Weekend Homes & Farmhouse Investments: Growing Lifestyle Trend

Introduction

The pandemic years sparked a big shift in how Indians view real estate. For many, a home is no longer just about convenience or proximity to work. It’s also about escape, wellness, and lifestyle. This is why weekend homes and farmhouses have become a growing trend among urban buyers in cities like Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Pune, and Mumbai. What used to be a luxury for the ultra-rich is now becoming an achievable aspiration for professionals, entrepreneurs, and NRIs who want a blend of investment and leisure.

But are these properties truly a good investment? And what drives people toward them in 2025? Let’s explore.

Why Weekend Homes Are Rising in Popularity

1. The Search for Work-Life Balance

After years of remote and hybrid work, people now value having a retreat where they can unwind with family or even work amidst greenery. A weekend home offers both a short holiday and a mental reset without long travel times.

2. Rising Urban Stress

Pollution, traffic, and crowded neighborhoods in metros have left many craving a peaceful alternative. A farmhouse on the city outskirts offers fresh air, privacy, and more space at a relatively affordable price compared to city-core apartments.

3. Lifestyle Aspirations

Owning a farmhouse is increasingly seen as a status symbol. From hosting friends and family to growing organic produce, these properties add an experiential layer to one’s lifestyle.

4. Investment Potential

Unlike regular apartments, weekend homes come with larger land parcels. Land appreciation is often higher on city fringes, especially where infrastructure is expanding (like ORR-adjacent areas in Hyderabad).

Key Hotspots for Weekend Homes in Hyderabad

• Shankarpally & Chevella – Known for greenery, proximity to ORR, and good road connectivity.

• Moinabad & Vikarabad – Popular for farmhouses and luxury retreats, within 1–2 hours from the city.

• Shamshabad Belt – Driven by airport access and upcoming logistic hubs.

• Kollur & Sangareddy – Emerging due to growth of IT corridors and Outer Ring Road influence.

These locations offer buyers the dual advantage of personal use and appreciation potential.

Types of Buyers Investing in Weekend Homes

1. Young Professionals – Those seeking wellness-oriented living, with a budget between ₹50 lakh–₹1.5 crore.

2. HNIs & NRIs – Using weekend homes as holiday spots when in India, while renting them as luxury stays on platforms like Airbnb.

3. Agripreneurs – Buyers interested in organic farming, vineyards, or agro-tourism.

4. Investors – Those betting on long-term land value appreciation rather than immediate use.

Financial Aspects to Consider

1. Cost of Acquisition

Land parcels on Hyderabad’s outskirts range between ₹10,000–₹25,000 per sq. yard depending on location and development stage. Built farmhouses cost more but offer immediate usability.

2. Maintenance Expenses

A farmhouse requires upkeep: landscaping, security, water management, and sometimes caretakers. These can add ₹20,000–₹50,000 monthly depending on property size.

3. Rental Income Potential

Luxury farmhouses in Hyderabad can fetch ₹15,000–₹40,000 per night as short-term rentals for events, staycations, or corporate offsites. Platforms like Airbnb and SaffronStays are making this easier.

4. Tax Considerations

• Rental income is taxable in India, even for NRIs.

• Agricultural land rules apply in some zones; conversion to non-agricultural land may be needed before resale.

• Long-term capital gains tax applies on appreciation, with exemptions available under sections like 54F.

Risks and Challenges

1. Liquidity Risk – Selling a farmhouse may take longer than selling an apartment in the city.

2. Regulatory Concerns – Buyers must verify land conversion status, RERA registration (if applicable), and check for clear title deeds.

3. High Maintenance – Without regular upkeep, properties can deteriorate quickly.

4. Location Dependency – Appreciation depends heavily on infrastructure projects like highways, metro expansion, or SEZ growth.

Tips for Buyers

• Check Title Deeds – Ensure the land is free from disputes or encumbrances.

• Understand Zoning Rules – Some agricultural lands cannot be used for residential construction.

• Budget for Maintenance – Factor in long-term expenses before buying.

• Plan Rentals Strategically – Tie up with platforms or operators to maximize income.

• Look at Group Buying – Some developers now offer shared ownership or community farm projects, reducing cost and upkeep burden.

Case Study: Hyderabad’s Weekend Home Boom

Take the case of Moinabad. Over the last five years, land prices here have appreciated 35–45% due to its popularity as a farmhouse destination. Demand is driven by IT professionals from Gachibowli and Hitech City who want retreats within an hour’s drive. Similarly, Shankarpally has seen steady demand due to its ORR connectivity and upcoming projects.

This shows that the weekend home trend is not just about lifestyle—it’s also a strategic play on land appreciation plus rental potential.

Future Outlook: Are Weekend Homes Sustainable?

Experts believe this trend is here to stay. With climate-conscious buyers seeking greenery, remote work flexibility continuing, and tourism-oriented rentals rising, weekend homes are likely to remain attractive. However, buyers should treat them as long-term lifestyle investments rather than short-term flips.

Conclusion

Weekend homes and farmhouse investments are no longer niche. They represent a powerful mix of lifestyle upgrade, investment diversification, and wellness living. For Hyderabad buyers, the city’s strong infrastructure and IT-driven growth make its outskirts especially promising.

But success lies in making an informed choice—verifying legal clearances, understanding costs, and planning for both use and rental income. Done right, a weekend home isn’t just a property—it’s a retreat that pays for itself while appreciating in value.