The Impacts of Remote Work on Residential Space: A Review on Relocation, Multilocality, and Spatial Inequality

Remote work has emerged as one of the more consequential transformations in contemporary society, with far‐reaching implications that extend beyond the organisation of work itself. One of its most profound, yet still insufficiently understood, consequences concerns residential space. By redefining the traditional spatial coupling between workplace and home, remote work offers many individuals greater freedom in choosing where to live, thereby having the potential to reshape residential location decisions. At the same time, remote work does not necessarily lead to permanent relocation; instead, it may encourage more flexible and fragmented residential strategies such as multilocal living—living and spending time in more than one dwelling. However, since remote work is not possible in every occupation, it can also potentially exacerbate socio‐spatial inequalities, both temporary and permanent, in cities and rural regions. In this systematic literature review, based on 33 articles, we examine the impacts of remote work on residential space and its implications for spatial inequality. First, we provide a meta‐analysis of where, when, and how the impacts of remote work on residential space have been studied over the past decade, focusing on three literature streams: residential relocation, multilocal living, and spatial inequality. We then summarise the main findings regarding these impacts, and through synthesising the existing literature, highlight issues that are currently missing from the three research streams. Finally, we suggest avenues for future research aimed at addressing the existing knowledge gaps at the nexus between remote work and residential space, which clearly remains understudied to date.