From Locked Houses to Lively Villas, EkoStay Opens a New Chapter for India’s Second Homes

Backed by experience in managing 160 properties across 30 destinations, EkoStay launches a national program that enables homeowners to transform legacy or unused houses into travel-ready villas through zero-cost renovations, design guidance, and local workforce partnerships.

India’s second-home market is finding new life, and EkoStay is taking the lead in shaping this change. The company, known for its curated villas and alternative stays across India, has announced a program that helps homeowners turn idle or inherited properties into travel-ready villas that generate regular income. Called the Second-Home Makeover Program, this initiative allows homeowners to modernize and monetize their unused homes through professional redesign, renovation, and operations management, all without paying any service fee.
EkoStay manages more than 160 villas across India and has built a reputation for turning ordinary homes into sought-after destinations. Through this new program, the company offers homeowners a complete transformation service that includes aesthetic restyling, architectural upgrades, and operational management. The renovation work is executed at actual cost, using EkoStay’s trusted network of contractors and designers who offer pre-negotiated rates that make the process both efficient and affordable.

Across India, thousands of second homes remain locked for most of the year. Many of these properties are located in popular tourist destinations such as Goa, Lonavala, Alibaug, Kodaikanal, and Ooty, but lack the comfort, amenities, or design required by modern travelers. As a result, homeowners often struggle to generate returns on their investments, even as the country’s travel and leisure market expands rapidly.
The Second-Home Makeover Program directly addresses these challenges. By combining design expertise with operational insight, EkoStay helps homeowners bring their legacy properties up to modern hospitality standards. Every project begins with a detailed property assessment followed by a design and functionality plan tailored to traveler expectations. Renovation work is carried out through local craftsmen and teams, ensuring that each home reflects its surroundings while contributing to regional employment and economic growth.

Homeowners can invest as little as ₹10 lakh to upgrade their properties, which can then generate an annual rental yield of five percent or more once they are listed under EkoStay’s managed portfolio. The company handles all aspects of guest management, including bookings, maintenance, and operations, allowing owners to earn consistent income with minimal involvement.
The idea behind this model was envisioned by Zeeshan Khan, Co-founder and Chief Acquisition Officer at EkoStay. His understanding of the evolving real estate and travel markets helped shape a program that merges design, affordability, and sustainability. “Across India, we have seen many beautiful second homes in exceptional locations that stay locked for most of the year. They are structurally sound but not travel-ready. Our aim is to help owners transform these properties into fully equipped villas that appeal to travellers and create value for communities,” he said.

The initiative is supported by EkoStay’s leadership team, including Varun Arora, Chief Executive Officer, Husain Khatumdi, Managing Director, and Sohail Mirchandani, Co-founder. Together they have positioned EkoStay as a brand that not only serves guests but also empowers property owners. Arora said the new program is built on a simple belief that good design and efficient management can unlock both emotional and financial returns for homeowners. He added that the company’s experience in managing 160 properties has helped it understand what makes a home work as a travel experience.
The new program arrives at an important time for India’s hospitality sector. As per the Ministry of Tourism, domestic leisure travel in India has been growing at an annual rate of nearly fifteen percent, and private villas are emerging as one of the fastest-growing accommodation categories. Travellers today are seeking spaces that blend privacy, design, and comfort, often preferring independent stays over traditional hotels. EkoStay’s program taps into this trend by creating a fresh supply of contemporary, well-serviced villas across India’s most visited destinations.

In addition to offering financial benefits, the program strengthens local economies. EkoStay partners with regional artisans, contractors, and suppliers for every renovation, ensuring that communities around these homes gain employment and training. This community-first approach aligns with the company’s philosophy of sustainable hospitality where growth benefits both property owners and local residents.
Husain Khatumdi explained that the larger goal is to make every upgraded second home part of India’s tourism network. He believes that each renovation adds character to the country’s travel experience while giving owners a chance to participate in the growing hospitality economy. “Every transformed home becomes more than a property; it becomes part of India’s story of travel and entrepreneurship,” he said.

With the launch of the Second-Home Makeover Program, EkoStay is opening a new path for homeowners to create income, preserve their legacy properties, and contribute to a wider culture of sustainable travel. It also reflects the company’s broader purpose of turning spaces into experiences, linking design, community, and business in a single, living ecosystem.

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