Affluent Indians seek second home to escape Covid-19 pandemic rage

Enquiries have jumped 20-40% vis-a-vis pre-Covid period, say realty agents

The need to escape covid-infested cities is prompting well-heeled Indians to look for a second home in ‘safer’ places. They are looking everywhere, from the outskirts of the city they live in to tier-2 cities, green belts with open spaces within the city, the hills, and even Dubai.

Ritesh Mehta, senior director at real estate consultancy firm JLL India, said inquiries for second homes have risen 20-30 per cent since before the pandemic. The second wave, in particular, has triggered a rush from people in cities such as Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, and Bengaluru.

“Some are looking for a second home within 40