“Micro-apartments”—apartments typically no more than 400 square feet—have been a controversial topic in the last few years. Software Advice surveyed U.S. renters to find out who is most likely to choose a micro-apartment and what considerations would factor into their decisions.

1. Software Advice IndustryView:
What Renters Want in Micro
Apartments

2. Who Wants Micro-Apartments and Why?
“Micro-apartments”—apartments typically no more than 400 square feet—
represent a solution to the increasing population in urban areas and the
associated increasing costs by offering smaller but cheaper living spaces where
demand is high.
!
It’s a controversial topic, as many believe these kinds of apartments cause more
problems than they solve. Either way, by most accounts, micro-apartments are
here to stay. So, we decided to survey U.S. renters to find out who is most likely
to choose a micro-apartment and what considerations would factor into their
decisions.

3. 31 Percent Would Consider Renting a Micro-Apartment
A combined 31 percent showed at least “minimal” interest in renting a micro-apartment.
Sixty-nine percent were “not likely at all.”
69% Not at all likely
15% Minimally likely
11% Moderately likely
5% Extremely likely

4. Youngest, Middle-Aged Most Likely to Rent Micro-Apartment
18-24
25-34
35-44
45-54
55-64
65+
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
Extremely likely Moderately likely Minimally
A combined 55 percent of 18-24-year-olds were either “moderately” or “extremely
likely” to consider a micro-apartment. Least likely are those in the 35-44 group.

5. More Men ‘Extremely Likely’ to Consider Micro-Apartment
59% Male
41% Female
Of those who said they were “extremely likely” to consider renting a micro-apartment,
59 percent were male, while just 41 percent were female.

6. Most Would Use Online Reviews to Research Micro-Apartments
50% Ratings and reviews
sites
40% Apartment’s website
10% Apartment’s social
Most respondents (50 percent) said they would do their research on online ratings
and reviews websites, while 40 percent would use the apartment’s website.

7. Younger Renters Prefer to Research Micro-Apartments on
Ratings Sites
Ratings and reviews sites
Apartment's website
Apartment's social media
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
18-24 25-3 35-44 45-54 55-64 65+
The youngest age group (18-24) are most likely to research micro-apartments on
ratings and reviews sites, such as Apartments.com or Zillow (37 percent).

8. Counter Space, Patio Most Preferred Features
Counter space
Patio
Large windows
Large closet
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
Male Female
Men preferred kitchen counter space more than women (58 percent versus 42
percent), and women preferred large closets more than men.

9. One-Third Would Prefer to Live Near Grocery Store, Public Transit
29% Grocery store
29% Bus/train station
23% Cafes or restaurants
19% Shopping
Grocery stores and bus or train stations ranked at the top, each at 29 percent.
Slightly further behind were cafes or restaurants (23 percent).

10. About Two-Thirds Would Rent Micro-Apartment to Save Money
67% rent
To save money on
33% location
To live in desirable
Sixty-seven percent of respondents said they would be most motivated to choose
a micro-apartment in order to save money on rent.

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