In today’s society our pets are not just a couple of animals kept around the house but are viewed as family members. The demand is fueling the real estate industry toward an uprising in pet friendly communities. Building owners, developers and societies are trying to come up with and build properties for both owners and their pets. From parks and groomers, future constructions are planned according to this new need. Such pet friendly communities have found great popularity amongst the young professionals, the old retired couple, the families and real estate investors who are looking for something new and promising for future returns.

Growth in Pet Ownership

The demand for such pet friendly homes comes from the gradual increasing number of pet owners around the globe. Whereas urbanization and changes in lifestyles have been fueling the pet ownership among the small families, it is the work-from-home that has really made the bond between the pets and the owner even more strong which leads to the ultimate will of providing maximum comfort to their furry friend. Therefore, it is not surprising that the demand for pet friendly properties have surged high as the number of pet owning individuals has expanded vastly.

Changing Preferences of Homebuyers

Buyers nowadays are not looking for homes that satisfy basic amenities and lifestyle. A family willing to buy or rent a property would definitely consider a pet friendly infrastructure as an essential characteristic of the property they will invest in. The buyers are looking for a home that has landscaped gardens, green areas and zones to walk their dogs along with features like in-house dog parks, dog grooming parlors and access to a nearby veterinary clinic. Such property that goes against owning pets would drive away potential customers. This is where developers and real estate marketers have also noticed a positive aspect in expanding their market through focusing on pet owners.

Increase in Pet Friendly Amenities

Now that most buildings are accepting pets within their premises, the builders are coming out with new pet friendly amenities that includes a dog park with an agility course and a dedicated dog play area to a in-house grooming parlor and dog wash. Moreover, high end apartments also offer special facilities like a dog spa and a dog swimming pool. Having such facilities to ensure that pets are treated equally will definitely add value to the property and can be used as a major selling point.

Open Green Spaces

Pets need open spaces to exercise and enjoy nature, more so in a urban surrounding. Hence a residential community that offers green spaces such as landscaped gardens, a park, a dog jogging track etc., is what every pet owner is looking for and hence such houses are found in demand by the buyers who want their pets to have a good time in a controlled yet a large area. It helps in the mental well-being of the owner and provides relaxation in addition to their pets. Homes are now more focused on the concept of ‘wellness’, which definitely includes the well-being of their pets as well.

Mental Well-being and Community Life

The advantages of pets have proven beneficial to mental well-being. Such pet friendly communities offer more interactions among residents, leading to a better community life; be it in dog parks or during dog walks. For the children, pets will always be a better companion.

High Demand for Rental Properties

The rental property industry has experienced a massive jump in the need for pet friendly properties. Potential tenants find it very hard to rent an apartment that would welcome their pets, therefore such properties are in high demand and have long tenancies. Landlords who lease properties for a pet friendly community may be able to charge higher rents and thus such properties have emerged as an attractive offer for real estate investors too.

Young Professionals and Millennials

It is the millennials and young professionals who are pushing the envelope for pet friendly housing even more strongly. Used to having their pets around them since childhood, the generation is always looking for a home that can comfortably accommodate them along with their pets and would always consider pet ownership as an important part of their life. Therefore, this segment would also require extra pet friendly amenities.

Challenges Faced by Residential Communities

Of course, such properties also have their disadvantages. Neighbours might complain about pets making noise and about the hygiene in the property. Other issues like potential safety issues or arguments may arise concerning the pet’s behaviour and so forth. However, thorough community policies, well-cleaned pet areas, guidelines for pet owners, and many other initiatives can diminish the likelihood of such issues from occurring.

Developers Responding to Market Needs

The increase in demand for pet friendly buildings has made the developers conscious about this upcoming market. They are now launching their new properties that target this special segment of buyers. A property that is friendly toward pets, can truly differentiate itself from the rest and attract many potential customers. The awareness that a pet friendly property is a need rather than a feature is being recognized. They understand the benefit and have come out with such new properties as a necessity.

The Future of Pet Friendly Real Estate

It can be clearly said that there is going to be an escalation in the demand for pet friendly real estate. As our way of life gets more customized and comfort oriented, the houses that have to offer these amenities will be developed and it would eventually lead to homes equipped with features such as an in-built pet monitor, an automated pet feeder, security that takes care of our pet’s safety and of course app-based services for pet grooming and washing. Sustainable construction along with pet well being would certainly be the key driving factors in building homes for pet owners.

Conclusion

The increasing demand of pet friendly residential properties is nothing more than a changing trend in our life where our pets are more than just animals around the house but have become an integral part of the family. Modern buyers always look for homes that can be comforting to their owner and yet provide adequate amenities to their loved one’s too. With a proper planning and execution of these communities coupled with relevant facilities, the builders can always succeed in catching up with the buyers’ interests and needs. A pet friendly property provides opportunities for investors and developers to stand out in the real estate industry and such an idea is sure to succeed more in the coming future.