Is Working from Home Changing Homebuyers Needs?
Homeowners are no longer looking for a house with a larger kitchen or dining space, but they are also considering a house with a home office where they can comfortably work therefore the desire for more space is sparking interest among homebuyers.
Babra Adhiambo
The pandemic reshaped how people live and work under the same roof. During the pandemic most organizations allowed their staff to work remotely to curb the spread of Covid-19. Even past the pandemic working remotely has been embraced by many organizations and this has definitely changed the way people spend their time at home.
Homeowners are no longer looking for a house with a larger kitchen or dining space, but they are also considering a house with a home office where they can comfortably work therefore the desire for more space is sparking interest among homebuyers.
Working from home has changed how people view housing and what they need from homes. Location, size, and home type preferences are now changing significantly and homeowners are now asking themselves questions like:
- Do I still need to live close to my company?
- Do I need a larger home with more office space?
- Would moving to the suburbs make more sense?
The needs and search criteria of homeowners are changing in this way;
Moving away from cities and major job hubs
Remote workers are now open to leaving expensive business hubs such as Westlands and parklands to less expensive estates and towns like Thika or Ruiru. More homebuyers expand their search criteria outside the cities but within the same metro area since not everyone can work from home every day. For those going to the office once or twice a week a longer commute would be a better tradeoff for a lower crime rate estate.
Having a dedicated space for an office
Buyers now want an enclosed space where they can work without destruction.
Unlocking homeownership for first-time buyers
Housing prices in urban centers prohibit many renters from becoming homeowners due to the high cost of living. But when working remotely these renters can buy homes in less expensive areas while still maintaining their job.
Working remotely will definitely change the housing landscape over the next few years.
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