The shift to remote and hybrid work has transformed the UK housing market, driving demand for flexible, well-connected and energy-efficient homes across both rural and urban areas.
The shift to remote working during the COVID-19 pandemic was one of the most significant social changes in recent history. Almost overnight, millions realised their jobs could be done from home, from almost anywhere. With daily commutes no longer essential, many moved out of city centres in search of more space and lower costs, sparking a housing boom that still shapes the market today.
The ‘race for space’
This surge in demand, often called the race for space, saw buyers competing for larger homes, gardens, and outdoor access. Rural and suburban areas became especially desirable as proximity to the office lost importance. Smaller towns that attracted remote workers were even labelled ‘Zoom towns’.
Between 2019 and 2024, house prices in predominantly rural English areas rose by around 23%, compared with 18% in urban ones. Yet as hybrid work takes hold, city-centre flats are regaining appeal, particularly among younger professionals and renters who now balance home and office days.
What buyers now want
It was not just where people chose to live that changed, but what they wanted. Buyers began prioritising:
Developers responded with new builds featuring garden studios, dual-purpose rooms and built-in fibre broadband, while landlords upgraded Wi-Fi and insulation to attract tenants.
The hybrid era
By 2025, most large companies will have adopted hybrid working models. Around 40% of UK workers now work remotely at least part of the week, and nearly a third are in formal hybrid roles. This shift has reignited demand for well-connected urban homes while maintaining steady interest in suburban and rural properties.
Urban rental markets have become increasingly competitive as more people return to partial office working. However, the influence of remote work remains clear: buyers and renters expect homes to be adaptable, connected and energy efficient.
Conclusion
The rise of remote and hybrid work has left a lasting imprint on the housing market. It changed not only where people live, but how they live, from property design and energy use to the balance between rural and urban demand. As technology and work habits continue to evolve, the homes of the future will need to support flexibility, sustainability and connection. The housing market is no longer shaped solely by location but by lifestyle.
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