Since 2020, remote work has shifted from a temporary solution to a permanent fixture in the American workplace. What began as a pandemic-driven necessity has fundamentally altered where people choose to live — and how much those homes are worth. As remote and hybrid work trends continue into 2025, the divide between suburban and urban home appraisal values has become increasingly pronounced.
For homeowners, buyers, real estate agents, and appraisers alike, understanding how remote work affects property values is essential in today’s housing market.
Remote Work and Home Appraisal Trends: A Shift in Demand
Before remote work became widespread, many buyers prioritized proximity to city centers, workplace hubs, and public transportation. Appraisals reflected the premium attached to urban convenience, walkability, and short commutes.
But as remote work expanded, so did buyer preferences. Homebuyers increasingly sought larger living spaces, home offices, and outdoor amenities — qualities more readily found in suburban and rural markets. According to a 2024 survey by Redfin, nearly 30% of homebuyers cited remote work as a major reason for relocating to the suburbs, up from just 19% in 2019.
This migration pattern has had a direct impact on property appraisals, with suburban homes experiencing stronger appreciation relative to their urban counterparts.
Suburban Home Appraisals: Space and Lifestyle Take Center Stage
In today’s market, suburban homes are no longer viewed as mere alternatives to city living. For many remote workers, they’ve become the preferred choice. Appraisers now see suburban homes benefitting from:
- Increased buyer demand driven by remote work flexibility.
- Larger lot sizes and interior square footage, which are now highly valued.
- Home office space becoming a standard feature in listing descriptions.
- Outdoor amenities like yards, patios, and pools boosting appraised values.
A report from Realtor.com noted that suburban home prices have outpaced urban prices by an average of 3.7% annually since 2021, reflecting this shift in buyer priorities.
When appraisers evaluate suburban homes, they now weigh home office space and property adaptability more heavily, as buyers increasingly prioritize these features.
Urban Appraisals: Stabilizing but Facing New Challenges
While some assumed cities would experience a mass exodus, the reality has been more nuanced. Urban areas remain desirable to many, especially younger buyers, renters, and those returning to hybrid work schedules. However, the demand is less intense than pre-2020 levels.
Appraisers in urban markets must now account for:
- Softening demand for small condominiums and apartments without dedicated office space.
- Rising vacancy rates in certain neighborhoods.
- Shifted buyer profiles, with fewer families prioritizing city living.
That said, premium city neighborhoods with strong amenities, parks, or hybrid-friendly features have maintained or even regained value. The key is how well a property aligns with post-pandemic buyer expectations.
Remote Work’s Uneven Impact on Home Appraisal Values
It’s important to note that remote work does not affect all suburban and urban markets equally. For example:
- Commuter-friendly suburbs near major cities have seen stronger gains than distant rural areas.
- Cities with strong hybrid cultures, such as New York or Chicago, are seeing demand for mixed-use properties and flexible work-live spaces rebound.
- Second-home markets, like lakefront or mountain communities, have surged due to remote workers seeking part-time retreats.
Appraisers must take these localized trends into account. Blanket assumptions about remote work boosting all suburbs or hurting all cities don’t hold true universally.
What Buyers, Sellers, and Realtors Should Know
For sellers, understanding how remote work trends shape appraisal values can help set realistic price expectations. If your home offers features remote workers prioritize — such as office space, large outdoor areas, or proximity to a major city with hybrid job opportunities — it may command a premium in today’s market.
For buyers, keep in mind that appraised values are reflecting changing demand. Suburban homes may be more competitive than you expect, and urban properties could offer opportunities, especially in softening segments.
For realtors and appraisers, staying current on remote work trends, local market dynamics, and buyer preferences is now critical. Appraisal adjustments must be supported by real-world data and buyer behavior.
Remote Work is Reshaping Appraisals — But Not Uniformly
Remote work has shifted the valuation landscape, creating stronger demand for suburban and hybrid-friendly properties. However, not all markets are impacted equally. Appraisers, buyers, and sellers must stay flexible, recognize emerging patterns, and factor in the local nuances when navigating today’s real estate market.
If you’re buying, selling, or refinancing a property, working with a knowledgeable appraiser is crucial in 2025.
Contact us today to schedule an appraisal consultation and ensure your property is valued accurately in a market shaped by remote work trends.