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Growth of Relocations in Metropolitan Areas

Remote work, high rents, and new digital tools: the keys behind the rise of relocations to metropolitan areas like Pozuelo de Alarcón.

Fernando RojasFernando Rojas· · 3 min read

For many years, there has been a migration process from the countryside to the city, but now this is changing. The countryside is already empty, so we are experiencing intra-urban migrations.

Changes in work patterns, economic factors or the search for a better quality of life are driving the demand for services like relocations in Pozuelo de Alarcón or other metropolitan locations.

Remote Work and Labour Flexibility

Remote work is one of the culprits behind the growth of relocations to these areas. Thanks to telecommuting, it is no longer necessary to live close to the office, in the historic centre or in a financial district.

This has led to what is known as “urban decentralisation”:

  1. Search for more space. Families want homes with an extra room that can serve as an office.
  2. Migration to the outskirts. Many moving companies are noticing this population movement towards the outer rings of cities. Here, the cost per square metre is more affordable, and it is possible to access larger homes.

Economic Factors and the Rental Market

Relocations have been favoured by economic factors affecting the rental market. Specifically, it has experienced a sustained increase in prices that has caused tenants to move constantly.

A large part of the population is caught in a cycle of relocations that occurs every two or three years. During this time, they look for better deals, being forced to change homes due to economic reasons.

Due to this increase in the number of moves, the moving sector has become more professional. It now offers faster services for a population that relocates more than previous generations.

Impact of Technology on the Sector

Technology and the evolution of logistics have made it possible to increase the volume of relocations:

  • Digital platforms. With them, it is very easy to obtain immediate quotes and compare companies.
  • On-demand services. It is now possible to rent a van for just a few hours. Additionally, there are collaborative economy platforms that facilitate smaller moves.
  • Inventory management. Apps for organising and labelling boxes have reduced the stress that always accompanies a move. This way, people move more as they have less fear of the chaos of relocation.

Not a Passing Phenomenon

The rise of relocations to the outer areas of cities is not a passing trend; it is expected to persist over time and even increase.

Above all, these moves are made out of economic necessity. If we look at the rental market, prices keep rising, and this is particularly noticeable in the central areas of cities. Here, the monthly housing costs are prohibitive for most workers.

Therefore, the movement towards metropolitan areas (increasingly further from the city) is something that will not stop. This is coupled with the ambition for space (due to various needs such as having an office), which can only be satisfied outside of major urban centres.

Fernando Rojas

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Fernando Rojas