Remote work has definitely taken off in recent years. This newfound flexibility has allowed many people to choose where they live and work from just about anywhere they like.

More and more companies are asking their employees to come back to the office. This shift is causing some individuals to rethink their living situations and consider whether they need to relocate.

The Effect of Return-to-Office Policies on Housing Trends

With the increase in remote work, many employees seized the chance to leave behind pricey and crowded city centers. Some chose to move to suburban neighborhoods to enjoy larger homes with yards, while others headed for more rural locations. However, recently, there's been a noticeable trend of people moving back into the city.

According to data from Bright MLS, over half of the workers surveyed would need to reconsider their living situation or face lengthy commutes if their employer required them to return to the office.

You might be one of those people who relocated farther from the city during the work-from-home era. Now, you could be dealing with a longer daily commute that you didn't anticipate. After a few trips, you may discover that it’s something you can adapt to and it might not be as difficult as you initially thought.

Sometimes, it can be really tough to make things work, no matter how hard you try. That drive or train ride that felt manageable once or twice a week can start to feel like a drag when it’s happening five days straight. Plus, commuting so often can get expensive, take up too much time, or eat into your personal time. As Lisa Sturtevant, Chief Economist at Bright MLS, points out:

““During the pandemic, when remote work became the norm, homebuyers were able to move farther out . . . But workers do not have the same flexibility that they used to, and some are going to have to make a tough choice if and when their employer calls them back into the office full-time.”
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— Lisa Sturtevant, Chief Economist at Bright MLS

If you're considering a move, there's no need to worry. Chatting with an agent can really help you sort through your options. Whether you want to find a home closer to your job, juggle your commute with what you can afford, or sell your current home to buy another, having a professional on your team makes everything a lot simpler.