In recent years, “working from home” went from being a luxury to the new norm — and that shift has reshaped what many families are looking for in a home.
For buyers in Whitby, Oshawa, and the surrounding Durham Region, this change isn’t just about swapping a commute for a laptop. It’s creating a new wishlist — one that values flexible space, lifestyle-friendly layouts, and the kind of neighborhood where home truly feels like a sanctuary.
What Buyers Want Now
Across the East GTA and into Northumberland County, we’re seeing a consistent theme in buyer needs:
Dedicated Office Space: That spare bedroom or finished basement? It’s now expected to serve as a Zoom-ready office, podcast studio, or quiet productivity zone.
Bigger Yards & Outdoor Areas: When your home doubles as your office, the backyard becomes your midday escape. Private outdoor space has become a major selling point.
Multi-Purpose Layouts: Open concepts are still popular, but buyers want homes that offer separation between “work mode” and “home life” — especially in families with two remote workers or kids learning online.
Smarter Commutes (When Needed): With hybrid roles becoming common, location still matters. Proximity to the 401, GO Train stations, and local transit is key for those few in-office days.
Lifestyle Over Location: Many Toronto-based buyers are moving east — to Durham or even further into Northumberland — seeking more space, better value, and a quieter pace without sacrificing modern convenience.
What It Means for Sellers
If you're selling a home in Whitby, Oshawa, or anywhere in Durham or Northumberland, these new buyer preferences matter more than ever. Highlighting home office potential, showcasing outdoor features, and investing in small layout tweaks can significantly increase your home's appeal — and its selling price.
Why Team Prata Real Estate?
At Team Prata, we don’t just sell homes — we help buyers and sellers adapt to the real lifestyle shifts happening in today’s market.
Whether you’re looking to upsize for more space, downsize with flexibility, or make your first move out of the city, we know what today’s buyers are looking for — and we know how to position your property to meet them where they are.
We live and work in Whitby, Oshawa, Durham Region, and Northumberland County, and we understand what makes these communities so attractive in this new work-from-home era.
Ready to find a home that works for your new lifestyle? Or thinking of selling your home to buyers looking for exactly that?
Let’s talk.