Yes, there is a mini-movement to get people back into the office.
If you’ve followed the news, federal employees who were working remotely have been told to return to the office. Some of the tenants you’re renting to might be one of those federal job holders. In fact, we looked into some stats, and here’s what we found:
- According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Washington is home to roughly 178,000 federal workers.
- Around 9.5% of the state’s federal employees said they worked from home at least some of the time in 2023, per a Census Bureau survey.
- If those workers are now leaving their home offices and returning to the jobsite, that’s nearly 17,000 people.
Outside of the federal workers, there’s still a growing demand for remote working jobs, and a hiring culture that’s willing to offer them.
In fact, Washington State has one of the highest work-from-home rates.
More than one million remote workers are wandering around Washington, and a lot of them are looking for homes to rent.
Remote work trends have reshaped the way we live and work, and smart real estate investors can leverage these changes to optimize their portfolios. The shift toward hybrid and fully remote work models is not just a workplace revolution—it’s a driving force impacting residential rental markets in significant ways.
Remember during the pandemic, when we thought that remote work was going to be a temporary solution? Well, it’s here to stay.
According to a recent survey by McKinsey, nearly 35% of workers have the option to work remotely five days a week. This flexibility means people are prioritizing homes that align with their new professional and personal lifestyles.
Let’s look at some of the trends – for our market in particular and for remote working in general. Then, we’ll be able to tell you what this means for the rental market and how you can best position your properties to attract this growing demographic of tenants.
Key Trends for Remote Workers
Here’s what we’re looking at when we look at whether remote work is really that important to the way we buy, sell, and invest in properties:
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Population Migration Many professionals are relocating from high-cost urban locations to more affordable cities or suburban areas. They’re seeking properties with extra space, outdoor areas, and quality of life that dense urban settings don’t always provide. |
Demand for Home Office Space The “one-bedroom apartment” is evolving. Renters now seek properties with a home office—or at least the potential to create one. Properties that offer flexible living spaces are quickly gaining an edge. |
Rural and Suburban Popularity Previously overlooked areas are witnessing soaring demand as preference shifts toward quieter, more spacious neighborhoods. Properties in secondary markets, such as college towns or smaller metro areas, are particularly appealing. |
Remote work trends are shaping where and how people live—and real estate investors who adapt can position themselves for long-term success. Whether diversifying into suburban markets, tweaking property amenities, or exploring short-term rental opportunities, being responsive to this evolving landscape is essential.
Washington State Specifics: Why Remote Work is So Popular Here
According to the Federal Reserve, about 37% of the people working in Washington State are doing so from home. If you’re wondering how that compares to other parts of the country, we can tell you that the national average is 15% of workers.
Why is it so prevalent here?
For one thing, there’s the presence of high-paying tech jobs, which has long been a meaningful part of Washington’s economy. Those tech jobs are often extremely flexible when it comes to where and how the work is done.
Another factor is that Washington is just a pretty desirable place to live. Anyone who wants to escape their crowded, pricey cities can find a higher quality of life and maybe a lower cost of living in our neighborhoods.
This new era of remote and hybrid work is reshaping downtowns, office parks and the suburbs all across the state.
What Remote Work Trends Mean for Real Estate Investors
The rise of remote work is causing ripple effects throughout the rental industry, influencing housing demand and property values. This is not your entire tenant pool, but it’s a large part of it. Preparing your investment property to be attractive to multiple demographic groups is important to your success. Don’t forget this one.
Here’s what real estate investors need to know to adapt and succeed in this new era.
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Rental Demand Redistributed We’re following the data and seeing that many residents are moving away from core downtown areas in favor of affordable suburbs or even rural properties. Cities traditionally known for their rental boom may experience a cooling-off period, while regions with a lower cost of living but high quality of life gain traction. Consider diversifying your portfolio into growing secondary markets or rural regions. Use local data to pinpoint emerging rental hot spots. We can talk to you about where remote residents are looking to settle. |
Rethinking Property Features We’re going to talk in more detail about the features of a rental home that will especially appeal to remote workers. What investors need to know is that it’s smart to prioritize properties with standout features that cater to a remote tenant’s work-from-home needs. Before you make your next investment, consider whether you’ll be willing to include high-speed internet connectivity. Does the property have a quiet workspace or a separate room that might serve as a home office? Outdoor living spaces are popular too, to promote work/life balance. If you’re upgrading or acquiring rental properties, focus on these features. Marketing well-connected or home office-friendly amenities will keep your property relevant and competitive. |
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Longer Lease Agreements Remote workers seeking stability are more inclined to settle down in one location for a longer period, an opportunity landlords can capitalize on. Properties in high-demand areas are likely to benefit from tenants looking for annual or even multi-year leases. These are residents who do not necessarily want to buy a home, but they do want to settle into a space for the long term. Create attractive lease terms for long-term renters. For example, offer slight discounts on yearly renewals or include perks like Wi-Fi or maintenance services. |
Short-Term Rentals in Demand On the flip side of those longer leases we just talked about, there’s a subset of remote workers who are also looking for homes. They’re often called digital nomads; moving from place to place because they can work from anywhere. Remote work enables a new kind of freedom, and those embracing this lifestyle will appreciate a furnished rental home that’s available for a month, three months, or six months. Residents who work remotely and enjoy frequent travel prefer short-term rentals in picturesque or experience-driven locations. Explore converting some properties into vacation rentals or targeting the digital-nomad demographic in high-demand leisure areas. |
Opportunities for Real Estate Investors
The future of remote work is full of opportunity for real estate investors who stay attuned to these shifting trends. Here’s how to stay ahead:
- Keep an Eye on Data. Monitor migration patterns and rental market statistics in remote-worker-friendly cities. Use platforms like Zillow or CoStar to identify emerging markets. Talk to us – your property management experts.
- Invest in Upgrades. Upgrading rentals with modern touches, like energy-efficient appliances or noise-canceling upgrades, appeals greatly to remote workers.
- Collaborate Locally. Build relationships with local tech hubs or co-working spaces. They’re fantastic sources for learning about tenant needs or professional partnerships.
How to Attract Remote Working Residents to Your Rental Home
Let’s explore actionable strategies to prepare and market your rental home effectively, ensuring it meets the needs of remote workers and stays competitive in this evolving market.
- Offer a Home Office Space
This one is perhaps the most obvious. A designated workspace is a top priority for remote workers. Convert a spare room, alcove, or even a portion of a living area into a dedicated office. Ensure this space includes the following essentials:
- Good lighting (natural and artificial)
- Ample outlets for charging devices
- Reliable Wi-Fi connectivity (consider highlighting internet speed in your listing)
- Space, like for a desk and a supportive chair
Add modern touches such as built-in shelves or noise-canceling windows to make the workspace even more appealing.
- Prioritize High-Speed Internet
The words “high-speed internet” are music to any remote worker’s ears. Weak or unreliable internet connections can immediately take your property off the shortlist. While most rental property owners leave the internet services to tenants to set up, you’ll have a competitive advantage if remote tenants can move in and immediately be connected to the internet. Consider investing in a reputable internet provider, and provide this service while rolling the costs into the rental amount that you charge every month. We’ve read reports that say 89% of remote employees highlight connectivity as a deciding factor in where they live and work.
- Focus on Comfort and Convenience
Remote workers spend more time in their homes compared to traditional renters. That’s why comfort and convenience are non-negotiable. Here’s how to level up your property’s appeal:
- Add smart home technology, like thermostats, smart locks, or voice-activated assistants.
- Ensure ample natural light for a brighter, uplifting environment.
- Offer move-in-ready essentials like quality kitchen appliances, furniture, or storage options.
When showcasing your property, emphasize how practical and comfortable it would be for someone who spends both work and leisure hours at home. Tenants will connect to this.
- Highlight Proximity to Co-Working Spaces & Cafes
While remote workers enjoy working from home, many also like the flexibility of moving to nearby co-working spaces or coffee shops. Offer some community. Make note of the places around your rental property that cater to remote work areas. Additionally, include proximity to fitness centers, parks, and cultural attractions. This helps renters create the perfect balance between work and recreation.
- Flexible and Short-Term Lease Options
As we have briefly touched on, flexibility is key for remote workers. Many remote professionals are nomads, relocating for short periods or exploring different areas before committing long-term. By offering flexible lease terms, such as month-to-month agreements or three-to-six-month leases, you’ll become a more attractive option.
Planning Purposes: The Future of Remote Work
For real estate investors, understanding remote work trends is vital as they directly influence everything from commercial office spaces to residential housing demands.
But what does the future of remote work truly hold? Will it expand and reshape real estate markets even further, or could we see a decline as companies demand office rebirth?
Here is what your Real Estate Gladiators see for the future, when it comes to remote work and the tenants who make up that pool of employees.
- The Rise of Hybrid Work Models
The hybrid work model—splitting time between the office and home—has become the default for countless organizations. Companies like Microsoft and Google have implemented flexible arrangements to maintain productivity while catering to employee preferences. What does this mean for real estate investors?
Suburban and rural housing markets continue to experience growth as employees seek homes with dedicated office spaces, often prioritizing properties with larger square footage or additional rooms.
- Shifting Preferences Among Employees
Employee satisfaction heavily drives remote work adoption. A 2023 study by Owl Labs revealed that 74% of employees feel happier when working remotely and are less likely to leave a company offering such flexibility. For real estate investors, this means that urban living may take a hit as more workers opt for homes outside crowded city centers, resulting in growth opportunities for suburban or exurban developments. It’s also a good idea to consider multi-unit investments that include a shared or private co-working space. This could be seen as a major perk for tenants looking to enjoy working from home but not feeling too isolated and lonely. As a rental property owner, you’ll be meeting the need for professional environments at home.
- Demand for Flexible Workspaces
Even with the rise of remote work, flexible and co-working spaces are becoming increasingly attractive. Industry leaders are creating multi-use spaces and evolving their models to target smaller teams and hybrid workers. This might mean an expansion of investors into co-working facilities. It could be a lucrative move, especially in cities transitioning toward more flexible workforce arrangements.
Investors should also watch for adaptive reuse opportunities—converting older buildings into shared office hubs rather than traditional single-business spaces. This trend is taking off, and it complements the remote working trend. It also speaks to the sustainability efforts of markets throughout Washington State.
Will the Growth of Remote Work Slow Down?
While remote work adoption has soared, conversations about its sustainability remain, driven largely by companies striving to strike the right balance between productivity and culture. Arguments that are often made against remote work include:
- Team Collaboration – Companies like Elon Musk’s Tesla have vocally recalled employees to offices to enhance collaboration and innovation.
- Cultural Challenges – Some leaders argue that strong company culture develops better in person, prompting employers to prefer physical offices.
- Performance Monitoring – Concerns about productivity tracking have convinced certain businesses to reassess their commitments to remote work flexibility.
But despite these arguments, remote work is far from a fading trend. Companies may tweak their approaches, favoring hybrid over fully remote models, but the broad structure of workplace flexibility is here to stay. Enterprises have learned to adapt through technology, and most employees have shown unwavering preference for remote options to maintain work-life balance.
Opportunities for Real Estate Investors in the Remote Work Era
As we have discussed throughout this blog, the future of remote work will directly impact the real estate market, presenting several opportunities for observant investors.
| Residential Market Growth
Properties in commuter towns and suburbs with home-office-ready layouts will continue attracting remote workers. |
Flexible Commercial Spaces
Invest in adaptable office properties that can meet the needs of smaller teams, co-working setups, or flexible leases. |
Technology-Driven Developments
Explore smart housing projects that cater to remote professionals with features like strong Wi-Fi infrastructure, soundproof rooms, and optimized layouts for productivity. |
Looking Ahead
Understanding remote work trends is essential for staying ahead in today’s evolving real estate landscape. While the remote movement may shrink in its full-remote offerings, hybrid models and workforce demands for flexibility are expected to dominate the market for years to come.
For real estate investors, this isn’t just a trend—it’s an opportunity. Evaluate which sectors of your portfolio stand to gain the most from the continued evolution of remote work and adapt your strategies accordingly.
Let’s explore the questions and the answers together. Our job as your Real Estate Gladiators is to position your investment property successfully in a competitive rental market. Tuning into the remote work trends is only one way that we’re doing this.
Please contact us at Real Estate Gladiators. We serve Monroe, Issaquah, Bellevue, Everett, Lake Stevens, Kirkland, and other cities in and around King and Snohomish counties in Washington State.
