How Remote Work Changed Suburban Bungalow Prices in the GTA

Remote work pushed many GTA buyers toward the suburbs and beyond, where bungalows offer more space, bigger yards and room for a home office. Since then, hybrid work has become the norm for many office jobs, so commute still matters, just less often. As of September 2026, the GTA market is moving toward balance, which gives buyers more time to weigh space against travel.

How remote work shifted where people buy

When many office workers started working from home, priorities changed fast. A long commute mattered less, and space mattered more. Buyers looked for:

• A dedicated home office, ideally away from the kitchen and bedrooms.
• A yard for kids, pets and fresh air.
• A finished basement for a gym, playroom or guest space.
• Larger lots in quieter neighbourhoods.

That sent many buyers from Toronto into the 905 suburbs, and some farther out to Simcoe, Durham, Niagara and beyond. Bungalows, with their single-level living and often large basements, were a natural fit.

Where things stand in 2026

Today, many employers use hybrid schedules, with staff in the office some days and at home on others. Fully remote roles still exist, but they’re less common than at the height of the shift.

That has changed the math again. Buyers who commute two or three days a week may accept a longer drive than daily commuters, but they still want reasonable access to highways or GO trains.

What the numbers show

According to TRREB, the GTA recorded 5,057 sales in August 2026, down 2.1% from a year earlier. The average price was $993,410, down 2.7%, and the MLS HPI composite benchmark was down 4.5%. New listings fell 14.1% and active listings fell 11.3%, so supply is tightening. Homes took an average of 51 days to sell.

In plain terms, buyers have more choice and time than in the hottest years, but fewer new listings are coming up.

Suburban bungalow demand: who’s buying

Remote and hybrid work has broadened the mix of suburban bungalow buyers:

Buyer type	What they want
Hybrid commuters	A home office and access to GO or highways for office days
Fully remote workers	Space, quiet and fast internet, with less concern for commute
Young families	Yards, schools and a basement for kids and work
Multigenerational households	Separate spaces for work and family members
Downsizers	One-level living, with a spare room for an office or guests

What to look for in a work-from-home bungalow

Space for a real office

A spare bedroom works, but a lower-level office in a raised bungalow often has bigger windows and more privacy. Bungalows with a separate entrance can also suit clients or a home business.

Reliable internet

Check which providers serve the address and what speeds are available. Rural and small-town properties vary a lot.

Commute for office days

Drive the route or check the GO schedule for the days you’ll go in.

Room to adapt

Your work setup may change again. A flexible layout and a finished basement give you options for years to come.

Is now a good time to buy a suburban bungalow?

There’s no perfect time, and no one can predict prices. As of September 2026, the Bank of Canada’s policy rate is 2.25%, held on September 2 for the seventh straight decision. Typical five-year fixed rates are in the mid-4% range.

For buyers, a balanced market can mean more choice and room to negotiate. Get pre-approved so you know your budget, and remember the stress test: you’ll qualify at the higher of your contract rate plus 2% or 5.25%. A mortgage agent can walk you through your options.

Suburban areas popular with hybrid workers

• Durham: Oshawa, Whitby and Scugog offer value and GO access.
• Simcoe: Barrie and Innisfil suit buyers who commute occasionally on the 400 or GO.
• Halton: Milton and Halton Hills combine space with GO service.
• Peel: Brampton and Caledon offer larger lots close to the city.

Browse Durham Region homes or Simcoe Region homes to compare. For home office layout ideas, see our guide to where to put a home office in a bungalow.

Frequently asked questions

Did remote work raise suburban home prices?

It added to demand for suburban homes with space, especially when remote work spread quickly. Prices also depend on interest rates, supply and the wider economy.

Is it still worth buying far from Toronto if I work hybrid?

It can be, if the commute works for your office days. Calculate your real weekly travel time and costs before you decide.

What features matter most for remote workers?

A quiet, dedicated office space, reliable internet, good natural light and a flexible layout. Many buyers also value a yard and a finished basement.

The bottom line

Remote work made space a top priority, and hybrid work has kept commute in the picture. Suburban bungalows offer a strong balance of both for many households.

Know your real commute, check the internet and look for a layout that can grow with your work life.