Quick answer: Yes — home offices are now one of the top priorities for new-construction buyers. A 2026 industry survey found that nearly three-quarters of new-home buyers say a home office is important, and 49% want a second office. Demand is strongest among buyers age 55 and older and those shopping in higher price tiers, largely because hybrid work has become a permanent fixture of American life rather than a temporary pandemic habit.
Key Takeaways
- 73% of new-home buyers say a home office is an important feature.
- 49% want a second home office — often so each partner in a couple has private workspace.
- Older, higher-budget buyers want home offices — and second offices — more than younger or entry-level buyers.
- 64% of respondents still work from home at least part of the time, even years after the pandemic.
- Hobby rooms, wellness rooms, and package rooms are also climbing buyer wish lists, signaling a broader shift toward flexible, lifestyle-driven home design.
Why Home Offices Are Still a Top Priority in 2026
It’s been years since the pandemic forced Americans into makeshift kitchen-table workstations, but the shift in what people expect from a home hasn’t reversed — it’s settled in. According to an exclusive survey Homes.com conducted with Good Run Research and CMI Research, polling more than 3,000 people aged 25 and up who bought or plan to buy a new single-family home, workspace remains one of the most requested features in new construction.
The reason is straightforward: hybrid work stuck around. While over a third of respondents said they never work remotely, nearly two-thirds said they work from home at least some of the time. Stanford economist Nicholas Bloom, a leading researcher on remote work, told Homes.com that hybrid schedules have become standardized enough — often centered on Mondays and Fridays — that couples increasingly need two separate offices rather than one shared space.
Second Offices Are Now a Mainstream Ask, Not a Luxury
The demand for a second office is the standout finding. Nearly half of all respondents said having two dedicated offices mattered to them, and that number climbs sharply with budget. Among buyers shopping in the $650,000-to-$2-million-plus range, more than 6 in 10 wanted two offices, compared with just 37% of buyers under $650,000.
Age plays a role too. Older buyers, including many in the 55-and-over group, prioritized home offices and second offices more than younger buyers. Marcie DePlaza, chief operating officer at GL Homes in Sunrise, Florida, said this group has become highly tech-savvy, using home computers for everything from managing investments to staying in touch with family, and many are willing to pay extra to get dedicated space for it.
It’s Not Just About Work — Flexible “Lifestyle Rooms” Are Booming
Home offices aren’t the only flexible spaces buyers are asking for. The same survey found:
- More than 60% of buyers want a hobby room, especially older and higher-budget shoppers.
- Nearly half consider a wellness room important, reflecting a broader focus on health and longevity in home design — think cold-plunge pools, saunas, and dedicated workout spaces.
- Nearly 60% want a secure package room, a feature builders didn’t need to consider a decade ago but that now reflects how central e-commerce deliveries have become to daily life.
One survey respondent described an extra room that doubles as both a second office and a hobby space, calling it a personal “me space” for weekday work and weekend downtime alike.
Justin Benefield, academic director of Auburn University’s Winchester Institute for Real Estate Development, framed the shift as a lasting change in mindset: months spent at home during the pandemic pushed many buyers to reconsider what they actually need from their “castle” — and flexible, multi-use rooms are the result.
What This Means If You’re Buying or Building a New Home
If you’re house-hunting or planning new construction, this data suggests a few practical takeaways:
- A single home office may no longer be enough if you and a partner both work remotely even part-time — plan for two if your budget allows.
- Flex rooms add resale value. A room that can serve as an office, hobby space, or guest room appeals to a wider pool of future buyers.
- Don’t overlook “unglamorous” spaces. A dedicated package or mudroom-style delivery area is a small addition that a growing share of buyers now expect.
- Wellness features are becoming standard, not niche — builders are already responding with amenities like saunas and cold plunges in new communities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What percentage of home buyers want a home office? About 73% of new-home buyers surveyed said a home office was an important feature, according to Homes.com’s 2026 New Construction Market Landscape Study.
Why do 49% of buyers want two home offices? Hybrid work schedules have become standard for many couples, with both partners often working from home on the same days. That makes a single shared office impractical, driving demand for two separate spaces.
Which buyers want home offices the most? Older buyers (55 and up) and higher-budget shoppers, particularly those looking at homes priced between $650,000 and $2 million or more, showed the strongest demand for home offices and second offices.
What other rooms are trending in new-construction homes? Beyond home offices, buyers increasingly want hobby rooms, wellness rooms (saunas, cold plunges, workout space), and secure package rooms for deliveries.
Summary
Home offices are no longer a pandemic-era afterthought — they’re now one of the top features new-home buyers are asking for, with nearly three-quarters wanting a dedicated office and 49% wanting two, according to a 2026 industry survey. Add in the growing demand for hobby rooms, wellness spaces, and secure package rooms, and it’s clear that today’s buyers want homes built around how they actually live and work, not just how many bedrooms are on the floor plan. Whether you’re searching for a new-construction home in South Florida with the flexible space your household needs, or you’re ready to sell and want to highlight these must-have features to the right buyers, Natasha at Live South Florida Realty, Inc. can help you navigate the market with confidence. Contact Natasha today to start your buying or selling journey in South Florida.
