Wellness homes are super luxury residences prioritising human health and well-being by incorporating features that positively impact various aspects of life. These homes go beyond basic amenities and offer specially designed elements to elevate lifestyles to extraordinary levels. Aimed at Non-Resident Indians and high-net-worth individuals, including corporate executives, doctors, lawyers, and entrepreneurs, wellness homes provide a closer connection to nature. They enhance air quality, water purity, nourishment, lighting, fitness, comfort, and mental well-being. By promoting a holistic approach to living, wellness homes have become a choice for health-conscious individuals seeking a luxurious and balanced lifestyle.
The Surge of Wellness Homes in India
India experienced a remarkable surge in the luxury housing sector in 2022, with statistics from the past four years indicating a threefold increase in the number of units sold. The year 2022 accounted for 17% of all housing launches in the wellness homes segment. The COVID-19 pandemic had initially led developers to pause the construction of new luxury homes due to limited sales before the pandemic. However, the post-pandemic period witnessed unprecedented growth in the demand for luxury housing, indicating a remarkable recovery in the market and a renewed interest in high-end residential properties. This surge in the luxury housing sector highlights the significance of understanding the underlying reasons behind this exponential growth, shedding light on the evolving preferences and priorities of homebuyers in India.
The Motivations Behind the Surge
Buyers in the luxury housing sector seek a refined lifestyle with tailor-made solutions encompassing luxury amenities and high-quality developments offered by reputable builders. State-of-the-art amenities, emphasis on green spaces, automation, and proximity to social infrastructure such as schools, hospitals, retail, and entertainment play crucial roles in their decision-making process. The location of the property also holds significant importance. Moreover, a niche segment of individuals with extensive global experiences aims to replicate similar living styles in their home country, showcasing India’s growth trajectory in this sector. Integrating technology and digital tools has facilitated greater customisation, making it easier for buyers to choose and purchase properties through virtual and augmented reality. The luxury housing sector offers high returns on investment and promotes sustainable high-end living, reflecting the evolving demands and aspirations of discerning homebuyers. Two noteworthy examples of wellness homes are DLF’s Arbour in Gurugram and Gulshan Dynasty in Noida.
DLF’s Arbour
DLF’s Arbour spans 28 acres and is located on the Golf Course Extension Road. It comprises five high-rise towers with low density, offering 85% green and open areas surrounding the towers. With 38 to 39 floors, the development features 1,137 fully furnished 4BHK flats, including study and utility areas, starting from approximately 4,000 square feet onwards. Priced at Rs. 18,000 per square foot, the units start at seven crores onwards, providing a flexible payment plan. The project is set to be completed by 2027. Notably, the units were sold out even before the official booking launch, with an average price of 7.5 crores per unit. DLF secured a staggering 80,000 crores during the booking launch as the initial booking amount.
These wellness homes boast an impressive array of amenities contributing to their status as highly sought-after high-end luxury housing options in 2022. The double-height entrance lobbies create a grand impression, while the spacious party decks, spanning several feet wide, offer an ideal space for entertaining guests. The floor-to-ceiling clear height of 3.4 meters enhances the sense of openness and elegance within each apartment. Additionally, including three parking spaces equipped with EV charging facilities adds convenience and promotes sustainability. The fully fitted kitchen, complete with high-end appliances, caters to the discerning tastes of residents.
The unique feature of having two apartments to a core, with the option to combine them into a larger unit, allows for customisation and flexibility in living arrangements. With 12 lifts per tower, accessibility is prioritised. The pedestrian areas, swimming pool, jogging track, gym, and multicuisine restaurant provide opportunities for recreation and relaxation. Hassle-free parking and excellent connectivity further enhance the desirability of these luxury homes. Overall, the comprehensive amenities and attention to detail make these wellness homes highly coveted in the high-end luxury housing market of 2022.
Gulshan Dynasty
Located in Noida sector 144, this high-rise, low-density housing sprawls across 5.8 acres with a 76% coverage. It comprises three towers and 198 units, each spanning 34 floors. Unique to this development, only two apartments occupy a single floor, ensuring privacy and exclusivity. The 4 BHK units offer spacious living with an area of 4,700 square feet, and six duplexes are also available for those seeking a distinctive layout. Customisation options allow clients to tailor their living spaces to their specific requirements. The unit prices start at 8.5 crores, with a rate of 11,000 per square foot.
Highlighting the amenities, these wellness homes offer breathtaking panoramic views, allowing residents to enjoy mesmerising sunsets and sunrises from their decks. The Hindon River adds to the picturesque surroundings. Yoga and sunbathing decks within the units provide a serene space for relaxation and rejuvenation. The units also feature designated areas for domestic help, complete with beds and baths. Private bath areas with decks create a luxurious bathing experience. The centralised air conditioning system and fully automated features ensure comfort and convenience. Fire-resistant materials are incorporated for added safety, and biometric access provides secure entry to the units.
The development offers a range of additional amenities. A dedicated concierge service, spacious waiting areas, and meditation spaces on the ground floor provide a tranquil living environment. Rooftop meditation areas with Zen landscaping provide a serene escape. The landscape is adorned with medicinal, aromatic, and mosquito-repellent plants, while air purifying and misting systems create a comfortable outdoor atmosphere. Pet-friendly amenities and small farms for organic produce cater to residents’ well-being. A soil-free hydroponic farm promotes sustainable and fresh produce within the community. Safety measures include high walls, CCTV surveillance, biometric cards, and facial recognition technology.
In addition to these unique features, residents can enjoy the standard amenities such as kids’ play areas and a clubhouse. The development also includes a rooftop cinema, a café, a jogging track, and star-gazing facilities. These comprehensive amenities cater to residents’ diverse needs and desires, creating an exceptional living experience in these wellness homes.
In 2022, Godrej Properties extended the opportunity of luxury condominiums to select clients by invitation, highlighting the pronounced economic divide within India. With the surge in luxury and wellness homes, it becomes evident that wealth accumulation is concentrated within the cream of society, reflecting the growing economy of India and substantiating the rhetoric that 90% of India’s wealth is concentrated among the 10% who belongs to the creamy layer of our society. Hence, it is important to acknowledge that these opulent living spaces remain a distant dream for the common man, who often finds them financially inaccessible. This reality emphasises the need for a balanced approach in the real estate sector, ensuring that housing options cater to various economic backgrounds and fostering inclusivity and equitable development in India’s housing landscape.
Reference
You Tube videos:
- Zricks.com. (2022). ₹5.17 Cr 🇮🇳 1st Luxury Wellness Homes ♥️ 4 BHK Sample Apartment (4700 sqft) ► Gulshan Dynasty, Noida. [YouTube video]. Available at: https://youtu.be/W4vYve670To. [Accessed: 4 June 2023].
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Online Newspaper Article:
- Sastri, A. (2023, April 8). Luxury Housing continues to witness good times. Voices, Lifestyle, TOI,Retrieved from: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/blogs/voices/luxury-hosing-continues-to-witness-good-times/
Website:
- DLF Homes. [online]. Available at: https://www.dlfhomes.co.in/dlf-arbour-sector-63-gurgaon/ [Accessed 4 June 2023].
