Before the pandemic, remote work was already growing in the US. In 2019, work-from-home employees accounted for as much as 11.9% of the total labor market. During the pandemic, that number has shot up to 35%, according to a new report from Newmark. While most of these workers will return to the office once the pandemic ends, it is clear that the remote-work segment of the market will grow significantly.

Growth of the remote work market segment will trigger several new trends in multifamily. Research from Newmark found that multifamily owners are increasing floor plans from a standard of 65 feet to 75 feet to create more flexible spaces, such as units that feature one-bedroom plus a den. According to the survey, 14% of current apartment units are being reworked to better accommodate work-from-home needs and developers are adding more outdoor space with balconies to meet the needs of workers that stay home.

Apartment changes will likely also include new amenities. During the last cycle, scaled apartment building amenities were the hottest trend in multifamily. With concern over shared spaces and the need for more in-unit functionality, property owners are reconsidering those amenities in favor of co-working spaces—for when it is safe to return to shared areas—with nooks and pods to provide individualized spaces, balconies for outdoor space accessible from the unit and quality technology support including high speed Internet and cell phone coverage that will support employees that work from home.