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How Smart Buildings Create Connected Communities
A seamless blend of physical infrastructure and digital intelligence is no longer futuristic. It's what residents expect.
Imagine walking into a new apartment where the lights adjust as you enter, the air temperature is just right, and the Wi-Fi is already up and running before you even unpack.
No installation. No troubleshooting. No waiting.
That is the power of a truly connected community — a seamless blend of physical infrastructure and digital intelligence designed to enhance everyday living.
This vision is no longer futuristic. It is quickly becoming the standard for what residents expect and what operators must deliver to stay competitive in the evolving rental market.
From Fragmentation to Connected Living
For years, the promise of smart buildings has been hindered by complexity: too many vendors, disconnected dashboards and devices that do not work together. The result is frustrated residents, overwhelmed staff and underperforming technology investments.
Today, the industry is shifting from fragmented point solutions to unified platforms that bring entire ecosystems together. These platforms integrate devices, automate operations and deliver seamless digital experiences for residents, guests and operators. This transformation is not just about adopting new technology; it is about meeting modern expectations and improving performance across every dimension of multifamily operations.
Connectivity Is the Backbone
Reliable, always-on, property wide internet access is no longer a perk. It is infrastructure. Connectivity forms the foundation that every smart building system depends upon.
79% of renters want seamless connectivity throughout the property.¹
62% expect Wi-Fi to work the moment they move in.²
Only 1% currently enjoy uninterrupted communitywide service.¹
From thermostats and leak sensors to mobile access control and streaming services, every touchpoint depends on a strong and secure network.
The Smart Building Stack — From Devices to Experience
The most effective smart building strategies are built on four interlocking layers:
Connected devices
Smart locks, thermostats, meters and other devices are the foundation, but without orchestration, they remain isolated.
Network infrastructure
A high-speed, managed Wi-Fi network ensures all devices stay online and responsive across the entire property.
Software intelligence
Centralized platforms enable digital automation, analytics and remote management, turning raw device data into actionable insights.
Resident interface
A unified mobile experience gives residents seamless control over their spaces and interactions with the property.
With this architecture in place, smart buildings can move from isolated automation to intelligent, adaptive living environments.
Benefits for Operators and Residents
Smart building technology drives meaningful gains for both operational teams and residents.
For operators:
- Centralized network and device management
- Real-time diagnostics and bandwidth analytics
- Lower operating costs through automation
- Simplified deployment and scalability
- Enhanced property value and NOI growth
For residents:
- Always-on, high-speed internet access across the property
- Secure, keyless entry through mobile apps
- Personalized control of lighting, temperature and services
- Privacy-first design with enterprise-grade data protection
- Streamlined communication and service requests
With 85% of residents expecting a strong digital experience and 97% saying it influences lease renewal³, the impact on satisfaction and retention is significant.
A Smarter Investment for the Future
Smart building technology is more than an upgrade — it is a strategic investment with measurable ROI:
Operating costs can be reduced by 15% or more⁴
Properties typically see a 3% to 5% increase in valuation⁵
**Smart building investments return an average of 30%**⁵
Managed Wi-Fi can generate $50 to $70 in new monthly revenue per unit⁶
These results demonstrate that connected living not only benefits residents, it strengthens the entire asset lifecycle — from acquisition and operations to renewal and resale.
Why RealPage Is Leading the Smart Building Evolution
RealPage® has created a smart building platform specifically designed for the multifamily industry. Instead of relying on a patchwork of technologies, the RealPage Smart Building solution brings together all the essential components: hardware, software and connectivity combined in a single, integrated system.
Key capabilities include:
- STRATIS: Orchestrates device communication and automation
- Chirp: Delivers mobile-first access control across all entry points
- Lumina AI™: Turns data into predictive insights and proactive operations
- Resident App: Offers an intuitive, all-in-one digital experience
- Whitesky: Provides the managed Wi-Fi backbone that powers everything
By centralizing control and delivering consistent performance across portfolios, RealPage enables operators to reduce complexity and unlock new levels of efficiency, while giving residents the connected lifestyle they now expect.
Building the Future of Multifamily Living
Smart buildings are no longer aspirational. They are expected. Residents demand seamless digital experiences. Operators need scalable, efficient, and secure solutions. Owners want investments that boost NOI and reduce risk. And widespread standards now require controls and measurements supporting responsible consumption.
RealPage Smart Building, powered by Whitesky Wi-Fi, delivers on all fronts. This end-to-end ecosystem turns properties into intelligent communities that are built to serve today’s needs and tomorrow’s possibilities.
Explore how RealPage Smart Building can help you future-proof your properties and create truly connected communities.
Sources
- Multifamily Executive, “Report Reveals Unmet Demand for Community Wi-Fi” — Parks Associates Study, 2024.
- HousingWire, “Renters Care More About Connectivity and Privacy than a Gym…”, July 2025 — NMHC/Grace Hill survey, 2024.
- NMHC/Kingsley, Apartment Resident Preferences Report, 2024.
- Build-News.com, Smart Property Management: How Green Buildings Drive ROI and Tenant Satisfaction,” 2024.
- Report by Multi-Housing News, citing Parks Associates’ “Smart Properties: The Value of IoT for MDUs Q2 2024”
- Parks Associates survey, “Community WiFi: A Tactical Guide for the Multifamily Market”