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Ultra-luxury homes hit ₹2,443 cr in sales in 8 months across top cities

<div type="image" title="Indians are getting fancy, and they don&amp;#39;t mind paying a little extra if it means quality and luxury. Most consumer brands are witnessing an uptick in their premium product segment" msid="115018213" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Indians are getting fancy, and they don&amp;#39;t mind paying a little extra if it means quality and luxury. Most consumer brands are witnessing an uptick in their premium product segment&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div> It's time to move over from plain, vanilla budget basics! Indians are no longer looking for “best purchases and value buys under Rs 1,000”—at least not as much as before. <keyword id="19895063" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="india" source="keywords">India</keyword>'s getting fancy, and how! From gold-flaked chocolates to swanky SUVs that look like they’re wheeled straight out of a Bollywood blockbuster, Indian companies are rapidly jazzing up their product lines, even faster than you can say the word "premiumization." But what does this mean for Indian companies and consumers? What is this jazz about premiumization all about? Is it just urban India that’s riding this wave, or has rural India also joined the bandwagon? We decode for you. <h2>What's premium, really?</h2>Imagine you’re eating Pav Bhaji at a roadside thela. Later during the day, you decide to dine out at a fancy, upmarket cafe, only to find Pav Bhaji Fondue on the menu. Same same, but much more expensive—often 5 to 10 times higher—for a little more hygiene and some better ambience! Think of premium products as this fondue. They are a notch up your regular, daily-use products soaps or shampoos, and even cars, all packaged luxuriously, offering just about the right touch of quality. The main differentiator, though, would be the price range. <h2>Driving home premium wellness</h2>A recent report by Nielsen suggests that over 70% of urban Indians are okay with paying a premium for their products. And companies are cashing in on this sentiment like never before. This explains why 58% of new products launched so far this year have been in the premium+ segment, as opposed to just 38% of new launches in regular, traditional trade. Take cars, for instance. Indians are no longer vying for a good old <keyword id="19950117" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="maruti" source="keywords">Maruti</keyword> 800 or <keyword id="20400567" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="alto" source="keywords">Alto</keyword>, traditionally known for their healthy mileage, but are rather happy investing in more swanky features that come along with high-end cars. In October 2024, India’s largest car manufacturer, <keyword id="19909974" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="maruti-suzuki" source="keywords">Maruti Suzuki</keyword>, sold 65,948 units of its compact cars like Swift, WagonR, Dzire, and more. Compared to the year-ago period, which saw sales of 80,662 units, this was an 18% dip. But take a look at their SUV (sport utility vehicle) sales for the same period. Cars like Brezza, Ertiga, and Grand Vitara sold about 70,644 units, a 19% uptick from the sales made in October 2023, i.e. 59,147 units. Simply put, when it comes to cars, Indians are saying the bigger, the better! The same is true for India's second biggest automobile manufacturer, Hyundai. Its SUV lineup made up a staggering 68.2% of the firm's total sales made for October 2024. What's more, SUV demand remained largely consistent across urban and rural markets. <h2>Consumers are inching up</h2>FMCG (fast-moving consumer goods) are also riding the premiumization wave, with Indians prioritizing their health and wellness and not bothered about dishing out a few extra bucks for the same! You’ll find no dearth of words like organic, vegan, gluten-free, and sugar-free, peppered generously over every product you’ll see today, be it soaps, juices, or more. No wonder then, sales from premium segments in 2024 make up around 27% of all FMCG sales and even contribute a massive 42% to the sector’s value growth in India. Nielsen report further adds that luxury brands that position themselves at twice the price of their category’s average are even witnessing stellar growth. In fact, for most FMCG brands like Tata Consumer Products, <keyword id="20002610" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="hindustan-unilever" source="keywords">Hindustan Unilever</keyword> (HUL), Dabur, and Nestle, it is this premium segment that is growing much faster than their regular ones. And it's not just about daily-use products; Indians are also taking their celebrations a step over. Spirits manufacturer <keyword id="20125704" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="radico-khaitan" source="keywords">Radico Khaitan</keyword> highlighted that for the first half of 2024, their prestige &amp; above segment made for 88.4% of its net sales value. In the same period, the regular popular segment accounted for just 9.1% of their net sales. From Hindustan Unilever, which saw its premium products grow 30% over the last quarter, to <keyword id="20521971" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="kingfisher" source="keywords">Kingfisher</keyword> beer's parent company, <keyword id="20124009" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="united-breweries" source="keywords">United Breweries</keyword>, whose premium product sales volume jumped by 27% during the quarter as opposed to just a 5% rise in overall volumes, everyone is seemingly taking their lifestyle a notch above. Per the Nielsen report, in 2024, a typical global consumer spends about $13.7k per year. This is set to grow by around 2.4% to $14k as early as next year. Even a report by Goldman Sachs also highlighted a similar trend, noting that India’s affluent class, or those earning over $10,000 (Rs 8,42,694.97), is set to reach 100 million in the next 3 years. And where will this consumer spend? On premium products! <h2>Online shopping shifts from mass to class</h2>Amazon’s Great Indian Shopping Festival, which was live between September 27 and October 29 this year, saw 140 crore customers, more than 85% of whom came from non-metro Indian cities. On the site, there was a 400% spike in sales in premium sales across categories like watches, fragrances, handbags, jewelry, and more. Rival <keyword id="19896939" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="flipkart" source="keywords">Flipkart</keyword> noted a similar trend, recording 1.8x growth in premium beauty and personal care products during the first half of this year. <h2>Dialing in premiumness</h2>The Indian smartphone ecosystem has always been dominated by basic phones, or those entry- and mid-range phones that are priced between Rs 10,000 and Rs 6,000. But that has changed in recent times, with premium smartphones (i.e., those priced over Rs 60,000) registering 20%+ growth in 2024. During the first quarter of this year, sales of mass phones (priced between Rs 10,000 and 20,000) reached 44%, compared to 51% in the year-ago period. But it's all sunny and shiny in the mid-premium (priced between Rs 40,000 and Rs 60,000) and super-premium segments (priced above Rs 60,000). Sales growth has burgeoned by as much as 27% and 86% in these categories, respectively. As India continues its march toward becoming the world's third-largest economy by 2027, the premium party is just getting started. Industry experts predict that premium segments will grow faster than you can say "sustainable organic handcrafted artisanal batch of coffee." So the next time you see someone dropping serious rupees on a fancy bottle of black water that also somehow plays music and tracks their hydration (yes, that's a thing), remember: This is just the trailer. Picture abhi baaki hai, mere dost! Do you have a topic in mind you'd want a simpler explanation for, or insights or experiences to share on personal finance and more? Contact us at businessinsider@timesinternet.in.

Simply Put: From Dal to Dolce—India is loving its luxury life

<keyword id="19895040" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="real-estate" source="keywords">Real estate</keyword> was India's asset of choice for investment in the first half of 2024, noted a recent FICCI-ANAROCK report. About 59% of the 7,615 respondents across 14 Indian cities expressed their desire to invest in real estate. Out of these, 67% of respondents wanted to buy a house to live in it, while the remaining 33% viewed it as an investment. Out of this 33%, the majority (57%) wanted to earn rental yields from the same, while another 20% planned to sell their property after its price has appreciated significantly. The remaining 23% viewed real estate as an asset for securing their future. Even for millennials, buying a house featured at the top of their priorities. 66% of millennials and 41% of generation X respondents highlighted that they intended to utilize their investment gains to buy a house in the future. What was also notable was the significant decline in demand for ready-to-move in units and a corresponding rise in demand for under-construction units. During the first half of 2024, for every 20 individuals who preferred a ready-to-move-in house, 25 respondents chose a new launch or under-construction property. This ratio was at 32:21 in the first half of 2021. Some of the reasons why over 53% of homebuyers are dissatisfied with the current available options when it comes to <keyword id="20254620" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="affordable-housing" source="keywords">affordable housing</keyword> are location accessibility (92%), poor quality construction design (84%), and small unit sizes (68%). Even the supply in the affordable housing category across the top 7 Indian cities has considerably shrunk over the last 3 years, from 26% in 2021 to just 17% as of September 2024. However, this differed based on the city. While over 50% of respondents chose 3BHK apartments in cities like Chennai, Hyderabad, Delhi-NCR, and Bengaluru, over 40% preferred a 2BHK in other metros like Kolkata. Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) and Pune. However, that does not mean that there is little demand for luxury homes. 28% of respondents preferred buying a house between the range of Rs 90 lakh and Rs 1.5 crore. This was a mere 18% prior to the pandemic. However, the most common budget range for houses remained between Rs 45-90 lakh, with 35% of respondents choosing the same. As far as under-construction properties are concerned, a staggering 98% of respondents prefer timely project completion, 93% choose improved construction quality, and 72% prefer a well-lit, ventilated home. The report further noted that Indians are increasingly inclined towards larger, more luxurious living spaces. 3BHKs and apartments remained the most preferred choice of residence and property type, with 51% and 58% of respondents opting for them, respectively. Residential plots were also seen gaining traction, particularly in southern India, with 30% of respondents in Chennai, 29% in Bengaluru, and 27% in Hyderabad preferring them. <keyword id="21483825" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="home-loan-interest-rates" source="keywords">Home loan interest rates</keyword> also significantly influenced home buying decisions. If the rates are below 8.5%, it would have minimal impact on buying decisions for around 71% of respondents. However, interest rates exceeding 9% would significantly impact 87% of buyers. With the RBI currently deciding to hold off on slashing interest rates in October for the 10th consecutive time, home loan rates are likely to stay elevated in the future. Experts estimate that the RBI will start cutting interest rates early next year.

Real estate continues to dominate India's investment portfolios, shows FICCI report

<ul><li><keyword id="6354552" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="hyderabad" source="Orion">Hyderabad</keyword>’s luxury home sales zoomed 12x in nine months ended September, as compared to last year.</li><li>Delhi, Mumbai and Hyderabad dominated the luxury home sales market in the first nine months of the year.</li><li>CBRE expects 2023’s festive home sales to hit a three-year high, crossing 1.5 lakh units. </li></ul>India’s top seven cities are showing a strong affinity for luxury homes that are priced around ₹4 crore. The sales of such units grew 97% in the nine months ended 2023, as compared to the same period last year and Hyderabad outdid them all — by showing a whopping 12 times growth in the number of such units sold, as per a report by CBRE. In the first nine months of 2022, 138 units of luxury homes were sold in Hyderabad. In the same period this year, the number zoomed to 1,660. In fact, it’s the third city in the top seven cities list that include Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Pune, Bangalore and Chennai — that recorded sales of over 1,000 such units. In other words, Hyderabad has joined Mumbai and Delhi in dominating this market – accounting for 90% of the total luxury housing sales across the top seven cities. Delhi-NCR topped with a share of about 37%. This was followed by Mumbai, Hyderabad accounting for approximately 35% and 18%, respectively. While Bangalore and Chennai saw little growth, Kolkata is the only city where luxury home sales fell. <table style="border-width: initial; border-style: none;"></colgroup><tbody><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">City </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">9M 2023 </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">9M 2022 </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Delhi -NCR </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">3,409 </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">1,511 </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Mumbai </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">3,252 </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">2,398 </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Hyderabad </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">1,660 </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">138 </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Pune </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">332 </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">82 </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Bangalore </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">229 </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">196 </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Kolkata </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">235 </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">256 </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Chennai </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">129 </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">108 </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Total </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">9,246 </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">4,689 </td></tr></tbody></table>Source: CBRE Festive sales expected to break records The momentum seen in overall home sales this year is expected to seep into this festive season. CBRE anticipates that 2023 festive housing sales are set to break a three-year record, exceeding the 1,50,000-unit mark. "The October-December 2023 quarter is poised to attract a substantial number of first-time buyers, with fence-sitting end-users expected to make decisions during the festive season offers and discounts. The premium and luxury segment is expected to emerge as a sought-after investment avenue, particularly for HNIs and NRIs seeking to safeguard their investments amid global macroeconomic uncertainties,” said Anshuman Magazine, Chairman &amp; CEO - India, South-East Asia, Middle East &amp; Africa, CBRE. Over 80,000 residential units were sold during the July-September ’23 quarter, while new unit launches stood at 72,000 during the same period. Mumbai, Hyderabad and Pune dominated the market for apartment launches, having a cumulative share of 63%. High-end and premium categories remained key sales drivers with a cumulative share of 35%, while the mid-end category’s share stood at 46% during the September quarter. “As the residential cycle matures amidst inflationary pressures, we have witnessed increasing demand in the mid-end and premium categories,” said Magazine.

Hyderabad joins big boys Delhi and Mumbai in love for homes worth ₹4 crore

<ul><li>Delhi-NCR’s luxury unit sales saw the highest surge registering a 197% YoY increase.</li><li><keyword id="19897309" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="pune" source="keywords">Pune</keyword> came a close second as its luxury home sales surged by 144% in the December quarter.</li><li>Mumbai and <keyword id="19900176" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="hyderabad" source="keywords">Hyderabad</keyword> also saw a double digit growth in luxury home sales. </li></ul>Size does matter for Indian real estate buyers. Across India’s top seven cities, sales of luxury homes (that cost over ₹4 crore), went up by 75% YoY in the December quarter, says CBRE. But two cities stood out. Delhi-NCR’s luxury unit sales saw the highest surge registering a 197% YoY increase, while Pune too came close by with a sharp 144% rise. Hyderabad and Mumbai also saw a double digit increase by 64% and 23.5% respectively, as per data by CBRE. "A 75% surge in luxury unit sales and a substantial 45% rise in launches underscore the sector’s vibrancy. The evolving market dynamics, especially in key cities like Delhi-NCR, Mumbai, Pune, Hyderabad, and <keyword id="19940209" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="bangalore" source="keywords">Bangalore</keyword>, reflect a nuanced demand for high-end residences,” said Anshuman Magazine, Chairman &amp; CEO - India, South-East Asia, Middle East &amp; Africa, CBRE. Bangalore, Chennai and <keyword id="19896626" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="kolkata" source="keywords">Kolkata</keyword> saw a flat growth in luxury home sales in the quarter ending December. The percentage share of the luxury segment in the overall residential unit sales stood at 4% in 2023, nearly doubling its proportion of 2% in 2022. “This surge further signals the growing appetite of High Net Worth Individuals (HNIs) for luxury real estate investments, spurred by their aspirations for a refined lifestyle, the need for portfolio diversification, and the desire to preserve wealth over time. Luxury residential remains a cornerstone of their investment strategy, promising not just financial returns but also a legacy of prestige and prosperity for generations to come," says Reeza <keyword id="20584281" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="sebastian" source="keywords">Sebastian</keyword>, executive president - Residential, Embassy Group Mumbai, Pune rule home sales In the October to December quarter, overall 86,000 residential units were sold, and 90,000 units were launched. In Q3, new unit launches recorded around 22% YoY increase and about 26% growth on a quarterly basis. Premium and luxury segments accounted for about 10% and 4% shares, respectively, during this period. Pune recorded the highest residential sales overall during the quarter with a 24% share, followed by Mumbai with about 21% share. Delhi-NCR and Hyderabad accounted for about 17% and 15% of the market, respectively. Mumbai also took the lead with a 27.5% share in new launches, closely followed by Hyderabad with 26.9%, and Pune with 19%. For 2023, the overall residential sales across price categories exceeded 3.22 lakh units in 2023, registering a 9% YoY growth. Sustained momentum in demand also led developers to launch over 3.13 lakh new housing units in 2023, a 6% YoY increase. Mid-end projects emerged as the leading category driving sales, recording a 45% share in total sales for 2023, followed by high-end and affordable projects. Pune, Mumbai and Bangalore cumulatively accounted for 61% of the total sales. Unit launches in Mumbai, Pune, and Hyderabad, on the other hand, accounted for a 67% share during 2023.

Luxury homes in vogue and Delhi, Pune are in top gear

<ul><li><keyword id="19072515" type="General" weightage="60" keywordseo="luxury-housing-supply" source="Orion">Luxury housing supply</keyword> share at 27% in Q3 2023, hits 5-year quarterly share high.</li><li>Chennai is the only city to see a drop in new luxury supply between Q3 2023 and Q3 2018.</li><li>Hyderabad has seen the <keyword id="19072516" type="General" weightage="40" keywordseo="highest-new-luxury-supply" source="Orion">highest new luxury supply</keyword> among the top 7 cities in Q3 2023.</li></ul> The markets may be jittery for a host of reasons ranging from geopolitics to macroeconomic trends around the world. The conflict in Gaza between Israel and Palestine adds to the already tense global economic conditions as a result of the Russia-Ukraine war. However, <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/news/unsold-stock-of-priciest-homes-in-mumbai-dips/articleshow/101192196.cms">data shows</a> that the rich are continuing to buy property in India which has prompted luxury housing supply share to hit a five year quarterly share high at 27% in Q3 2023. An analysis of average price trends across the top seven cities in different budget categories, based on ANAROCK Research data, has <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/news/top-7-cities-see-24-price-rise-in-five-years/articleshow/102563727.cms">revealed recently</a> that <keyword id="386983" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="luxury-homes" source="Orion">luxury homes</keyword> have seen the most significant price appreciation at 24% over the past five years. Now, data shows that to meet the demand, 31,180 luxury homes (priced &gt;₹1.5 Cr) were launched across the top 7 cities in Q3 2023, against 4,590 in Q3 2018. A detailed look shows that not surprisingly, Hyderabad has seen the highest new luxury supply in Q3 2023 with approx. 14,340 units, followed by the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR). Prashant Thakur, Regional Director &amp; Head – Research, ANAROCK Group, says, “Developers have been bullish about the luxury homes segment because of its superlative performance after the pandemic, with overall sales rising steeply across the top 7 cities. Post pandemic, homebuyers have been seeking bigger homes and apart from high-end amenities and good location, luxury housing is primarily defined by generous floor space.” ANAROCK’s most recent consumer sentiment survey also reflects this trend. In the pre-Covid edition of the survey (H1 2019), 9% respondents preferred luxury homes priced &gt;₹1.5 Cr while in the current edition of H1 2023, this share has risen to 16%. Affordable homes experience a more muted rise Contrastingly, the affordable segment - which was on a high before Covid-19 - saw compromised sales that also reflected in its average price growth. Affordable homes priced below ₹40 lakh experienced a more modest 15% price appreciation during the same period. The average price in this category across the top 7 cities was ₹3,750 per square foot in 2018, and it now stands at ₹4,310 per square foot. City-wise analysis: A 5-year comparison The city-level supply trend reveals that Chennai is the only city to see a drop in new luxury supply between Q3 2023 and Q3 2018. Hyderabad saw the highest new luxury supply among the top seven cities in Q3 2023. As many as 14,340 luxury units were launched in the city in Q3 2023, comprising a nearly 46% share of the total new luxury supply in the quarter. The National Capital Region (NCR) has witnessed new luxury supply rise to 3,870 units in Q3 2023, against 930 units in the corresponding period of 2018. Similarly, Bengaluru has seen approximately 1,710 new luxury units launched in Q3 2023, against 290 units. Kolkata, meanwhile, has seen 1,030 luxury units launched in Q3 2023 while in Q3 2018, the new supply was under 120 units.

Real estate market shows that the rich are not worried about an economic downturn

<keyword id="1390483" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="housing-sales" source="Orion">Housing sales</keyword> rose 36 per cent year-on-year to a record 1,20,280 units across seven major cities during the July-September period on robust demand amid stable mortgage rate, according to Anarock. Housing sales stood at 88,230 units in the year-ago period across the seven major cities. Releasing the data, real estate consultant Anarock said average <keyword id="6468581" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="housing-prices" source="Orion">housing prices</keyword> across the seven cities grew 11 per cent annually in the July-September period this year. Hyderabad saw the highest rise of 18 per cent. Anarock highlighted that quarterly sales in July-September touched an all-time high. In housing data, sales of apartments, villas and independent floors are included while plots are excluded. Anarock Chairman Anuj Puri highlighted that Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) and Pune contributed 51 per cent of the total sales. Puri noted that the continued healthy sales momentum is at least partially attributable to the repo rate pause maintained by the Reserve Bank of India in the two recent monetary policies. "This has kept <keyword id="173069" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="home-loan-interest" source="Orion">home loan interest</keyword> rates stable, keeping housing purchase sentiment high," he added. According to the data, housing sales in Delhi-NCR rose 6 per cent to 15,865 units during July-September 2023 from 14,970 units in the year-ago period. In MMR, housing sales increased 46 per cent to 38,500 units from 26,400 units during the period under review. Housing sales in Bengaluru went up 29 per cent to 16,395 units during July-September this year from 12,690 units in the corresponding period of last year. In Pune, sales grew maximum by 63 per cent to 22,885 units from 14,080 units. Sales of <keyword id="135249" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="residential-properties" source="Orion">residential properties</keyword> in Hyderabad increased 41 per cent to 16,375 units from 11,650 units. In Chennai, housing sales rose 42 per cent to 4,940 units from 3,490 units. Housing sales in Kolkata went up 7 per cent to 5,320 units during July-September from 4,950 units in the year-ago period. "The ever-rising aspiration of owning a home mainly driven by rising income levels has meant a strong demand for housing over the last couple of years. The trend is expected to continue in the foreseeable future," Gurugram-based realty firm Krisumi Corporation Managing Director Mohit Jain said. The demand for <keyword id="457183" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="luxury-housing" source="Orion">luxury housing</keyword> too is likely to remain strong amid the desire for upscale living experiences, he said. "Keeping pace with the demand for luxury homes, the supply is also expected to remain strong," Jain said.

Housing sales up 36 pc in Jul-Sep in top 7 cities to record 1,20,280 units: Anarock

<ul><li>In 2018, luxury home prices in the top seven cities averaged around ₹12,400 per <keyword id="1390002" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="square-foot" source="Orion">square foot</keyword>, which has now escalated to approximately ₹15,350 per square foot. </li><li>Bengaluru and Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) followed Hyderabad closely with a 27% average price increase each. </li><li>Affordable homes priced below ₹40 lakh experienced a more modest 15% price appreciation during the same period.</li></ul>The <keyword id="386983" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="luxury-homes" source="Orion">luxury homes</keyword> segment, which pre-pandemic was in a lacklustre state, received a remarkable boost during the lockdown period resulting in substantial growth in <keyword id="6357824" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="sales" source="Orion">sales</keyword> and thus new supply being added. With demand surging, it was only a matter of time before prices caught up. An analysis of average <keyword id="2116392" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="price-trends" source="Orion">price trends</keyword> across the top seven cities in different budget categories, based on ANAROCK Research data, reveals that luxury homes have seen the most significant price appreciation at 24% over the past five years. In 2018, luxury home prices in these cities (Delhi-National Capital Region (NCR), Mumbai Metropolitan Region, Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Hyderabad and Pune) averaged around ₹12,400 per square foot, which has now escalated to approximately ₹15,350 per square foot. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Hyderabad sees significant rise, followed by Bengaluru" comment="subhead" text="Hyderabad sees significant rise, followed by Bengaluru">Hyderabad sees significant rise, followed by Bengaluru</cmsannotation> Among the top seven cities, Hyderabad witnessed the most substantial leap of 42% in the average price of luxury homes during this period, rising from around ₹7,450 per square foot in 2018 to about ₹10,580 per square foot in the first half of 2023. Bengaluru and Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) followed closely with a 27% average price increase each. In Bengaluru, the average price of luxury homes was ₹10,210 per square foot in 2018, which has now risen to ₹12,970 per square foot. In MMR, homes in the ₹1.5 crore category had an average price of ₹23,119 per square foot in 2018, which has now reached ₹29,260 per square foot. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Affordable homes experience a more muted rise" comment="subhead" text="Affordable homes experience a more muted rise">Affordable homes experience a more muted rise</cmsannotation> Contrastingly, the affordable segment - which was on a high before Covid-19 - saw compromised sales that also reflected in its average price growth. Affordable homes priced below ₹40 lakh experienced a more modest 15% price appreciation during the same period. The average price in this category across the top 7 cities was ₹3,750 per square foot in 2018, and it now stands at ₹4,310 per square foot. NCR witnessed the most significant average price increase in this category at 19%, going from ₹3,120 per square foot in 2018 to ₹3,700 per square foot in H1 2023. Hyderabad's budget homes came in second with a 16% price appreciation, rising from ₹3,460 per square foot in 2018 to ₹4,000 per square foot in H1 2023. Anuj Puri, Chairman - ANAROCK Group, says, "Extremely robust sales ably supported by good supply pipeline have resulted in luxury homes witnessing the most significant price appreciation. Considering the relative price stagnation in this segment in earlier years, a 24% increase over the last five years is notable. In the pre-pandemic period in 2019, sales in this segment were anything but stellar and this reflected in non-existent or negligible price growth." <table style="border-width: initial; border-style: none;" class="redcator-table-advance"></colgroup><tbody><tr><td colspan="4" style="border-left:solid #000000 0.75pt;border-right:solid #000000 0.75pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.75pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.75pt;vertical-align:top;background-color:#ffffff;padding:0pt 5pt 0pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Avg. Price Appreciation in Top 7 Cities (₹/sq.ft.) - 2018 Vs 2023 </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.75pt;border-right:solid #000000 0.75pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.75pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.75pt;vertical-align:top;padding:0pt 5pt 0pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Year </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.75pt;border-right:solid #000000 0.75pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.75pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.75pt;vertical-align:top;padding:0pt 5pt 0pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Affordable (&lt;₹40 Lakh) </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.75pt;border-right:solid #000000 0.75pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.75pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.75pt;vertical-align:top;padding:0pt 5pt 0pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Mid &amp; Premium (₹40 lakh - ₹1.5 Cr) </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.75pt;border-right:solid #000000 0.75pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.75pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.75pt;vertical-align:top;padding:0pt 5pt 0pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Luxury (&gt; ₹1.5 Cr) </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.75pt;border-right:solid #000000 0.75pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.75pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.75pt;vertical-align:top;padding:0pt 5pt 0pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">2018 </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.75pt;border-right:solid #000000 0.75pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.75pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.75pt;vertical-align:top;padding:0pt 5pt 0pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">3,750 </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.75pt;border-right:solid #000000 0.75pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.75pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.75pt;vertical-align:top;padding:0pt 5pt 0pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">6,050 </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.75pt;border-right:solid #000000 0.75pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.75pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.75pt;vertical-align:top;padding:0pt 5pt 0pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">12,400 </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.75pt;border-right:solid #000000 0.75pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.75pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.75pt;vertical-align:bottom;padding:0pt 5pt 0pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">2023 </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.75pt;border-right:solid #000000 0.75pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.75pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.75pt;vertical-align:top;padding:0pt 5pt 0pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">4,310 </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.75pt;border-right:solid #000000 0.75pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.75pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.75pt;vertical-align:top;padding:0pt 5pt 0pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">7,120 </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.75pt;border-right:solid #000000 0.75pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.75pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.75pt;vertical-align:top;padding:0pt 5pt 0pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">15,350 </td></tr></tbody><tbody></tbody><tbody></tbody></table>

Hyderabad leads spike in luxury home prices – top 7 cities see 24% price rise in five years

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Luxury buildings in Los Angeles, Miami, and New York are now offering IV drips to tenants.</li><li>Once used in hospitals, these treatments have become popular at wellness centers and spas.</li></ul>Luxury residential buildings are now equipped with more than just hi-fi fitness centers, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/luxury-apartments-outrageous-amenities-restaurant-spa-bar-residents-only-2018-11">outdoor movie theaters, and dog spas</a> — they're offering longevity hacks, too.A growing number of high-end buildings in Los Angeles, Miami, and New York are offering IV drips to tenants, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.nytimes.com/2024/05/14/realestate/iv-drip-therapy-luxury-building.html">according to The New York Times</a>. The luxury condominium unit One Manhattan Square offers five different IV drip formulas that range from $300 to $350. The Park — a luxury apartment building in Los Angeles where units can go for as much as $38,000 a month — has been offering IV treatments since 2023.<a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/restore-iv-drip-therapy-relieved-muscle-soreness-with-vitamins-acids-2021-12#:~:text=Though%20hospitals%20have%20used%20intravenous,vitamins%2C%20minerals%2C%20and%20supplements.">Intravenous treatments</a> have long been used in hospitals to administer drugs to patients. But in recent years they've become a fixture at medical spas, wellness centers, and longevity clinics as a way for clients to hydrate or get a boost of minerals or supplements.Drip providers say patients must stay consistent with their treatments to see optimal results — hence their move even closer to home."If you are a healthy person, you really can't do it too often, unless you're doing it three or four times a day," Danielle Remington, director of events and partnerships at Drip Hydration, the service provider for the Park Santa Monica, told the Times.Patients gravitate to these treatments because they have an instant impact without needing a lot of downtime, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/longevity-clinics-are-next-iteration-luxury-biohack-live-longer-wealthy-2023-11">clinic directors previously told Business Insider</a>. By 2028, the global IV therapy market is expected to reach $3.92 billion, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.thebusinessresearchcompany.com/report/intravenous-iv-hydration-therapy-global-market-report#:~:text=The%20intravenous%20(iv)%20hydration%20therapy%20market%20size%20has%20grown%20strongly,(CAGR)%20of%208.7%25.">according to projections</a> from The Business Research Company.

Longevity hacks are the latest luxury apartment perk 

<ul class="summary-list"><li>You don't have to spend thousands of dollars to make your home look luxurious.</li><li>Interior stylist Kiva Brent said lighting can give your home a high-end feel.</li></ul>When you think of a <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/million-dollar-listing-brokers-share-advice-luxury-buyers-sellers-2023-5">luxury home</a>, you probably imagine a cohesive space with high-end furniture, lush rugs, and statement art.But if you can't splurge on a $5,000 couch or a gallery wall, a luxurious space can feel out of reach.Business Insider tapped interior stylist and content creator <a target="_blank" href="https://www.instagram.com/kiva.brent/?hl=en">Kiva Brent</a> to find out how you can create a luxe feel without a big budget, and she said one design choice can make or break your home: lighting.<h2>Lighting can transform your home</h2>Brent told BI that she's a big proponent of avoiding overhead lighting, as it doesn't create an opulent feel.Instead, she recommends using lights to draw attention to the high points of your <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/chip-joanna-gaines-real-estate-waco-texas-photos-2023-11">space</a>."I think when you have spotlights directing your attention to different pieces in your home, that gives you a luxurious feel," she said. "It makes everything look more sultry."Brent also said sconces, which attach to the wall, can <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/dining-room-decor-mistake-rug-size-interior-designer-2023-12">elevate rooms</a> in your home without forcing you to overspend too much."I think you can make a statement with sconces as opposed to doing a big chandelier," she said. "Chandeliers can be expensive, and you have to hardwire them."But sconces don't actually have to be wired to the wall.<h2>Battery-operated lights are an affordable solution</h2>To make lighting as affordable as possible, Brent said you can find battery-operated sconces or sconces that allow you to insert battery-operated lights into them."There are tons of battery-operated sconces or sconces that you can put puck lights in that you can get from an Amazon or Target," she told BI.Puck lights are small, circular lights that run on batteries. You can put them inside sconces to make them look like wall lighting units without the stress of electrical wiring, or you can put them inside cabinets to create focal displays."You can get battery-operated lights super affordably, and they make a huge statement," Brent added.For instance, Brent told BI that some of "the most beautiful sconces" she has ever seen are the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.zgallerie.com/p-aspar-wall-sconce-140451615">Aspar Wall Sconces</a> from Z Gallerie, which retail for $49. All you need is a battery-operated candle to turn them into functioning lights."Anytime anyone has them in their home, people go crazy about them in the comment section," she said of posts of the sconces online. "So getting the puck lights or the really cheap sconces are really, really powerful for getting that luxe look for less."You can also make small changes like cutting back on knickknacks or upgrading your bath mat to <a target="_blank" href="https://www.insider.com/ways-youre-making-home-look-cheap-interior-designer-2023-2#he-thinks-people-cheapen-their-kitchens-by-not-creating-cohesive-looks-3">make your home feel luxurious</a>. Just remember, expensive pieces don't have to make or break the feel of your space.

There's a simple way to make your home look more luxurious on a budget

<ul class="summary-list"><li>I spent three nights on Isla Palenque, a five-star private island resort in Panama.</li><li>As I dined on three-course meals and enveloped myself in nature, I discovered true relaxation.</li></ul>As I pushed open the passenger door and stepped out of the air-conditioned Toyota Fortuner, my senses were immediately overwhelmed.Humidity clung to the back of my neck. The sweet scent of nearby tropical flowers filled my nostrils. The faintest bit of sea salt coated my tongue, and the sound of crashing waves was closer than I imagined.In front of me was a sign for casita seven, my home for the next three nights at <a target="_blank" href="https://www.islapalenque.com/">Isla Palenque</a>, a five-star island resort off the coast of Panama.<div type="image" title="Isla Palenque is a five-star private island resort off the coast of Panama." height="1536" width="2048" msid="112692038" hostid="261" sizebytes="934856"></div>As I walked the sandy path to the casita's entrance, the thatched structure came into view for the first time. Every other sense — the saltwater, flowers, and nearby tropical birds — vanished.In front of me was a stunning one-bedroom building. Daniela, one of the island's concierge representatives, said the inspiration was a coconut with its brown roof and bright white exterior.It was the most extravagant version of a coconut I've ever seen.Daniela gave me a quick tour of the property's amenities. There was a small tub to rinse off my sandy feet, a mini bar with complimentary snacks, two outdoor showers, and all-natural soaps.Meanwhile, my focus was still on the sight of the casita. It was easily the most captivating place I've stayed.<div type="image" title="Isla Palenque is a five-star private island resort off the coast of Panama." height="1536" width="2048" msid="112692045" hostid="261" sizebytes="1044920"></div><h2 id="33f50b9d-d26e-4646-9e73-c3c962f0c4f4">Off the coast of Panama sits the 400-acre private island</h2>I woke up bright and early on a Sunday in April, waiting for a driver to cart me away from the <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/boquete-panama-how-to-retire-in-paradise-cost-of-living-2024-8">lush valley of Boquete, Panama</a>, and bring me to the Pacific coast for a three-night stay at Isla Palenque.To get to the resort, visitors hop on a 15-minute boat ride. As my driver, Carlos, said goodbye, Francis, the resort's lead naturalist guide, welcomed me onto the boat.As we traveled through the Gulf of Chiriquí, Francis noted where dolphins are often spotted, shared the names of nearby islands, and chatted about the morning weather.Then, he pointed to our destination, a long wooden dock. No other structures were in sight, an intentional decision to blend the resort's buildings with the surrounding jungle. After walking the dock, Francis and I hopped into a parked car and headed to my casita.<div type="image" title="Isla Palenque is a five-star private island resort off the coast of Panama." height="1536" width="2048" msid="112692039" hostid="261" sizebytes="428508"></div>Isla Palenque is home to eight casitas and one six-bedroom villa. During low season, a night in a casita starts at $512, including meals, non-alcoholic drinks, boat transfers, outdoor gear, yoga classes, and daily excursions.Every part of the property was a purposeful choice made by Benjamin Loomis, the property's architect and developer, who spent five years living on Isla Palenque before turning it into a resort.The casitas were built at the jungle's edge. Steps away is a private beach, shared by a maximum of 32 guests at a time. Along with the beach, there's a communal area with a pool, a splattering of shaded day beds, and Las Rocas Restaurant and Bar, a thatched pavilion where meals and drinks are served.<div type="image" title="Isla Palenque is a five-star private island resort off the coast of Panama." height="1365" width="1820" msid="112692041" hostid="261" sizebytes="563710"></div>There's a list of daily excursions, ranging from night walks to snorkeling to in-room massages to rum tastings, some of which have additional costs.Nature is Isla Palenque's main draw. Guests have access to seven private beaches, or they can head into the jungle, where there's an abundance of winding trails. During my stay, I spotted green iguanas sunbathing on the beach, and howler monkeys joined me at the pool each afternoon.There's no TV in your casita. The focus, no matter where you are on the island, is connecting with the outdoors.I took that to heart during my first night when a storm barrelled in. I turned off the whirl of the AC unit and opened the casita's glass doors. It was like being inside a white noise machine, listening to the sounds of the ocean and rain.The next day, I woke up and walked down the beach for breakfast. Across the resort's website, I read references to "barefoot luxury," which I assumed was an advertising ploy.I quickly learned the phrase was accurate. A beach connects each casita to the pool and dining area. Besides hikes in the jungle, I didn't wear shoes during the entirety of my stay.<div type="image" title="Isla Palenque is a five-star private island resort off the coast of Panama." height="1365" width="1820" msid="112692044" hostid="261" sizebytes="119974"></div>While nature can often be associated with "roughing it," that's far from the case on Isla Palenque. The rooms oozed comfort and luxury — the bed was practically a cloud, a fridge held cold refreshments, and with a simple message, I could have someone at my casita running me a bath in a large outdoor tub.Outside my casita, everything was taken care of. I dined on three-course meals, towels were brought to me at the pool, and evening yoga classes ended with fresh watermelon juice. One day was spent on a snorkeling excursion that concluded with a picnic on a private beach, a highlight of the trip.<div type="image" title="Isla Palenque is a five-star private island resort off the coast of Panama." height="1365" width="1820" msid="112692042" hostid="261" sizebytes="302280"></div>Beyond luxury and nature, sustainability was a the forefront of Isla Palenque. There's no plastic in sight. Some food is grown on the island, and the rest is sourced from local fishermen and farmers.Even the furniture in my casita was built using materials from the island, and the hot water during my outdoor shower was heated using solar panels.<h2 id="7cfb7dbb-2fa6-4f2d-b988-9dc10672baaf">I'm now convinced private islands lead to ultimate relaxation</h2>I had pangs of guilt a few days before my trip to Isla Palenque as I swam laps at <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/panama-city-sofitel-legend-casco-viejo-hotel-review-2024-6">Sofitel Legend's infinity pool</a>. I was at another stunning property, and I wanted to take advantage of space, but I also had all of Panama City to explore.If I had stayed any longer in the warm water, I would've been late for my dinner <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/tasting-menus-traveling-solo-favorite-way-to-explore-2024-5">reservation at Intimo Restaurante</a>, one of the city's top restaurants.I spent my dinner brainstorming how I would squeeze in a tour of the Panama Canal. I debated if I had enough time to visit the Biomuseo, a popular museum exploring Panama's natural history.<div type="image" title="Isla Palenque is a five-star private island resort off the coast of Panama." height="1536" width="2048" msid="112692040" hostid="261" sizebytes="225828"></div>On Isla Palenque, there was no guilt. When I grabbed a book and sat in the pool one afternoon, I wasn't worried about missing a good restaurant or skipping a historic tour — experiencing the island was my only focus.My schedule was just that, my own time to designate how I wanted. So when my eyes glazed over the pages, I hopped out and adventured off on a paddleboard.<div type="image" title="Isla Palenque is a five-star private island resort off the coast of Panama." height="1365" width="1820" msid="112692043" hostid="261" sizebytes="232932"></div>Rarely do I feel relaxed when visiting a new destination. Instead, there's a thrilling pressure to maximize time and squeeze in as much as possible.While that feeling and those trips often lead to memorable experiences, Isla Palenque taught me that vacationing on a private island is an ideal way to relax.Plus, I left with more appreciation for Panama. I explored the island's ancient, pre-Columbian history, connected and conversed with the property's staff, and fully soaked in the breathtaking nature that surrounded me.When my three nights were over, I hopped back on the boat to head home, relaxed, re-energized, and ready to find another private island for my next trip.

You Searched For "hyderabad luxury home units" and got 11 results

Ultra-luxury homes hit ₹2,443 cr in sales in 8 months across top cities

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Simply Put: From Dal to Dolce—India is loving its luxury life

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Real estate continues to dominate India's investment portfolios, shows FICCI report

Ira Alok Puranik

Hyderabad joins big boys Delhi and Mumbai in love for homes worth ₹4 crore

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Luxury homes in vogue and Delhi, Pune are in top gear

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Real estate market shows that the rich are not worried about an economic downturn

Abhishek Jha

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