Not that long ago, your job dictated where you lived.
Want to work in finance? Move to the CBD.
Got a job in tech? Hope you like inner-city living.
But things are changing fast, and the shift to flexible workspaces is making it easier for Australians to rethink not just how they work, but where they want to call home.
Whether you’re renting, buying, or planning a move, the rise of flexible office spaces means location decisions aren’t just about being close to the office anymore. They’re about lifestyle, convenience, and having more say in what your day looks like.
A Work-Life Shift That’s Changing How We Live
Remote and hybrid work have become more than temporary fixes, they’re long-term habits.
According to the 2024 CBRE Office Occupier Survey, nearly 80% of Australian businesses either use or plan to use flexible workspaces. At the same time, the Property Council of Australia has seen growing demand for short-term, fully equipped office solutions across major cities.
What does that mean if you’re searching for a home? You don’t necessarily need to be locked into the same suburb as your employer’s HQ. Flexible workspaces make it possible to live further out, closer to family, green space, schools, or wherever makes sense for you.
Deciding Where to Live When Work Can Happen Anywhere
If you no longer need to commute five days a week, your idea of the “right location” shifts. Maybe that long-desired beachside suburb finally feels realistic. Or maybe you’re eyeing a more spacious place in the outer suburbs that previously felt too far from the city.
That flexibility is being backed by providers offering a wide range of coworking office space across metro areas. Whether you need a desk two days a week or a full office suite closer to home, these setups offer just enough in-person structure without dragging you into the city daily.
Popular flexible workspace locations now include not just the CBD, but places like Parramatta, North Sydney, and Melbourne’s inner west—places increasingly popular with buyers and renters who want a mix of space, lifestyle, and access.
The Flow-On Effect for Suburb Popularity
As flexible offices become more common, they’re also helping drive interest in new pockets of the city. Areas with coworking hubs are becoming hotspots for people who want proximity to work-style facilities without sacrificing affordability or community vibe.
According to Knight Frank’s 2024 Coworking Outlook, demand for shared workspaces in areas like Eagle Street in Brisbane and Constitution Avenue in Canberra is growing, along with newer suburban hubs. For residential seekers, these areas offer the best of both worlds: work when you need it, home that fits your lifestyle.
Balancing Home Comfort with Work Needs
Let’s face it: working from your kitchen table isn’t always ideal. Flexible workspaces fill the gap. You can separate home from work when you need focus, but still enjoy the freedom of skipping the commute most days.
That balance often plays into property decisions. Buyers and renters are now asking:
Is there a good workspace nearby?
Can I live further out if I have somewhere professional to work twice a week?
Can I downsize or upsize without sacrificing job flexibility?
In many cases, the answer is yes.
What This Means If You’re House Hunting
Flexible office spaces are quietly becoming part of the residential search equation. They give people more freedom to choose where they live based on personal priorities—not office proximity.
So whether you’re planning a sea change, looking for more space in the suburbs, or trying to stay close to both work and family, knowing there’s a nearby coworking hub can make all the difference.
Before you write off that dream location as “too far from work,” check what flexible options are around. It might just open up a whole new part of the map.
