Nowadays, with work moving from offices to homes, more and more people are taking advantage of the flexibility to work from mountains, beaches, or anywhere that feels like a little escape. Whether you’re a freelancer, a remote professional, someone looking for a lifestyle change, or just hoping to invest in real estate to earn from these peaceful spots, this blog will walk you through how the trend is shaping the market and what it costs to buy in these corners of India.
Goa — where beaches meet balance
Goa isn’t just a tourist spot anymore. Lately, it’s become a favorite for second homes. In North Goa, apartments and homes usually cost around ₹12,000–₹19,000 per sq ft, while in the south, older properties sit closer to ₹8,000–₹14,000. Villas near beaches like Assagao and Anjuna can easily cross ₹20,000 per sq ft. NRIs and professionals keep interest high, which pushes prices up.
Short-term rentals make the most money here. Managed villas can earn about 6–9% a year before expenses. Long-term lets for digital nomads or retirees are steadier, around 3–5%. Monsoon months can slow things down a bit, so planning cash flow is important.
What makes Goa special is the lifestyle and limited supply. Areas near Mopa Airport or along Porvorim are seeing nice appreciation. Always double-check coastal rules, titles, and local permissions. Managed villas or gated communities tend to be safer than buying a single plot.
Investor Tip: Look for properties close to co-working hubs or upcoming airports. These spots often see faster appreciation and better rental occupancy.
Lifestyle Insight: Areas with a mix of cafes, beaches, and cultural events attract longer stays and repeat tenants.
Pondicherry & Auroville — heritage and mindful living
Few places mix calm and history like Pondicherry. White Town’s pastel homes and Auroville’s experimental communities attract artists, freelancers, and eco-entrepreneurs. Heritage houses in White Town go for ₹15,000–₹20,000 per sq ft, while outskirts and Auroville fringes fall between ₹6,000–₹10,000.
Boutique stays do well, especially with foreign visitors and wellness travellers. Yields hover around 5–7% before maintenance. Demand is steady year-round, so it’s less volatile than beach markets.
Heritage zones are tightly regulated. Always check renovation permissions. Auroville and East Coast Road offer more flexibility for eco-housing or homestays. Prices in some premium pockets have risen 20–25% in recent years. Buyers who appreciate character properties and maintain them carefully can find long-term value.
Investor Tip: Heritage homes with tourism potential or places that can be used for eco-tourism usually rent well and grow in value over time.
Lifestyle Insight: Homes near beaches, art hubs, or wellness centers tend to draw tenants who stay longer and pay well.
Rishikesh — spiritual calm and steady growth
Rishikesh has quietly grown from a yoga hub into a remote-work favorite. Hillside cafés with broadband, co-living spots, and meditation centers attract people who stay for months, not just weekends.
Homes around Tapovan and AIIMS Road go for ₹5,000–₹9,000 per sq ft. River-facing plots or premium builds can be pricier. Uttarakhand’s recent circle rate changes nudged land prices up about 10–20%.
Many owners mix holiday rentals with long-term tenants. During festivals and winter, yields hit 6–8%, dipping a bit in the warmer months.
Rishikesh has low entry costs and a steady spiritual-tourism base. Watch road access, river-area permissions, and monsoon maintenance. Small retreat homes with verified titles offer a nice balance of peace and profits.
Investor Tip: Consider properties near the Ganga or close to yoga and wellness centers, as these attract longer-term visitors and higher rental demand.
Lifestyle Insight: Proximity to adventure sports and wellness retreats increases both rental appeal and property value.
Coorg – coffee hills and homestay economics
Coorg, or Kodagu, is for people who want fresh air, open space, and a slower pace rather than quick flips. Most properties are estates or small villas. Homes usually go for ₹2,500–₹3,500 per sq ft. Agricultural plots can be cheaper if not converted yet.
Tourism peaks from October to February. Boutique homestays and farm stays often earn 4–6% gross returns. Plantation walks or local experiences can boost income.
Buying farmland as an outsider needs proper conversion. Titles and access roads should be checked carefully. Still, Coorg is appealing if space and lifestyle matter more than a fast resale.
Investor Tip: Lake-view properties and heritage homes that can operate as short-term rentals often give the best mix of steady demand and long-term appreciation.
Lifestyle Insight: Being close to lakes, palaces, and cultural hubs usually keeps demand high all year and helps maintain good occupancy.
Dharamshala — culture, clouds, and cash flow
Dharamshala sits under the Dhauladhars and has grown from a backpacker spot to a boutique property market. NGOs, volunteers, and long-term visitors provide a steady rental base.
Homes near McLeod Ganj or Dharamkot cost ₹6,000–₹12,000 per sq ft, depending on view and access. Some new hillside apartments are appearing, but stock is limited.
Holiday rentals dominate, but monthly lets for students and professionals are rising. Gross yields usually fall between 5–7%, though upkeep in the mountains can be higher.
Some plots have government or institutional ties, so verify ownership. Always get a No Objection Certificate before building or running a homestay. Dharamshala’s reputation keeps demand steady, even if sales aren’t instant.
Investor Tip: Try to pick properties that have good access roads and clear, verified titles. These make running rentals or homestays much easier.
Lifestyle Insight: Places with views of the Dhauladhar mountains or near meditation retreats tend to attract more guests and keep rental interest high.
Udaipur — lakeside stability with heritage charm
Udaipur mixes romantic heritage with a steady property market. Tourists, retirees, and locals keep demand active, making it safer than purely seasonal towns.
Apartments and villas generally cost ₹4,000–₹5,000 per sq ft. Lake-view or heritage properties can reach ₹7,000–₹9,000. Supply is limited, so prices rise slowly, about 6–8% a year.
Serviced apartments and homestays appeal to tourists and locals alike. Year-round demand keeps vacancy low. Gross yields hover around 5–7%, especially near Lake Pichola and the old city.
Udaipur suits investors looking for steady growth rather than quick flips. Clear rules and consistent demand make it one of India’s most balanced lifestyle markets.
Investor Tip: Look for lake-view or heritage homes that can be rented out short-term. These usually attract steady interest and tend to grow in value over time.
Lifestyle Insight: Being near lakes, palaces, or cultural spots helps keep demand consistent and keeps occupancy high throughout the year.
Tier-2 Cities: calm, convenient, and growing
Coimbatore, Dehradun, and similar cities are quietly becoming popular. People love that you can live near rivers or hills and still have everything you need—cafes, schools, shops, fast internet—close by. It’s peaceful, but not far from daily life.
These cities are also slowly growing. Roads are improving, new co-working spaces and local spots are opening, and neighborhoods with easy access to essentials rent quickly and hold value. So, it’s a great place to live and a smart spot for an investment that can grow over time.
Smart Homes: little upgrades, big difference
Even small tech features can make a home more appealing. Fast Wi-Fi, smart lights, climate control, or basic security systems make life easier—especially for people working from home. Tenants notice these little things and usually don’t mind paying a bit extra.
Adding a few smart features can help your property rent faster and stay in demand. In Tier-2 cities, where life is already calm and affordable, these small touches give your home an edge and make it attractive for years.
Comparative snapshot
| Location | Avg Price (₹/sq ft) | Yield Range | Demand Pattern | Typical Buyer |
| Goa | 12k–19k | 6–9% | Seasonal, high-end | NRIs, digital nomads |
| Pondicherry | 6k–15k | 5–7% | Year-round | Heritage lovers, eco buyers |
| Rishikesh | 5k–9k | 5–8% | Wellness/seasonal | Retirees, spiritual investors |
| Coorg | 2.5k–3.5k | 4–6% | Monsoon sensitive | Lifestyle investors |
| Dharamshala | 6k–12k | 5–7% | Seasonal | Boutique stay owners |
| Udaipur | 4k–5k | 5–7% | Mixed | Hybrid users |
General investor tips for remote work destinations in India:
- Make sure the property you’re buying has clear titles and all the right permissions.
- Check the local rules, especially if you want to run a homestay or buy a heritage property.
- Try to pick places near co-working spots, airports, or areas popular with tourists—it helps keep rentals full.
- Think about seasonal demand and how much upkeep will cost throughout the year.
- Extras like plantation tours, yoga classes, or lake access can make your property more appealing to renters.
- Don’t put all your eggs in one basket—mix villas, heritage homes, and apartments to spread risk.
- Keep an eye on how the area is developing; upcoming roads, airports, or tourist projects can boost property value.
- Always plan your cash flow and save a little for the quieter months when rentals are slower.
Legal and financial basics
Before you sign anything, keep these points in mind:
- Check the title and land use: Make sure the property is really yours to buy. Look at ownership documents, whether it’s classified as agricultural, and local zoning rules.
- Get all permissions in writing: Some areas have special rules—coastal, forest, or hill regulations. Always get clearances before paying.
- Understand costs: Circle rates and duties change from state to state. Set aside roughly 8–10% extra for transaction costs.
- Check utilities: Make sure electricity, water, broadband, and any backup systems are working before moving in.
- Plan for maintenance: Homes in the hills or on the coast can wear out faster. Keep a 2–3% annual reserve for repairs.
- Look into rental rules: Some states require registration if you plan to rent short-term.
- Know the tax side: Income from short-term rentals is taxable. Keep track of expenses—you can claim deductions.
Housing.com Pov
Remote work has changed the way we pick homes. Towns like Goa, Coorg, Dharamshala, Rishikesh, Pondicherry, and Udaipur aren’t just scenic—they’re places where you can live, work, and earn rental income.
The key is simple: choose a property that’s legally sound and enjoyable to be in. Look for good connectivity, local amenities, and lifestyle appeal—cafés, co-working spaces, and outdoor activities make a difference. Seasonal fluctuations and maintenance matter, but steady demand from long-stay tenants keeps investments safe.
Buy wisely, and these towns can offer both financial returns and a better way of life.
FAQs
What kind of returns can I expect?
Usually, after costs, properties give about 3–6% in net returns. Some spots do better, but it’s smart to keep your expectations realistic.
Land or ready-to-move-in property- what’s safer?
A ready villa or apartment is simpler—less paperwork, fewer surprises. Land can be profitable, but you have to be very careful with legal checks.
Will remote-work demand last?
Absolutely. Hybrid work isn’t going away. Many people now treat second homes as their base for months at a time.
Which cities balance lifestyle and investment well?
Udaipur and Pondicherry stand out. They have decent returns, steady demand throughout the year, and are easier to resell.
How to avoid scams?
Watch out for unregistered brokers, verbal deals, or cash-only transactions. Always verify land titles and municipal approvals before handing over money.
| Got any questions or point of view on our article? We would love to hear from you. Write to our Editor-in-Chief Jhumur Ghosh at jhumur.ghosh1@housing.com |