What Luxury Homebuyers Really Want in 2026: Balconies, Pet Lifts & Wellness
Luxury living in India is evolving fast. High-rise apartments now cater to experiences, wellness, and functionality rather than just lavish interiors or prime locations. Recent insights from Godrej Properties’ The Elevated Living Edit reveal exactly what today’s luxury buyers prioritize and the results are fascinating. Developers are rethinking layouts, amenities, and design philosophies to align with these changing preferences, making luxury housing a more lifestyle-focused product than ever before.
Private Balconies Lead the Wish List
Luxury homebuyers clearly love outdoor space. The survey, covering close to 1,500 buyers across seven major cities, shows that 84% prefer apartments with private balconies.
A balcony provides more than just a view. It serves as a personal outdoor retreat, perfect for morning coffee, evening relaxation, or small social gatherings. In high-density cities, this private space becomes a haven where residents can reconnect with nature without leaving their homes.
Beyond leisure, balconies also improve ventilation and natural light, enhancing the overall living experience. Developers are responding by designing larger balcony spaces, sometimes with integrated planters or seating areas, to make them functional and inviting.
Pet-Only Lifts: The Rising Trend
Pets have taken center stage in luxury living. Over 60% of buyers prefer dedicated lifts for their pets, reflecting the increasing importance of animal-friendly spaces in premium projects.
Pet lifts offer convenience, hygiene, and safety. They ensure pets travel independently without disturbing other residents and reduce stress for both animals and owners. Developers now consider these lifts a key differentiator, and buyers are willing to pay extra for such thoughtful design features.
Additionally, pet-friendly amenities like outdoor parks, grooming zones, and indoor play areas are gaining traction. High-end communities are now integrating these features into their master plans, ensuring pets are accommodated in style and comfort.
Wellness Spaces Become a Core Expectation
Wellness is no longer an add-on in luxury housing it has become a must-have feature. Nearly 70% of buyers prioritize dedicated wellness spaces, including yoga and meditation areas, green zones, and outdoor extensions.
High-rise projects increasingly integrate wellness-led planning. Developers are incorporating sustainable landscapes, air-purifying greenery, and spaces designed for mental and physical health. This trend reflects a shift in perception: luxury now equals living spaces that nurture overall well-being, not just aesthetics.
Rohit Mohan, Chief Design Officer at Godrej Properties, emphasizes, “Liveability defines modern luxury. Buyers seek intuitive, sustainable, wellness-focused spaces that are functional yet visually appealing.”
Wellness-led planning also extends to building materials, lighting, and air quality. Buyers now consider natural ventilation, soundproofing, and ergonomic layouts essential elements of a wellness-oriented home.
Modern, Minimalist Design Wins Hearts
Luxury homebuyers are moving away from overly ornate designs. About 70% associate luxury with clean, contemporary aesthetics rather than excessive opulence.
Minimalism offers more than visual appeal; it enhances functionality and comfort. Open layouts, natural light, muted color palettes, and premium materials allow residents to personalize spaces while keeping interiors clutter-free.
This trend also complements wellness-led living. Spaces that feel open, calm, and intuitive create a natural sense of mental and emotional well-being. Developers now focus on balancing sophistication with simplicity, ensuring that every design choice serves both form and function.
Private Elevators: Privacy Meets Convenience
Privacy remains a top priority. Over 74% of homebuyers consider private elevators essential, and 43% are willing to pay an additional ₹10–20 lakh for this feature.
Private elevators combine convenience and exclusivity, allowing residents to move between floors without interacting with shared spaces. In a post-pandemic world, this design choice also signals health consciousness and a desire for controlled environments.
This feature reflects a larger trend: luxury buyers increasingly value security, autonomy, and comfort in shared high-rise living. Developers are responding with smarter layouts and controlled-access systems that reinforce these priorities.
High-Rises Dominate Buyer Preferences
The survey confirms that high-rise developments remain the most desirable option among affluent buyers. From private balconies to wellness spaces and pet-friendly amenities, vertical living offers the ideal combination of lifestyle, security, and accessibility.
Developers are increasingly focusing on high-rises that integrate functional layouts, premium finishes, and communal spaces that support social, physical, and mental well-being. High-rise living also maximizes scenic views, natural ventilation, and sunlight, making it more appealing than traditional low-rise developments.
Sustainability Joins the Luxury Conversation
Modern luxury buyers now link environmental responsibility with their lifestyle choices. Sustainable building practices, energy-efficient appliances, and green zones add significant appeal. Almost all respondents value projects that minimize ecological impact while enhancing quality of life.
From solar-powered lighting to rainwater harvesting and green rooftops, sustainable features now form part of the luxury value proposition. Buyers see these amenities not as costs but as essential elements of a future-ready lifestyle.
Expert Advice: Sanjeev Singh, MD, SKJ Landbase
Sanjeev Singh, MD of SKJ Landbase,
says luxury housing today focuses on liveability rather than excess. “Private balconies, pet-only lifts, and wellness spaces enhance daily comfort and long-term value,” he notes, adding that user-centric design now defines true luxury.
Changing Definition of Luxury
Actor Sara Ali Khan, who attended the Godrej Properties event, captures the shift perfectly: “Luxury today isn’t about excess. It’s about awareness of how we live, what we value, and the spaces that allow us to grow.”
This reflects a larger trend in India’s luxury market. Buyers no longer chase extravagance alone they seek spaces that combine style, comfort, functionality, and well-being. Features like private balconies, pet lifts, wellness zones, minimalist design, and private elevators now form the foundation of true luxury.
Key Takeaways for Developers
- Balconies are non-negotiable; 84% of buyers prioritize them.
- Pet-centric amenities like dedicated lifts are increasingly important.
- Wellness spaces have transitioned from add-ons to core expectations.
- Minimalist design resonates more than opulence.
- Private elevators and sustainable features command premium pricing.
Developers must focus on intuitive designs, integrated wellness, and lifestyle-centric features to meet these evolving expectations.
Conclusion
The modern luxury homebuyer in India seeks more than space they seek a lifestyle. Private balconies, pet lifts, wellness zones, and minimalist aesthetics define what they consider essential. High-rise developments dominate because they offer these lifestyle features efficiently.
True luxury is about creating spaces that enrich daily life, combine privacy with functionality, and respect both residents and the environment.”
In 2026, the mantra for luxury real estate is clear: comfort, wellness, and conscious design lead the way.
