raises monthly rent value.
The bottom line: comfort pays for itself—for renters—and for landlords as long stays and lower turnover.
🗣️ 10. What Renters Are Actually Doing
Real renters show they mean it—recent surveys and studies back it up:
- Nearly £700 is spent on décor per rental by Brits—removable wallpaper, smart bulbs, tiles—to feel at home.
- 70% of UK renters personalise or retrofit for energy efficiency—smart meters (38%), appliance swaps (31%).
- 80% intend eco-consciousness in future rentals.
That reflects not only desire but behavior—renters act on comfort and sustainability preferences.
🤝 11. How Nezt Meets the Demand
At Nezt, we understand modern renters’ true willingness to pay for comfort and sustainability:
- Green homes with high EPC standards, insulation, and energy-efficient appliances
- Smart home integration: app-controlled temperature and lights
- Fully furnished flats with in-unit laundry, A/C, fast Wi‑Fi, and outdoor / pet-friendly options
- Flexible leases—1–6 months—allowing renters to test and choose the right extras
- Community & event programming—supporting retention without hidden fees
Nezt offers comfort without compromise—building trust and loyalty among thoughtful renters.
💡 Final Takeaways
- Renters are putting their money where their values are: green, tech, comfort, community over fluff
- Smart upgrades yield long-term ROI—for tenants (savings/quality) and landlords (lower voids, premium rents)
- Transparent offerings—not hidden fees—maintain goodwill
- Platforms like Nezt that marry sustainability, comfort, and flexibility are ahead in this evolving rental ecosystem
