Changing Housing Preferences Influenced by the Gig Economy and Smart Living Technology

Witchayangkoon, Bhattraradej Boonsap; Hassan, Ahmad Sanusi; Arab, Yasser

:: International Transaction Journal of Engineering, Management, & Applied Sciences & Technologies

http://TuEngr.com

ISSN 2228-9860
eISSN 1906-9642
CODEN: ITJEA8

FEATURE PEER-REVIEWED ARTICLE

Vol.17(2) (2026)

Changing Housing Preferences Influenced by the Gig Economy and Smart Living Technology

Bhattraradej Boonsap Witchayangkoon (Department of Civil Engineering, Thammasat School of Engineering, Thammasat University, THAILAND),
Ahmad Sanusi Hassan (School of Housing, Building and Planning, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang, MALAYSIA), and
Yasser Arab (Department of Architectural Engineering, Dhofar University, SULTANATE of OMAN).

Discipline: Housing & Real Estate Management.
➤ FullText

doi: 10.14456/ITJEMAST.2026.8

Keywords: Housing preferences; Gig job; Gig economy; Smart home technology; Remote work; Co-living; Rental market; Bangkok zoom town; Generation rent; Thailand property market; Digital nomads; Build-to-rent; Gig house; Gig worker; Gig rent.

Abstract
The modern housing market is experiencing huge changes. This is influenced by two main factors: the growth of gig economy jobs and the rise of smart living technologies. This paper analyzes how these factors are changing housing preferences of different demographic groups and locations, for urban areas of Southeast Asia. This study looks at three aspects. First, the move towards flexible, rental-based housing for gig workers and remote employees. Second, the role of smart home technologies as a key selling point in residential properties. Third, the rise of hybrid housing types, such as co-living spaces, serviced apartments, and build-to-rent projects. Key findings show that remote work has separated housing location from job location. These let workers have their lifestyle, cost, and access to amenities rather than commuting distance. In Bangkok, remote workers are staying longer than planned. This makes a 15-22% increase in rental prices in popular locations since 2022. The smart home market in Thailand is expected to grow from USD 1.26 billion in 2024 to USD 6.11 billion by 2030. This is a growth rate of 28.6% per year. This is driven mainly by climate comfort management and urban time constraints. This paper highlights the rise of the 'Generation Rent' mentality in Thailand, where 23% of renters say high home prices are the main reason for renting, and mortgage rejection rates are over 40%. This analysis study gives a framework for understanding changes in housing preferences and provides strategic advice to adapt to this shift.
Paper ID: 17A2A

Cite this article:

Witchayangkoon, B., Hassan, A.S., and Arab, Y. (2026). Changing Housing Preferences Influenced by the Gig Economy and Smart Living Technology. International Transaction Journal of Engineering, Management, & Applied Sciences & Technologies, 17(2), 17A2A, 1-19. http://doi.org/10.14456/ITJEMAST.2026.8

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