The rise of remote and hybrid work has transformed what buyers look for in a home. What used to be considered optional, like an extra bedroom or a quiet corner for a desk, has now become essential for many.
The shift toward working from home changed not only how people use their spaces, but how they value them. In this article, we’ll tell you how the WFH era reshaped homebuyer priorities.
Dedicated workspaces are no longer a luxury
Before the remote work boom, a makeshift office (such as a laptop on a kitchen table) was considered a home office. This type of office no longer meets the needs of modern remote workers.
Buyers now expect homes to support productivity, focus, and comfort, and that means having real, functional work zones built right in.
Many buyers are actively seeking homes with a separate room or office, ideally with a door. Then, flexible, multi-purpose spaces that can easily convert into work zones.
In addition to separate rooms, they are also looking for good natural light, quiet locations, and built-in storage, shelving, or desk space.
Homes that offer even one designated office area stand out. However, those with two potential workspaces are even more appealing, especially to households where multiple people work or study from home.
Location preferences have shifted
The work-from-home era has also reshaped what buyers look for in a location. Without the daily commute dictating where people must live, homebuyers now prioritize lifestyle, space, and community over proximity to the city center.
This shift has opened the door for suburbs and suburban-style areas to shine, especially those offering character, convenience, and a relaxed pace of life.
For example, someone searching for a Bassendean house for sale today may be less concerned about travel time to the CBD and more focused on the suburb’s riverside charm, community atmosphere, and access to parks, cafés, and open space.
Buyers now evaluate whether a neighborhood supports the kind of life they want to live, rather than the life they are accustomed to having.
Privacy matters more than ever
What once felt like a minor inconvenience, noisy living areas, lack of doors, or open layouts, now directly affects productivity, peace of mind, and overall lifestyle.
Buyers want homes that allow them to concentrate, attend virtual meetings, and unwind without constant interruption.
The shift away from open-plan living is one of the most notable changes. While open layouts still appeal for entertaining and family time, buyers also want clearly defined, private zones where work and personal space don’t collide.
Today’s buyers actively look for homes with separate rooms or closed-off spaces, floor plans that allow for quiet retreats, and enclosed rooms with doors.
They are also interested in converted garages, lofts, or basements for additional privacy, as well as a thoughtful layout flow that minimizes noise and foot traffic
Privacy isn’t just about silence; it’s about control. Buyers want the ability to choose when the home feels open and social and when it becomes a quiet sanctuary. Homes that offer this balance stand out immediately, especially to professional couples, families with children, and anyone who relies on remote work.
Outdoor space and wellness areas are growing in importance
With more time spent at home, buyers are placing a higher value on properties that support health, relaxation, and overall well-being.
Outdoor spaces that once felt secondary (a simple backyard, a modest patio, or a small balcony) are now viewed as essential extensions of the home. These areas offer a place to unwind, recharge, and disconnect from work, making them powerful emotional selling points.
Buyers are increasingly seeking outdoor features that allow them to enjoy nature, entertain comfortably, or create personal wellness routines.
Key outdoor and wellness features that attract today’s buyers include patios, decks, and alfresco areas, lush gardens, or low-maintenance green spaces.
Many buyers also look for natural light throughout the interior, as well as room for vegetable patches or potted plants, which promote a healthier lifestyle.
High-speed internet is a must-have
Yet another thing that has shifted from convenience to a non-negotiable essential for homebuyers is high-speed internet. In many cases, buyers will overlook minor cosmetic issues in a property, but unreliable internet can be an instant deal breaker.
Connectivity now influences how buyers assess a home’s practicality. Strong, stable internet means seamless video calls, efficient remote work, smooth streaming, smart-home compatibility, and overall modern living. Without it, even the most well-presented home may struggle to compete.
In multi-person households, where several people may work or study online, fast and reliable internet becomes even more crucial. A home that supports strong connectivity doesn’t just make life easier; it supports productivity, education, entertainment, and comfort.
Bottom Line
The work-from-home era didn’t just change routines. It changed what buyers dream about, expect, and value in a property. Homes that support productivity, comfort, and wellness are now at the top of the list.