Property operators today face increasing pressure to juggle building safety, sustainability, and resident satisfaction – all while staying compliant and managing admin-heavy processes. With 2025 bringing new regulations and rising resident expectations, the need for smart, streamlined solutions has never been greater. Staying competitive in a rapidly changing market means adopting technology that not only improves operational efficiency but also enhances resident satisfaction and engagement.
Fortunately, innovative platforms like Spike are transforming the way operators manage properties, easing admin burdens and driving stronger engagement.
Here are the key property trends to watch in 2025 and how Spike can help future-proof your developments:
1.) Focus on Building Safety and Compliance
Safety and compliance will remain a top priority, especially with evolving regulations. Property managers must ensure buildings meet updated health, fire, and safety standards. New regulations under the UK Building Safety Act 2022 will become mandatory in 2025, requiring property managers to provide regular building safety reports and resident communication regarding safety measures. According to Property Wire, landlords in 2025 will also need to maintain robust risk assessments and ensure that emergency procedures are clearly communicated to all residents, highlighting the increasing responsibility placed on landlords to proactively manage building safety.
The HomeViews Build-to-Rent Report 2024 revealed that resident satisfaction reached its highest level in 2024, marking a strong rebound from the dip experienced in 2022. Management ratings saw the greatest improvement, with 46% of reviews for the top 10 communities highlighting ‘quick,’ ‘prompt,’ or ‘efficient’ responses. This underscores the vital role of professional and responsive management teams in boosting resident satisfaction. Investing in platforms like Spike not only streamlines building safety and compliance but also enhances communication and overall resident experience – key factors in maintaining high satisfaction levels.
How to Adapt: Staying on top of safety audits is essential, and leveraging Spike’s maintenance management feature to schedule and automate routine maintenance tasks ensures that essential checks, such as fire alarm testing and emergency lighting inspections, are never overlooked. By automating regular safety checks and workflows, Spike can reduce admin time by up to 30%, freeing up your team to focus on resident experience and property growth.
Leveraging Spike’s maintenance management feature also allows residents to easily log maintenance requests through the app, ensuring these are sent directly to property management. Critical tasks can be prioritised, preventing essential issues from being overlooked or lost in communication. This streamlined process enhances operational efficiency while improving resident satisfaction.
Property managers can also share building safety updates and necessary documentation with residents fosters transparency and trust. Additionally, scheduling regular safety training for both residents and staff can create a culture of awareness and preparedness, further strengthening building safety protocols.
Imagine this: A resident reports a leaking tap through their resident app, and the request is automatically assigned to the nearest available technician. The resident receives real-time updates, and the issue is resolved within 24 hours. No phone calls, no follow-ups. This level of seamless interaction enhances satisfaction and reduces the admin burden on your team.
2.) Sustainability as a Standard
Sustainability is no longer a differentiator; it’s an expectation. In 2025, residents will demand eco-friendly living spaces that minimise environmental impact. This includes energy-efficient buildings, green spaces, and waste reduction initiatives.
According to a 2024 survey by JLL, 74% of tenants are willing to pay a premium for properties with sustainable features, and 65% expect landlords to implement green initiatives. Additionally, new legislation such as the UK’s Future Homes Standard, set to take effect in 2025, will require new builds to produce 75-80% less carbon emissions than current homes.
The energy bills surge and the cost-of-living crisis, which continues into 2025, has increased awareness of energy efficiency, with one in five tenants stating it will be a major factor when choosing a home.
How to Adapt: Going green isn’t just about meeting regulations – it’s what your residents want. With Spike, you can drive sustainability initiatives that get your community involved, reduce energy use, and boost property value. Spike can promote community recycling events and share sustainability tips, fostering a culture of green living. Having a green culture in place can enable property management to apply for certifications such as BREEAM or LEED further solidify a property’s commitment to sustainability, increasing property value and appeal.
2.) Community-Driven Engagement
Residents are increasingly valuing connection and community within their living environments. Engaged communities lead to higher retention rates and improved resident satisfaction. A recent study by NMHC found that 83% of residents are more likely to renew their lease if they feel a sense of community in their building. This trend is driven by the increasing desire for social interaction post-pandemic and a growing demand for curated community experiences.
To inspire engagement and build a stronger sense of community, consider organising events, fitness classes, or communal projects. Property managers have seen great success by hosting ‘meet your neighbour’ nights, themed holiday events, and interactive workshops, such as cooking or DIY classes, all of which foster interaction and create lasting relationships among residents.
How to Adapt: Spike’s award-winning resident engagement platform makes it easy to foster communication and build connections. By organising events, conducting resident surveys, and facilitating community feedback, Spike helps property managers strengthen bonds and create vibrant living environments. Developing wellness programs, shared interest groups, and networking events further cultivates a thriving, connected community that residents want to be part of.
3.) Tech-Enhanced Living
Smart home integrations and app-based resident portals will continue to redefine convenience and security in 2025.
A recent survey by NMHC found that 73% of residents express a strong preference for buildings with resident apps, citing convenience and communication as key benefits, and this number is expected to rise.
As demand for seamless digital interactions grows, property managers are recognising the importance of investing in resident-facing technology to attract and retain tenants.
How to Adapt: With Spike, property managers can offer a fully digitalised living experience, encompassing keyless entry systems, parcel management solutions, digital concierge services and more. Our integration with Utopi smart meters also allows for real-time energy tracking, empowering residents to monitor and optimise their consumption. This seamless, app-based approach not only enhances convenience but also strengthens security and operational efficiency across the property.
4.) Flexible and Hybrid Spaces
As remote working continues, residents seek developments with adaptable spaces for work and leisure. Multi-use communal areas and co-working spaces will rise in demand. A Knight Frank report highlights that 67% of renters are looking for properties with dedicated co-working spaces, and 59% consider flexible amenities a deciding factor when choosing a property.
What’s more, according to the HomeViews Build-to-Rent Report 2024, the most common amenities in top-rated communities include co-working spaces, resident lounges, and multi-use communal areas. These spaces not only enhance day-to-day living but also provide the versatility residents crave – allowing for quiet work environments during the day and social gatherings in the evening. Properties that offer these features consistently receive higher satisfaction ratings and experience better retention rates.
How to Adapt: Spike simplifies the management of communal spaces by facilitating digital bookings and tracking availability, ensuring fair access for all residents. Repurposing underutilised areas into co-working or relaxation spaces can cater to evolving needs, while modular designs allow for easy reconfiguration to suit different purposes. This adaptability creates a more vibrant living experience, enhancing property appeal to modern renters.
Make 2025 Your Year of Transformation with Spike
As we move into 2025, the property sector will be driven by sustainability, building safety, and tech-enabled community engagement. Embracing these trends will be crucial for enhancing operational efficiency and resident satisfaction.
At Spike, we’ve empowered our clients to stay ahead of the curve, transforming their developments year after year. Now, it’s your turn.
Book a demo today and discover how Spike can help you navigate the future of property management in 2025 and beyond!