How will people live, work and shop in the future? CBRE polled more than 20,000 people worldwide—from baby boomers to Gen Z—earlier this year to identify emerging trends set to reshape how occupiers, developers and investors approach the built environment. A common theme has emerged from the first-of-its-kind survey: people want to feel connected to the spaces that matter most to them.
Key takeaways
• Quality of life is the top consideration: People are focused on their personal wellbeing, seeking high-quality residences, workspaces and stores that emphasize exceptional service, amenities and experiences.
• Location plays a central role in where people live, work and shop: Among respondents planning to move in the next two years, most prefer centralized areas that are well-connected to cities. Location is also key for respondents considering work opportunities—most consider commuting as the top factor after salary—and when shopping, with most preferring to shop in person when possible.
• ESG and wellness wield more influence than ever: After price, health and safety are the most important criteria when deciding where to live. Respondents also want healthier workplaces with natural light and better air quality, and are more conscious of the environmental and social impact of their purchasing habits.
• Hybrid work reshaping residential and office markets: Most hybrid workers have an in-home dedicated workspace, availability of which is a top consideration when they choose a new place to live. At the same time, a large majority of people still want to spend at least some of their working time in the office, so companies need to focus on their workplace location and design to attract and retain talent.
