Imagine walking into a coworking space that feels like stepping into the flow of your best ideas, where creativity swirls like the smell of freshly brewed coffee. What if the very space we work in could nudge us toward brilliance? Turns out, it can.

There are approximately 35,000 coworking spaces worldwide, and this number is projected to increase to around 42,000 by the end of 2024. This rapid expansion reflects the increasing demand for flexible workspaces, driven by the rise in remote and hybrid work. Manhattan tops the list boasting 290 spots, with 265 coworking spaces in Los Angeles coming in a close second. Other significant markets include Washington, D.C., Chicago, and Dallas-Fort Worth, all with over 200 coworking spaces and counting.

Here’s how to infuse a coworking space with just the right blend of practicality, charm, and comfort to make it a dream for anyone who steps inside.

1. Upgrading Security and Convenience with Smart Locks

Forget the hassle of key exchanges or dealing with lost keys - a smart lock system simplifies tenant access and improves security. From a landlord's perspective, it offers up peace of mind with easy reprogramming between tenants, eliminating the need for lock replacements.

Remote access also makes property management easier, allowing for smooth coordination with contractors or inspections. Moreover, offering smart locks could command a premium rental price, given the added convenience and security they provide to tenants; smart locks don’t just modernize your rental - they protect your investment.

2. Smart Lighting: Efficiency and Ambiance that Attracts Tenants

For landlords, energy-efficient smart lighting can be a selling point, especially with the increasing interest in eco-friendly homes. These systems allow tenants to control lighting remotely or set schedules, potentially reducing energy waste - a win for your sustainability efforts.

Properties outfitted with smart lighting not only appeal to environmentally conscious tenants, but they also create an ambiance that can elevate the living experience. Offering smart lighting as part of a package of modern conveniences can justify a higher rental rate and ensure a quicker turnover between leases.

3. Smart Thermostats: Reduce Energy Costs While Increasing Tenant Comfort

One of the most attractive features for tenants is the ability to control the temperature of their apartment efficiently. Smart thermostats learn user habits, adjusting automatically to provide comfort while minimizing energy usage; for landlords, this translates into potential energy savings for utilities-included properties or added value for renters.

Smart thermostats can also be managed remotely, allowing you to ensure that an unoccupied unit is not wasting energy - a feature that can lower operational costs. Beyond that, advertising energy-efficient systems as part of your rental offering can attract tenants willing to pay a premium for both comfort and sustainability.

4. Boost Security and Peace of Mind with Cameras and Sensors

Security is a top concern for many renters, and providing a property equipped with smart security cameras and sensors can be a key selling point; tenants feel safer, and landlords can monitor their properties in real time. The ease of installation with wireless systems means there’s no need for invasive changes to the property, keeping both tenants and landlords happy.

For larger multi-unit properties, a comprehensive smart security system can also serve as a tool for monitoring shared spaces, reducing liability risks. It adds another layer of professionalism and peace of mind, making your property stand out from the competition.

5. Maximizing Value with Smart Plugs and Automation

Smart plugs might not seem revolutionary, but they offer up some incredible value when it comes to energy management. Tenants appreciate the convenience of controlling their devices remotely, and landlords can emphasize the energy-saving benefits of such technology when marketing a property.

For properties where electricity is included in the rent, smart plugs help to reduce unnecessary energy consumption. From a cost-control perspective, they are a low-cost, high-return investment that can boost the overall appeal of a rental unit. It’s the small touches like these that show attention to modern trends and tenant needs, which can make a significant difference.

6. Elevating the Entertainment Experience with Smart Technology

For properties catering to young professionals or tech enthusiasts, entertainment hubs powered by smart technology are a major draw. Smart speakers and streaming devices integrated into the rental unit can differentiate your property from standard offerings.

Providing built-in entertainment options can justify higher rent, offering up a sense of higher-end, luxury living. With home automation in place, tenants can connect all their devices seamlessly, enjoying a futuristic living experience while landlords benefit from offering a desirable, high-tech environment.

7. Voice Assistants: Streamline Living for Tenants, Simplify Management for Landlords

Voice assistants like Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant have become household staples. Offering apartments with pre-installed voice assistants not only adds value to the tenant experience, but also simplifies interactions for landlords. Tenants can easily adjust smart devices with voice commands, while landlords can program assistants for simple property management tasks, like setting up reminders for maintenance schedules or sending out announcements.

Integrating voice assistants into your rental properties offers a modern touch that tenants appreciate, while helping landlords stay connected and informed.

8. Automated Cleaning: Offer a Low-Maintenance Living Solution

When your property comes equipped with smart vacuums or other automated cleaning tools, it’s another box ticked for potential tenants. These devices are increasingly sought after, particularly in urban rentals where time is at a premium; by offering smart cleaning solutions, landlords can tap into a tenant's desire for convenience.

In short, smart vacuums and other automated cleaning devices elevate the overall tenant experience, while signaling that your property is at the forefront of modern living standards.

9. Rental-Friendly Installations: Making the Switch to Smart Tech Simple

As a landlord or investor, you may be concerned about making permanent changes to your property, but the beauty of many smart devices is their non-invasive installation. Most smart home technology - such as lighting, thermostats, and security cameras - can be easily removed or reconfigured when tenants move out, preserving your property while enhancing its attractiveness.

By adopting smart tech, you ensure that your rental property appeals to today’s market without making irreversible modifications. This flexibility makes it easier to maintain, upgrade, or adapt for future tenants without breaking the bank.

Future-Proofing Your Investment

Investing in smart technology is more than a short-term trend—it’s a long-term strategy to increase property value, attract high-quality tenants, and streamline management. Whether you're looking to boost energy efficiency, improve security, or offer tenants the latest in home automation, smart tech is the key to future-proofing your investment.

From smart locks to thermostats and security systems, these modern amenities make your rental more desirable, easier to manage, and ultimately more profitable. And let’s be honest - anything that makes property management easier is a smart move.