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Home office at Thorndale, #4B (Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices)

From Great Listings Why and how to add a home office to your property + NYC listings with dedicated workspaces

By Cait Etherington Thursday, July 13, 2023

Despite attempts to lure workers back to the office, remote work persists, especially in urban markets like New York City. As a result, home offices and dedicated workspaces have become an attractive feature, even one that can make or break a deal, for a growing number of buyers. This article discusses the current and projected demand for home offices, the value of home offices, and how and where to add a home office or dedicated workspace to your property.

The demand for home workspaces is here to stay

As reported in “Work From Home and the Office Real Estate Apocalypse,” as of early May 2023, there was a 48.4 percent office occupancy rate in NYC. The study's authors also noted that there are few signs that office occupancy will ever return to pre-pandemic levels, observing, “With over three years of remote work experience, many employers and employees have formed new habits and expectations.”

A June 2023 study prepared for WFH Research also found that the work-from-home trend remains strong. Indeed, the study, based on survey data collected since May 2020, found that the pandemic has permanently increased work from home. While the practice peaked at the height of the pandemic (when over 60 percent of US workers were working remotely), as of June 2023, over 28 percent of US workers were still working remotely, with approximately 12 percent fully remote and close to 30 percent engaged in some form of hybrid work.

The WFH study also concluded that rather than continue to trend down, remote work may increase over the coming years. Several factors are at play here. First, as the WFH study found, employees would like to spend more time working at home and have access to more fully remote jobs than are currently available. There is also evidence that remote work is now a major bargaining point in negotiations with employers. Moreover, while some businesses want their employees on-site, others are embracing the cost-savings associated with reducing their real estate footprints, especially in major urban centers. Unsurprisingly, this trend also continues to impact Manhattan’s once-bustling business districts.

Home offices add value to your property

Whether you are currently working at home, plan to do so in the future, or are just looking to increase the value and desirability of your property, adding an office or dedicated workspace is likely a smart addition. A March 2023 article published by Inman found that adding a home office can increase the value of your home by up to 10 percent. This means that alongside other go-to renovations, including kitchen remodels, bathroom remodels, and replacing or refinishing old hardwood floors, adding a home office may increase your return on investment. Better yet, unlike other common value-added remodeling projects, the cost of adding a home office is usually significantly lower.

How and where to add an office to your residential unit

The easiest way to add an office to an existing home is to turn an unused room (e.g., a guestroom) into an office. If you’re putting your property on the market, this may be as simple as staging your current guest room as a workspace.

If you have an oversized living room or dining space that can be easily divided, another option is to install a sliding wall to create a dedicated workspace within the larger area. If you choose to do so, be certain that your wall is in compliance with local fire and building codes (learn more about how to legally flex your apartment here).

How and where to add a dedicated workspace

In New York City, where most properties trend smaller than the size of an average home in the United States, carving out separate office space is often impossible. Still, this doesn’t mean you can’t create a dedicated workspace. While a dedicated workspace may not add as much value to your unit as a separate office, if you are selling, it will likely still generate greater interest in your unit, potentially attracting more prospective buyers. There are several easy and cost-effective ways to create a dedicated workspace in your home.

Redeploy a front foyer or other underused space: Depending on the layout of your apartment, a front foyer, wide hallway, or nook in another area of your home may be an ideal place to create a dedicated workspace. If adding a desk is potentially obstructive, consider investing in a folding desk so you can tuck away the workspace when it is not in use.
Convert a closet into a dedicated workspace: Even before the pandemic, the “closet office” was trending. While you may not be able to afford to sacrifice a closet, if you can, converting a closet into an office is a simple and cost-effective way to add a dedicated workspace without cutting into your other living spaces.
Invest in convertible furniture: Most bedrooms are only used at night, which makes them an obvious location for an office. However, conducting your professional life with a crumpled bed in the background is rarely a good look. As an alternative, consider investing in a wall bed that converts into a desk during the day. Some new construction buildings have begun to incorporate modular systems like Bumblebee that can move the desk and bed to the ceiling when not in use, but this is a fairly new practice that requires certain specs older buildings might not be able to accommodate.

Whether you choose to add an entire room, set up a dedicated workspace, or invest in built-in convertible furniture, with remote work predicted to continue trending over the coming decade, the addition holds strong potential to add value to your property and help attract a higher number of prospective buyers. We take a look at listings with space to set up a home office.

The Roger Morris, #22
$500,000

Washington Heights | Cooperative | 2 Bedrooms, 1 Bath

The Roger Morris, #22 (Brown Harris Stevens Residential Sales LLC)

From the Listing: This spacious Washington Heights convertible-3 pre-war coop is perfectly located in a quiet historic neighborhood across from Highbridge Park. As you enter your new home, conveniently located one flight up, a short entry hall leads into almost 30 feet of living and dining space with airy northern and eastern exposures. The living room, with two large windows, boasts a full-height wall of custom-built storage and shelving and could easily be restored to a third bedroom, leaving plenty of space for living and dining in what is currently configured as the dining room and home office. Both the roomy galley kitchen, with beechwood cabinets and stainless steel appliances, and the 4-piece tiled bath are windowed, bringing even more light into the apartment. See floor plan and full details here.

205 East 78th Street, #12T
$799,000

Lenox Hill | Cooperative | 2 Bedrooms, 1 Bath

205 East 78th Street, #12T (Douglas Elliman Real Estate)

From the Listing: Residence #12T has been impeccably maintained with an entry foyer, high-beamed ceilings, a wood-burning fireplace, separate living and dining areas, a pin-drop quiet king-size primary bedroom with north and west exposures, ample storage space including a walk-in-closet, large windowed bathroom, and beautifully appointed rooms. The apartment also features a home office or nursery space and a generously sized kitchen. See floor plan and full details here.

Be@William, #9H
$1,050,000

Financial District | Condominium | 2 Bedrooms, 1 Bath

Be@William, #9H (Douglas Elliman Real Estate)

From the Listing: Stunning one-bedroom with home office features extra-large double paned insulated windows, solid white oak hardwood floors, and modern open chef's kitchen with white glacier counter tops and custom appliances. The bath is equipped with Kohler and Watermark fixtures. Building amenities include 24-hour doorman / concierge, be@spot Sky Lounge featuring state-of-the-art entertainment center with billiards table, kitchenette, and an indoor fireplace. See floor plan and full details here.

The Regatta, #637
$1,125,000 (-10%)

Battery Park City | Condominium | 2 Bedrooms, 2 Baths | 890 ft²

The Regatta, #637 (Compass)

From the Listing: Upon entering, you're greeted with a spacious living room. The generous layout allows for separation between the living and dining areas which makes the layout great for entertaining. There is an additional home office which adds additional flexibility to the layout and can also serve as a guest room or a home gym. Just off the living room is a full bathroom, washer/dryer and a renovated kitchen with an abundance of cabinet storage, black granite countertops, white tiled backsplash and Bosch stainless steel appliances. The primary bedroom features a recently renovated bathroom, built-in closet system as well as an additional linen closet. See floor plan and full details here.

Thorndale, #4B
$1,300,000

Midtown West | Condominium | 2 Bedrooms, 2 Baths | 1,050 ft²

Thorndale, #4B (Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices New York Properties)

From the Listing: Inside this 1,042-square-foot showplace, timber-beamed ceilings soar 11 feet over solid oak floors, beautiful brick art walls and massive double-pane windows. Chefs will love the modern gourmet kitchen, where custom Italian cabinetry and stone countertops surround a fleet of upscale appliances. Sleep soundly in the king-size primary suite featuring a walk-in closet and an en suite spa bathroom with a glassed-in tub/rain shower, chic imported Italian double vanity and wide medicine cabinet surrounded by floor-to-ceiling tile. The spacious interior room with a roomy closet is ideal as a private home office for productivity and focus or as a peaceful nursery, guest suite or dedicated fitness area. Two storage spaces included. See floor plan and full details here.

The Alfie Arms, #1A
$1,500,000

Broadway Corridor | Cooperative | 3 Bedrooms, 2 Baths | 1,400 ft²

The Alfie Arms, #1A (Compass)

From the Listing: Discover beautiful designer style, expansive living space and townhouse-like privacy in this recently gut-renovated three-bedroom, two-bathroom maisonette. Arrive via your private entrance and enclosed, tiled vestibule to discover a pristine, bright and airy home where 10-foot-tall beamed ceilings with stunning designer lighting soar over French oak wide-plank hardwood floors and crisp white art walls. The spacious south-facing great room is perfect for relaxing and entertaining with generous seating and dining areas positioned alongside a beautiful open kitchen. An adjacent nook is perfect for a home office or cafe table. Sleep soundly in the king-sized owner's suite featuring two custom walk-in closets and a breathtaking en suite marble bathroom. Two spacious secondary bedrooms with roomy closets flank a beautiful guest bathroom. See floor plan and full details here.

167 Perry Street, #2F
$1,750,000 (-2.5%)

West Village | Cooperative | 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath | 895 ft²

167 Perry Street, #2F (Compass)

From the Listing: Corner duplex one-bedroom has been completely renovated to the highest standard. Dream kitchen with window, top appliances, miles of gorgeous countertop and wine refrigerator. Designer queen sized murphy bed/ wall unit (custom made in Italy) makes a comfortable guest 'room' in the living room, when needed, and provides extra storage. Spa bathroom has oversized tub and rain shower. Exquisite hardwood floors, excellent closets, ceilings just shy of 9 feet. Plus a home office nook under stairs. If you love to entertain, this apartment is a home run! See floor plan and full details here.

One Essex Crossing, #7H
$1,795,000

Lower East Side | Condominium | 1 Bedroom, 2 Baths | 1,002 ft²

One Essex Crossing, #7H (Corcoran Group)

From the Listing: Residence 8H is an over scaled 1,008-square-foot 1-bedroom, 2 bathroom home that features an additional home office and light-filled eastern views. This residence features wide plank European Oak flooring with a warm custom stain, ceiling heights of up to 10 feet, and oversized windows which provide exceptional natural light and air. The thoughtful kitchen layout features a custom dining island offering exceptional utility custom in addition to the sleek design. The primary suite includes a generous walk-in closet and an en-suite 4-fixture bath, seamlessly wrapped from floor to ceiling in Calacatta Lincoln marble, featuring a custom floating vanity countertop in addition to polished nickel fixtures and a radiant heated floor. A Miele washer and dryer provide added convenience. Now offering 24 months free common charges until July 31, 2023. See full details here.

114 West 27th Street, #6S
$1,995,000 (-6.1%)

Chelsea | Cooperative | 2 Bedrooms, 2 Baths

114 West 27th Street, #6S (Corcoran Group)

From the Listing: Enter this spectacular Chelsea loft through a private hallway into a 25-foot gallery foyer lined with imported stone. The gracious living and dining room has south-facing windows with sky and city views. Graced with cherry hard wood floors and ten-foot ceilings, the flexible space blends classic loft elements with top-of-the-line renovations, providing you with a true oasis in the heart of Manhattan The gourmet chef's kitchen is fully equipped with top-of-the-line stainless steel appliances and granite countertops. The interior primary bedroom accommodates a king-size bed and includes a large dressing area outfitted with custom cedar closets and storage. The second bedroom/den or home office is perfectly located of the entry gallery, it also includes an ensuite bathroom with a stall shower. A storage locker is included in this sale. See floor plan and full details here.

302 West 12th Street, #3A
$2,295,000

West Village | Condominium | 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath | 840 ft²

302 West 12th Street, #3A (Compass)

From the Listing: This stunning and spacious one-bedroom home in a coveted prewar Bing and Bing building is in mint condition. Windows on double exposures invite in lovely natural light and showcase charming city street views. Enter via the inviting foyer with two huge custom-fitted walk-in closets, beyond which awaits a home office with custom built-ins, and modern gourmet windowed kitchen with top-of-the-line appointments and appliances. An oversized living room with generous dining space, large quiet bedroom, and elegant marble full bath with high-end fixtures and finishes complete the allure. Further enriching the ambience are original stained oak hardwood flooring, airy 9' beamed ceilings, and abundant custom storage space throughout. See floor plan and full details here.

100 Bank Street, #5D
$2,450,000

West Village | Cooperative | 2 Bedrooms, 2 Baths

100 Bank Street, #5D (Keller Williams NYC)

From the Listing: A recent designer gut renovation, curated masterfully by Michael K. Chen Architecture, reconfigured this property to maximize utility and recapture previously lost space. .Bathed in light, with open village views, the property is entered through a welcoming gallery that intelligently combines a built-in bar and an upholstered banquette with custom dining table, creating a gracious casual entertaining and dining space. The living space is open to the kitchen and offers a wall of windows overlooking Greenwich Street with its quintessential tree-lined village cityscape. The reconstructed kitchen, anchored by a block of richly figured Vermont marble, serves as a central focal point, integrating a breakfast bar, entertaining areas, and a generous workspace. A slide-out concealed television, seamlessly incorporated into the millwork, provides for multifunctional use. Two well-sized bedrooms face peaceful Bank Street. A separate home office at the other end of the apartment can be partitioned courtesy of an oversized pocket door. See floor plan and full details here.

130 West 17th Street, #3N
$2,699,000 (-8.5%)

Chelsea | Cooperative | 2 Bedrooms, 2 Baths

130 West 17th Street, #3N (Compass)

From the Listing: Featuring a wall of brand new, oversized European tilt-and-turn windows overlooking the treetops of 17th Street, this loft offers high ceilings, hardwood floors, and generous storage throughout. Off the expansive great room is a small home office nook with a built-in desk and its own window. The open kitchen is fitted with ample cabinetry, black granite countertops, and top-of-the-line appliances. The primary suite is ideally located in its own wing, ensuring quiet, and has southern exposures, en-suite five fixture bath, dry sauna, and a large dressing room. At the opposite end of the apartment is the second bedroom, overlooking the trees on 17th Street. See floor plan and full details here.

Trump Palace Townhouses, #TPHB
$2,800,000 (-15.2%)

Lenox Hill | Condominium | 2 Bedrooms, 2 Baths | 1,554 ft²

Trump Palace Townhouses, #TPHB (Brown Harris Stevens Residential Sales LLC)

From the Listing: Set on the top two floors of the Townhouse part of the Palace, this 1,554-square-foot home, with an additional 1,600 total square feet of outdoor space, is bathed in sunlight with panoramic oversized windows throughout. As you enter, before you lies an expansive and sunny living room featuring a 34' wall of windows with southern, eastern and northern exposures and adjacent south-facing terrace. Ascend the staircase to the roomy king-size primary suite on the second level, complete with an ensuite windowed marble bath adjacent to its own sun flooded outdoor space. The enormous, outfitted walk-in closet will accommodate all your wardrobe needs and sits next to your private windowed home office. The apartment boasts a renovated windowed eat-in kitchen with beautiful black granite counter tops, unparalleled closet space, marble flooring on the first level, washer/dryer, and access to outdoor water and electricity on your private terrace. Motivated seller. See floor plan and full details here.

The Rushmore, #6C
$3,150,000

Riverside Dr./West End Ave. | Condominium | 3 Bedrooms, 3 Baths | 1,770 ft²

The Rushmore, #6C (Douglas Elliman Real Estate)

From the Listing: Residence 6C is a three-bedroom, three-bath that is currently utilizing the third bedroom as a home office. Indulge in the expansiveness of this luminous corner unit with floor-to-ceiling windows and striking views of the Hudson River and the lush greenery of Riverside Park from the comfort of your living room. Upon entering the unit, to the right you will find a state-of-the-art kitchen appointed with top-of-the-line appliances. As you make way your way down the hall, you will find the second bedroom with an ensuite bath featuring a deep Kohler soaking tub. The primary suite is a haven of comfort, boasting two expansive walk-in closets and a double exposure that bathes the room in natural light from the south and west. See floor plan and full details here.

40 West 67th Street, #5AB
$3,795,000

Central Park West | Cooperative | 4 Bedrooms, 4 Baths

40 West 67th Street, #5AB (Corcoran Group)

From the Listing: Truly one of a kind and seamlessly combined 4 bedroom / 4.5 bathroom apartment in a Rosario Candela-designed pre-war cooperative. Enter through a lovely windowed foyer with large center table, built-in bookcases, discreetly tucked away home office and a beautifully renovated windowed powder room. With perfect symmetry this apartment features many dramatic details including matching side by side living and dining rooms, each with working fireplaces and upholstered window seats beneath beautifully maintained leaded Grisaille stained glass windows. There are four bedrooms, each with their own en-suite windowed bathroom renovated to a high standard featuring Lefroy Brooks and Dornbrach fixtures and new double hung and double pane windows throughout. The large open chefs kitchen is one of many focal points in the home and features top-of-the-line appliances. and a generously proportioned center island. See floor plan and full details here.

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Contributing Writer Cait Etherington Cait Etherington has over twenty years of experience working as a journalist and communications consultant. Her articles and reviews have been published in newspapers and magazines across the United States and internationally. An experienced financial writer, Cait is committed to exposing the human side of stories about contemporary business, banking and workplace relations. She also enjoys writing about trends, lifestyles and real estate in New York City where she lives with her family in a cozy apartment on the twentieth floor of a Manhattan high rise.

Read Full Bio | Contact Cait Etherington

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The demand for home workspaces is here to stay

Home offices add value to your property

How and where to add an office to your residential unit

How and where to add a dedicated workspace

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