MULTIPLE HOMES STILL IN VOGUE AMONG AFFLUENT

High earners expect to purchase more properties in next few years

Tuesday, October 24, 2006

Second, third and fourth homes are still in vogue for affluent homeowners who participated in a study by Sotheby's International Realty and Architectural Digest.

Thirty-six percent of Architectural Digest subscribers said they plan to buy an additional home in the next two years, and of those who already own three or more homes, 49 percent plan to purchase another home within two years.

Of those who already own a second home, 35 percent said they plan to buy a third home within two years.

Second homes also appear popular with younger owners -- 44 percent of survey respondents under age 45 said they may acquire a second home in the near future.

Geography is the primary driver when searching for a second home, according to the survey, but lifestyle amenities are becoming increasingly critical. About 32 percent of the participants know what amenities and characteristics they are looking for and would search in a number of locations to find what they want. Those with household incomes under $400,000 are more likely than their wealthier counterparts to indicate they would search in a number of locations to find the house that meets their amenity checklist.

What do these buyers want? The study found that waterfront property is the most sought-after amenity when buying a second home, with 75 percent of respondents choosing that characteristic. Proximity to golf courses and aquatic activities, and in-home fitness centers and media rooms/home theaters were also high on the list. Pools and large backyards were the least chosen amenities.

Regional differences were found mostly among respondents from New York and California, the survey found. New York metro-area participants are most drawn to waterfront or oceanfront properties, while Californians found this of less interest.

Also, Californians tend to be less interested in golf courses than other respondents and more drawn to in-home fitness centers.

New York-area metro participants are least interested in ski slopes, while Californians are most likely to search for proximity to the slopes.

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By Inman News