The New Trend: Why Young Couples are opting for a Cottage before an Apartment

In recent years, the preferences of young couples in terms of their living arrangements have started to shift. Historically, the first stop on the property ladder for a newly cohabitating pair has often been an apartment. High-rise living, close proximity to city life, and access to amenities typically associated with urban centres were once the quintessential hallmarks of youthful independence and modernity. But this age-old trend seems to be making way for a novel and fascinating development: the rise of the cottage over the apartment.

Also data from leading travel aggregator MakeMyTrip, Booking.com shows a 30% increase in bookings for rural cottages and homestays in 2022 compared to the previous year. In contrast, urban accommodations have seen a marginal growth of just 5% during the same period. This surge indicates a preference for rustic, serene accommodations over their urban counterparts.

Several regions in India stand out for their appealing cottages. Coorg in Karnataka, known as the ‘Scotland of India’, offers stunning landscapes and cosy cottages amid coffee plantations. Dharamshala in Himachal Pradesh provides idyllic cottages with panoramic views of the Dhauladhar ranges, while Ooty in Tamil Nadu is famed for its tea gardens, misty weather, and charming cottages. And Goa, as we know everyone’s favourite vacation spot to spend time. This trend, reflecting a shift towards a more relaxed lifestyle and a stronger connection with nature, underscores the changing dynamics of what young couples seek in a home or holiday.

So, here we can see why young couples are now gravitating towards these quaint, rustic residences instead of the more traditional apartment?

Embracing Simplicity-

In the modern era, we find ourselves caught up in a whirlwind of activities, obligations, and complexities. This constant hustle can often lead to increased stress, leaving little room for tranquillity and simplicity in life. Young couples today are choosing to move away from this constant busyness and are leaning towards a simpler lifestyle that cottages offer.

These cozy, rustic dwellings often come with less space than city apartments, which naturally promotes a minimalistic lifestyle. Lesser space translates into less clutter, encouraging residents to own and manage fewer possessions. There is a certain beauty in this simplicity that seems to be attracting young couples. This trend is not limited to India; the 'tiny house' movement in Japan, United States and Europe, where individuals and couples are choosing to live in significantly smaller spaces to reduce their carbon footprint and live with fewer material possessions - living small to enjoy life big.

Reconnecting with Nature-

In a world where a vast majority of our daily activities are conducted within the confines of concrete jungles, the charm of living close to nature has seen a significant revival. Cottages often come with the added advantage of green surroundings, offering residents a chance to reconnect with nature. Being around greenery has numerous mental and physical health benefits. Studies suggest that exposure to nature can lower stress levels, boost creativity, and enhance overall well-being. The trend towards cottages is noticeable, especially in countries like Australia, Canada and New Zealand, where residents are known to prefer homes close to nature.

The Economic Aspect-

It's no secret that the cost of city living has skyrocketed in the past decades. The high rent or mortgage payments, coupled with additional costs like parking fees and maintenance charges, can strain a young couple's budget.  On the other hand, cottages, especially those in rural or semi-urban areas, are often more affordable, not only in terms of buying cost but also in maintenance.  This cost-effectiveness makes cottages a desirable choice for couples looking to save for their future without compromising their present.

Work from Home or Hybrid working: A New Normal-

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought about a significant shift in working patterns, with remote work becoming a long-term reality for many. This change has given young couples the freedom to choose their living spaces without considering the proximity to their workplaces. As a result, many are choosing to move to quieter, more scenic locales, where they can enjoy a better work-life balance that city life often fails to offer. This trend is particularly visible in India and the UK, where advancements in rural internet connectivity have made remote living and working more feasible.

Towards Sustainable Living-

Today's younger generation is highly conscious of its environmental impact. This awareness is reflected in their choice of housing as well. Cottages, being smaller, are generally more energy-efficient than larger apartments, particularly those in older city buildings. particularly those in older city buildings. Additionally, cottages in rural or semi-urban areas often come with provisions for sustainable practices, such as kitchen gardens and rainwater harvesting. This shift towards eco-friendliness is also seen in Scandinavian countries, like Denmark and Sweden and they are leading this trend, where eco-friendly cottages designed with sustainable materials and renewable energy sources are becoming a popular choice.

Community and Cultural Connection-

Living in cottages in semi-urban or rural areas often offers a sense of community that city life lacks. People in these areas tend to know their neighbours and share a sense of togetherness. Furthermore, in India, cottages often have a rich cultural or historical significance, offering a connection to one's roots that modern city apartments may not provide. This sense of community and heritage adds an additional layer of appeal to cottage living.

While the pull of city life, with its opportunities for professional growth and social activities, will never truly fade, the appeal of a simpler, more sustainable lifestyle offered by cottages is becoming increasingly compelling to a new generation of young couples.

Leveraging Technological Advances-

As technology evolves, it is making off-grid living more accessible and comfortable, thereby enhancing the feasibility of a cottage lifestyle. Developments in renewable energy, such as solar power, along with advances in rainwater harvesting and sustainable architecture, enable cottages to be self-sufficient and environment-friendly.

A great example is the increasing popularity of "smart cottages" in the tech-savvy Silicon Valley region. Also countries like Netherlands and Germany are good examples of smart cottages. They are Equipped with the latest home automation and energy-efficient systems, these cottages provide a perfect blend of rustic charm and modern comfort, making them an attractive option for young tech professionals.

Physical and Mental Health Advantages-

The benefits of living close to nature extend beyond aesthetics. Numerous studies suggest that natural surroundings can significantly improve mental health, helping to alleviate stress, anxiety, and depression. The physical health benefits are equally noteworthy. Living in a cottage often provides ample opportunities for outdoor activities, and cleaner, less polluted air contributes to overall well-being. This nature-health link is well understood in India, where practices like Yoga and Ayurveda, often embraced in natural settings, have been pillars of wellness for centuries.

Also in Japan, the concept of "forest bathing" or "Shinrin-yoku" – spending time in nature to improve health – is a recognized form of therapy, leading to an increased demand for rural living spaces, including cottages.

Embracing the Art of Slow Living-

The move towards cottage living is a part of the global 'slow living' movement that advocates a less rushed, more mindful lifestyle. It encourages individuals to step back from their high-speed lives and appreciate simpler, more profound moments. This movement, already quite popular in Italy with its famous 'Slow City' or 'Cittaslow' initiative, resonates well with the essence of cottage living – peaceful, unhurried, and connected with nature and embracing the philosophy of a slower, more mindful lifestyle.

By seeing all above scenario, the trend of young couples choosing cottages over apartments is a reflection of their evolving lifestyle preferences.

As we progress in a world where technological advancements make remote work possible, and as our collective consciousness becomes more attuned to the environment, the appeal of the cottage lifestyle is likely to strengthen. City life, with its hustle and opportunities, will always hold its charm. But for an increasing number of young couples, the call of the tranquil, eco-friendly, and slow-paced cottage life is simply too enticing to resist.