The topic of remote working and its effects on urban real estate has become increasingly relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2 exams, particularly since 2020. Based on analysis of past papers and current trends, this theme appears in approximately 15% of recent tests, often combined with questions about urbanization, technology, or workplace changes.
Analyzing the Task 2 Question
Some people believe that the rise of remote working will lead to a significant decrease in property prices in major cities. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?
This question requires candidates to:
- Take a clear position on the relationship between remote work and urban property prices
- Support arguments with relevant examples and explanations
- Consider both direct and indirect effects of remote working
- Provide a well-reasoned conclusion
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8.5)
The unprecedented shift towards remote working has sparked intense debate about its potential impact on urban property markets. While I partially agree that this trend may influence city real estate prices, I believe the effect will be more nuanced than a simple downward trajectory.
Remote work has undeniably altered traditional office space demands in metropolitan areas. Many companies have significantly reduced their physical footprint, leading to increased commercial vacancy rates in central business districts. This immediate effect could theoretically pressure commercial property values downward. Furthermore, the flexibility of remote work has prompted some urban dwellers to relocate to suburban or rural areas, potentially reducing residential demand in city centers.
However, several factors counterbalance these downward pressures. Cities remain vital hubs of innovation, culture, and social interaction, which continues to attract both businesses and residents. Additionally, many organizations are adopting hybrid work models rather than fully remote arrangements, maintaining some need for urban office space. The freed-up commercial real estate is increasingly being repurposed into residential units or mixed-use developments, creating new value streams in the urban property market.
Moreover, the reduced necessity for daily commuting may actually increase some properties’ attractiveness. Urban locations that offer excellent amenities and lifestyle benefits, without the burden of daily commuting, may command premium prices. The transformation of city centers from pure business districts to more diverse, livable spaces could enhance their long-term value proposition.
In conclusion, while remote working will certainly influence urban property markets, the relationship is more complex than simple price reduction. The evolution of cities and property usage patterns suggests a transformation rather than decline in urban real estate values.
Modern hybrid workplace showing adaptation to new working patterns
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6.5)
In recent years, remote working has become very common and many people think it will cause property prices in big cities to go down. I agree with this idea because remote working changes how people use offices and where they choose to live.
First, remote working means companies don’t need big offices anymore. When workers stay at home, businesses can save money by having smaller offices or no offices. This means there are more empty office buildings in cities, which makes their prices go down. Also, when buildings are empty, the shops and restaurants nearby get fewer customers and might close.
Another reason is that people don’t have to live in expensive cities anymore. They can move to cheaper places outside the city because they can work from home. Many people are already moving to smaller towns where houses are cheaper and they can have more space. This makes the demand for city houses lower.
However, cities are still important places for many reasons. Some jobs still need people to work in offices, and cities have many entertainment places and shopping centers that people like. Also, young people still want to live in cities to meet other people and enjoy city life.
In conclusion, I think remote working will make property prices in cities go down, but maybe not too much because cities are still attractive places to live and work. The change will happen slowly as more people and companies decide how they want to work in the future.
Scoring Analysis
Band 8.5 Essay Analysis:
- Task Response: Clear position with nuanced analysis
- Coherence and Cohesion: Excellent paragraph organization with smooth transitions
- Lexical Resource: Sophisticated vocabulary accurately used
- Grammar: Complex structures with minimal errors
Band 6.5 Essay Analysis:
- Task Response: Clear but simpler position
- Coherence and Cohesion: Basic organizational structure
- Lexical Resource: Limited but adequate vocabulary
- Grammar: Mix of simple and complex sentences with some errors
Key Vocabulary
- unprecedented (adj) /ʌnˈpres.ɪ.den.tɪd/ – never having happened before
- trajectory (n) /trəˈdʒek.tər.i/ – path of development
- footprint (n) /ˈfʊt.prɪnt/ – amount of space occupied
- repurposed (v) /riːˈpɜː.pəs/ – adapted for a different use
- amenities (n) /əˈmen.ə.tiz/ – useful features or facilities
- metropolitan (adj) /met.rəˈpɒl.ɪ.tən/ – relating to a large city
- vacancy rates (n) /ˈveɪ.kən.si reɪts/ – proportion of unoccupied properties
- hybrid (adj) /ˈhaɪ.brɪd/ – combining two different elements
Consider practicing with these related topics:
- Impact of technology on workplace design
- Future of urban development post-pandemic
- Changes in housing preferences due to remote work
Share your practice essays in the comments section for feedback and discussion.
