3 Kitchen Features Multifamily Buyers Will Pay More For

July 26, 2024

3 minute read

What kitchen features are in high demand among today’s multifamily residents?

The multifamily real estate market has changed dramatically since Covid-19. Millennials currently make up the largest share of homebuyers in America, and their needs and wants are quite different.

Modern, luxury fixtures and finishes can increase value per square foot and help attract higher-paying multifamily residents. But most builders are wary of adding high-end fixtures that increase the project’s cost.

So the real question is, which kitchen fixtures will give you the highest return on your investment?

Across the hundreds of projects we’ve outfitted, we’ve found fixtures that offer the most bang for the buck are:

Functional and attractive
Useful in everyday life
Well suited to the lifestyles of your buyers
On trend, yet timeless (won’t go out of style in the next 5-10 years)

Let’s look at the three core areas worth investing in for multifamily builders.

1. Undermount Sinks For Seamless Style and Function

Multifamily buyers love undermount sinks because they look sleek and are practical.

According to the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) 2024 Kitchen Trends Report, homeowners want multifunctional, easy-to-clean kitchens with ample storage.

And undermount sinks give them exactly that.

Multifamily buyers will confidently pay more for a kitchen with undermount sinks because they are easy to clean and work with.

Without a rim above the countertop, crumbs and grime have nowhere to hide. Homeowners love how easy it is to keep the kitchen spotless.

They save counter space. Because they hang below the countertop, undermount sinks are the best option to save space.

This is perfect for food prep and other kitchen tasks, especially in smaller multifamily kitchens where every inch counts.

They look high-end. Undermount sinks give the kitchen a clean, modern look.

Even affordable stainless steel undermount sinks add a touch of elegance, making the kitchen much more attractive.

Want to go the extra mile? We’ll look at the best finishes for undermount sinks in chapter 3.

But first, let’s look at faucets.

2. High-Function, Stylish Faucets

The faucet is often the first thing potential buyers notice when they enter the kitchen.

The sink area is usually front and center, with the faucet on top. It also usually contrasts with the backsplash, counters, and cabinets.

So, what kind of faucets do multifamily residents want the most right now?

Integrated sprayer faucets like pull-out and pull-down kitchen faucets are ideal for multifamily kitchen sinks.

They can easily reach all areas of the sink, making it simpler to keep clean.
If their pots and pitchers don't fit in the basin, they can fill them at the side of the sink.
They can easily switch between tasks on both sides of a double kitchen sink.
Integrated sprayers deliver incredible function without eating up extra counter space.
They look modern and updated, while a traditional sprayer to the side can look dated.
Their multi-use settings let homeowners switch between functions for watering plants or cleaning, making life easier.

Modern and transitional faucet styles have clean lines most residents will love, and they’re neutral enough to blend with nearly any design aesthetic.

Commercial-style sprayer faucets have an external spring and a tall gooseneck design, similar to those in a professional kitchen. They look great in modern, industrial, and rustic kitchens.

Many commercial faucets, including our A-807 model, offer the best of both worlds by featuring a spring and a pull-down sprayer. This combination creates an extremely functional and visually appealing fixture.

They’re also ideal for home chefs who want the most functional fixtures that are convenient to use.

The materials you choose can often have a big impact on the price and how your sink area looks. So let’s look at which materials and finishes next.

3. Luxurious Finishes For Stunning and Durable Kitchens

Luxury finishes aren’t just about looks. Many also offer higher durability and easier maintenance.

Busy renters love these features because they don’t have to spend much time on upkeep, and the high-end feel makes the kitchen look great.

Sinks

If you’re building upscale apartments or condos, you may want to consider luxury finishes for kitchen sinks.

Here are 4 common materials options young professionals and high-income urbanites love:

Stainless Steel: Very popular because it’s durable and easy to clean. It also adds a sleek, modern look to the kitchen. Stainless steel sinks now come in lots of colors, not just silver. You can choose from black, gold, copper, bronze, and even custom colors.
Granite Composite: Durable and comes in many colors. It’s resistant to scratches and stains, making it a great choice for busy kitchens.
Fireclay: This material is super strong and looks beautiful. It can handle heavy use without chipping or cracking.
Copper: Adds a warm, rustic feel. It’s also naturally antimicrobial, which means it helps keep the sink cleaner. But it’s very expensive, and its look changes over time, so it's best left for custom jobs.

And what about colors?

Gold is one of the most in-demand colors for kitchen fixtures. It’s a great way to add luxury and warmth and help your project stand out.

Stainless steel in a gold finish is an excellent option. It’s durable, and its color will not change over time. However, it’s more expensive than classic stainless steel, so it won’t be right for every build.

Are you considering a gold sink for your project? Check out Allora’s ultra-durable 30-inch gold sink, which comes complete with a matching grid and strainer.

Black kitchen sinks and faucets are another upgrade to make a kitchen stand out. Several materials are available, including high-durability composite granite and slightly more affordable gunmetal stainless steel.

You can also mix materials, pairing a gold or black faucet with a classic stainless basin for an eye-catching detail that won’t overcommit on your budget.

Faucets

As we saw earlier, the faucet has a huge impact on the overall feel of the kitchen, so it’s important to pick a beautiful finish. Here are some of the most popular faucet finishes:

Brushed Gold: In high demand for its luxurious look. It makes a bold statement and adds a touch of elegance to the kitchen.
Matte Black: Very trendy and adds a sophisticated touch. It blends well with many other fixtures and colors.
Brushed Nickel: A favorite with homeowners because it’s durable and easy to clean. It also has a modern look that fits well in many kitchens.
Natural Stainless Steel: Ideal for its durability. Very similar in appearance to brushed nickel (with a slightly cooler tone), but more fingerprint-resistant.
Chrome: The best budget option. While it’s great for multifamily projects with a tight budget, it’s worth opting for a mid-range or luxury finish for upscale builds.

Of course, the best way to get the most out of a gorgeous sink and faucet combo is to enhance it with a beautiful counter!

Counters

The countertop will dominate the color palette of your kitchen design. So it’s crucial to consider how other fixtures may blend or clash with it. Choosing the right material is a good starting point. Some of the most popular materials include:

Granite: Extremely durable and heat-resistant. Requires periodic sealing to prevent staining.
Marble: Elegant and luxurious appearance. Prone to scratching and staining.
Quartz: Non-porous and low maintenance. Can be expensive.
Laminate: Affordable and available in a wide variety of colors and patterns. Less durable and can be damaged by heat and sharp objects. Not ideal for undermount sink installations.

Butcher Block: Warm, natural look and great for food preparation. Susceptible to scratches, dents, and requires regular oiling.

After selecting the right material for your project, choosing the right finish is equally important. Some of the most popular countertop finishes in 2024 are:

Polished: Shiny and reflective, enhances the natural beauty of the material. Shows fingerprints and smudges more easily.
Honed: Smooth, matte finish that hides scratches well. Can show stains more easily than polished finishes.
Leathered: Textured finish that hides fingerprints and smudges. May be harder to clean due to the texture.
Satin: Smooth, low-gloss finish that is easy to maintain. Can sometimes appear dull compared to polished finishes.
High Gloss: Extra shiny and reflective, gives a modern look. Shows scratches and fingerprints easily.

The color selection will be limited somewhat by the material and finish selection. White, black, gray, beige, and brown are the most popular countertop colors in 2024. White and gray provide a clean, modern look and can make spaces feel larger. Black and brown offer a sophisticated and timeless appeal, while beige adds warmth and versatility to various kitchen designs.

Natural stone countertops have long been the go-to option for high-end projects. However, other materials, like poured concrete and wood, can also produce unique results.

Remember that you’ll need a finished edge if you choose an undermount kitchen sink.

Laminate and tile counters are best left for builds with a tighter budget.

When selecting the faucet, sink, and countertop, it’s important to find combinations that complement each other.

A polished chrome or stainless steel faucet pairs beautifully with white or gray countertops, enhancing their modern feel. A brushed nickel faucet can add a touch of elegance to beige or brown countertops, creating a cohesive and timeless look. For a bold statement, consider a matte black faucet with a white or light gray countertop, or a gold finish faucet with a black countertop for a luxurious contrast.

These combinations ensure your kitchen fixtures blend harmoniously with your chosen materials and colors.

The Best Bet for Lasting Appeal? Quality Manufacturing.

Keeping up with changing multifamily trends can take time and effort. But working with a wholesaler who can provide quality fixtures for all your projects should be easy.

Now that you know what kitchen additions buyers are willing to pay more for, the next step is to find the best undermount sinks, integrated faucets, and finishes.

That’s where Allora can help.

We carry a wide range of sinks and faucets. You can search and filter by finish, style or other specifics to find exactly what you need.

If you prefer, send us your project details, and we’ll create a list of options that fit your needs. We can also provide ongoing support for all your builds, keeping you on-trend without wasting time searching.

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