In recent years, the rise of remote working has radically reshaped how we think about where we live and work. Walk down streets in SE London areas like New Cross, Peckham and Brockley and you’ll notice how homes with space for a study, better gardens and easier transport links are increasingly sought after.
At Warren Kerr Estate Agents, we have seen firsthand how the shift to home-based working is influencing both residential and commercial property markets in South East London. If you’d like to chat about how this might affect your sale or purchase, call us on 020 7358 1188 or email .
“As working from home becomes the norm rather than the exception, Warren Kerr Estate Agents is helping clients find homes that offer both lifestyle and connectivity and rethinking how commercial space fits into that equation.”
What Remote Working Really Means For Commercial And Residential Demand
The term “impact of remote working on commercial real estate” has become a key phrase in property circles and for good reason. With more people spending time at home, businesses are re-evaluating their office space needs, which in turn affects how space is used across our towns and cities, including South East London.
Changing Office Demand
Many firms are reducing their footprint, opting for flexible-workspace models or hybrid systems. This means less demand for large, traditional office blocks, and more for smaller hubs or satellite spaces nearer to residential zones. The impact of remote working on commercial real estate is evident in how leases are renegotiated and properties are repurposed for new uses.
Residential Implications In SE London
As offices shrink, residential demand shifts. People want homes that cater to working life, with separate rooms, good broadband, and comfortable environments. In South East London, this means:
- Period houses with spare rooms or loft conversions.
- Garden-access terraces or flats with balconies for fresh air.
- Strong transport links (for when hybrid working means commuting).
- The relative affordability of this Zone 2 location further enhances its appeal.
Why South East London Is Well-Placed To Benefit
As we have lived and worked in the area for many years, we are well acquainted with the advantages of SE London. Here’s why this region suits the new remote-working era:
- Zone 2 accessibility + comparatively lower prices: You’re close enough to central London for occasional office days, yet you’re getting more space and value.
- Strong transport links: Essential even when working from home part-time, for business, meetings or commuting days.
- Great schools and green spaces: Families and professionals alike value these. The lifestyle factor is stronger when you’re spending more time at home.
- Good mix of property types: From period terraces to modern apartments with home-office potential.
- Community feel and local amenities: With remote working, local shops, cafés and neighbourhood buzz become far more critical.
All of these contribute to rising interest in both buying and renting across the area.
How The Commercial Real Estate Market Is Responding
When we discuss the impact of remote working on commercial real estate, it’s not just about offices. Here’s how different sectors are adjusting:
1. Smaller Offices & Co-Working
Companies are moving away from a single large headquarters towards smaller satellite offices or “touch-down” hubs. That means converting older commercial spaces into flexible workspaces or mixed-use units.
2. Ground-Floor Retail And Hybrid Use
With more people at home, local retail and amenities become more valuable. Some commercial units are being reimagined as mixed-use spaces, such as café-workspaces, neighbourhood gyms, or local service hubs. This trend transforms how commercial real estate is leased, priced and marketed.
3. Repurposing Industrial / Storage Space
Logistics and fulfilment centres near transport hubs are in demand (for home deliveries). So, some commercial buildings in SE London are being re-zoned or adapted accordingly. The remote-working boom is indirectly driving demand for such ancillary real-estate shifts.
What Buyers, Sellers And Investors Should Consider
If you’re buying, selling or investing in South East London right now, here are some tailored insights:
- For buyers: Prioritise properties with flexible spaces (study/office, garden/terrace). Ask about broadband connectivity and the potential for hybrid working arrangements.
- For sellers: Highlight home-office potential, garden-oriented spaces, and local amenities that suit a remote work lifestyle. At Warren Kerr, we help clients market those features because they resonate with their target audience.
- For investors: Consider how commercial assets, such as mixed-use or light industrial properties located near residential zones, can offer growth opportunities. Also, residential property demand in SE London remains strong in the hybrid-work age.
- For landlords: The tenant profile is evolving, with an increasing number of professionals working from home who may prefer larger flats or houses with outdoor space. Adjust your offering accordingly.
In all cases, understanding the impact of remote working on commercial real estate helps refine strategy and preparation.
Forecasts And Local Market Trends
The data show a few clear patterns in SE London:
- Residential properties with flexible internal layouts (spare bedrooms, adaptable study spaces) are commanding more substantial interest.
- Areas with good connectivity plus local amenities (cafés, shops, parks) are increasingly in demand, especially where commuting remains easy.
- Commercial space: larger monolithic offices are less desirable; smaller, flexible, & neighbourhood-based units are gaining favour.
- The premium for space is rising: gardens, terraces, separate work-study rooms. In New Cross (SE14) and neighbouring zones, this is already evident.
While the overall market remains competitive, what’s shifting is why people buy, rent, or lease. Lifestyle and remote-working home-office factors are more important than ever.
Contact Warren Kerr Estate Agents
Bringing It All Together
Remote working is not a fad; it’s reshaping property demand, both residential and commercial. At Warren Kerr Estate Agents, we’ve observed the impact of remote working on commercial real estate, which has ripple effects on how people choose to live in SE London, how they utilise space at home, and what they expect from their environment.
If you’re looking to buy or sell in South East London, or wondering how your commercial property might adapt to these changes, we’d be delighted to guide you. We bring over 20 years of experience in the area, live here ourselves, and focus on delivering a personal, one-to-one service (you’ll deal directly with us).
Let’s explore the opportunities together. Call us on 020 7358 1188 or email us at .
