Skip to main content

Will Remote Work Drive Future Housing Demand?

Sep 14, 2021
Photo of a man working from home.
Director of Events

A new report suggests that remote workers are far more likely to move.

Rising cases in COVID-19 are causing some employers to delay plans to reopen workplaces in the fall and according to research from Zillow, remote workers could be a driving force in fueling the housing demand for years to come.

According to the report, Zillow found that 40% of U.S. workers aren't sure how often they will be expected to report to work in person. More than one-third of that 40% revealed that the uncertainty is playing a role in their ability to make certain life choices like making the decision to move. 

Remote work caused what the industry is calling the Great Reshuffling and Zillow suggests that there is plenty of reshuffling on the way as employers and employees decide what's ahead.

“Workers are clear in their desire for more flexibility,” says Meghan Reibstein, vice president of organizational operations at Zillow. “It's no surprise employees are willing to change jobs to get to this more sustainable way of working, and employers risk losing people if they ignore employees' preferences. If given the freedom to move, employees can work where they're happiest and most productive, which is a win for them, their organizations and their communities.”

According to the report, 84% of U.S. workers want to work remotely at least a few days a month, and 44% want to work from home all the time. 

“Lingering uncertainty over permanent flexible work policies suggests that we're closer to the beginning of the Great Reshuffling than the end,” says Chris Glynn, Zillow senior managing economist. “As more people learn how often they'll have to be at their workplace or make a job change to gain that flexibility, we expect to see more people move. Remote work will be a significant driver of housing demand for years to come, along with demographic trends.”

About the author
Director of Events
Navi Persaud is Director of Events at NMP.
Published
Sep 14, 2021
Fewer Canadians Hunt For U.S. Property

Largest component of international buyers in U.S. takes more than 25% hit

Jul 08, 2025
Housing Correction Gathers Momentum as Supply Surges, Affordability Pressures Persist

ICE Spotlights Emerging Risks, Market Realignment in Monthly Mortgage Landscape Look

Jul 08, 2025
Spike In Homeowners At Risk Of Selling At A Loss

Post-pandemic homebuyers are greatest risk of losing money in a sale, report finds, but results vary by location

Jul 07, 2025
Another Home Insurance Crisis Brewing?

Homeowners delaying major repair work — or doing the work themselves instead of hiring professional tradesmen

Jul 07, 2025
The Truth About 20% Down

Report examines home down payments and where they’re sourced

Jul 03, 2025
Loan Fraud Up a Staggering 407%

The same tech that’s advancing the mortgage industry is being used to create scams, drive fraud

Jul 02, 2025