In the highly competitive apartment market, delivering architectural flair and generous square metreage isn’t always enough. Increasingly, buyers are looking beyond the obvious to how a space functions in everyday life, and whether it’s able to evolve with them.

Across projects of all scales, there are consistent design oversights that, while seemingly minor during planning, significantly impact buyer appeal, liveability, and resale value. When addressed early, ideally pre-DA, these can elevate the user experience and long-term project success.

Here are some of the most commonly overlooked features in apartment design today and how they can be addressed to meet modern buyer expectations:

1. Storage that reflects real life

Despite being one of the top buyer priorities, adequate storage is often overlooked in apartment design. It’s not just about wardrobes, it’s about integrated, usable, and concealed storage that supports a clutter-free lifestyle.

Key considerations include:

• Full-height linen cupboards and under-vanity storage
• Deeper, ergonomic kitchen cabinetry and overheads
• Built-in shelving in otherwise unused corridor or entry spaces

Why it matters: Storage contributes directly to a sense of spaciousness and calm, a premium in compact living environments.

2. Kitchens that prioritise function as much as form

Buyers increasingly expect kitchens to work as hard as they look beautiful. Sleek aesthetics are important, but workflow, ergonomics, and spatial efficiency are what define a high-performing kitchen.

Smart inclusions:

• Pull-out pantry systems and deep drawers
• Integrated appliances that preserve bench space
• Logical appliance and preparation zones to support intuitive movement

Why it matters: The kitchen is a central hub - not just for cooking, but for socialising, working, and connecting. Poorly designed kitchens are one of the fastest ways to lose buyer interest.

3. Powder rooms that elevate the everyday

In two- and three-bedroom apartments, a compact powder room with a basin can significantly enhance liveability — particularly in homes designed for downsizers or those who entertain frequently.

Why it matters: It preserves privacy in the main bathroom and adds a layer of sophistication that resonates with discerning buyers.

4. Window and door placement that supports flow, light and comfort

Large openings are often chosen to bring in light, but how doors and windows are placed and function in relation to furniture zones, privacy and ventilation is often overlooked.

Best-practice planning includes:

• Sliding or stacker doors that don’t disrupt layout
• Cross-ventilation strategies
• Window placement that optimises light without sacrificing privacy or increasing thermal load

Why it matters: Natural light, airflow, and seamless indoor-outdoor transition dramatically shape perception of space and buyer emotion.

5. Built-in workspaces that acknowledge changing lifestyles

With hybrid and remote work here to stay, dedicated work zones have shifted from nice-to-have to essential, even in compact floorplans.

Effective design responses include:

• Study nooks near kitchen or dining zones
• Integrated power, shelving, and lighting
• Compact yet functional workstations that remain connected to the main living area

Why it matters: Flexibility is now a key purchase driver. Buyers are actively seeking homes that support evolving needs.

6. Designing for adaptability: the new standard

Perhaps the most overlooked element of apartment design today is adaptability, in particular the ability for a home to change function over time.

Features that support this include:

• Multi-purpose secondary bedrooms
• Outdoor areas that double as work or entertaining zones
• Movable joinery or sliding walls for spatial reconfiguration

Why it matters: Homes that evolve with the buyer attract stronger engagement, faster sales, and price premiums.

Successful apartment design isn’t just about visual appeal, it’s about how people live. Developers who embed functionality, adaptability, and liveability into their plans from the outset consistently achieve stronger buyer connection and project performance.

As buyer expectations shift, these overlooked elements represent a clear opportunity to lead, not follow, in a competitive market.

Disclaimers:

The postings by any individual on any blog do not necessarily represent the position of Savills, its strategies or opinions.