The past few years have seen housing markets in major urban areas worldwide grow increasingly volatile—think dwindling inventory, soaring prices, and unrelenting demand. For global companies, this turbulence makes it harder than ever to move key talent with ease.

Beyond the imbalance of supply and demand, shifting commission structures and regional differences in rental practices add even more complexity for relocating employees. Without the right support, these challenges can quickly fuel reluctance to relocate.

To close this knowledge gap, the Weichert Advisory Services team launched a Global Housing Survey. With participation spanning 93 countries and over 140 responses, the results shed light on today’s most persistent housing-related challenges, emerging trends, and the innovative solutions mobility leaders are adopting around the world.

Says Weichert Advisory Practice Leader, Laura Levenson:

“Particularly in the wake of the pandemic, expats and assignees have noted housing as one of the most challenging aspects of relocation. A deeper understanding of global housing protocols empowers clients and providers to set realistic expectations and help assignees navigate the process more smoothly and confidently.”

Together with Weichert’s Supply Chain Management expert Aya Chau, Laura shared the survey’s key findings in a virtual session with APAC-based supplier partners, and participants enriched the insights with on-the-ground insights. Here’s a quick recap of what’s happening in the global housing landscape, and how mobility stakeholders are adapting.

Inside the Research: Key Challenges Identified

Our study revealed several pressing issues in the global housing market:

  1. Limited Availability: Securing housing has become increasingly time-consuming due to shortages in many regions. ​
  2. Rising Costs: High property prices, rental costs, and interest rates are stretching affordability, especially for younger generations. ​
  3. Changing Market Norms: Practices like upfront rental payments (e.g., 24 months in South Korea) and shifting commission structures (e.g., tenants paying agent commissions in Singapore and Malaysia) are creating new complexities.
  4. Urbanization and Climate Impact: Rapid urbanization, rising construction costs, and climate-related challenges are further exacerbating housing issues.

Regional Nuances & Insights

Our research also highlighted notable regional differences, complicating how multinational mobility players navigate housing for their relocating employees:

  • Lease Preferences: Corporate leases are preferred in some regions like Paris, while personal leases dominate in the Americas and Japan. ​
  • Commission Structures: These structures are in flux worldwide. In APAC, commissions are often split between landlords and tenants, while in the Americas, landlords typically cover them, sometimes embedding costs into rent.
  • Tax Variations: Taxes are handled differently across regions, with some countries including them in rent and others requiring tenants to pay separately. ​For example, in India, tenants may need to pay withholding tax on behalf of landlords, while in Malaysia, taxes are generally not applicable to tenants. ​
  • Lease Duration and Renewal: Standard lease terms vary, with 12 months being common in APAC and the Americas, while Europe offers more flexibility. ​ Renewal practices also differ, with new leases often recommended to avoid month-to-month uncertainty.

Proposed Solutions to Housing Woes

Together, the survey and session emphasized three key approaches to mitigate housing challenges:

  1. Structured Processes: Clearly defining steps, starting with local market orientation, ensures smoother transitions for assignees. ​
  2. Building Awareness: Communication, as always, is key. Educating clients and assignees about local housing protocols, costs, and availability helps set realistic expectations. Customize solutions based on each assignee’s family situation, work location, and preferences, while also guiding them to consider practical factors like commute times and local amenities.
  3. Maintaining Positivity: While managing expectations is crucial, the session stressed the importance of balancing transparency with optimism to avoid discouraging relocations.

The Bottom Line

The findings from our Global Housing Research and discussions highlight one clear takeaway: collaboration between destination service providers, clients, and assignees is essential to tackling today’s housing challenges. While the global market presents undeniable hurdles, our study confirms that with the right planning, education, and support, effective solutions are within reach.

For those eager to explore the survey in greater depth, Weichert Advisory Services is offering detailed, country-specific reports upon request. Also, stay tuned for more on-the-ground insights as we share our findings in sessions with EMEA and Americas-based suppliers later this fall. After all, staying informed and adaptable is the key to ensuring smooth transitions and successful relocations in today’s ever-changing landscape.

To learn more about the survey results — or to discuss tailored mobility solutions for your market — reach out to our Weichert Advisory Services team.