What 2026 Multifamily Trends Properties Should Consider for their PropTech Investments
The multifamily market saw many challenges in 2025 – from economic uncertainty, to tariffs, increased insurance rates, and labor shortages. But, the industry is also opening new opportunities to help offset these obstacles. Let’s discuss some of the 2026 multifamily trends and answer some of the questions that operators and developers are thinking about this year.
Why are multifamily properties looking for convergence of PropTech?
There is a demand for properties to add new technologies for a multitude of reasons, from upleveled maintenance management and more efficient utility usage to enhanced security and better resident programs. Without the proper digital infrastructure, these innovations can’t deliver their full value. Creating a centralized backbone on a managed Wi-Fi network where all this PropTech works together will not only exceed resident and property management expectations but build long-term value for properties.
Why is Security is one of the most important considerations for 2026?
Residents need to feel safe where they live, and this includes both digital and physical access to their homes and data. With any enhancement, security and cybersecurity should be considered from door locks to HVAC upgrades to security cameras and smart lighting. All of these enhancements create more secure communities. But it’s also important that processes and a secure digital layer are considered to protect data across the property.
If an operator chooses one new tech in 2026, where should they look?
Energy costs represent a significant portion of operational expenses, with residential electricity rates quickly increasing more than 30 percent on average since 2020. As properties seek more sustainable and cost-efficient practices, energy management systems have emerged as a key tool for optimizing energy use.
Energy management systems incorporate a focused approach by monitoring each area’s HVAC performance independently through cloud-connected smart thermostats. These systems collect real-time data on factors such as actual runtime, energy consumption, local utility rates, and specific heating or cooling demands. By integrating these variables, apartments can calculate precise cost savings. New technology supports proactive maintenance and sustainability goals and represents a shift toward smarter building operations.
How will communities improve resident experiences for retention and growth?
Connectivity consistently ranks at the top for resident expectations. They want to easily watch a show in the laundry room, work in shared spaces, and enjoy music streaming at the pool. This access to “follow-me” Wi-Fi gives a strong, secure connectivity to their personal networks and creates better resident experiences and satisfaction.
2026 Multifamily Trends to Watch
The development around broadband, connectivity, and smart building technology is re-shaping rental housing. 2026 will be a year of new opportunities for PropTech to enhance operations and resident experiences. If you are interested in learning more, please book a meeting or see us at an upcoming event.
Sandy Jack is Vice President of Strategic Relations – Multifamily at Nomadix, an ASSA ABLOY company. With over a decade of experience in the multifamily, Sandy is a passionate and trusted advisor, helping leverage connectivity and property technology (proptech) solutions to help properties achieve their business goals.