With the rising demand for high-speed internet and innovative smart home solutions, connectivity in residential communities has never been more crucial. Read ahead to explore the key trends shaping 2025 and insights for property owners and managers on what to expect. From advancements in gigabit internet to the increasing need for seamless smart home integration, here’s everything you need to stay ahead of the curve.
Key Residential Connectivity Trends in 2024
Looking back at 2024, a few key connectivity trends emerged that will undoubtedly shape the future of residential communities. Gigabit internet has maintained its importance and expectations for high-performance internet are growing, and by 2025, more properties will be working toward higher gigabit speeds. The approval of Wi-Fi 7 and the continued expansion of 5G are to be major factors in the evolution of connectivity, driving accelerated connectivity, rock-solid reliability, and enhanced privacy and security. As smart home technology becomes increasingly essential, property owners will need to integrate these solutions seamlessly into their properties to meet growing demands.
A key trend in 2024 has also been the recognition by property owners that smart home technologies are no longer a luxury; they are expected by residents. As smart home offerings continue to evolve, the integration of these technologies into a community will be just as important as offering them. With an increasing demand for property-wide high-speed internet that can support a multitude of smart home devices, the next few years will see a convergence of both as properties offering future-ready solutions will be the expectation.
Growing Resident Expectations for Reliable Internet and Smart Home Integration
In recent years, the demand for high-speed internet has increased dramatically. Coming out of COVID, the shift to work-from-home has made reliable internet a necessity, and residents no longer just expect fast internet—they expect a stable, consistent connection for multiple devices all day long. As more residents work from home, attend school remotely, and stream content simultaneously, gigabit internet is essential.
Smart home technologies have also evolved from being an exciting add-on to a necessity for many residents. If the internet connection isn’t reliable, the smart home tech stack becomes a headache rather than a convenience. For properties in 2025, being able to build a reliable, robust network infrastructure that can seamlessly and consistently support a variety of proptech solutions like smart thermostats and locks will be critical for resident satisfaction.
With more residents seeking the convenience that smart tech provides, certain devices are emerging as more essential than others. Smart locks and smart thermostats are huge right now. These devices not only enhance convenience but also improve security and energy efficiency—key factors for residents and property owners today. Energy-efficient devices and health-focused gadgets—like smart fitness trackers, connected wellness devices, and tech-enabled fitness centers/gyms—will also continue to grow in importance. A stable connectivity infrastructure will be required to support these growing expectations.
Challenges in Staying Ahead with Connectivity Expectations and How to Prepare
As technology needs evolve, properties could face significant challenges in staying current! One of the most common hurdles is outdated infrastructure. It’s difficult for service providers to offer a consistent range of services when you have an outdated backbone of core infrastructure, especially across different regions. Planning for the future today is essential. Owners need to consider installing infrastructure that supports those future proptech needs, even if those needs aren’t fully defined yet today.
For property owners, the best way to stay ahead is to invest in flexible, scalable connectivity solutions that can grow with the future. Planning for “what ifs,” whether by leveraging an in-house team or a third-party partner, will ensure that properties remain competitive and adaptable in an ever-changing tech landscape.
Preparing for the Fast-Changing Connectivity Landscape
Looking ahead, being future-ready is key. Don’t just prepare for today’s tech—invest in what’s coming next. For owners, it’s essential to make sure that the property is equipped to handle the evolving tech demands of residents. Prepare your property for future technology and make sure that it’s integrated seamlessly into the resident experience.
A key part of this preparation is communicating consistently with residents. If you’re installing new technology or offering upgraded services, keep residents in the loop. Send out updates regularly and make sure that they know about the benefits these changes will bring to their everyday lives. With operational support in place and a proactive approach to communication, property owners can ensure that residents are well prepared and satisfied with the evolving tech offerings.
To discover creative strategies to showcase your property’s tech amenities and attract tech-savvy residents, the article “Innovative Ways to Market Your Property’s Technology Offerings” offers actionable tips to enhance your marketing approach and boost property appeal.
The future of connectivity in residential communities is promising, but property owners and managers must be prepared to adapt to the ever-changing landscape. By investing in high-speed internet, smart home solutions, and flexible infrastructure, property owners can not only meet resident expectations but exceed them as well.
As 2025 approaches, connectivity will become a defining factor in property appeal, resident satisfaction, and long-term success. To navigate these evolving changes, partnering with a trusted third-party expert like Onboard is essential. With access to dozens of technology options and providers, Onboard helps properties implement the solutions that will enhance resident experiences while ensuring seamless integration and operational support. Get in touch with our team today to get started.
