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Vacation homes, once a luxury limited to the elite, are increasingly becoming mainstream assets for modern homeowners in India. Driven by flexible work culture, wellness-focused living, and rental income opportunities, buyers are opting for second homes in scenic destinations such as Goa, Lonavala, and Coorg. With millennials and Gen Z prioritising work-life balance, developers are responding with eco-conscious, tech-enabled properties. The trend reflects a shift towards sustainable, multi-functional real estate investments that combine leisure, income, and long-term lifestyle goals.
What was once considered the preserve of the wealthy is now evolving into a practical ambition for contemporary homeowners. Vacation homes are no longer confined to seasonal getaways-they are being reimagined as long-term lifestyle assets, income generators, and remote working havens. Advertisement
A notable cultural and economic transformation has unfolded in recent years, particularly in the real estate sector. The concept of owning a second home, especially in peaceful and scenic locations, has gained widespread traction. At LA Empire, a firm specialising in boutique vacation and corporate homes, this shift has been closely observed, fuelled by changing lifestyle expectations, increased work flexibility, and the purchasing power of younger generations like millennials and Gen Z.
Vacation homes have historically been associated with affluence-coastal mansions or secluded mountain lodges reserved for the ultra-rich. However, evolving urban realities have prompted a change in this narrative. Today, city dwellers facing stress, congestion, and pollution are seeking sanctuaries that support wellness and peace, without compromising on modern comforts.
Whether it is a forest-facing cabin, a desert retreat, or a cottage near a lake, second homes are now chosen for their capacity to support longer stays. Families often combine leisure and work, spending extended periods at these properties while engaging in remote work or hybrid education.
In addition to lifestyle benefits, vacation properties are now being viewed through an investment lens. The growing popularity of short-stay rental platforms such as Airbnb has enabled homeowners to earn from their properties when not in personal use. This has transformed second homes into financially viable, high-yielding assets.
Market research has shown that short-term rentals often outperform conventional leases in tourist-frequented destinations. Consequently, many investors are approaching these purchases with a dual intent-personal relaxation and rental revenue. Locations such as Goa, Lonavala, Rishikesh, and newer hotspots like Coorg and Nashik have seen demand for rental-friendly homes increase sharply after the pandemic.
A significant factor propelling this surge is the reconfiguration of workplace structures. Businesses-from early-stage startups to multinational corporations-have normalised remote or hybrid working arrangements. This has granted professionals the freedom to operate from outside city limits, often in more relaxed and scenic environments.
Modern vacation homes are being designed to align with these changes. Buyers now seek functional features alongside aesthetics-high-speed connectivity, secure premises, ergonomic workspaces, and wellness-oriented amenities. The aim is to establish a parallel lifestyle, offering a contrast to urban chaos while maintaining professional continuity.
Escalating urban problems-overpopulation, traffic, rising costs, and deteriorating air quality-have further reinforced the trend. Families are re-evaluating their residential priorities, shifting from investing heavily in constrained urban flats to acquiring spacious vacation homes that offer both personal and financial returns.
This behavioural shift is particularly visible among metro-based buyers. Those from Mumbai are increasingly acquiring homes in Alibaug or Karjat; Delhi buyers are gravitating towards Nainital and Dehradun; while Bengaluru's working professionals are exploring options in Chikmagalur and Sakleshpur.
Developers now face the imperative of designing intelligent, scalable, and sustainable vacation properties. At LA Empire, this means integrating eco-conscious features such as solar panels, rainwater harvesting systems, and smart home technologies. The focus is on creating properties that not only reflect aesthetic elegance but also respond to the practical and ecological needs of the future.
The growing demand for vacation homes is not a fleeting trend-it represents a broader shift in how people approach living, earning, and unwinding. What began as a response to pandemic-induced disruption has matured into a deliberate movement towards balanced, diversified lifestyles. For many, owning a second home now signifies more than luxury-it embodies a thoughtful, modern way of living.
With hybrid work blurring boundaries between weekdays and weekends, vacation homes are becoming versatile lifestyle assets. Developers who align with this multi-dimensional demand-balancing design, tech, and sustainability-are best positioned to lead the next chapter of residential innovation in India.
Disclaimer:
The views, opinions, and information expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not
necessarily reflect the views of Prop News Time. The content has not been independently verified or
endorsed by Prop News Time. Readers are advised to exercise their own discretion and seek professional advice if required.
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