How In-Unit Laundry Elevates Multifamily Properties
Imagine you’re apartment hunting and find two seemingly identical units. Both have modern kitchens, spacious living areas, and are in a prime neighborhood. But there’s one key difference: one has an in-unit washer and dryer, while the other requires a trip to a communal laundry room or, worse, an off-site laundromat.
Which would you choose? Is there even a choice?
For most renters, in-unit laundry isn’t just a convenience—it’s a game-changer. In today’s competitive multifamily market, it’s one of the most in-demand amenities, capable of increasing rental income, reducing vacancies, and significantly boosting property value.
The Financial Upside: Higher Rents & Property Value
Investing in in-unit laundry facilities pays off quickly:
Higher Rental Premiums – Tenants are willing to pay an extra $75 to $150 per month for the convenience of in-unit laundry (NMHC/Kingsley Survey).
Enhanced Property Value – Retrofitting units with laundry machines can increase resale values by $4,000 to $10,000 per unit (Multifamily Housing Report).
Reduced Turnover – Properties with in-unit laundry experience higher lease renewal rates, minimizing vacancy loss.
In short: Renters expect convenience, and if your building doesn’t have in-unit laundry, you’re leaving money on the table.
You may be asking yourself: What’s Needed to Add In-Unit Laundry to Your Building? While the benefits are clear, not every building is immediately ready for an in-unit laundry upgrade. Here’s what property owners need to consider:
Plumbing & Drainage Infrastructure
Adding washers means increasing water supply and drainage capacity. Older buildings may require:
Upgraded supply lines for consistent water pressure.
Proper drain pipes to prevent backups or leaks.
Backflow prevention devices to meet code compliance.
Solution for Older Buildings: Often older properties opt for laundry closets near kitchens or bathrooms to tap into existing plumbing, reducing retrofit costs.
Electrical Capacity
Washers and dryers require a dedicated power source, typically:
110V outlets for washers (standard)
240V outlets for dryers (electric models)
Venting & Exhaust Considerations
Traditional dryers require venting to expel heat and moisture, which can be a challenge in older buildings with limited ductwork.
Popular Solution: Ventless, all-in-one washer-dryer units are a popular alternative, especially in:
Older brick buildings where running new ducts is difficult.
High-rise apartments with limited exterior venting options.
Units with space constraints, as these machines fit in closets or kitchen nooks.
Space Optimization
Even if a building has the right infrastructure, finding space for laundry units can be tricky.
Best places to install in-unit laundry in existing apartments:
Closets or pantry spaces – Common in mid-sized units.
Bathroom or hallway nooks – Near existing plumbing.
Kitchen-adjacent setups – Stacks well next to dishwashers or fridge enclosures.
Operational & Cost Considerations
Retrofit Costs & ROI
Adding in-unit laundry requires upfront investment, but the ROI is strong and immediate:
Plumbing & electrical upgrades: $1,500 – $5,000 per unit
Average rental increase: $95 – $175 per month
Most properties see a return on their investment within 12-24 months while increasing long-term property value.
Final Takeaways: Is In-Unit Laundry Worth It?
YES, if your building has the plumbing & electrical capacity – It’s one of the highest ROI improvements for multifamily properties.
YES, if you want to attract & retain tenants faster – Demand is rising, and properties without in-unit laundry are losing leases.
YES, if you want to increase property value – Resale values jump when this amenity is included.
BUT, plan for infrastructure upgrades & operational adjustments – Buildings need the right plumbing, power, and space solutions for a smooth transition.
Need Help Evaluating Your Building for In-Unit Laundry? At Slate Construction Group, we specialize in retrofitting multifamily properties for in-unit laundry, offering cost-effective solutions and high-ROI renovations. Contact us to learn more at Hello@Slate-CG.com