The Two Things Every Affordable Housing Complex Needs First

We just returned from diligencing an 86-unit affordable housing multifamily complex in West Texas, and let me tell you—there are endless ways to add value to a property. From dog parks to pickleball courts, basketball courts to community gardens, the possibilities are exciting. But here’s the thing: before you get caught up in adding fun amenities, there are two crucial needs that every affordable housing complex has to address first. And they aren’t flashy or complicated, but they’re the foundation upon which everything else rests: Safety and Convenience.

Think about it—residents, especially in affordable housing, have basic needs that must be met before they can appreciate all the “extras.” Maslow’s hierarchy of needs tells us that people care first about their safety and security before moving on to anything else. So before you start dreaming of community pickleball leagues, let’s talk about what really matters to residents at the most fundamental level.

1. Safety: The First Priority for Peace of Mind

During my visit to West Texas, I had a chance to speak with a few residents, and there was a common theme: everyone wants to feel safe where they live. It doesn’t matter if you’ve installed the best playground or landscaped the most beautiful courtyard—if your residents don’t feel safe, they won’t stay. Period.

What does safety look like in practice? First, it’s about gating and fencing your property. Creating a clear boundary can significantly deter unwanted visitors and give residents peace of mind. Next, it’s all about surveillance—security cameras in strategic locations around the complex. You don’t need to turn the place into a fortress, but having visible security features reassures residents that their home is being looked after.

In the complex I visited, this is the first step we’ll be addressing. Fencing will go up around the perimeter, and we’re adding cameras near common areas like the parking lot and entryways. Residents need to know their families, cars, and belongings are secure. That’s the foundation.

2. Convenience: It’s the Little Things That Make Life Easier

Once safety is handled, the next focus should be convenience. I’m not talking about elaborate fitness centers or rooftop lounges. Think simpler. One of the best ways to add value to an affordable housing complex is through small, convenient additions that make everyday life easier for residents. Take, for example, a laundry facility. Not everyone has in-unit washers and dryers, but by adding a shared laundry room that’s clean, well-lit, and centrally located, you’ve instantly made life easier for dozens of families.

Another example? A picnic area. At the complex in West Texas, we’re considering turning an underused atrium into a pleasant picnic area where residents can gather. It’s not flashy, but it offers something invaluable: a place to relax, eat together, and enjoy time outside, all without leaving the complex. Convenience doesn’t have to be complex—it just has to address what people need on a daily basis.

Why These Two Things Matter More Than Anything Else

The reason safety and convenience are so critical comes back to Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. Until the basic needs for safety and shelter are met, people can’t begin to focus on higher-level desires like recreation, fun, or community. Think about it: If you don’t feel safe walking from your car to your front door, you’re not going to care much about whether the complex has a basketball court. If it’s inconvenient to do laundry, you won’t be thinking about how nice a community garden would be.

That’s why, when you’re considering how to improve your multifamily property, safety and convenience need to be your first priorities. Once residents feel secure and have easy access to essential amenities, then you can start thinking about the extras—like adding that pickleball court, dog park, or barbecue area.

The Takeaway: Build the Foundation First

There’s no doubt that adding fun amenities like sports courts or a dog park can increase resident satisfaction and make your property more attractive. But those are the “nice to haves.” Before you get there, make sure you’re covering the basics: safety and convenience. Without those, your residents won’t feel at home, and all the bells and whistles in the world won’t make a difference.

At Ocean Ridge Capital, we believe in creating communities where residents feel secure and supported. Whether it’s through adding security features or making daily life easier with simple conveniences, we know that the foundation comes first. Only once those basic needs are met can we elevate the experience to something truly special.