How Remote Work Is Changing Homebuyer Priorities

Remote and hybrid work arrangements are no longer temporary shifts—they’ve become lasting parts of how people work. That change is reshaping what homebuyers want. Here’s how priorities are shifting, what people are looking for now, and what to watch out for.

What’s Driving the Shift

• After COVID lockdowns, many workers discovered they can be just as productive (or more so) from home if the setup is right. HousingInteractive+2AllProperties+2

• Commuting time/costs are being reconsidered: if you don’t need to travel to an office daily, proximity to business districts is less critical. PHINMA Properties+1

• Better tech infrastructure (internet speed, connectivity, tools) has made remote work more feasible for more people. AllProperties+1

New Priorities for Homebuyers

Here are the features and qualities homebuyers are now placing greater importance on:

Feature	Why It Matters	Examples / Philippine Context
Space & Layout Adaptability	You need room to work without distractions. A dedicated office or a flex room is now very desirable. AllProperties+2PHINMA Properties+2
Quiet / Less Dense Locations	Lower noise, less traffic means better mental space for remote work. Suburbs, quieter city outskirts, or even rural areas are more attractive. HousingInteractive+1
High-Speed Internet & Tech Infrastructure	Remote work depends heavily on connectivity; homes that lag here are less desirable. AllProperties+2HousingInteractive+2
Proximity vs Convenience to Essential Amenities	Even if the office is far, people still want grocery stores, health care, schools, and cafes nearby. Transit accessibility remains relevant for occasional travel. PHINMA Properties+1
Outdoor / Green Spaces	Balconies, gardens, parks. Spaces to relax or get fresh air are in demand. Timons Cabansi+1
Flexible & Mixed-Use Developments	Developments that combine residential, retail, co-working spaces, built-in amenities are rising in appeal. HousingInteractive+1
Cost & Value-for-Money	Buyers are more value conscious: willing to go further from the city center in exchange for bigger space, more comfort, less traffic, and better lifestyle. PHINMA Properties+1

Impacts & Trends

• Surge in Suburban & Provincial DemandAreas outside Metro Manila (e.g., Cavite, Laguna, Rizal, Batangas) are gaining more interest as people trade urban congestion for more affordable and spacious homes. PHINMA Properties+2Timons Cabansi+2

• Housing Value ChangesHomes that meet the remote-friendly criteria (good internet, extra rooms, quieter locations) are seeing premiums. Meanwhile, some urban neighborhoods not offering these may lag. Camella Homes+1

• Rethinking of Condo vs. House & LotWhile condos are still popular, many are reconsidering them unless they have sufficient space/layout, amenities, and peace. House & lot options, or at least larger units, are being viewed more favorably. KMC Mag Group+1

• Rise in Hybrid Work Housing DesignsDevelopers are designing with remote work in mind: flexible floor plans, rooms convertible to offices, co-working/shared workspaces inside residential developments. PHINMA Properties+1

Considerations & Challenges

• Infrastructure gaps remain. Some suburban / provincial areas may lack reliable internet, good roads, or other essential services. This can offset the benefits of moving away from the city. HousingInteractive+1

• Oversupply risk: As developers respond to demand, some areas may see an oversupply of new housing, which could affect resale value.

• Commute trade-offs: Even with remote work, people still need to commute occasionally. Being too far from airports, transit hubs, or major roadways may be inconvenient.

• Maintenance & cost: Larger homes, outdoor spaces may come with higher maintenance or utility costs.

What This Means for Buyers & Investors

• Buyers should prioritize “future-proof” homes: extra rooms or flexible space; strong internet infrastructure; locations that balance tranquility with access to essentials.

• Investors / Developers should consider building remote work-friendly features, marketing to remote / hybrid workers, and focusing on locations outside overly saturated urban cores.

• Real Estate Agents can benefit by understanding and emphasizing which properties meet remote work needs, and by guiding clients considering trade-offs (distance vs space vs connectivity).