Home Truths: What Global Mobility Teams Are Dealing With on Housing

Housing. If there’s one topic that consistently bubbles up in conversations across our network – at events, in workshops, and through our benchmarking service – it’s this one. Whether an assignee is moving into a high-rise in Dubai or a compact flat in Tokyo, the practicalities of accommodation have a habit of becoming everyone’s challenge.

At a recent Leaders event, one member mentioned that they always validate data-provider housing budgets by cross-checking online listings such as Rightmove. It was a reminder that whilst policies provide the framework, the day-to-day reality of supporting assignees often requires a blend of data, local insight and good instincts. Looking across our benchmarking records, a few themes come up time and again.

How Much Housing Support is Enough?

There’s a broad spectrum of practice when it comes to support. Some organisations have clear structures that rely heavily on third-party data, whilst others offer no housing support at all for long-term assignees who move onto host-based packages. In certain markets, local practice shapes everything – for example, company-leased housing is common in Japan for business-initiated moves, even outside traditional assignment programmes.

It’s clear that housing remains one of the biggest areas where business culture, talent expectations and local market practice intersect.

When a Washing Machine Becomes a Policy Question

A surprisingly lively topic in our benchmarking relates to major appliances. Should organisations pay for items like washing machines, dryers or dishwashers when they aren’t typically included in host-location rentals?

Some companies take a generous approach, covering medium-range appliances if they’re not provided in the property. Others expect employees to use their relocation allowance or ship their own items.

It’s a classic Global Mobility dilemma: where does necessary support end and lifestyle preference begin?

Family Changes Don’t Always Fit Neatly into Policy

Changes in family size – expected or otherwise – often prompt some of the most nuanced discussions. Many organisations plan for known changes at the outset of the assignment to avoid mid-assignment disruption. Unexpected additions, however, tend to be handled on a case-by-case basis, weighing up cost, practicality and lease terms.

Some organisations stick firmly to the original allowance; others will review budgets where the property genuinely becomes unsuitable. One sentiment that cropped up repeatedly was the recognition that the cost and upheaval of a mid-assignment move often outweigh any perceived savings from resizing the property.

These scenarios highlight why housing policies can never fully anticipate the realities of family life.

When a Move Isn’t a Choice

Forced moves are another recurring theme: landlord decisions, uninhabitable properties or unreasonable rent increases can all push an assignee back into the local housing market. Whilst most organisations share a common definition of a forced move, the level of support varies.

Some provide full support for home search, move management and associated logistics. Others offer a more limited package, especially where the business need is less clear-cut.

The general view is that if the situation is outside the assignee’s control, support is usually available – but the scope is carefully balanced against cost, policy intent and local realities.

Paying the Allowance: Simplicity vs Control

The mechanics of paying housing allowances can spark almost as much debate as the allowance itself. Should it be paid gross or net? Should proof of lease be required? Should payments go directly to landlords?

Some organisations opt for simplicity, paying a gross or net allowance without requesting proof of spend. Others require documentation and cap payments at the actual lease value. In many locations, paying landlords directly through a relocation partner remains a popular way of reducing risk and administrative burden.

Validating the Budget: Data, DSPs and a Quick Online Search

Most organisations start with externally sourced housing data or structured internal benchmarks, followed by “on the ground” validation from local HR or DSPs. But when data is incomplete or the market is shifting quickly, many GM teams turn to online rental listings, local agents or internal networks to reality-check the figures.

This blend of formal data and practical validation is increasingly seen as best practice across the Expat Academy community.

Closing Thoughts

Housing will almost certainly remain one of the most challenging aspects of international assignments. It’s personal, costly and shaped by local quirks that no global policy can fully anticipate. What comes through strongly across our community is that GM professionals are continually balancing fairness, cost control and the everyday reality of helping someone settle into a new home.

And if you ever find yourself double-checking housing data against the local property websites? You’re definitely not alone.