In recent years, a growing number of urban dwellers are investing in holiday homes far from their main city residence. What once seemed like a luxury has begun to feel almost necessary — for both lifestyle and financial reasons. Below are the key drivers behind this trend, and what this means for buyers, developers, and real estate markets.
1. Shift in Lifestyle Priorities
Well-being and mental health: The constant hustle of city life, pollution, noise, over-crowding, and stress are pushing people toward quieter, greener environments. Many holiday home buyers cite the need to “unplug,” get fresh air, have nature views, and simply escape from the daily grind.
Work-from-anywhere / hybrid working: Remote work has made it more feasible to spend extended time away from the city. People no longer need to commute every day, so a second home in a calm location becomes a viable “home base” part of the week or for weekends.
Safety and space: During the COVID-19 pandemic especially, people realized the value of having spacious homes, outdoor areas, and places with better air quality. Holiday homes often provide all of this more affordably than city homes.
2. Improved Connectivity & Infrastructure
Transportation networks — better roads, new expressways, highways, and even expanded flight or helipad access — are making formerly remote areas easier to reach. A location that was once 4-5 hours away may now be 2-3 hours, making weekend trips more doable.
Digital infrastructure improvements — good broadband or mobile internet connectivity — mean staying away from the city doesn’t cut one off from work or social life.
3. Financial & Investment Considerations
More affordable land / property: Prices in central urban areas have skyrocketed. Per square foot, properties near the city center are often much more expensive than equivalent homes in peripheral or scenic locations. Moving away gives access to better value.
Dual use & rental income: Holiday homes are often purchased not just for personal use, but also as investment assets. When owners aren’t using them, they may rent them out to tourists, holiday-goers, or short-term guests. This rental income can help cover maintenance, or even generate profit.
Appreciation potential: As infrastructure improves and more people move outwards, these holiday/second home markets may appreciate in value. Many believe buying early in such areas could yield good returns in the future.
4. Demand for Exclusivity, Tranquility & Nature
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Buyers increasingly value privacy, scenic beauty, calmer climate, etc. Hill stations, coastal areas, lakesides, and countryside areas are attractive for their peace, natural surroundings, and slower pace of life.
The aesthetic appeal: views, open skies, greenery, forests, rivers, or beaches are strong draws. Many holiday home buyers want to feel they are “not in the concrete jungle.”
5. Developer Response & Supply Trends
Real estate developers are responding by developing gated communities, luxury villas, eco-friendly homes, wellness retreats in scenic locations. These offer amenities that make remote living more comfortable (security, maintenance, internet, power backup, etc.).
Government / regulatory support in many places for improving infrastructure, easing access, perhaps even promoting tourism or second home zones.
6. Environmental & Health Concerns
Air pollution, noise pollution, stress, and the higher risk of disease spread in densely populated urban zones have made health a key consideration.
Many people view living in a cleaner, more natural environment as preventive health care. Also, having access to open spaces and natural surroundings boost physical and mental well-being.
Possible Challenges to Be Aware Of
While there are many advantages, owning a holiday home away from the city comes with its own set of challenges:
Maintenance and upkeep when you’re not there — issues of wear and tear, weather effects, pest control, etc.
Seasonal usability — some holiday homes may be unusable or less pleasant in certain seasons (rain, snow, etc.).
Travel time and costs — even with improved connectivity, travel is not free — the time, fuel or transport cost, and sometimes discomfort.
Security, utilities, and local services — remote areas may still lag in reliability of electricity, water, internet, medical/emergency services.
Regulatory, taxation, or land legal issues depending on the location and how second-homes are classified.
Implications for Buyers & Market
Buyers need to do more due diligence: check connectivity, road reliability, local regulations, maintenance costs, plan usage vs rental potential.
Developers who can offer value (good amenities, strong infrastructure, maintenance services) are more likely to succeed.
Markets near cities that are under-developed but accessible are prime for growth. Also, areas with scenic or climatic advantage (hills, beaches) will likely continue to attract demand.
Pricing in such areas may rise more rapidly once the trend becomes widely accepted, so early movers could benefit.
Conclusion
Buying a holiday home away from the city is no longer just a luxury — it’s becoming part of how people envision their lives, blending work, leisure, health, and investment. The confluence of remote work, better infrastructure, rising living costs in the city, and growing desire for nature and space is driving this shift.
If you’re considering a holiday home, it’s vital to balance what you really want (use-cases, frequency of use, investment return) with realistic assessments of costs and responsibilities.
Sources
“(Holiday) Home is where the Hill is: Top developers look to cash in on rising demand for second homes from Delhi-NCR residents”, Economic Times The Economic Times
“Now trending: vacation homes”, The Hindu The Hindu
“Explained: Hill stations redefine second-home market amid boom for residential properties”, Moneycontrol Moneycontrol
“Why are Buyers Flocking to Holiday Homes?”, RealtynMore RealtynMore
“Holiday homes: Growing popularity”, Times of India / Axis E Corp axisecorp.com
“Why demand for luxury holiday homes is gaining traction in the ‘new normal’”, Times of India The Times of India
