Telugu Families Flock to Nilgiris for Second Homes Post-Pandemic
Hyderabad: The scenic suburbs of Ooty, including Lovedale, along with other picturesque hill stations in the Nilgiris such as Coonoor, Kotagiri, and Hullathy, are rapidly emerging as preferred destinations for Telugu families seeking second homes. This trend is fueled by relatively affordable property prices and enhanced accessibility from Hyderabad, transforming these tranquil locales from mere vacation spots into permanent residential investments.
From Vacationers to Homeowners
Increasingly, families from the Telugu states are no longer content with just spending holidays in the Nilgiris; they are actively purchasing properties to establish second homes. Although precise figures are challenging to obtain, real estate insiders report a significant influx, particularly among high net worth individuals (HNIs), who are constructing homes where they reside for two to three months annually. The Covid-19 pandemic has notably accelerated this migration, with numbers continuing to rise.
"The Nilgiris is full of Telugus," remarked Anirudh Reddy, a realtor based in the region. The 54-year-old, who relocated from New Zealand approximately six years ago, now spends nearly ten months each year at his expansive 14-acre property near Coonoor, commuting to Hyderabad only when work demands. "After experiencing a series of earthquakes and aftershocks in New Zealand, my wife and I decided to return to Hyderabad. However, the first summer back saw temperatures soaring to 42 degrees Celsius, and even our dog was miserable," he shared. "Since my parents already owned a holiday home in Ooty, we visited and eventually decided to buy our own."
Reddy emphasized that his family sought a serene retreat away from Ooty's tourist crowds. "We built a modest house enveloped by nature," he added, noting the generally welcoming attitude of local residents.
Key Drivers: Connectivity and Community
Telugu families who have invested in holiday homes in and around Ooty cite proximity to Coimbatore airport as a primary factor in their decision-making. The airport offers convenient, hour-long flights from Hyderabad, facilitating emergency travel and enhancing accessibility.
"My elderly parents spend their summers here. Given their age, we had to consider medical emergencies," explained SN Sandeep, a home automation professional from Hyderabad. "If an urgent situation arises, they need to reach Hyderabad within about three hours. This made choosing Lovedale for our holiday home straightforward, compared to alternatives like Kodaikanal, Munnar, or northern hill stations."
Sandeep further highlighted that groups of Telugu families often collaborate to build holiday homes in the area, fostering a mutual support system. Buyers report land prices in parts of the Nilgiris ranging from Rs 5,000 to Rs 6,000 per square yard. However, they caution that capital appreciation may be limited, as properties are typically resold within the same community if owners decide to exit.
Emergence of Informal Gated Communities
Realtors from Hyderabad with projects in the Nilgiris observe that Telugu buyers are increasingly forming informal gated communities. This trend arises due to stringent permissions required in ecologically sensitive zones, where even the use of earth movers is restricted.
"In urban areas like Hyderabad, we can complete a project and move on within two years. In the Nilgiris, it takes nearly a year just to obtain building permits," noted N Surya, a developer overseeing a 15-acre project between Coonoor and Kotagiri. "We must also prioritize ecological sensitivity, ensuring projects blend seamlessly into the surroundings and promote sustainability."
Developers typically avoid large-scale publicity campaigns, relying instead on word-of-mouth referrals, as most projects are small-scale, comprising around nine to ten plots. Completion timelines often extend from five to seven years. Factors driving interest include:
- Limited recreational spaces in Hyderabad compared to cities like Bengaluru
- Favorable weather conditions in the Nilgiris
- Nostalgic familiarity from childhood visits
- The presence of diverse wildlife enhancing the natural appeal
Potential for Decent Returns on Investment
Both buyers and realtors indicate that with tourism rebounding post-pandemic, property owners can rent out their homes to tourists for approximately 120 to 150 days annually, even if they primarily use them during summer.
"Alongside decent rental returns, there is potential for capital appreciation as conditions improve post-2020. Previously, land investment here was viewed as stagnant, but that perception is shifting. The market is expected to evolve positively over the next five years," stated Koushik Indukuri, who launched a project in Hullathy targeting HNIs.
This growing trend underscores a broader shift in lifestyle preferences among Telugu families, blending investment savvy with a desire for serene, nature-immersed living environments.
