Remote Workers Gravitate to a Different Kind of Housing

SANTA CLARA, CA—With added demands for technology and altered work streams in the remote working environment, Americans are increasingly reconsidering the suitability of existing homes. In the process, many people decided to relocate, seeking more space, larger homes with home offices, quieter neighborhoods and affordability, according to the National Association of Realtors.

The shift uncovered a noticeable migration away from expensive high-density downtowns toward lower-cost suburbs as well as small and medium-sized towns. Emboldened by many companies extending remote work policies into 2021 or permanent status, many homebuyers and renters looked for larger spaces, even if it meant trading a longer commute from large employment centers, says NAR.

Some recent examples are Landsea Homes’ two Bay Area communities, Catalina in Santa Clara and Skylark at Sanctuary Village in Newark. These communities are down to the final new home opportunities. To date, more than half of the homes have been sold at Catalina with just 41 homes remaining.

“Since the opening of Catalina, homebuyer interest has been strong and sales have been brisk, with homebuyers drawn to the Mission architecture. The homes take into account resident needs and offer the ideal urban escape close to work, great schools and entertainment. It’s no wonder there are only a limited number of these style of homes left,” said Josh Santos, Northern California division president of Landsea Homes.

Residents have access to Santa Clara’s mix of technology, nature and retail with close proximity to Santana Row. The retail destination includes more than 70 shops, 20 restaurants, and nine spas and salons. Catalina is also near the 200 stores and restaurants located at Westfield Valley Fair.

Unique features include tandem or two-car garage parking, open floorplans, bonus rooms and dedicated office space. The homes include six floorplans ranging from approximately 1,626 to 1,971 square feet, with three bedrooms, and up to three and a half bathrooms.

Homes at Catalina are part of Landsea Homes’ Performance collection. The homes are equipped with High Performance Home features including smart home automation technology utilized by the Apple HomeKit environment.

Landsea Homes also unveiled an additional 39 townhomes at Catalina with a new modern farmhouse exterior design which are also available for sale.

Skylark at Sanctuary Village is sold out. The community consists of 108 single-family homes designed to meet the needs of the Bay Area family lifestyle. The detached homes include three open floorplans ranging from approximately 3,179 to 3,535 square feet with five bedrooms.

“First-time buyers, growing families and even those looking to downsize have found the features and floorplans offered highly desirable. There’s no better time to be home than now,” says Santos.

Newark is close to tech and biotech employers as well as entertainment. The community offers a growing community with nearby recreational access to Mission Peak, Central Park, Sillman Activity and Family Aquatic Center, and Aqua Adventure.

“Homes at Catalina and Skylark consist of open floorplans and select floorplans contain bonus rooms and dedicated office space, which accommodates remote work. As part of our High Performance Home Program, homes at Catalina include mesh-net WiFi systems along with other home automation technology features supported by Apple that make working from home easier and more efficient,” Santos tells GlobeSt.com. “We also offer the option to install the REME HALO air purifier in homes at both communities, which mitigates indoor contaminants to keep residents safe and support healthy living.”

In April, Landsea acquired 34 new one- and two-story single-family homes at Relevae at Wilder in Orinda. In September, Landsea closed on 80 new three-story townhomes in Novato at Verandah at Valley Oaks. Select floorplans will feature rooftop decks with views of either water or hillsides with protected heritage oak trees. The grand opening is slated for late fall 2021.