Real estate is inherently local, with property values closely tied to the economic drivers and characteristics of specific regions. While understanding the national housing price forecast for 2025 provides valuable context, savvy investors should focus on identifying cities and states with stronger growth potential. After all, outperforming the market is just as crucial as generating returns.
One compelling area to watch is cities experiencing a higher percentage of workers returning to the office. Since 2020, millions of workers reaped the benefits of work-from-home policies, but there are growing signs that this trend is reversing.
As more companies push for in-office attendance, cities with robust office-based economies and increasing workplace reoccupancy rates could see a surge in housing demand. This shift may lead to greater property price appreciation in these areas as workers relocate closer to their offices, revitalizing urban centers.
Investors should monitor local economic trends like employment growth, housing supply constraints, and demographic shifts to pinpoint potential outperformers. In 2025 and beyond, regions that successfully adapt to changing work dynamics may offer some of the most attractive real estate opportunities.
Investing In Cities That Are Returning To The Office
Much like “Zoom Cities” such as Boise, Idaho, thrived during the remote-work boom, cities seeing a shift back to in-office work are likely to experience housing demand spikes. While most workers prefer flexibility, companies pushing for a return to the office will drive demand in urban areas.
Recent data shows the biggest drops in fully remote workers are in metro areas like:
- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara (35% fully remote down to 16% in 2023 and going lower)
- San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley (35% -> 21%)
- New York-Newark-Jersey City (23% -> 14%)
- Boston-Cambridge-Newton (27% -> 18%)
- Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue (31% -> 20%)
- Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim (21% -> 15%)
- Washington, D.C.-Arlington (33% -> 22%)
Take a look at this more comprehensive chart compiled by Lance Lampert, writer of the ResiClub newsletter.
Common Themes Among Cities with the Greatest Return-to-Office Shifts
A key characteristic of cities experiencing the strongest return-to-office trends is their inherent difficulty in adding new housing supply. Years of undersupply have primed these cities for heightened competition, likely leading to bidding wars that drive up both rents and property prices. As more workers return, demand will rise for both residential and commercial properties, making these cities hotspots for real estate activity.
The transition won’t create an immediate boom. Initially, existing inventory will be absorbed as migrants and office tenants adjust to shifting dynamics. However, once return-to-office norms stabilize, the pressure on limited housing stock is expected to ignite bidding wars, pushing prices higher. The interplay of strict land-use regulations and low loan-to-value ratios amplifies this effect, creating significant barriers to new supply.
Take San Francisco as an example. Building new homes is notoriously difficult due to high construction costs and stringent regulations. Securing a building permit often takes years, assuming the property is even zoned for development. I tried getting a permit to build an ADU in the past and gave up after six months.
With tech companies thriving and enforcing hybrid work policies requiring at least three in-office days, housing demand is intensifying in tech hubs like San Francisco, San Jose, and surrounding areas.
The ongoing bull market is driving significant wealth creation, which not only attracts more workers to these areas but also channels substantial company stock capital into real estate investments. This dual effect—rising demand from employees and heightened purchasing power from equity gains—further amplifies competition for housing in these high-growth regions.
The Return of Big City Real Estate
As with many aspects of life—politics, social trends, or education—the pendulum often swings from one extreme to another. From 2020 to 2024, the Sunbelt and Midwest regions enjoyed a surge in popularity. However, cities like Austin are now facing a cooling period as builders work through an oversupply of inventory. By 2026 or 2027, these areas may see another boom, driven by a then undersupply of housing.
Looking ahead, it seems likely that big-city real estate will outperform smaller markets, primarily due to the resurgence of return-to-office policies.
If you own property in cities experiencing the strongest return-to-office trends, consider holding onto it. For those contemplating building a rental portfolio, now may be a strategic time to act, as a wave of liquidity from thriving tech and AI companies could significantly enrich employees, fueling increased demand for urban housing.
mFor seasoned landlords looking to simplify life and pivot toward generating more passive income, the coming strength in these urban markets might present an opportune time to sell.
Employees eager for raises and promotions will likely adhere to their company’s return-to-office mandates—because, ultimately, most people want to advance their careers. While it’s unfortunate for those who enjoyed the freedom of remote work, all good things eventually come to an end. On the bright side, this shift creates opportunities to invest in companies prioritizing productivity and earnings, as well as real estate in cities where these firms operate.
For lifestyle flexibility, consider seeking companies that allow for a hybrid approach—such as indulging in mid-day activities like pickleball—while you strategically invest in markets positioned for growth. It’s a win-win scenario!
The Return Of Big City Real Estate
Like so many things – politics, social justice issues, education trends – the pendulum tends to swing from one extreme to another. The Sunbelt and Midwest regions had their time in the sun from 2020 – 2024. Now, cities like Austin are dealing with a hangover as builders work through their inventory. Perhaps in 2026 or 2027, it will be boom times for them once again due to a then undersupply of housing.
But for 2025 and beyond, I suspect big city real estate will start outperforming smaller city real estate due to return to work policies. So if you own property in one of the cities with the greatest return to office shifts, I’d hold on. If you’ve been thinking about building a rental property portfolio, you may want to buy before a gigantic liquidity wave of tech and AI companies enriches tens of thousands of employees.
And if you’ve been a long-time landlord who is looking to simplify life and earn more pure passive income, your time to take advantage of strength and sell may be coming.
Employees Are Rational Actors
People who want to get paid and promoted will be complying with their company’s return to office policies. And the vast majority of workers want to get paid and promoted. That’s capitalism for you!
Yes, it is sad that the good times are over for many who have to return to the office. But all good things must come to an end. At the very least, you can invest in companies that are taking work more seriously to drive earnings and invest in real estate in cities where those companies are based.
Then for lifestyle purposes, you can work for companies that allow you to play pickleball during the middle of the day and still get paid. What a great combination!
Readers, what are your thoughts on investing in real estate in cities where employees are returning to the office in significant numbers? Do you believe big-city real estate is poised to outperform smaller markets that benefited from the work-from-home trend? Share your insights below!
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