As 2026 comes into focus, Greg Nadeau, senior vice president of development for StreetLights Residential offers these luxury rental predictions for 2026:
1. Service as the Amenity
Luxury amenities have become the norm in high-end communities. In 2026, the focus is shifting from what a property offers to how residents experience their daily lives. Exceptional, hotel-style service is quickly becoming the new definition of luxury.
We’re already seeing this at communities like The Bergen in Scottsdale, where residents enjoy a five-star level of support thanks to a 24/7 concierge. From grocery deliveries and dinner reservations to dry cleaning, appointment bookings, car detailing, pet care, and even private-jet coordination, the concierge team anticipates needs before they arise. It feels like having a right-hand partner managing everyday details and shows how luxury leasing is moving toward a more human-centered, experience-driven model.
High-net-worth renters want more than another gym. They want an effortless lifestyle where comfort, privacy, and convenience are built in. In 2026, service will be the amenity that sets communities apart.
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2. The Lock-and-Leave Lifestyle
We will continue to see a luxury leasing boom as today’s elite professionals gravitate towards the “lock-and-leave” lifestyle over the commitments that come with owning a single-family home. And this won’t just be a passing trend, either. A recent report from RentCafe found that U.S. households earning over $1 million annually and choosing to rent rose more than 200%.
This shift highlights that beyond the financial hurdles, homeownership brings ongoing upkeep, security concerns, and staffing needs. For high-end renters, luxury leasing represents freedom and flexibility, the ability to travel for business or pleasure without the constant worry of maintenance.
3. Home as a Sanctuary
In 2026, we are seeing people move away from the stark minimalism trend and shift toward spaces that tell their story and match their lifestyle. Instead of bare rooms and muted palettes, people want homes that feel personal, warm and lived in. According to the Zillow 2026 Home Trends report, people are looking for “a deeper emotional connection to home as a sanctuary, a social hub, and a reflection of personal identity.”
Luxury leasing communities are starting to follow this shift. Many are adding private kitchens and dining rooms that give residents space to cook and host dinner parties. Whiskey and wine tasting rooms offer a fun escape, and private office spaces give residents a fresh change of scenery outside their home. The focus moving forward will be creating a sense of community throughout the property, while still giving residents the personal space they need to feel relaxed and at peace.
4. The Membership Model of Living
Luxury rentals are starting to resemble private clubs. Leasing is turning into a membership-style experience, featuring curated resident events, partnerships, and personalized community connections. The 2025 Resident Experience Trends & Insights Study by myQ Community highlights that meaningful interaction and a strong sense of connection are key drivers of renter satisfaction.
People today want more than just a place to live. They seek a community that matches their lifestyle, provides real connections, and makes everyday living feel a bit more special. Creating thoughtful gathering spaces, unique resident experiences, and chances to network will continue to influence the modern luxury leasing landscape.
