Table of contents:
- Introduction
- Living ‘Large’
- Trending Townships
- A+ Indoor Amenities
- Focus on Wellness
- The Suburban Surge
- Conclusion
- FAQs
The beginning of this decade marked major changes in the way we work. While the pandemic heralded the era of remote and hybrid working, it also re-emphasised the importance of work-life balance. According to 2024 figures, a sizable 12.7 per cent of India’s full-time employees work from home, while 28.2 per cent follow a hybrid model. It is estimated that these numbers will increase in the coming years.
This change in work culture is also reshaping people’s idea of a perfect home. Whether you’re looking for more spacious houses, choosing a residence near work, or opting for housing societies that offer shared workspace facilities, let’s look at the impact of remote and hybrid work on real estate in detail.
Dreaming big
Home is not just where the heart is; it is also where the ‘office’ is. Gone are the days when people saw home as a place entirely disconnected from their work. For most people now, it’s also become a place they work from, at least for a couple of days every week. And so, it’s not surprising that Indians are now looking for houses with more space, where they can set up an ‘office room’, or enjoy a quiet, dedicated corner for work. According to market research, the size of the average Indian home — across the seven top cities in the country – has increased by 17 per cent between 2023 and 2025. While it was 1,420 sq. ft. in 2023, it reached 1,656 sq. ft. last year.
The Real Estate Regulatory Authority in Maharashtra shows that in 2025, 18 per cent of the properties registered in Mumbai were 3-BHK apartments. In 2024, too, 15 per cent of the residential units launched in the city were 3-BHKs. Experts say that even in cities like Mumbai, where real estate prices are among the highest in the country, there’s an unmistakable preference for larger homes. The situation is no different in Bangalore, where various micro-markets witnessed an impressive 14 per cent rise in property prices compared to last year. Market experts say that the city, too, is witnessing an increasing demand for 3- and 4-BHK homes with additional space for work-from-home and guests.
Increased interest in gated communities
The growing preference for high-end homes with more space and top-notch amenities is also a reflection of changing preferences among homebuyers. Estimates show that while the high-end segment constituted only 12 per cent of the market share in 2022, it touched almost 27 per cent in 2025, across major cities in the country. When it comes to high-end homes, the popularity of gated communities is soaring. While there were only around 125,000 gated communities in India in FY2021, their number is projected to reach almost 180,000 by FY2031. This means close to 50 per cent of homes in our top cities will be in these exclusive townships.
There’s a reason why their preference is on the rise in the current work-from-home scenario. Many modern townships provide co-working spaces, along with high-speed internet infrastructure, which is a boon for remote workers. With people spending all their time at home, access to quiet outdoors — parks, walking tracks, mini forest trails, greenery, outdoor gyms, and sports facilities — is a welcome relief. Most gated communities also have basic necessities like grocery stores, pharmacies, and cafés on their premises, which means one doesn’t have to travel far for these. Last but not least, facilities like power back-up and excellent security ensure that people can focus on their work without being distracted or bothered by power failure or safety.
Better indoor facilities
To work efficiently from home, you not only need a conducive environment outside, but also indoor amenities that support you. Good lighting and ventilation are a top priority. While it is non-negotiable for everyone, it’s even more important for those working from home. Natural lighting is known to boost your mood and efficiency. Working in dark and damp spaces can lead to fatigue and eye strain. Background noise can be a serious problem, and so, it’s important to opt for noise-cancelling solutions like green walls, soundproof windows and doors.
Flexible furniture arrangements and ample space to move about are also crucial. Equally important is having ample storage facilities. From laptops and files to stationery, those working from home will need more space to stay organised.
Emphasis on lifestyle and wellness
Yet another major shift is the increasing popularity of wellness homes — spaces that enhance a person’s physical, mental, and emotional well-being. According to a global study, India’s wellness real estate sector has grown from $6 billion in 2019 to $13 billion in 2024, marking an annual growth rate of 20.3 per cent.
Apart from homes with work-from-home space, this also means amenities like meditation zones, yoga decks, and pet parks to escape from daily stress. Modern homebuyers are also more conscious about sustainability and environmental protection, especially air and water quality management. With pollution emerging as a major concern in urban India, top-notch air purification and water filtration systems, air quality sensors, and smart lighting are fast becoming the norm in many townships. With extended work hours and the overlap of personal and work spaces, today’s homebuyer is willing to pay a premium for homes that offer holistic wellness.
Tourist Spots or Work Destination?
If you enjoy the privilege of working from anywhere, why can’t it be a scenic location like Goa or Kasauli? That’s exactly what many modern homebuyers seem to be thinking. According to 2025 figures, many tourist destinations marked a notable increase in residential searches. These include Dehradun at 27.7 per cent increase, Shimla at 33.7 per cent increase, and Nainital at 49.3 per cent increase. Goa, one of the most popular holiday spots in the world, is another perennial favourite. Market figures for 2024 show a staggering 66.3 per cent surge in property prices in the beach state. Along with self-use, these homes are also excellent long-term investments and can be rented out.
For those unable to relocate to remote areas, moving to the suburbs is a viable option. In many cities like Pune, Bangalore, and Mumbai, the suburban areas are real estate hotspots. There are many reasons for the popularity of suburbs. To begin with, they are more affordable than houses in the heart of the city. Suburbs have more open and green spaces and thus, less pollution. With many reputed developers building world-class townships, they also offer a premium lifestyle. Most suburbs now have quality social amenities, and hence, travel becomes easier.
Conclusion
Work culture is not just about offices anymore—it affects where people want to live. Since many people work from home or a mix of home and office, there’s a notable hybrid work impact on real estate. Modern homebuyers are seeking houses that are more spacious, comfortable, and ready for the future.
Meanwhile, if you are looking for a home in Chennai with all the amenities close by, read this blog on Provident Bayscape. It will spare you long daily commutes, leaving you with ample time to do whatever you love, and it is also an excellent choice for remote workers.
FAQs
- Among other reasons, the rise in remote work options is leading to a rise in residential property prices in India’s Tier II cities. Which cities are leading the surge, according to the latest reports?
According to market reports, the Tier II cities leading India’s residential real estate market in 2026 are: Indore (Madhya Pradesh), Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh), Jaipur (Rajasthan), Coimbatore (Tamil Nadu0, and Siliguri (West Bengal).
- What are the benefits of buying a home in Goa?
Unlike homes in crowded cities, homes in places like Goa tend to be more spacious with more privacy. While working from Goa exudes vacay vibes, it can also generate rental income if you choose to return to the city for whatever reason. Given the soaring realty rates in Goa, it’s also an excellent long-term investment and a robust retirement fund.
- When and where did remote working start?
While remote working became the norm during the pandemic, the concept dates back to the 1970s! Jack Nilles, a former NASA engineer, introduced the idea as a solution to traffic congestion and environmental concerns. With personal computers becoming a reality in the 1980s and the expansion of the internet in the 1990s, remote work opportunities further increased. By the beginning of this century, it had gained acceptance as a viable work model.
Sources:
Forbes | Linkedin | Business Today | Deccan Herald | Hindustan Times | Fortune India | Housing | Realty Plus | Money Control | MSN | No Brokerage |The Times of India | Research Publish |
