Posted by Maryann Jones on Friday, August 8th, 2025 2:24pm.
The way we live and work has fundamentally shifted, and the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) real estate market is feeling the impact. Remote work – accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic – untethered many people from daily commutes and downtown offices. With more Canadians working from home or on hybrid schedules, homebuying priorities have changed. At the pandemic’s peak in 2020, 40% of working Canadians were remote; even in early 2024, one in four still worked partly from home. This flexibility means buyers now seek larger spaces, home offices, and a better quality of life rather than just a short commute. Sellers are adapting to meet these new demands.
Remote work has changed what GTA homebuyers prioritize. When your home doubles as your office, extra space and comfortable work areas often matter more than a quick commute. Here are some key shifts in priorities:
Buyers now insist on spare bedrooms, dens, or finished basements as dedicated work areas. Homes with an office (or space to create one) are in high demand, and square footage is king — buyers will trade other perks for a private workspace.
Remote work also fueled a modern “urban exodus” from downtown to the suburbs. Freed from daily commutes, many buyers left downtown for the 905 suburbs (and even smaller cities) to afford larger homes and yards. This “urban exodus” drove suburban prices up during the pandemic, and while they’ve cooled a bit since, suburban living remains popular. Part of the appeal is lifestyle: with more time at home, buyers crave green space and a family-friendly environment that city condos lack. A backyard, deck, or nearby park offers a daily dose of nature. Features like gardens or walking trails are top selling points, since people want their home to be a peaceful retreat and a workplace.
Many companies now have hybrid work schedules, meaning buyers still consider commutes — not every day. Many are willing to live farther out for more space as long as the occasional commute is manageable, so areas with good highway or transit access are attractive. It’s less about a short commute and more about a suburban lifestyle with a tolerable occasional trip to the office.
High-speed internet and strong cell service are now essential home features. Many buyers even test the Wi-Fi during viewings, and houses with poor connectivity can lose out. Developers know this, so new homes often come pre-wired with fiber-optic internet to ensure remote workers can get a solid Zoom connection.
Shifting buyer preferences have created a tale of two markets: a surging suburban sector and a cooler downtown condo market. Here’s what’s happening on both fronts:
During 2020–2022, city dwellers poured into the GTA suburbs, driving up home prices across the outer regions. Even after interest rate hikes cooled the frenzy, suburban values remain well above pre-pandemic levels. Outer communities have added amenities (new schools, shops, parks) to support the influx. Many who left Toronto during the pandemic are staying put, happy to trade an occasional long commute for a bigger home and backyard. Builders have launched new subdivisions tailored to remote workers — big floorplans for home offices, green spaces, even co-working hubs. Entire neighborhoods are now built around the work-from-home lifestyle.
Meanwhile, downtown Toronto’s condo market cooled during the remote-work boom. Small condos that once sold quickly became harder to move when buyers wanted an extra room for an office. Price growth stalled in 2020–2022, and some units even sold below asking as demand shifted to larger homes. Still, urban living is adapting. Developers and condo boards are adding features to suit remote workers: new condos have larger layouts (with dens or office nooks) and many buildings offer co-working lounges or business centers for residents. As offices settle into hybrid schedules and people return, experts expect downtown condo demand to pick up again. But city living will likely put more emphasis on space and work-friendly amenities.
For those looking to buy in the GTA, the work-from-home era offers new possibilities. Keep these tips in mind to make the most of the current market:
Broaden your search horizons: If remote work has freed you from a commute, consider communities farther from the city core where you can get more space for your money. Many suburbs and smaller cities offer plenty of amenities, so you won’t be giving up convenience.
Prioritize your WFH essentials: Make a list of what you need for comfortable remote work. This might be an extra room for an office, a quiet neighborhood, or good natural light. Check the internet options in any area you’re considering — a fast, reliable connection is critical for working from home (as important as heat or electricity).
Keep occasional commutes in mind: If you’ll need to go into the office occasionally, be realistic about how far away you move. A house in Barrie or Hamilton offers a lot of space, but think about the commute on those days you do have to travel. Some people are fine with a longer drive or train ride once or twice a week (especially if they can avoid rush hour), but make sure that trade-off works for you in the long run. It might be worth doing a test commute from your potential new home.
Leverage current market dynamics: Different parts of the GTA market favor buyers in different ways. For example, the downtown condo market has softened a bit, so there may be deals if an urban condo appeals to you. In contrast, suburban homes with great WFH features are in hot demand, so be prepared for competition there. Either way, work with a knowledgeable real estate agent who understands these trends. They can help you find hidden gems and good value — whether it’s a spacious townhome with an office or a condo building with work-friendly amenities.
If you’re selling your GTA home, aligning with the remote work trend can give you an edge. Highlight features that appeal to work-from-home buyers and show that your property can meet their needs:
Showcase work-friendly spaces: Help buyers imagine working in your home. If you have a home office or den, stage it with a tidy desk and good lighting. If not, set up a neat desk in a quiet corner to show a workspace option. Highlight these in your listing photos and description.
Emphasize outdoor space: Many buyers coming from the city crave what their condos lacked — a backyard, a deck, or even a balcony. Make the most of any outdoor areas by cleaning them up and adding some seating. Mention nearby parks or trails in your listing. You want buyers to think, "I could step outside for a nice break during my workday."
Highlight space and flexibility: Declutter to showcase how spacious and versatile your home is. Point out bonus areas like a finished basement or a garage that could serve as a home gym, playroom, or second office. Show that living and working in your home would be comfortable, not cramped.
Price it right: If your home is in a high-demand area, you still need to price it right. Work with your agent to set a competitive price that reflects its work-from-home perks — even in a hot market, overpricing can turn buyers away. A fair price will attract interest and possibly multiple offers.
Remote work has permanently reshaped the GTA real estate landscape. Even as some companies bring employees back, flexible work is here to stay. That means homebuyers and sellers must factor in new priorities — like offices at home, occasional commutes, and community amenities — when making decisions. Suburban areas are thriving, downtown is adjusting, and overall, people are choosing homes based on lifestyle and flexibility rather than just proximity to work.
Navigating this evolving market is easier with expert guidance. Meet The Johnson Team – a GTA real estate team led by Jeff and Liz Johnson. They’re known for market expertise and personalized service. Whether you’re buying or selling, The Johnson Team will guide you every step to achieve your goals.
Ready to find a home that fits your new work-life reality? Contact The Johnson Team today to get connected with an agent.