Second homes used to be about permanence. It’s typically a house by the lake, a ski cabin, or a beach property passed down to the kids. For a long time, that kind of setup made sense. It still works for some. However, a big shift is happening in the consumer market’s buying activities, especially among high earners.

People with options aren’t settling into one location anymore. They want access, not anchors. Time is moving faster, careers are more mobile, and the idea of locking into a single “getaway” for decades feels restrictive.

Those with the income to afford second homes are asking themselves different questions. Like, what happens when the weather doesn’t cooperate? Or when work moves them across time zones?

The Move Away From Traditional Ownership

This new concept focuses on owning smarter. The younger generation of high-income buyers doesn’t always want the full weight of homeownership in multiple zip codes. They still want comfort, privacy, and curated spaces. But they want those things with the ability to pivot when life calls for it.

Some have turned to short-term luxury rentals. Others split ownership through smaller partnerships. A growing number are tapping into curated property funds that offer returns along with access. In fact, luxury real estate funds have started to attract attention from travelers who want the upside of property investment without being tied to a single location.

These funds don’t just hold value, they often include perks that align with the way modern high earners live and move.

Why “Where” Matters Less Than “How” It Feels

The second home isn’t defined by the address any more. It’s more about the feeling you walk into. The high earners usually want quiet, comfort, familiarity, and a strong Wi-Fi signal. Travelers are chasing rhythm and resetting over roots. Hence, flexible access is winning out over full-time ownership.

Even people who could afford a place in Aspen, Palm Springs, or coastal Maine are opting for models that let them test-drive several destinations instead. They want a mix. The first month, they reside in the mountains.

Then, they’ll try living in the desert next month. It’s also ideal to get a property in a small town that gives them space to breathe between busy seasons. That variety used to mean hotel hopping or messy bookings. Now, it means aligning with property networks or tapping into investor-backed residences.

This shift creates a new type of “home” culture. One that fits into your life without taking over your calendar.

What This New Approach Looks Like in Practice

People who live this way tend to know what they need. They don’t want five houses to manage. They want the right space at the right time, with none of the headaches in between.

These are the trends that keep showing up when talking to high earners who travel often:

• Flexible access to homes that feel like their own, but don’t require upkeep or planning
• Investment options that build equity but don’t require full property responsibility
• Design-forward spaces that reflect their taste without needing to be curated from scratch
• Concierge or service add-ons that make arrival and departure seamless
• Location variety without sacrificing quality or privacy
• The goal isn’t to avoid ownership. It’s to reshape it into something that makes better sense for a life that isn’t static.

Lifestyle-Driven Shift, Not Status

The true rich don’t show off. They don’t need to.

Most high earners who choose this path aren’t chasing flash. They’re looking for ways to make their time count. They want quiet breakfasts in a new city, sunsets in places that feel restorative, and ease when things change. A full second property, no matter how stunning, can start to feel like one more thing to maintain. That’s especially true for people whose work, family, or creative lives keep them moving.

Published by HOLR Magazine.