No one wants to pay premium rent for a home that doesn’t work. Yet, far too often, newly built condos and apartments hit the market with layouts that leave renters and buyers scratching their heads.
A bedroom that barely fits a queen bed. A kitchen with no counter space. A living room that makes furniture placement a puzzle. These design flaws may seem minor on paper, but in reality, they can be deal-breakers. And by the time developers realize it, it’s too late—the building is already in lease-up or sales mode, and now they’re left scrambling to justify the layout or offer incentives to make the units more appealing.
So, why does this keep happening? And more importantly, how can it be avoided?
Many new developments prioritize aesthetics and unit count over livability. The push to maximize square footage for sales value often leads to layouts that look good in renderings but don’t function well in real life.
Consider a sleek, modern unit with floor-to-ceiling windows but no logical place to put a sofa. Or a high-end studio where the only spot for a bed blocks a closet door. These issues may not seem obvious in blueprints, but they become painfully clear once people start moving in. And by then, the damage is done—residents are frustrated, negative reviews start circulating, and leasing teams struggle to fill units at the desired price point.
The best way to avoid costly design mistakes is to bring in leasing, marketing, and operations experts early in the development process. These professionals understand what renters and buyers actually want and can spot potential issues long before they turn into expensive problems.
Key areas where early input makes a difference:
By engaging these experts before construction begins, developers can create homes that are not just beautiful on paper but also practical, comfortable, and desirable in reality.
A well-designed unit isn’t just easier to lease or sell—it retains value better and fosters long-term tenant satisfaction. In contrast, poorly designed layouts lead to higher vacancy rates, increased turnover, and a need for costly incentives to attract renters and buyers.
At a time when people are more critical than ever about where they live, functional design is no longer optional. It’s a necessity. Developers who recognize this early and invest in expert input will not only see stronger leasing and sales performance but will also build a reputation for creating homes that people truly want to live in.
Because at the end of the day, no one wants to pay luxury prices for a layout that just doesn’t work.
Need a hand on your next renewal season? Reach out to your friends at CHARLESGATE to maximize returns on your property.