The pandemic era will surely be remembered as a time of adaptation. We’ve dramatically altered the way we work, live, shop and travel, and those rapid shifts have been accompanied by anxiety-inducing economic swings. Despite this change and uncertainty, however, real estate has remained remarkably strong particularly the second home market. After the economy took a dive in March 2020, real estate quickly rebounded and continue to grow. Low interest rates have spurred home sales overall, but remote work has also enabled a “pandemic migration.” As of October 2020, One fourth indians are still working from home , and a report from the web found that about 44% of workers have jobs that can be performed remotely (that number jumps to 67% for those with a Bachelor’s degree). Recognizing this opportunity, many major employers have extended telework options, some permanently.
Demand for second homes is spiking
Untethered from daily commutes, some people have chosen to move their primary residence, while others have opted to purchase a second home where they can work or vacation without uprooting their life. A Redfin analysis found that buyers demand for Second home surge 100% in October 2020 compared to a year earlier and it wasn’t a one-time surge. In fact, the second home market trend has been steady since June. According to the data, the increase in demand for second homes outpaced the demand for primary homes by 50% an impressive statistic given the hot market for primary homes.
Seasonal destinations see big price jumps
Where are second home buyers looking? Homes in desirable vacation towns across India have been in high demand, with median sale prices up 21% in seasonal locations between October 2019 and October 2020, according to the reports. While popular areas like Goa , Kasauli in himachal and Ooty in the south are seeing a lot of buyer interest, demand is trending up throughout the country, particularly in resort areas near major cities.
What does the future hold?
While vaccines and treatments for Covid-19 will help usher out the pandemic, more flexible work arrangements are almost certainly here to stay. Being able to work from anywhere has transformed second home ownership into a feasible option with greater appeal than a hotel or vacation rental, providing the ease and enjoyment of a vacation with the security and comfort of a home away from home. And, with air travel still questionable for many, a second home feels like a safe and luxurious choice. The market is booming, and BRIKitt is uniquely positioned to make second home ownership more attainable, while removing many of the hassles. logon to www.BRIKitt.com and start to imagine a whole new way of thinking about “work-life balance.”