In recent years, there's been a noticeable increase in mixed-use developments, providing a blend of residential, commercial and cultural spaces. Residents are at the heart of this and, while appearing attractive to new residents is important, retaining the residents that you already have and keeping them happy is key to a scheme thriving. Here are a few tips for keeping residents happy.
Make sure you communicate
It seems simple but communication is key to making sure residents feel connected to landlords and developers. They should feel comfortable enough to speak to you about management issues and vice versa. An open door policy and the reassurance that someone is at end of the phone or an email will make residents feel secure. You could also set up a monthly newsletter or a social media account. Easy-to-use but regular updates will keep residents engaged and informed of everything you are doing. The feeling of a close relationship this creates will encourage residents to renew with you when the time comes.
Know the importance of upkeep
Residents like to feel proud of where they live and want to think of it as home, whether they are renting or buying. Maintaining the look and quality of a property is, therefore, paramount to keeping them satisfied. Ensuring that the landscaping and public space of a development is kept presentable and that necessary repairs are carried out in a timely fashion will make for happy tenants who won't think twice about renewing.
Create a community
A great way to retain residents is to build a community around them, as many people like to feel a sense of place and belonging to where they live. Setting up regular events to give residents the chance to get to know their neighbours will encourage them to stay long term.
This article gives a brief insight into how to retain residents in mixed-use developments. There's a lot more detail in our ebook Effective Placemaking Communications For Your Mixed-Use Development, Volume 1: Explore, which you can download for free with just an email address.
