Remote work was once billed as the future of the workforce, but the numbers are now showing the opposite. According to Statistics Canada, just 17.4% of Canadians worked remotely in May 2025. That’s a steep decline from 22.4% in 2022, representing 790,000 fewer remote workers over three years.
At the same time, the number of daily commuters has surged. More than 1.5 million Canadians have returned to commuting since 2022, bringing the total number of commuters to 16.4 million. Policymakers and businesses have driven this shift, hoping to restore foot traffic to major downtowns. For households, however, the outcome has been higher costs in both time and money.
The Commuting Burden on Households
With the return to the office, commuting has become part of daily life for most Canadian workers again. Statistics Canada data shows that employees now average 53.4 minutes of commuting per day. For those relying on public transit, the time loss is even greater, with an average round-trip of 88.2 minutes.
This adds up quickly. Over the course of a five-day workweek, transit users can lose the equivalent of a full night’s sleep just traveling to and from their job. Beyond time, commuting also increases spending on gas, transit fares, vehicle maintenance, and parking. For families already managing rising housing costs, the extra financial strain is significant.
Waterloo Region Housing Market Adjusts
During the height of remote work, many households left Toronto and other major centres for communities like Waterloo Region. Buyers were attracted by lower home prices, larger properties, and the ability to maintain urban incomes while living in a smaller city. This shift boosted local demand and supported the growth of surrounding areas like Kitchener and Cambridge.
Now, with employers pulling workers back into offices, buyer behaviour is changing again. Instead of simply seeking more space, many buyers are prioritizing neighbourhoods that reduce commute times. In Waterloo Region, this means properties near GO Transit stations, the ION LRT, and quick highway connections are in especially high demand.
Neighbourhoods near Highway 401 and Highway 8 are seeing added interest from buyers who commute to the Greater Toronto Area. Similarly, homes within walking distance of LRT stations in Waterloo and Kitchener are positioned as strong long-term investments. These areas offer a blend of affordability, access to employers, and convenience for commuting households.
Hybrid Work: The Middle Ground
While fully remote roles have declined, hybrid work has nearly doubled since 2022. Today, 5.1% of Canadian workers are in hybrid arrangements, up from 2.6% three years ago. Although still a small share of the workforce, this trend is meaningful for real estate.
Hybrid workers often need homes that support both lifestyles: space for a home office on remote days, while still maintaining good access to workplaces on in-office days. This has created more demand for properties with extra bedrooms, finished basements, or flexible layouts that can accommodate work-from-home setups.
In Waterloo Region, hybrid-friendly housing often means suburban properties that provide more square footage without losing access to transit or highways. As hybrid roles grow, these properties could become even more attractive.
What This Means for Buyers in Waterloo
For buyers, the decline of remote work and the rise of commuting brings new considerations:
Location matters more: Proximity to transit, highways, and major employers is becoming a bigger factor in home value.
Commuting costs add up: Buyers should factor transportation expenses into their long-term budgets.
Neighbourhood competition is shifting: Areas with strong commuting options are seeing increased demand, which could lead to faster price growth.
A Real Estate Agent Waterloo can help buyers evaluate neighbourhoods that fit both lifestyle and commuting needs. Whether you’re looking near the ION LRT, close to expressway connections, or in family-oriented suburbs, local insight is critical for finding the right home.
What This Means for Sellers in Waterloo
For homeowners considering selling, these shifts also present opportunities. Properties with excellent transit access, nearby amenities, or flexible layouts for home offices are in a strong position to attract buyers. Highlighting these features in a listing can make a property stand out in a competitive market.
Neighbourhoods close to Conestoga Parkway, Fairway Station, and Highway 401 interchanges are particularly attractive to commuting buyers. Sellers in these areas may benefit from increased demand as more workers return to the office.
My Take
“As more Canadians return to the office, I’m seeing commuting become one of the top considerations in home searches across Waterloo Region. Properties near transit and major routes are gaining attention, and homes with hybrid-friendly layouts are becoming especially desirable. What makes Waterloo stand out is our balance of affordability, lifestyle, and accessibility. Compared to Toronto, buyers can still find larger homes and better value here, without giving up convenient access to work. If you’re planning your next move, this is the time to explore neighbourhoods that meet today’s commuting needs while protecting long-term value.” – Mike Bolger
Work With a Local Expert
The housing market is evolving alongside the return to office work. Buyers and sellers in Waterloo Region need to adapt to these changes to stay ahead. With extensive local knowledge and a track record of success, Mike Bolger helps clients make confident real estate decisions.
Connect today with Real Estate Agent Waterloo to explore the best opportunities in Kitchener, Cambridge, and Waterloo.
