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What Is Corporate Housing? A Complete Guide

09.02.2025

What Is Corporate Housing? A Complete Guide

Learn what corporate housing is, explore options, and find the perfect solution for executives, business travelers, and relocations.


Whether you’re relocating top talent, supporting a project team, or providing extended housing for key employees, corporate housing delivers a flexible, turnkey living solution that adapts to evolving business needs.

In this guide, you’ll discover what corporate housing is and who it’s for, how it compares to other options, tips for choosing a provider, and how AVE supports companies with scalable, move-in ready residences in top business hubs.

Table of Contents

What Is Corporate Housing?

Corporate housing is a professionally managed, full-service solution for temporary living. It typically involves a fully furnished apartment, condo, or townhome available for 30 days or longer.

Residences are thoughtfully equipped with everything you need: furniture, high-speed internet, kitchenware, linens, utilities, and dedicated Resident Services teams available to support day-to-day needs. It’s designed to feel like home from the moment you arrive, with a seamless, move-in ready experience.

This turnkey housing option is flexible, consistent, and tailored to the unique needs of business travel, relocation, and project-based assignments. And when stays extend into weeks or months, it provides a more comfortable and sustainable lifestyle than an extended-stay hotel.

A Modern Lodging Industry

This segment of the housing industry has grown alongside today’s mobile workforce, offering more space, more privacy, and more predictability than hotels.

According to the Corporate Housing Providers Association (CHPA), the industry generated $3.62 billion in 2017 – nearly a 13% increase from the year prior. At that time, the average stay was 78 nights, with many lasting longer.

The market has only expanded since. In 2023, the global serviced apartment market was valued at $112.4 billion, with corporate and business travel representing more than half of that demand (Source: Grand View Research, 2023)

Who Uses Corporate Housing?

Corporate housing is most often chosen by companies to support relocations, temporary assignments, training programs, and extended business travel.

Relocation has been the leading driver of corporate housing demand in the U.S. for seven years straight, followed by project-based and training-related stays. Together, these account for more than 54% of the market, with the tech sector leading the way.

But despite the name, “corporate” housing isn’t just for corporations. These flexible, fully furnished residences are a welcoming solution for anyone navigating a life in transition.

Corporate housing is used by:

  • Relocating Employees & Executive Transferees: A soft landing during job changes, promotions, or office expansions, giving professionals time to settle into a new city before securing permanent housing.
  • Business Travelers & Consultants: Ideal for multi-week or multi-month assignments where additional space and amenities create a more comfortable, productive stay.
  • Healthcare Professionals & Traveling Nurses: Perfect for training rotations, locum tenens roles, and assignments near hospitals, with lease terms that accommodate changing schedules.
  • Government & Military Contractors: Vendor-compliant housing solutions designed to support federal assignments and secure postings.
  • Families in Transition (Insurance or Repairs): For families managing home repairs or insurance claims, corporate housing provides a stable, comfortable environment until they can return home.
  • Interns & Early Career Professionals: Companies onboarding large intern classes or new hires rely on furnished housing to simplify logistics and provide a welcoming home-like experience.
  • Digital Nomads & Remote Workers: Reliable setups with strong Wi-Fi and dedicated workspaces, supporting productivity from anywhere.
  • HR Teams & Relocation Coordinators: While not residents themselves, these teams manage the process, often sourcing housing through RMCs or direct partnerships with providers like AVE.
  • Event Staff, Seasonal Workers & Sports Teams: Flexible housing for temporary crews supporting major events, athletic seasons, or project-based work.
  • Relief & Recovery Teams: When immediate housing is needed, providers like AVE deliver fast, scalable solutions to support essential workers.

What Are the Pros of Corporate Housing?

The greatest strength of corporate housing is its flexibility. Lease terms adapt to evolving needs, whether that’s six weeks for a training program, three months for a relocation, or a year-long assignment. This adaptability gives companies and professionals confidence that their housing will align with changing timelines.

With fully furnished, move-in ready residences and dedicated Resident Services, corporate housing creates a seamless living experience that supports well-being during extended assignments, relocations, or project work.

Key advantages include:

  • Customizable Lease Options: Tailored to project durations, relocation schedules, or evolving assignment timelines.
  • Seamless Move-In: Fully furnished apartments with linens, Wi-Fi, utilities, and fully equipped kitchens – ready from day one.
  • Comfort, Privacy & Space to Live: Separate bedrooms, full kitchens, and living areas provide the space professionals need to feel at home.
  • Designed for Remote Work: Many communities feature coworking spaces or private work pods, ideal for hybrid and remote-first teams.
  • Employee Well-being: A welcoming environment reduces stress and supports a healthy work-life balance.
  • Scalable for Teams: Whether housing one executive or an entire project team, corporate housing makes it easy to coordinate multiple stays with consistent quality and centralized billing.
  • Comprehensive Value: Kitchens, laundry, and parking included create meaningful long-term value compared to hotels.
  • Business-Friendly: Flexible arrangements that may also provide tax advantages (check with your advisor).

How Does Corporate Housing Work?

Whether you’re coordinating stays for a relocating employee or preparing to move into one yourself, corporate housing makes temporary living simple, scalable, and seamless.

Here’s how it typically works, from booking to move-in:

  • Choose a Provider or RMC
    Companies can work directly with a corporate housing provider like AVE, or through a Relocation Management Company (RMC) or travel partner, depending on internal processes.
  • Select a Lease Term
    Most stays start at 30 days, with flexibility to extend or adjust as needed.
  • Move into a Fully Equipped Apartment
    Each residence is thoughtfully prepared with furniture, kitchenware, linens, Wi-Fi, and utilities – everything ready for a seamless arrival.
  • Scale or Adjust as Needed
    Rotate team members, extend stays, or book additional residences, all with centralized billing and dedicated support.

Compare Corporate Housing Types

Option

Best For

Pros

Trade-Offs

Furnished Corporate Apartments

Long-term business stays, relocations (including executive moves), project assignments, or situations with uncertain end dates

Professionally managed, fully furnished, flexible lease extensions, scalable for teams, consistent quality across markets, with premium amenities available for executives

May require advance booking in high-demand markets

Short-Term Rentals (Airbnb, VRBO) Leisure-first travelers or vacation stays Wide variety of furnished options, often available last minute Varies by host; often less consistent or flexible for extended business needs
Extended-Stay Hotels Short assignments, frequent weekly travel Daily cleaning, on-site staff, minimal setup required Limited privacy and living space; no full kitchen or in-unit laundry
Serviced Apartments International relocations or assignments abroad where dedicated corporate housing is less common Hotel-style services paired with apartment-style layouts Higher cost, less flexible leasing, and limited availability outside major city centers
Executive Suites Ultra-premium, boutique stays where luxury hotel services are the priority &Upscale, private, amenity-rich environments Expensive, limited availability, not scalable for teams


 


How to Find Corporate Housing

Finding corporate housing that meets the needs of both companies and travelers means prioritizing convenience, flexibility, and trust.

Here’s a simple process to evaluate options and select the right provider:

Step 1: Define Needs

Start by identifying the non-negotiables. The clearer these are, the easier it is to select the proper placement:

  • Length of stay
  • Target location(s)
  • Must-have amenities
  • Budget or stipend limits
  • Support requirements

Step 2: Start with Professional Providers

The most reliable path is to begin with a professionally managed corporate housing provider. These providers are designed specifically to support business travelers, relocations, and extended assignments, offering:

  • Fully furnished, move-in ready residences
  • Enterprise-grade compliance and reporting
  • Flexible leasing for stays of 30+ days
  • Centralized billing and account coordination
  • Locations near major employers and business hubs

Whether you’re housing one executive or an entire project team, AVE provides consistent quality and personalized support.

Step 3: Use Listings Platforms for Discovery (if needed)

Some travelers begin their housing search on listings platforms, which can be helpful for browsing options and connecting with providers. These work best as research tools, not complete solutions. Examples include:

  • CorporateHousing.com / CHBO: Useful for browsing furnished rentals and connecting with providers.
  • Airbnb / VRBO: Primarily designed for leisure travel; quality and support vary widely.
  • Furnished Finder: Popular among healthcare professionals; connects directly with landlords.

Step 4: Review Lease Terms & Logistics

Confirm details before committing:

  • Lease length and early termination terms
  • Billing structure (monthly invoicing vs. prepayment)
  • What’s included (Wi-Fi, utilities, cleaning, etc.)
  • Support availability (on-site vs. virtual-only)

Step 5: Book Direct with a Trusted Provider

For the smoothest experience, book with a provider that ensures clear lease terms, transparent pricing, and streamlined communication from start to finish.

Quick Hit Checklist: Key Considerations Before You Book

✓ Length of Stay – Is this tied to a contract, relocation, or long-term project?
✓ Budget & Stipend Guidelines – What are your internal policies or caps for housing expenses?
✓ Work Setup – Is reliable Wi-Fi and a dedicated workspace non-negotiable?
✓ Pets or Family Needs – Will the housing be required to accommodate children, partners, or furry coworkers?
✓ Vendor & Procurement Compliance – Does your company require SOC compliance, invoicing standards, or pre-approved vendors?
✓ Location Logistics – How close is it to offices, client sites, training locations, or public transit?


Top Corporate Housing Markets

Corporate housing demand tends to cluster in economic hubs with job mobility, regional headquarters, and long-term project activity.

Here are the top corporate housing markets AVE operates in:

Market Why it Matters AVE Properties
White Plains, NY Proximity to NYC, cluster of regional HQs, active relocation demand AVE Hamilton Green
Phoenix, AZ Government contracts, tech and semiconductor growth, healthcare demand AVE Phoenix Sky
AVE Phoenix Terra
AVE Paradise Valley
Greater Philadelphia, PA Biotech, pharma, and finance hubs with consistent extended-stay needs AVE Blue Bell
Blue Bell Villas
The Franklin Residences
AVE King of Prussia
AVE Malvern
AVE Navy Yard
Silicon Valley, CA High density of tech firms, long-term engineering and relocation assignments AVE Santa Clara
Tampa, FL Regional business expansion, healthcare systems, hybrid workforce trends AVE Tampa Riverwalk
Austin, TX Tech migration, startup internships, project-based hiring AVE Austin North Lamar
Dallas, TX HQ-heavy market, logistics and finance roles, strong convention traffic AVE Las Colinas
 

Why AVE is a Trusted Corporate Relocation Partner

  • Fully furnished apartments in top business hubs
  • Flexible lease options for 30 days or longer
  • Move-in ready apartments with Wi-Fi, fully accessorized kitchens, and a private washer and dryer in residence
  • Experienced service teams on site 7 days a week with 24/7 emergency maintenance
  • First-class business amenities including flex workspace, executive conference rooms, and private work pods
  • Centralized billing, vendor compliance, and RMC partnerships
  • Trusted by Fortune 500 companies, staffing firms, and relocation providers

FAQs

What Are Other Names for Corporate Housing?

Corporate housing often goes by a few different names, depending on who you ask or where you’re searching:

  • Furnished Apartments
  • Executive Rentals
  • Temporary Housing
  • Serviced Apartments
  • Executive Suites

While each of these terms may emphasize different aspects, like luxury, flexibility, or hotel-style amenities, they all refer to the same core idea: fully furnished, professionally managed housing designed for longer stays.

What is Included in Corporate Housing?

Corporate housing is designed for a seamless, move-in ready lifestyle. Residences include furniture, housewares, Wi-Fi, linens, and utilities. Providers like AVE also offer on-site Resident Services teams, available 7 days a week, to support daily living needs.

When is Corporate Housing the Right Fit vs. Hotels or Airbnb?

Hotels and short-term rentals are ideal for vacations or quick trips. But for stays that extend into weeks or months, corporate housing offers a stable, home-like environment with professional support.

Residents enjoy full kitchens, in-unit laundry, and defined living spaces – features that make long-term stays more comfortable and sustainable. For companies, corporate housing provides confidence in quality, compliance, and consistent support during relocations and extended assignments.

Relocating professionals or supporting a project team? Partner with AVE for flexible, fully furnished apartments in top business hubs.

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