Tapping Into The Home-Working Trend: A Guide For Buy-To-Let Landlords

Did you know that employees in the UK now spend only about 1.65 days in the office each week? Hybrid and remote work are part of how people now choose to work. For landlords this shift is an opportunity. With more professionals earning well and looking for flexible working setups, demand is rising for rental property that supports home working.

Whether your rental is a flat or a family house, you can raise its appeal (and rental income) by adding or highlighting workspace areas. Tenants increasingly search for homes where they can comfortably work without intruding on their living space.

Creating a Workspace Even in Compact Properties

Not all rentals have a spare room – but no problem. A few easy tweaks help:

• Landing or hallway desks. A desk in a hallway, entrance area, or under the stairs can serve as a discrete workspace without eating into main rooms.
• Alcove offices. Corners, alcoves, or recesses that can fit a desk and chair allow work without disrupting the room’s layout.
• Foldaway solutions. Drop-down desks or foldable furniture lets tenants stow away work setups when they’re done.

Making Living Rooms Double Up

Living rooms are often the biggest rooms - perfect for a work zone. But balance is key. Position a desk behind a sofa, in an alcove, or where it’s near a power outlet but doesn’t dominate the room. This keeps the space usable for relaxation too.

Turning a Box Room into an Asset

If you have a box room too small for a bedroom, market it as a home office. A separate, closed-off space gives tenants a psychological “switch off” from work. For freelancers or consultants, it can serve as a client room.

Garden Rooms as a Premium Feature

A standalone garden office can make your property stand out. Many garden rooms count as “permitted development” (i.e. no planning permission needed). They offer a private, stylish work environment and can command higher rents while boosting long-term value.

Attracting Remote-Friendly Tenants

Hybrid working isn’t a fad - it’s here to stay. By preparing your buy-to-let to meet the needs of remote workers, you tap into a motivated tenant pool. Well-planned workspaces help your property compete and keep rates strong.

At The Letting Experts, we specialise in placing reliable tenants and property management. We handle marketing, tenant sourcing and property management while you focus on enjoying your returns.

Email us at hello@thelettingexperts.co.uk or call us on 0333 344 9915.

In the meantime, we’ve answered some of your common questions about landlords tapping into the home-working trend.

FAQs

Do tenants really look for home office space in rentals?

Yes. With hybrid work common, tenants often filter for properties with a usable workspace. Even smaller features - desk nooks, alcoves, or box rooms - can differentiate your listing.

Will adding a garden office help me charge more rent?

Yes, it can. Garden office spaces are viewed as premium amenities and can justify higher rent while enhancing long-term value.

What if there’s no spare room in my property?

You can still appeal to hybrid workers. Use clever setups - landing desks, recesses, foldaway furniture - to carve out workspace without needing a full room.

How can landlords find reliable hybrid-working tenants?

Partnering with a local letting agency or property manager like The Letting Experts ensures your property is marketed to the right audience, and your tenancy is handled professionally.