The Rise of the Home Office: How Remote Work Affects Home Buyers

Has house hunting also become office hunting? With technology becoming more advanced and more present in the home, the need for cubicles and meeting rooms is dwindling. A 2008 study by Statistics Canada determined that more than 1 out 5 university graduates work from home. Since then, the numbers keep rising.

Employers have found that remote work opportunities result in happier, healthier employees who are more productive and more engaged. The shift to remote work has also saved companies millions of dollars in reduced real estate and operating costs. Even businesses that require employees to work on-site have begun implementing flexible work hours. For example, some companies offer employees the chance to work remotely one or two days per week.

The rise of remote work has blended two traditionally separate spaces: the home and the office. This change has affected how today’s home buyers approach real estate. For remote workers, house hunting is also a form of office hunting. Many professionals are looking for a house that includes room for a home office. While there are perks to sending emails from the couch, the majority of professionals still want some type of separation between work and play. Purchasing a home with office space is the best of both worlds; it provides a place to focus within the comfort of your own environment.

Remote work also presents an opportunity to create your own workspace. Decorating magazines are full of tips for designing the ideal home office. Rather than taping family photos to cubicle walls, the home office can be transformed into a personalized workspace that enhances productivity while adding to the overall aesthetic of your home. Additionally, homebuyers are less inclined to choose a neighbourhood based on the location of their job. Since remote work eliminates the need to commute, homebuyers can select their preferred community without worrying about its distance from the office.

With remote work on the rise, home buyers need to consider both their personal and professional needs when purchasing a new home. Working remotely increases the amount of time that a person spends within their home and community. It is always important to choose a home that you love, but especially when you spend your days and nights within its walls. Finding your ideal home in a good neighbourhood will provide an optimal environment for both your personal and professional life.

How do you think the home office is affecting today’s home buyers? Let me know in the comments. And if you are looking for a new home (or home office!) in the Ottawa area, do not hesitate to get in touch.