Hill-Station Home Searches Rise 8% as Buyers Shift Towards Lifestyle-Driven Destinations

The demand for hill-station homes in India continues to gain traction as more buyers shift towards serene, climate-friendly destinations for second homes and long-term investments. According to fresh data from Magicbricks, online searches for hill-station properties increased by 8% year on year in the third quarter. This clearly signals a strong and growing preference for quieter locations that offer both lifestyle appeal and long-term value.

Several destinations recorded a sharp increase in user interest, especially Ooty, Rishikesh, Dharamshala and Dehradun. These locations have long been favoured for their cooler climates, scenic surroundings and improved infrastructure. Real estate agents across these markets confirm that enquiries are steadily rising from major metros such as Chennai, Bengaluru, Mumbai and Delhi, indicating that the demand is broad-based and not restricted to local buyers alone.

While the total number of property listings in these markets saw a slight dip, quoted prices continued to firm up. Many hill destinations recorded price growth of more than 10%, supported by higher consumer intent and a tightening supply pipeline. Dehradun emerged as the strongest performer, registering an impressive 31% year-on-year increase in quoted prices. Analysts attribute this surge to improving connectivity, rising tourism and increased movement of working professionals who prefer peaceful, spacious environments.

Post-pandemic lifestyle preferences also play a major role in this shift. Many families now seek homes that can double as flexible remote-work spaces or weekend retreats. Hill-station real estate fits these requirements perfectly, blending natural landscapes with essential amenities. Developers in these regions are responding with a mix of plotted developments, premium villas and gated communities designed to complement the surroundings.

Magicbricks notes that user engagement trends point to sustained momentum for the hill-station housing segment. With better infrastructure, easier accessibility and stronger investor confidence, these locations are gradually transitioning from seasonal choices to long-term investment hotspots.

Overall, the steady 8% rise in searches, supported by firm price growth, reflects renewed confidence among homebuyers. As more people seek healthier and lifestyle-oriented environments, hill-station real estate is expected to remain one of India’s most attractive and fast-growing segments.