In a trend gaining remarkable momentum, Indian-origin professionals and entrepreneurs based in smaller nations like Netherlands, Poland, Ireland, Portugal, Switzerland and many more are increasingly investing in luxury vacation real estate in India. What began as a sentimental connection to their homeland is now evolving into a strategic and lucrative investment movement.
Driven by a blend of economic sensibility, emotional ties, and aspirational lifestyles, a growing number of NRIs from the Netherlands—including both highly skilled professionals and the culturally rooted Hindustani-Surinami Indian community—are exploring vacation hill homes, beach villas, and farmlands across India. This surge is far from anecdotal—it marks a significant shift in cross-border real estate investment patterns.
BEGIN India Think Tank, a policy focused outfit, has previously evangelized Ayurveda Exports across 20+ countries. With a strong connect among Indian Diaspora they are now launching an initiative across 12 countries to capitalize on the new sentiment of Indian Origin Investors looking homewards. A newer target segment, fresh markets and niche offerings, previously not on the radar of Indian Real Estate Vacation Assets Developers.
The NRI Surge in Luxury Real Estate
The numbers speak volumes. Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) are making up an increasingly larger slice of India’s premium property market. In 2019, NRIs accounted for just 10% of residential real estate purchases in India. Today, that figure is approaching 20%, with luxury homes—those priced at ?4 crore and above—seeing an 85% spike in sales during the first half of 2025 alone.
Delhi NCR has emerged as the frontrunner, contributing nearly 57% of these high-end sales, while Mumbai added over 1,200 luxury units to the tally. Premium homes priced at ?1 crore and above now account for 62% of total residential transactions—a significant increase from 51% a year ago.
A newer segment of Indian Diaspora is emerging in the INR 2.5 - INR 5.5 Crore price range with very smart financial return offerings. They are narrowing down on moving-in-ready Luxury Vacation Assets which offer immediate Rental Returns via Airbnb, StayVista, Saffron Stays, OYO etc. The marked shift is in the differentiated class of real estate assets, in the price range and that it is returns ready for Vacation rentals. Vacation Rentals definitely offer a much higher yield on investments. It is noticeable that these discerning buyers have good Financial Credit Scores, Stable Incomes and access to Personal Loans at acceptable interest costs. Making this a very viable and attractive investment.
This boom is no coincidence. According to analysts and industry bodies such as CBRE-Assocham, GRI Club, and JLL, wealthy NRIs are increasingly looking to hedge against global volatility by investing in Indian properties that offer both emotional value and financial returns. Ballpark projections based on initial research by BEGIN India Think Tank suggests a consolidated market opportunity for sale of 300-400 units in the suggested price range.
Why Dutch NRIs Are Betting Big on Indian Holiday Homes at A Great Starting Point
In Amsterdam, the shift is particularly noticeable. The Netherlands is home to Europe’s second-largest Indian-origin population, and the fastest-growing group of expatriates in metropolitan Amsterdam. For the Indian diaspora here, real estate investments in India have begun to take on a new strategic importance.
Nuthan Manohar, a wellness researcher and founder of The Happiness Tour, relocated to the Netherlands in 2024 and has been closely observing this evolution. “I was pleasantly surprised to realize that the Netherlands is home to Europe’s second-largest Indian-origin diaspora. The highly skilled NRI community, benefiting from increased disposable income thanks to the 30% tax ruling, and the established Hindustani-Surinami Indian community, driven by deep cultural and emotional nostalgia, offer a compelling market for real estate investment in India.”
She adds, “For many, owning a piece of India is more than just an asset; it’s a tangible connection to their roots, a secure base for future visits or retirement, and a source of profound happiness through connection and belonging.”
Despite the Netherlands facing its own housing crisis, high taxation, and a sluggish real estate market, the depreciating Indian rupee is significantly enhancing this community's purchasing power. Manohar believes structured models such as fractional ownership and buy-to-let luxury rentals could be game changers.
“In my opinion, the Indian diaspora in the Netherlands has been overlooked for their potential as investors. In fact, they would readily receive structured initiatives with enthusiasm—it gives them exactly the kind of assistance and support they need.”
India: A Beacon of Stability Amid Global Volatility
The rising NRI interest also reflects India’s appeal as an island of stability in an otherwise unpredictable world.
Dr. Ananta Singh Raghuvanshi, Chairperson and Founder of NAREDCO Mahi, observes, “In VUCA times, it’s just common sense to mitigate your risks. Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity, Ambiguity—this has been the global normal for the last four years. India represents stability, strength, and security. Also, data supports the growth story too.”
India’s real estate market is projected to grow at a steady CAGR of 9–11% through 2030, potentially surpassing the $1 trillion mark—driven by urbanization, luxury demand, and infrastructure expansion.
Raghuvanshi emphasizes the need for developers to act now. “Developers most definitely need strong international business development teams. A strategy for global marketing is not new to the sector. I have witnessed it since 1991, and created funnels and generated revenue too. It’s low-hanging fruit that directly impacts the bottom line if done well.”
She believes that destinations like Shimla, Solan, Ayodhya, Rishikesh, Goa, Lakshadweep, and Kochi could become top NRI hotspots if promoted well. “Ease of transaction, safety, infrastructure, activities, and excellent storytelling supported by facts—these are key. We must also use platforms like BRICS, NAREDCO, CREDAI, FICCI, NAR, ACRI, and GRI to drive global visibility.”
Government’s Role: Enabling Investment Through Connectivity
The Indian government is actively supporting this diaspora-led investment trend, especially in sectors like luxury tourism and second homes.
Gopal Krishan Aggarwal, National Spokesperson for BJP’s Economic Affairs division, notes, “India is a success story attracting global attention and investments. Our cultural and heritage richness—art, music, food, festivals, architecture—combined with new infrastructure at tourist destinations, makes India a strong candidate for luxury vacation home investments.”
He points out that smaller diaspora populations, such as in Netherlands, are showing serious interest, “These initiatives align well with foreign investments in Indian luxury vacation homes. Diaspora also wants to keep its connection with India through second residential homes.”
Aggarwal also highlights the impact of diplomatic outreach. “Under Narendra Modi, over the last decade, there has been strong engagement with the global Indian diaspora. Our diaspora is influential, politically, socially, and economically, and they want to maintain deep ties with their motherland.”
He adds, “Platforms like OFBJP and ARSP have developed effective pipelines to connect diaspora communities with Indian opportunities. Whenever I have visited foreign countries, our diaspora has expressed genuine interest in India’s growth, in infrastructure, manufacturing, renewable energy, financial markets, startups, and real estate.”
Creating a Structured Approach: The BEGIN India Model
Recognizing the growing demand, Dipakk S Kapor, Founder of BEGIN India Think Tank, has created a global platform focused exclusively on vacation home investments.“It feels doubly rewarding to launch this important initiative across 12 countries now. Besides offering a reliable platform for informed investments in luxury vacation real estate, we’re focused on Airbnb-model returns.”
With local representatives from each target country, BEGIN India aims to build a strong investor base from the diaspora. “We are positioning ourselves in the investment/earning segment of luxury and vacation homes. We deliberately distance ourselves from the regular or even high-end residential and commercial segments.”
The platform projects annual demand for 200–300 units priced between ?2.5–?5.5 crore, across vacation hill homes, beach villas, and farmlands. “Opening new markets, new buyer segments, and new asset classes is where we differentiate ourselves.”
Investor Preferences: Quality, Credibility, and Conscious Design
According to the 2025 Luxury Residential Sentiment Survey by India Sotheby’s International Realty, 54% of HNIs plan to purchase or upgrade second homes, primarily in vacation destinations. This shows a clear shift from short-term speculation to long-term lifestyle planning.
JLL reports that investor expectations are evolving. Quality construction, sustainability, and brand credibility are non-negotiable. Eco-conscious design, developer transparency, and robust after-sales service now guide final decisions.
In 2024, Delhi NCR recorded a 66% jump in luxury home sales, with total residential transaction value exceeding ?1.53 lakh crore, bolstered by marquee deals in Gurugram and Noida.
Challenges Still Remain
While the outlook is bright, experts advise NRIs to remain cautious. Legal transparency through RERA registration, clean title deeds, and tax clarity are essential.
As Housing.com points out, “RERA protects buyers… NRIs should invest only in RERA-registered projects. Lack of registration is a red flag.”
The Confident Group, in its NRI guide, stresses the need for local support, “NRIs should engage reliable property managers or family representatives in India to handle paperwork, inspections, and registrations especially in the resale or secondary market.”
On taxation, it’s crucial to note that NRIs are not eligible for long-term capital gains tax indexation benefits, which makes timing and exit strategy critical for optimal returns.
The Road Ahead: A New Real Estate Wave?
Industry leaders believe this could be the beginning of a transformational shift. If nurtured well, luxury vacation homes could evolve into a new institutional-grade real estate asset class.
Dr. Raghuvanshi suggests, “We need to leverage BRICS, NAREDCO, CREDAI, FICCI, ACRI, GRI, and conduct targeted roadshows to build trust and visibility.”
Aggarwal agrees, adding that diplomatic goodwill and strong diaspora engagement are vital enablers.
Meanwhile, Dipakk S Kapor’s BEGIN India is setting the stage for a structured, tech-enabled, and globally connected investment framework.
And for voices like Nuthan Manohar, the opportunity remains largely untapped. “The Indian diaspora in the Netherlands has been overlooked for their potential as investors.”
Ultimately, this isn’t just about nostalgia or reconnecting with cultural roots. For many NRIs particularly in Western economies like the Netherlands investing in Indian luxury real estate is also a smart financial strategy.
With India’s real estate sector on a sustained growth trajectory, destinations like Goa, Shimla, Rishikesh, and Lakshadweep are no longer just vacation escapes, they are evolving into resilient, long-term investment assets.
As policy, platforms, and investor trust converge, this diaspora-driven wave could redefine the landscape of Indian real estate for generations to come.
