What is resort-style luxury housing?
Luxury is a term used in almost all the fields that are part of the developing and upcoming realms of the social fabric today and is often seen in the housing estate, which has been an expensive affair and continues to be. Metropolitan cities are populating incessantly; people are driven towards the hustle of these cities in search of better opportunities and becoming a part of the push and pull theory of residential mobility. On the other hand, this commotion is also repelling people, driving them to another type of living, away from the city but closer to nature and a part of the resort-style communities. Suggestive of the name, these housing units have amenities that match a five-star resort and provide an additional benefit to call it home.
The concept of luxury housing in resort-style communities has the comfort of a home and the convenience of a resort (–). These planned, and gated communities are often located in places of popular attractions and natural beauty. Though independent homes, the residents have shared community services and this living style also helps contribute to a social and community life. Unline the regular houses, the amenities differentiate these luxury houses that include landscaping, swimming pools, fitness centers, spa, and concierge services, and there are additions or subtractions based on different types that people choose.
Catering to a niche target audience, these resort-style luxury houses have higher than regular houses with an increased living expenditure to enjoy a low maintenance and hassle-free lifestyle. And unlike in resorts, these are primary or secondary houses for the residents, and hence they can be benefited from these services throughout the year. Being gated, they are safe and secure. But being located in locations closer to nature, they are generally stretched away from the main city and not easily accessible. The communities have usually a set of regulations in terms of construction and use of elements in the exteriors, depending on the place, but they bind the place together and can seem restrictive for independent units built inside. These factors suggest that the living standards are different and undoubtedly higher, but they target specific people who are comfortable with these norms and can afford this lifestyle.
Typology and Target Group
Broadly divided on the target group, the resort-like luxury housing communities can be divided into a few categories. There are golf and luxury houses, sports and country clubs. There are multi-generational and retirement homes that have clinics and additional nursing homes on the premise. They offer medical services to an extent but give more focus to independent living. There are those for active adults, above 55 year age group. And based on the location, beach, and lakefront houses.
Let’s get this out of the way: nine times out of ten, “luxury” is really just a marketing term. Most houses marketed as “luxury” aren’t really luxurious in any meaningful sense of the word (Herriges, D, 2018). This indicates that the term luxury is exploited in its usage and commonly misinterpreted to elevate the prices of real estate properties. The amenities definitely distinguish luxurious estates from ordinary, but it is also the location that creates this division. Either the scarcity of properties in a particular location or the scenic location properties contribute to the increased price range; the latter being of relevant importance here.
Cultural Context
With the basic and common features listed above, there are certain other features that are included in this community living, based on the geographical and cultural context of the location. While the resort-like communities are luring new potential buyers, the idea of resort-like amenities differs for them to a great extent, based on their taste. In the U.S. and Mexico, for example, buyers are increasingly interested in activities-based amenities, such as farming and wine-making. In Europe, millennials desire amenities centered around wellness, as well as restaurants and bars. (“Residential Resorts: A Booming Luxury Sector”, n.d.). In Australia, a relaxed alternative involving wellness and stress relief activities draws more attention. A lot of these are marketed under the scope of ‘lifestyle developments’, wherein the sellers are trying to sell a lifestyle more than just a luxurious property in the hills, beaches, or oceanfront. The additional communal services fluctuate as per the demography of the location.
There are a few fronts on which this concept can be understood as a burgeoning industry in itself as it is becoming popular and effective. One is the sense of ownership and establishment it allows, unlike the hotels and resorts. And at the same time, it offers multiple opportunities to enjoy the services that independently seem more expensive and not that easily accessible. This is where the community idea is helpful, besides the social environment it helps create. Second is the investment perspective which is alluring and is indeed passive. The operation, rentals, management, and maintenance are handled by the developer. Third, the reason that millennials are pulled to this typology of housing is because of the experience that they are trying to sell. For example, the estates are built in scenic locations and can access different processes, such as vineyards and hands-on wine-making with private tastings.
References:
Herriges, D.A.N.I.E.L., 2018. Why are developers only building luxury housing?. Strong Towns, 25.
https://www.themillenniumbuilders.com/real-estate/what-is-a-resort-style-living/
https://architecturebeast.com/revealed-why-these-resort-communities-are-an-ideal-choice-for-luxury-homebuyers/
https://www.grandmanors.com/blog/what-you-need-to-know-about-resort-style-living
https://architecturebeast.com/revealed-why-these-resort-communities-are-an-ideal-choice-for-luxury-homebuyers/
https://www.mansionglobal.com/articles/residential-resorts-a-booming-luxury-sector-204364
