Young investors turn to vacation rentals as smart route to side income

I grew up thinking owning a house was something you did when you were older, richer, and ready to settle down. But today, I see more and more people my age investing in property—not to live in, but to rent out. Gen Z and Millennials are changing the way we look at real estate. It’s not just about stability or family legacy anymore. It’s about earning money, building freedom, and sometimes even creating content.

In this new economy where nothing feels stable—jobs, salaries, even relationships—having a second source of income is more of a need than a dream. That’s where rental income, especially from holiday homes, is becoming a big deal. Goa, Manali, and even smaller towns are now full of young people running Airbnb-style homes.

I’ve spoken to friends who’ve turned weekend getaways into money-making machines. What used to be a quiet hill house or a beachside cottage is now part of someone’s financial plan. And it’s not just about money—it’s about lifestyle. These homes let people work from anywhere, take breaks when they need to, and still earn in the background.

Owning property can mean freedom, not just bricks and walls

I used to think you had to wait years to see any money from real estate. But that’s changing fast. Many young buyers today are skipping the idea of long-term capital gains and instead renting out homes from day one. Think cute studio apartments, poolside villas, or well-designed lofts. These aren’t just homes—they’re businesses.

Take Shiwangi Chettri from Siliguri, for example. She left her 9-to-5 job after a trip to Goa changed her outlook. She met a full-time Airbnb host who was travelling the world while renting out homes. Inspired, Shiwangi started doing the same—and she’s been documenting her journey on Instagram. She’s building something of her own, on her own terms.

Then there’s Sushmita Pramanick from Krishnanagar. At just 25, she started a homestay in Manali and now runs a travel community called “Off The Cuff.” She’s showing her audience what it’s like to start from scratch and turn a dream into income—one rental at a time.

These stories are proof that it’s not just a trend—it’s a movement. People are turning their backs on corporate burnout and building something meaningful, even if it’s risky at the start.

What I’ve learned from watching this trend

I’ll admit, social media makes this lifestyle look picture-perfect. Scenic views, guests from around the world, and ‘work from paradise’ captions are everywhere. But I’ve also learned that it’s not as simple as buying a pretty house and posting about it.

The experts I’ve spoken to say that behind the scenes, it takes serious planning. You have to deal with maintenance, permits, taxes, tenant issues—and most importantly, treat it like a business. If not, you might end up losing more than you earn.

One smart way to start is by choosing a location that offers both emotional and financial returns—places you love and where people want to visit. Start small, buy something manageable, and use digital tools to handle things like payments, maintenance, and guest bookings.

Also, don’t get carried away by hype. Not every beachfront or mountain-facing property is profitable. What matters more is whether it’s in demand year-round, if it follows local rules, and how easy it is to manage.

As Manjunath from Aakruthi Properties puts it, “Don’t just look for what’s hot right now. Think about whether this place will still be a good investment five years from now.”

ALSO READ: The danger of World War 3 is growing — leaders must choose peace

ALSO READ: Political unity or power pact? Inside India’s most enduring political alliances

Final thoughts: you can make it work—if you do it right

I think what makes this movement exciting is that it puts power back in our hands. We don’t have to wait till retirement to enjoy life or build wealth. Renting out holiday homes can give us both freedom and income—if we treat it seriously.

Of course, it’s not for everyone. It comes with risks, hard work, and patience. But if done smartly, it can become the perfect blend of passion and profit. For many in my generation, that’s the dream. And with the right mindset, it’s possible.