As a leading relocation management company (RMC) supporting corporate mobility programs worldwide, we’ve closely monitored how housing market trends affect employee relocation success rates. If you’re a global mobility manager or a transferee navigating the corporate relocation process, here’s some encouraging news about what’s ahead in 2025.
A Brighter Outlook for Domestic and International Relocations
After challenging conditions that complicated both domestic and international assignments in 2023 and 2024, we’re seeing positive shifts in the relocation landscape. The numbers tell an encouraging story. The National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) projections for 2025 suggest improved conditions for corporate moves, with a 9% increase in existing home sales and an 11% jump in new home sales. Combined with the expected creation of nearly 2 million new jobs, this forecasts a more favorable environment for employee mobility programs.
Evolving Solutions for Relocating Employees
The infamous “lock-in effect” that has complicated many corporate relocations is beginning to ease. As a relocation management company, we’re seeing transferees become more willing to make moves despite higher mortgage rates, particularly when supported by comprehensive relocation assistance programs. With typical equity gains of around $147,000 over the past five years, many relocating employees have more flexibility in their home sale and purchase decisions.
Global Mobility Trends Reshaping Home Buying
The corporate relocation market is adapting to new realities in employee demographics and preferences. Today’s mobile workforce includes a diverse range of transferees: single employees (with single women making up 24% of purchases), multigenerational households (17% of buyers), and experienced professionals (median age of first-time buyers now 38).
Relocation benefit packages are evolving to support these changing demographics, with many employers offering flexible policies that accommodate various housing solutions. From temporary living assistance to home-finding trips, global mobility programs are adapting to meet diverse needs.
Urban Markets and Corporate Housing Solutions
For relocation management professionals, the revival of urban markets presents new opportunities. We’re witnessing the strongest urban buying trend in a decade, which aligns well with many corporate office locations. This trend is particularly relevant for international assignees and domestic transferees who prefer city living close to their workplace.
Corporate Housing and Temporary Living Trends
The commercial real estate sector’s evolution affects both corporate housing availability and long-term housing solutions for relocating employees. The multifamily sector shows particular strength, offering expanded options for temporary living arrangements and short-term housing solutions during the relocation process.
Property management companies and corporate housing providers are adapting to meet the needs of a mobile workforce, with flexible lease terms and furnished options becoming increasingly available. This trend supports various relocation scenarios, from extended business travel to long-term assignments.
Strategic Rental Solutions in Employee Relocation
Many global mobility programs now encourage a “rent first, buy later” approach in new locations. With rental costs typically 30% lower than monthly ownership expenses, this strategy allows transferees to acclimate to their new location while making informed long-term housing decisions. Relocation management companies can facilitate this process through destination services and rental assistance programs.
Navigating Relocation Success in 2025
For mobility managers and HR professionals managing employee relocations, timing and flexibility remain crucial. Whether coordinating group moves or managing individual transfers, starting the relocation process early and maintaining adaptable policies is key to success.
A comprehensive relocation package should consider:
– Home sale assistance programs
– Destination services
– Temporary living arrangements
– Home finding assistance
– Mortgage support programs
– Cultural integration services for international moves
Supporting Your Global Mobility Needs
As an experienced relocation management company, Relocation Today understands the complexities of corporate moves in today’s market. Our dedicated relocation consultants work with mobility managers and transferees to navigate every aspect of domestic and international relocations.
From policy development to implementation, our global mobility solutions are designed to support successful employee transitions in 2025’s evolving market. Whether you’re managing a full corporate relocation program or supporting individual transfers, our team provides the expertise needed for successful moves.
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*Looking to optimize your corporate relocation program for 2025’s market conditions? Contact our global mobility specialists today for a consultation on how our relocation management services can support your organization’s goals.*
Dittman Tracey, M. (2024, November 11). What’s Next for the 2025 Housing Market? National Association of REALTORS®. https://www.nar.realtor/magazine/real-estate-news/whats-next-for-the-2025-housing-market
Duffy, P. S. (2024, December 18). 2025-2029 Five-Year Housing Market Predictions. https://realestate.usnews.com/real-estate/housing-market-index/articles/housing-market-predictions-for-the-next-5-years
PNC 2025 Outlook: Uncertainty and Optimism for Commercial Real Estate. PNC Insights. (2024, December 5). https://www.pnc.com/insights/corporate-institutional/gain-market-insight/pnc-2025-outlook-uncertainty-and-optimism-for-commercial-real-estate.html