WORKING FROM HOME IN VANCOUVER. IS IT HERE TO STAY?

COVID-19 has led to millions of Canadians working from home including most of us here at Fifth Avenue. A survey conducted by Research Co. found that 73% of Canadians felt that working from home would continue after the pandemic ended and 65% said they’d like to continue working from home more after the pandemic. Based on these numbers it’s safe to say many Canadians will continue working from home even after a vaccine is found for COVID-19.

Living close to work and avoiding long commutes is an expensive luxury for those who work in Downtown Vancouver. For the price of a newer 1-bedroom condo in Downtown Vancouver, you can own a 2-3 bedroom condo or townhome in the Fraser Valley. For those who will continue to only work in the office once or twice a week the value of the short commute will decrease.

While the trend of environmentally-friendly and transit-oriented homes will continue as Skytrain and bus infrastructure expands, the most environmentally-friendly and cost-effective commute is no commute at all. Many office-based businesses are considering moving to a smaller office, or an office further east to reduce their high rents, and allowing a percentage of their workers to remain at home for a large portion of their working hours. Some companies such as Vancouver-founded Shopify are even going full work-from-home permanently.

Moving east into the Fraser Valley has long been the trend for professionals who are looking to buy a home rather than renting. Buying a brand new townhome in Abbotsford, a condo in Langley, or a high-rise in Surrey is a realistic goal for British Columbians.

While working from home may end for some offices when a vaccine is developed for COVID-19, many will find it difficult and now unnecessary to go back to the old way of doing things. Working from home will be here to stay and why not invest in a bigger and better home to spend your work days in?

Here at Fifth Avenue, we pride ourselves in offering affordable and stylish homes that appeal to the discerning buyer. You can find out more about our projects in neighbourhoods like: Clayton Central, Willoughby, South Surrey, Murrayville, Aldergrove, Burke Mountain, Burquitlam, Abbotsford, Maple Ridge, Kelowna, Chilliwack, and Langford.