DANIA BEACH, Fla., Sept. 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- FirstService Residential, the leader in master-planned and lifestyle community management, has released this year's edition of its BENCHMARK report on the operating costs and budgets of these communities. FirstService manages more large-scale, lifestyle communities of 1,000+ units - and more amenity-rich residential communities, than any other company in North America.
Like its BENCHMARK High-Rise counterpart, the report provides a clear view of how amenity-rich communities allocate their budgets across key categories, including insurance, utilities, community operations, reserves, and administrative expenses. The findings were drawn from a diverse range of communities managed by FirstService Residential across the U.S., offering a timely look at current and emerging trends in residential community budgeting. The comprehensive report helps community association boards, property managers, and owners make more informed decisions about operations, budgeting, and long-term planning.
"Board members of master-planned and lifestyle communities volunteer their time to serve the communities they lead. They are tasked with balancing increasing costs, wage pressures, regulatory obligations, and more - all while striving to offer a lifestyle that meets resident expectations," said David Diestel, CEO of FirstService Residential. "Our experience managing an extensive portfolio of these communities gives us a clear view into the operating costs and budget pressures communities are navigating, along with meaningful comparative data to share with the industry."
In addition to budget information, the report offers expert insights on topics critical to the operation of amenity-rich communities, including reserves and capital improvements, technology, landscaping, waste management, amenities, and lifestyle programming. It also explores resident priorities that are becoming increasingly important, including fitness and wellness, engagement events, and food and beverage offerings.
"Today's most successful communities recognize that amenities are not simply assets to maintain, but experiences to cultivate," said Michael Mendillo, president of FirstService Residential's East region. "By combining operational discipline with thoughtful planning and resident-focused programming, boards and developers can create environments that activate amenities, drive resident engagement, and generate long-term value."
BENCHMARK also examines multigenerational living, a trend influenced in part by grandparents who want to live near their children and grandchildren, as well as aging in place, as more older adults prefer to remain in their homes and communities rather than move to assisted-living facilities.
"Aging in place is no longer a future consideration for community associations," said Katie Ward, president of FirstService Residential's West region. "It is already shaping how boards think about operations, amenities, and the resident experience. By listening to residents and making thoughtful adjustments, communities can help people remain connected, independent, and engaged in the place they call home."
Download your copy of the 2026 BENCHMARK Master-Planned and Lifestyle Communities report today.
About FirstService Residential
FirstService Residential is simplifying property management. Its hospitality-minded teams serve residential communities across the United States and Canada. The organization partners with boards, owners, and developers to enhance the value of every property and the life of every resident.
Leveraging unique expertise and scale, FirstService serves its clients with proven solutions and a service-first philosophy. Residents can count on 24/7 customer care and tailored lifestyle programming, amenity activation, and technology for their community's specific needs. Market-leading programs with FirstService Financial, FirstService Energy, and special districts teams deliver additional levels of support.
Boards and developers select FirstService Residential to support their vision and drive positive change in the communities in their trusted care.
FirstService Residential is a subsidiary of FirstService Corporation (NASDAQ and TSX: FSV), a North American leader in providing essential property services to a wide range of residential and commercial clients.
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SOURCE FirstService Residential
