The baseline definition of ‘luxury’ in today’s competitive real estate landscape is hazy at best, and constantly shifting. Every new development, no matter how basic, includes the term in its signage and marketing materials, and existing and legacy buildings leverage their history, workmanship, and materials to attract ‘luxury’ buyers as well.    

No matter what criteria qualifies a building or unit as ‘luxury,’ co-op and condo buyers at all levels have always prioritized functional ease, physical wellness, and lifestyle integration over a bunch of ornamental extras. Recent data from real estate brokerages and regional MLSs highlight what buyers in New England are willing to pay a premium for today, and what industry watchers expect them to demand tomorrow. Some—like in-unit laundry appliances and outdoor spaces—have always been key selling points, while others, such as charging and storage for EVs like bikes and scooters, are becoming more and more in demand. 

Top In-Unit Features - It’s All About Daily Conveniences

When prospective buyers evaluate individual units, the most sought-after features are those that solve spatial constraints or improve daily utility:

In-Unit Washer/Dryer: Across virtually every regional real estate report, an in-unit washer and dryer remains the single most-searched and requested feature. Often banned in older buildings due to plumbing overflow risks, units with grandfathered or approved W/D hookups command immediate price premiums.

Private Outdoor Space: Whether a modest (or even tiny) balcony in a modern condo or a set-back terrace in a pre-war highrise, dedicated private outdoor space remains a top filter. 

Dedicated Work/Flex Nooks: Hybrid work has cemented the need for dedicated home offices, or at least a multi-use alcove that enables some separation of work space from living space. According to the pros, buyers routinely pass on standard one-bedrooms that lack a designated space for a desk setup.

Built-in Storage Systems: Storage space remains a primary criterion for buyers, both in-unit and on-site. Deep walk-in closets, kitchen storage, and deeded basement storage cages routinely top buyer wishlists. 

Top Shared Amenities - It’s About Lifestyle & Services

While everybody appreciates good interior design and tasteful decor, within shared common spaces, realtors report that convenience-focused service amenities consistently outperform decorative lounges. Buyers are seeking features like: 

Full-Service Staff & Cold Storage: Having 24-hour doorman and concierge service continues to rank near the top of buyers’ expectations for security and package reception, but refrigerated package storage is also now becoming essential for handling daily grocery and meal-kit deliveries.

Integrated Co-Working Spaces: The screening and ‘media’ rooms that became so popular in the mid-2000s are being upstaged by shared building lounges equipped with high-speed Wi-Fi, private phone booths, and quiet conference rooms for residents working from home.

High-End Wellness Facilities: Fluorescent-lit basement fitness rooms with a treadmill and Soloflex are no longer sufficient. Prospective buyers favor workout spaces with air and natural light, recovery suites like saunas and cold plunges, and spaces designed for yoga and Pilates.

Pet Amenities: Dog owners consider their pets to be family members—which means that buildings with pet spas, dedicated grooming stations, and private on-site dog runs carry high value, especially in condo developments.

The 2027+ Outlook - Emerging Trends & Next-Gen Amenities

As building infrastructure adapts to new municipal mandates, environmental shifts, and changing lifestyles, industry watchers project several emerging trends will shape buyer demands in 2027 and beyond:

EV Charging Infrastructure: With state mandates accelerating electric vehicle adoption, deeded garage spaces equipped with level-2 EV chargers are transitioning from a luxury perk to a requirement for buyers.

Integrated Sustainability & Air Filtration: In response to more stringent emissions standards and heightened environmental awareness, buyers are scrutinizing the mechanical systems of buildings they view. According to the pros, features like all-electric heat pump heating/cooling (VRF systems), hospital-grade centralized air filtration (MERV 13+), and smart energy-monitoring dashboards are poised to become major selling points.

Sound-Attenuating Architecture: High-density living has elevated noise control to a premium feature. Triple-glazed acoustic windows, quiet-plumbing acoustic wrapping, and enhanced floor-underlayment insulation are increasingly highlighted in listing materials.

On-Demand Micro-Mobility Storage: As the use of ‘micro-mobility’ devices like scooters, e-bikes, and skateboards grows, dedicated, fire-rated storage rooms equipped with safe lithium-ion charging stations are becoming a high priority for both building risk management and buyer convenience.