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<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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br />Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) and Pune. <br /><br />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.<br /><br />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. <br /><br />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.<br /><br /><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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />

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

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

<ul class="summary-list"><li><keyword id="23150740" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Daniel-Daggers" source="keywords">Daniel Daggers</keyword>, star of the Netflix show "<keyword id="23150739" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="buying-london" source="Orion">Buying London</keyword>," sells some of the UK's most expensive homes.</li><li>He spoke to BI about what selling multimillion-dollar properties to the supersuccessful is like.</li></ul><em>This as-told-to essay is based on a transcribed conversation with Daniel Daggers, a luxury real-estate agent and star of the Netflix show </em><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/netflix-buying-london-luxury-real-estate-market-super-prime-property-2024-5" target="_blank"><em>"Buying London."</em></a><em> It has been edited for length and clarity.</em><br /><br />I came from humble beginnings.<br /><br />When I was a kid, I would never have believed it if someone had told me, "You're going to be representing the most successful people on the planet and bouncing around the world, seeing incredible homes."<br /><br />When I was 17, a short internship with a local real-estate agent led to a full time job. I spent 10 years carrying the keys, driving around, and learning the industry.<br /><br />Then, I moved into a big firm where I started dealing with the <keyword id="23150738" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="super-prime-market" source="keywords">super-prime market</keyword> — properties valued in excess of $12.8 million. Now, I run my own agency.<br /><br /><h2>There's nuance in what makes a property super-prime</h2>People misinterpret shiny as luxury. It's not about that.<br /><br />Maybe it's an incredible location, the specification of finishes is out of this world, or the live style, meaning how you live in a property, is groundbreaking.<br /><br />There's all this nuance and when you get a number of those assets right, that's what makes a super-prime property.<br /><br />To be an agent at this level, you need to use different language with your client — be more articulate, provide more detailed information, and have a different attitude to work.<br /><br />A knowledge of <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/rich-real-estate-estate-gift-tax-avoidance-wealth-planning-inheritance-2024-4">taxation</a>, structure, interior design, art, and the legal system becomes more important because you're in more of an advisory role.<br /><br /><h2>This job gives me a wider understanding of what's shaping our world</h2>These people are often very time-poor. There is no finishing work at 6 p.m. You have to be available by phone for help or advice at any moment in the day.<br /><br />But working at the top end of the market is very enjoyable. I am blessed with access to some of the best minds on the planet.<br /><br />We talk about anything, not just real estate. It could be children, society, art, the legal system, friends, technology, how the industry's changing — the much more macro, big-picture things.<br /><br />It gives you a wider understanding of what's shaping our world and how business takes place.<br /><br />  <div type="image" title="Daniel Daggers stands against a white background in a white shirt and suit trousers smiling with his hands in his pockets." height="1280" width="855" msid="112782190" hostid="261"></div><h2>Buyers are getting younger</h2>I noticed about a decade ago that buyers were becoming much younger.<br /><br />Internet 2.0 enabled anyone to build businesses online, which meant the entry barrier to being <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/meet-the-15-youngest-billionaires-in-america-forbes-2021-10#1-sam-bankman-fried-crypto-entrepreneur-15">a successful entrepreneur</a> dropped drastically when it came to age and increased when it came to talent.<br /><br />I tend to attract a lot of entrepreneurs. They come into the market after five or 10 years of hard work. You can almost watch the pattern play out with how they want to live compared to people who've grown up with wealth.<br /><br />They are contemporary and mobile, have a different perspective on life, and an appetite for a different kind of real estate.<br /><br />The traditionalists will stay in the "<a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/london-eaton-square-where-russian-billionaires-live-red-square-2022-3">golden postcodes</a>." Contemporary money is indifferent; they don't necessarily want that period house in Belgravia or Mayfair. They're happy to have more properties but smaller ones worldwide.<br /><br />There's also a massive thunderstorm of change in our industry regarding how people are made aware of real estate.<br /><br />We've sold properties over social media for over a decade, and now all the top agents around the world know one another and can refer business across this network.<br /><br />I sold a $51 million property through my close friend's network on Instagram. I was one of the first people ever to sell a property over <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/elon-musk-says-twitter-could-be-western-wechat-china-superapp-2022-6">WeChat</a>, a Chinese app I used to communicate with the buyers, a 25-year-old billionaire who didn't speak very good English.<br /><br /><h2>I call myself 'Mr. Super Prime.' Building a brand in this industry is essential.</h2>It's essential to build your <keyword id="20587722" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="personal-brand" source="keywords">personal brand</keyword> if you want to be successful in this industry.<br /><br />When I worked in the firm, I started traveling to the US and saw how entrepreneurial they are. Every day is their best opportunity.<br /><br />I realized that being that person, sharing information and access was valuable. So, I started curating content, documenting my days, and building my brand online. I called myself "Mr. Super Prime," and the nickname stuck.<br /><br />My colleagues thought it was an ego play. I got a lot of pushback even though I was telling them all to do the same. But I was generating £400 million worth of leads a month.<br /><br />Now, I've scaled things up a level with <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/netflix-buying-london-luxury-real-estate-market-super-prime-property-2024-5" target="_blank">my Netflix show,</a> "Buying London."<br /><br />This city is a hidden gem, and my agency, DDRE Global, has access to some of the most desirable homes here.<br /><br />People are interested in very expensive and special properties. We are all voyeurs occasionally, and there's an element of aspiration to the show.<br /><br />  <div type="image" title="Daniel Daggers and the cast of Selling London at the premiere of the show, standing by a board with the DDRE Global branding." height="3500" width="5250" msid="112782192" hostid="261"><payload><![CDATA[Daniel Daggers and the cast of "Buying London" at its premiere]]></payload></div>Most real-estate agents are outgoing people, and if you put cameras inside anyone's house for a year and squeeze it into three hours, there will always be some drama — the show also has a fair amount of it among my employees.<br /><br />But competition is a healthy ingredient for people who want to be successful. Without it, you can become lazy and weak. You just need to remember that anyone you do business with today may be needed in the future.<br /><br /><em>Correction: August 30, 2024 — An earlier version of this story incorrectly named the Netflix show. It is titled "Buying London," not "Selling London."</em><br />

I sell multi-million dollar homes to London's super-successful. The internet has meant buyers have become much younger.

7 ways you're making your home look cheap, according to a luxury interior designer

I spent 2 hours in a Jackson Hole vacation home that costs over $10 million. Check out the ultra-luxury details.

<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><br />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. <br /><br /><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."<br /><br />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.<br /><br /><h2>What's premium, really?</h2>Imagine you’re eating Pav Bhaji at a roadside <em>thela</em>. 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!<br /><br />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.<br /><br /><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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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!<br /><br />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.<br /><br /><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. <br /><br />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. <br /><br />Nielsen report further adds that luxury brands that position themselves at twice the price of their category’s average are even witnessing stellar growth. <br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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. <br /><br />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!<br /><br /><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.<br /><br /><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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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."<br /> <br />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!<br /><br /><em>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.  </em><br /><br />

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

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Even celebrities and ultrawealthy homeowners can face challenges selling their homes.</li><li>Take the socialite Sonja Morgan — the starting bid for her NYC home is a fraction of its purchase price.</li></ul><p>The world of luxury real estate may seem like a place where deals are plentiful, transactions are swift, and satisfaction is guaranteed.</p><p>But that isn't always true, especially in New York City, where a slowdown in demand has made selling multimillion-dollar condos and townhouses more challenging, as Kenny Lee, a senior economist at <a target="_blank" href="https://streeteasy.com/blog/buyers-will-see-more-opportunities-as-affordability-improves/">StreetEasy</a>, told Business Insider.</p><p>In many of NYC's upscale neighborhoods, homes are lingering on the market longer and <a target="_blank" href="https://www.mansionglobal.com/articles/luxury-home-sales-in-manhattan-fell-during-the-first-quarter-as-prices-continued-to-tick-up-551c5d6e">sales are falling</a>, signaling that when it comes to a slump in the real-estate market — not even the nation's wealthiest Americans can walk away unscathed.</p><p>Consider the case of <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/luann-de-lesseps-sonja-morgan-rhony-legacy-response-spinoff-crappie-lake-2023-7">Sonja Morgan</a>, the ex-wife of John Adams Morgan, a great-grandson of the founder of J.P. Morgan &amp; Co. Despite Morgan's socialite status and her home's location on the posh Upper East Side, she's struggled to sell the five-story, six-bathroom brownstone.</p><p>Morgan, a star of Bravo's "Real Housewives of New York," has owned the home at 162 E. 63rd St. for 27 years, living there on and off. Since around 2008, she has made numerous attempts to sell it but has failed to attract any serious buyers.</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.curbed.com/article/sonja-morgan-real-housewife-townhouse-auction.html">Curbed</a>'s Bridget Read wrote that now, after years of listing and delisting the property, Morgan had opted to auction it with a starting bid of $1.75 million, far below its reported purchase price of $9.1 million in 1997.</p><p>"I want to be free to garden and travel and not have to worry about the house — but I'm not taking nothing," Morgan told Curbed.</p><p>Bidding opened with <a target="_blank" href="https://www.conciergeauctions.com/auctions/162-east-63rd-street-new-york-new-york">Concierge Auctions</a><strong> </strong>on May 16 and is set to remain open until May 29. As of May 24, the highest bid was $4.25 million.</p><h2 id="22e0385d-c59a-4947-95fe-3ce2e3577ae4">Even the ultrawealthy lose in the game of real estate</h2><p>Luxury-real-estate shows, such as "<a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/kirsten-jordan-million-dollar-listing-new-york-broker-schedule-2021-10">Million Dollar Listing</a>" and "<a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/get-job-with-mauricio-umansky-at-best-selling-the-agency-2022-6">Buying Beverly Hills</a>," often portray the selling of high-end homes as effortless. But even with an elite ZIP code and the pedigree of a famous or rich seller, sealing the deal can still prove difficult. <a target="_blank" href="https://www.sportbible.com/nba/michael-jordan-nba-basketball-mansion-listed-sale-336778-20240201">Michael Jordan</a>, for example, has been unable to sell his mansion outside Chicago for more than 11 years.</p><p>There's also the 105,000-square-foot <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/photos-225-million-mansion-the-one-biggest-modern-home-us-2021-9#the-property-which-was-10-years-in-the-making-came-from-film-producer-turned-real-estate-developer-nile-niami-5">mega-mansion in Los Angeles</a> developed by the former film producer Nile Niami. Following 10 years of construction, the home languished on the market without attracting a buyer. It was later placed into court-ordered receivership and subsequently entered bankruptcy proceedings. Finally, it was auctioned off for $126 million to the billionaire CEO of Fashion Nova, <a target="_blank" rel="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/fashion-nova-richard-saghianbillionaire-biggest-modern-home-one-2022-3"><u>Richard Saghian</u></a>, in 2022.</p><p>The crux of the issue is that the more expensive a home is, the fewer potential buyers it has — it's a troublesome scenario amid <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/home-prices-decline-in-texas-housing-market-shifts-favors-buyers-2024-5">slowing buyer demand</a> and <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/inflation-cost-of-living-what-is-middle-class-housing-market-2024-4">growing economic uncertainty</a>. The lack of demand from traditional buyers has led to an increasing number of ultrawealthy homeowners, including the entrepreneur <a target="_blank" href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-11-11/los-angeles-mansion-owners-test-150-000-rents-as-sales-slump">Rob DeSantis</a>, renting out their homes or <a target="_blank" href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2016-09-16/why-do-wealthy-people-auction-multimillion-dollar-homes-rather-than-list-them">auctioning them off</a> rather than waiting around for buyers.</p><p>"A lot of luxury buyers may already have a primary home, so maybe they're looking for a new investment," StreetEasy's Lee said. "For that reason, even though they are generally less affected by high mortgage rates, they are heavily influenced by the general economic outlook."</p><p>He said that was partly why more luxury buyers were increasingly considering renting out their homes rather than selling them.</p><h2 id="c490f200-60d3-4b6c-9908-890502c4562d">Custom features added by sellers and maintenance costs can also put off buyers</h2><p>One person's dream renovation could be the next person's nightmare.</p><p>Lee pointed out another obstacle for luxury homeowners: their inclination to elaborately customize their homes with features that may or may not be appealing to the average buyer.</p><p>"A lot of houses and apartments in New York City were built before the war," Lee said. "It's also for that reason, it's common for a lot of owners to go through renovations, to make it more livable and more to their own taste."</p><p>In addition to a koi pond in the garden, the Morgans also installed a large nautical star in the entryway on the ground floor during a $3 million renovation, Curbed reported.</p><div type="image" title="The entry way of Sonja Morgan's Upper Eastside brownstone." height="1367" width="2048" msid="110505086" hostid="261"></div><p>Lee said another factor contributing to the difficulty of selling luxury properties was the high costs associated with their maintenance and upkeep.</p><p>Morgan's townhouse carries estimated monthly property taxes of $6,003, according to the <a target="_blank" href="https://streeteasy.com/building/162-east-63-street-new_york/th?showcase=1">StreetEasy listing</a>. This figure doesn't include additional expenses that come with owning a townhouse such as insurance, repairs, upgrades, landscaping, and more.</p><p>Morgan told Curbed she was ready to be rid of it all.</p><p>"I don't want anyone to think, 'New York is done, and that's why she's leaving,'" Morgan said. "I'll always be a New Yorker. I just don't need all this."</p><p><em>Correction: May 28, 2024 — Because of an editing error, an earlier version of this story misidentified the entrepreneur Rob DeSantis as Gov. Ron DeSantis of Florida. Also because of an editing error, a photo caption in the story misstated the starting bid of Sonja Morgan's home. It was $1.75 million, not $1.75.</em></p>

Some wealthy people trying to sell their luxury homes are struggling

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Aspen used to be the big name in luxury <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/20-best-ski-resorts-in-america-2021-2">American skiing</a>, but Big Sky has quickly entered the game.</li><li>Lift expansions and new <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/trying-ai-fine-dining-tasting-menu-venhue-new-york-2024-9">fine-dining establishments</a> have attracted wealthy clientele.</li></ul><p>The revered slopes of Big Sky, Montana, have attracted <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/biggest-differences-skiing-vs-snowboarding-photos-2023-2">skiers and snowboarders</a> to the stretch of the Rocky Mountains since the 1970s.</p><p>A decade ago, however, it didn't have a proper supermarket, and you certainly wouldn't find any frills or fine dining.</p><p>If you wanted high-end skiing, you'd go 800 miles south to <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/best-time-to-visit-aspen-colorado-tips-skiing-snowboarding-2024">Aspen, Colorado</a>. The town, which opened its first ski lift in the mid-1940s, was already hosting some of the largest ski events, operating four ski resorts, and attracting celebrity clientele.</p><p>Today, however, Big Sky is giving Aspen a run for its money — it's now the third-largest ski area in America.</p><p>Alongside celebrities like <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/microsoft-bill-gates-ai-concerns-2024-9">Bill Gates</a> and Tom Brady, some of the world's <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/aman-club-private-members-club-nyc-photo-tour-2024-2">most exclusive private communities</a> and hotel properties have caught on to the allure of the small Montana town. </p><p>As an avid skier myself, I went to Big Sky to see how its rugged luxury quickly became such a <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/secrets-for-traveling-like-rich-from-luxury-travel-planner">magnet for the rich and famous</a>.</p><h2 id="e68f1aa5-0321-44c8-a3f4-3bcbea944470">Good powder attracts capital</h2><div type="image" title="moon rising behind a mountain peak at big sky resort in montana" height="2160" width="2880" msid="114956603" hostid="261" sizebytes="177486"></div><p>As A-listers followed the trend to Big Sky — amplified by the millionaire celebrities who frequented Yellowstone Club, the ski area's hyper-exclusive private resort — the ski area invested more into its on- and off-slope offerings.</p><p>For example, when Big Sky opened its slopes in 1973, it had four lifts and fewer than 20 trails. On my recent three-day visit, I couldn't even get to half of the 39 lifts in operation and only touched a fraction of the 300-plus ski runs.</p><p>As I made my way up different sides of the mountain, I marveled at the <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/death-of-snow-america-midwest-warm-winter-skiing-climate-change-2024-2">advanced snowmaking techniques</a> and snazzy eight-seater lifts. The real pièce de résistance, however, is the Lone Peak Tram, which opened at the end of last year.</p><p>Trams are rare at <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/best-ski-resorts-in-western-us-colorado-utah-california-2022-12">American ski resorts</a> — there are only 12 in operation across the country, setting Big Sky apart.</p><div type="image" title="car on the lone peak tram at big sky resort in montana" height="3956" width="5275" msid="114956607" hostid="261" sizebytes="1041814"></div><p>I rode the Lone Peak Tram to its 11,166-foot summit, where I enjoyed views of three states and two <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/best-underrated-national-parks-according-frequent-traveler">national parks</a>. It was breathtaking.</p><p>Then, I turned my attention to the ski area I'd be carving down, which features extreme terrain, expansive powdery bowls, and narrow triple-diamond chutes.</p><p>Big Sky delivers 400 inches of <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/ski-season-resorts-struggle-open-global-warming-climate-crisis-2024-1">annual snowfall</a> — about a third more than Aspen — and the runs I was scoping out looked practically untouched.</p><h2 id="c956c46f-0c48-4232-8648-454f578bd528">But it takes more than fancy equipment to retain exclusive clientele</h2><div type="image" title="inside everetts restaurant on the slopes of big sky resort in montana" height="2437" width="3249" msid="114956609" hostid="261" sizebytes="547690"></div><p>After a few long tree runs, I took the lift to Everett's 8800 for oysters and carpaccio served 8,800 feet above sea level.</p><p>Everett's is just one of many <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/restaurants-awards-michelin-star-new-york-city-dining-rent-costs-2024-10">elevated dining options</a> that have popped up around Big Sky over the last 20 or so years.</p><p>In order to satisfy its new elite clientele — and compete with destinations like Aspen — the ski area is now home to dozens of <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/why-hate-all-inclusive-resorts-first-trip-left-early-2024-9">massive resorts</a> and popular restaurants.</p><p>Weary skiers and snowboarders can book après-ski massages at Montage Resort<strong> </strong>before dining at its Cortina's Italian Chophouse. There, I was more than pleased with my feast of <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/guides/kitchen/homemade-pasta">homemade pasta</a> with wild-game Bolognese and bison carpaccio.</p><p>If you're in search of a more rugged mountain charm, Lone Mountain Ranch, first homesteaded in 1915, has a collection of luxury private cabins, fine-dining establishments, and nearly 50 miles of cross-country ski trails.</p><p>On my trip, I visited the resort's Horn &amp; Cantle restaurant, which was recently a James Beard semifinalist. Bartenders dressed like cowboys and cowgirls served up inventive huckleberry cocktails and phenomenal elk meatballs.</p><h2 id="d7c711e7-03c8-457b-965e-55604399f86e">Big Sky is giving the likes of Aspen a run for its money</h2><div type="image" title="chair list running at big sky resort in montana" height="3648" width="4864" msid="114956612" hostid="261" sizebytes="1117554"></div><p>Aspen, Colorado, has long been considered America's top ski town for the wealthy. But Big Sky has successfully elbowed its way into the club.</p><p>I saw firsthand what happens when businesses bring their luxury concepts to the slopes — in Big Sky's case, they've fostered improvements that are outpacing the national competition. The ski area offered some of the best and least crowded terrain I've ever ridden in the States.</p><p>Plus, Big Sky isn't done expanding.</p><p>The area announced its Big Sky 2025 project in 2016. Even though we're quickly approaching the original completion year, a number of elevating expansions are still in the works — including a second eight-seater lift, a new gondola, and <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/peru-luxury-hotel-side-of-mountain-worth-it-photos-2023">on-mountain dining options</a>.</p><p>As such, Big Sky may just become <em>the</em> place where the rich and famous choose to play in the winter.</p>

I went to Big Sky — the luxurious ski destination that's giving Aspen a run for its money

We all have a dream house. Be it a humble abode in the hills or a luxurious mansion in the city, home means different things to different people. And for years, games like <keyword id="21767831" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="The-Sims" source="keywords">The Sims</keyword> have let people build and customise dream homes virtually. For many, this has also resulted in a love for <keyword id="23718168" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="interior-designing" source="keywords">interior designing</keyword>.<br /><br />There are many YouTubers who love showing off their homes created on The Sims on their channel. From tutorials to home tours, there is a whole lot of content about the game available online. But what if we tell you that just like in The Sims, you can actually design your home as well with just the click of a few buttons?<br /><br />With AI-powered design tools, creating a stylish home is no longer limited to designers. You can design your home yourself as well and have loads of fun in the process. Here’s a look at some popular tools that can make this possible. <br /><br /><h2><keyword id="23718169" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="IKEA-Kreativ" source="keywords">IKEA Kreativ</keyword></h2><br />With <keyword id="19948265" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="IKEA" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="IKEA" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="IKEA">IKEA</keyword> <keyword id="23718172" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="kreativ" source="keywords">Kreativ</keyword>, users get a hands-on approach to decorating, letting you mix IKEA’s catalog into your room before you buy. The tool’s easy-to-use Room Planner is like a real-world Sims setup, allowing you to drag, drop, and rearrange furniture until the space feels just right. All you need to do is scan your room to get started. Perfect for holiday makeovers or seasonal sprucing, Kreativ’s interactive design makes it simple to envision new ideas and experiment with layouts.<br /><br /><h2><keyword id="23718171" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="DecorMatters" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="DecorMatters" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="DecorMatters">DecorMatters</keyword></h2><br />DecorMatters is more than a design app; it’s a community of enthusiasts, novices, and pros who can collaborate on projects and seek feedback. With AI and AR functionalities, you can visualise how new decor fits in your actual room. The platform offers design contests too, fostering creativity and making the process feel as playful and engaging as The Sims’ building mode. It’s a fantastic option if you’re looking for inspiration and real-time support in customising your space.<br /><br /><h2><keyword id="23718170" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Visualize-AI" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Visualize AI" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="Visualize AI">Visualize AI</keyword></h2><br />Imagine if you could snap a picture of a room and instantly generate different design ideas—that’s Visualize AI’s core. Similar to picking a room in The Sims and playing with style options, Visualize AI makes it possible to explore layouts and themes with minimal effort.<br /><br />Its AI can reimagine entire spaces or focus on specific items, like transforming a sofa or a table. Ideal for those who may not have a design background, this tool takes you from concept to visualisation in minutes.<br /><br /><h2>Coohom</h2><br />Coohom delivers high-quality, photorealistic renders that stand out for their professional finish. With options to create detailed 3D models and customise textures, furniture, and lighting, it’s an advanced tool that even non-experts can handle. Coohom’s setup is reminiscent of The Sims, where you start with a blank room and gradually layer in details. This tool’s strength lies in its realistic finish, allowing users to experiment with professional-grade designs without needing professional skills.<br /><br /><h2>Homestyler</h2><br />Homestyler is tailored for beginners, providing straightforward tools like 3D modeling and floor planning. Users can upload sketches or photos of their room, and start decorating right away.<br /><br />With a large furniture library similar to The Sims, Homestyler’s drag-and-drop interface makes it easy to customise rooms and explore layouts, especially if you’re looking for an easy way to start designing.<br /><br />Whether you’re a hobbyist or looking to revamp your home, these platforms let you explore layouts and decor in an engaging way, making <keyword id="21154280" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="home-design" source="keywords">home design</keyword> accessible, fun, and closer to reality than ever before.<br />

Love playing The Sims? Use these AI tools to design your home in real life

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Last year, Ellie Furuya got married at a luxury resort in Phuket, Thailand.</li><li>Furuya says she would do a few things differently if she could go back.</li></ul><p><em>Ellie Furuya, 32, is a Hong Kong-based influencer, the founder of Rii Swim, a swimwear brand, and a mother. This interview has been edited for length and clarity.</em></p><p>After six years of navigating life and love, my now-husband and I finally <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/how-wealthy-couples-spend-money-wedding-planner-tradition-venue-entertainment-2024-10">tied the knot</a> last year in Phuket.</p><p>I grew up in Hong Kong and was raised in a Japanese family. After graduating from an international high school, I spent time in Tokyo, completed my master's degree in London, and eventually returned home.</p><p>It was back in Hong Kong that I met my now-husband, Jon.</p><p>Deciding that I wanted to marry him was easy, but picking where we wanted to hold our <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/long-engagement-frugal-fiances-pay-for-own-wedding-2024-5">wedding was complicated</a>.</p><p>Jon also comes from a mixed background — he was born and raised in Singapore and grew up in Bangkok, New Delhi, and London — he's half-Thai and half-English.</p><p>With friends and family around the world, there wasn't one obvious place to host the wedding. But eventually, we decided that <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/fat-fire-early-retirement-usa-thailand-passive-income-dad-hobbies-2024-4">Phuket</a>, in southern Thailand, was the right spot. Jon has roots there, and we knew our guests would appreciate the beaches and culture. Our son, Kenzo, was seven months old at the time.</p><p>We got married in November at <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/rosewood-kona-village-review-hawaii-resort-big-island-2024-10">Rosewood</a> Phuket, a five-star resort with views of the Andaman Sea. Looking back, I'd still choose Phuket, but there were certain logistics I'd tackle differently.</p><p>If I could <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/best-unique-ideas-weddings-from-expert-planner">plan our wedding</a> all over again, here are five things I'd change.</p><div type="image" title="Two men, backs turned, holding umbrellas." height="4000" width="6000" msid="115234745" hostid="261" sizebytes="1599612"></div><h2 id="87c83346-d273-47e6-b27c-d2c14fd9bda2">1. Prepare for rain, no matter what</h2><p>We <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/answers-to-wedding-questions-guests-too-scared-to-ask-2021-6">planned our wedding</a> during the dry season, convinced that we'd be safe from rain. But as anyone who's ever experienced tropical weather can attest, you can never be too sure.</p><p>On our wedding day, the skies opened up just as I was about to walk down the aisle, transforming our carefully planned outdoor ceremony into a battle against the elements. While we had a glass rain cover for the reception, the aisle itself was not adequately protected, leading to muddy shoes and a slippery situation for my bridal party.</p><h2 id="8a9dd868-443d-4ee0-9218-bde1191c2b3f">2. Commit fully to local cuisine</h2><p>One of the highlights of any <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/couple-marrying-st-lucia-wedding-wedding-tips-advice-2022-6">destination wedding</a> is the opportunity to showcase local flavors.</p><p>Our guests enjoyed the Thai buffet we offered on the first night, but when it came time for the wedding meal, we veered into Mediterranean cuisine. While the food was presented well, it didn't resonate as strongly with our setting or the experiences we wanted to share. If I could do it again, I would prioritize Thai food throughout the entire weekend.</p><div type="image" title="Baby being pushed down the aisle during wedding reception." height="3770" width="5655" msid="115234750" hostid="261" sizebytes="825114"></div><h2 id="351f05be-e426-4552-9a12-a77acb7574f4">3. Stick to a strict budget</h2><p>As our guest list grew from an initial 50 to 139 attendees, so did our budget. <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/couple-winery-wedding-budget-breakdown-venue-flowers-decor-costs-2024-3">Wedding costs</a> can spiral quickly, especially when you're planning a destination event.</p><p>With guests traveling in from overseas, we planned a party on Friday with a dinner buffet. On Saturday, we opted for a four-course Mediterranean dinner with four hours of free flow.</p><p>Once extras, including a Thai noodle cart, flowers, fire-spinning entertainers, and the custom wagon we had built for our son, were added in, it added up to around $500 per guest for the two nights.</p><h2 id="bf78c090-c5bb-4af4-b832-20b847bf9150">4. Educate guests about the area</h2><p>Many of our guests were <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/best-things-to-do-in-thailand-frequent-traveler-multiple-visits-2024-1">visiting Thailand</a> for the first time, and I realized I hadn't provided enough information about the local culture. After the wedding, I found out that most of my guests stayed on the hotel grounds the entire time, and with a bit more guidance, I could have encouraged them to go out exploring.</p><div type="image" title="Taking shots and dancing during wedding reception." height="4000" width="6000" msid="115234748" hostid="261" sizebytes="657308"></div><h2 id="0aa3b7c1-432b-4389-a52a-ed5c29c3401c">5. Create an inclusive experience for guests</h2><p>Reflecting on the event, I realize I could have done more to make the <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/things-to-consider-before-you-have-kid-friendly-wedding-2022-2">wedding more kid-friendly</a>. The celebration unintentionally became quite adult-centric, centered on lively parties and plenty of drinks, which may have led guests with small children to leave early.</p><p>While we did offer babysitting services and guests had access to the resort's kids' playhouse, I would have provided more activities tailored for parents and children. Simple additions like custom coloring books and goodie bags could have created a more inclusive atmosphere for everyone.</p>

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