Since COVID-19 transformed the working world, Work from Home (WFH) has become the norm. Now in 2026, many companies still use hybrid working systems. This shift has had a massive impact on the real estate market, especially Bangkok's condo sector.
How Remote Work Changed Demand
Before COVID, people bought condos to be close to work -- the nearer to BTS/MRT the better. Now the selection criteria have fundamentally shifted. A CBRE Thailand survey found:
- 62% of condo buyers prioritize "usable space" over "location," compared to pre-COVID when location was number one
- 45% want a separate workspace or work corner, which previously wasn't an important factor at all
- 38% have moved from inner Sukhumvit to areas with larger but cheaper rooms
- 55% prioritize high-speed internet in the condo
Popular Room Sizes Have Changed
Previously, 25-28 sqm studio units sold extremely well because people only used them for sleeping and showering before heading to the office. Now these small units are harder to sell because people need to work from home -- tiny rooms make it impractical.
Currently popular sizes:
- 1-bedroom 35-45 sqm -- Still most popular, but must accommodate a desk
- 1 Bed Plus 45-55 sqm -- Features a separate work corner, trending strongly
- 2-bedroom 55-70 sqm -- For couples who both WFH, one room can serve as an office
Co-Working Spaces in Condos: The New Selling Point
New condo projects now include Co-Working Spaces in common areas, which has become a major selling point. Good ones should feature:
- Both private and shared work desks
- Bookable meeting rooms (with screens and Zoom cameras)
- High-speed internet separate from the general condo network
- Adequate power outlets and USB charging
- Printers and scanners
- Coffee corner or pantry
- 24-hour access
Projects with Excellent Co-Working Spaces
- Niche Mono Sukhumvit-Bearing -- Features a Library Lounge designed specifically for WFH
- Origin Place Ladprao 71 -- Two-floor Co-Working Space with 3 meeting rooms
- Knightsbridge Prime Sathorn -- Premium Business Lounge with personal secretary service
Most Affected Locations
Benefiting Areas
Areas with larger rooms, lower prices, and comprehensive amenities have seen increased popularity:
- Bang Na-Bearing -- Affordable, spacious rooms, Mega Bangna nearby
- Ram Intra -- Good-value detached houses with Home Office space
- Nonthaburi-Pak Kret -- Spacious rooms starting at just 50,000-70,000 THB/sqm
Negatively Impacted Areas
Areas that relied on office proximity as their main selling point are slowing down:
- Silom-Sathorn -- Small studio condos becoming harder to sell
- Asok-Phrom Phong -- Rent for small units has dropped 10-15%
Note: These locations aren't bad overall, but small units in these areas face increased competition, while larger units remain in demand.
Future Trends
Experts predict the WFH trend will persist for years to come:
- 70% of large Thai companies will continue hybrid systems
- Condos with Co-Working Spaces will sell for 5-8% more than those without
- 1 Bed Plus will become the new standard size, replacing Studios
- Smart Home technology will become a necessity, not an option
Conclusion
The shift in how we work hasn't just changed our jobs -- it's changed how we choose our homes. If you're looking for a condo, consider whether the room has enough space to work, whether the project has a Co-Working Space, and whether the internet is fast enough. These factors affect your quality of life every single day.
