From Passive Income to Personal Escape – What Smart Buyers Are Expecting from Lifestyle Properties

The global real estate investment landscape is undergoing a fundamental shift.

Today’s sophisticated buyers are no longer satisfied with properties that merely generate rental income – they demand assets that deliver both financial returns and elevated personal experiences. This evolution has given rise to the branded lifestyle residence sector, where investment meets aspiration in thoughtfully designed, amenity-rich environments.

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Beyond Traditional Rental Returns

Smart investors recognize that passive income remains the cornerstone of sound real estate investment. However, expectations have evolved significantly and now go beyond the basic rental yields. Modern lifestyle properties must demonstrate:

• Consistent Performance – premium-managed properties in high-demand European markets are delivering rental yields that often outperform traditional investments. According to STR (a global leader in hospitality data benchmarking, analytics and marketplace insights), European serviced apartments have seen occupancy rates increase by 2% year-over-year, and RevPAR (Revenue Per Available Room) in the sector has grown by over 15% above pre-pandemic levels. This is supported by industry reports from renowned firms like JLL and Savills showing the resilience and growth of the serviced apartment and branded residence segments.

• Professional Management – the days of ‘hands-on landlord responsibilities’ are ending for discerning investors. Full-service property management – including guest services, maintenance, and revenue optimization – ensures truly passive income streams while maximizing returns through data-driven pricing strategies and occupancy management.

• Portfolio Diversification – real estate continues to provide essential diversification benefits and inflation hedging, particularly in stable European markets where property values and rental rates tend to rise with living costs, as per data from the World Bank.

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The Personal Escape Factor

What distinguishes today’s lifestyle properties from conventional rentals is their ability to serve dual purposes – generating income while providing owners with exceptional personal retreats. Savvy investors are looking for:

• Design Excellence – modern buyers expect interiors that rival boutique hotels, created by internationally acclaimed designers and hospitality consultants. These properties offer a sophisticated aesthetic that enhances both guest satisfaction and personal enjoyment during ownership use.

• Flexibility and Convenience – the hybrid model appeals particularly to digital professionals and global citizens who value mobility. Owners can seamlessly transition between personal use for extended stays, or retreats and rental income generation when traveling or based elsewhere.

• Integrated Lifestyle Services – premium amenities including concierge services, housekeeping, wellness facilities, and vibrant social spaces are now standard expectations. These features drive higher occupancy rates and premium pricing while ensuring every stay feels effortless and refined.

• Community and Belonging – leading lifestyle properties foster genuine community connections. Unlike isolated rental units, premium lifestyle branded residences create spaces where residents (both owners and guests) connect through shared experiences and curated environments. Thisapproach transforms transient accommodations into meaningful gathering places, appealing to internationally minded individuals, or citizens of the world, who seek belonging alongside luxury and convenience.

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What Smart Buyers Want in 2025

Today’s discerning investors seek properties that offer:

• Reliable passive income through professional management and optimized pricing;

• Design-driven living spaces with curated amenities and vibrant communities;

• Personal use flexibility with seamless rental management transitions;

• Full-service hospitality and technology-enabled guest experiences;

• Transparent, data-driven operations with clear performance reporting;

• Access to prime international destinations with strong appreciation potential.

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The Ando Living Advantage

Ando Living exemplifies this evolution, operating as a curator of ‘clubs and houses’ across thriving European cities. With 700 premium apartments and ambitious plans to reach 3,000 properties by 2028 across seven countries, the brand demonstrates how lifestyle properties can successfully balance investment performance with personal fulfillment.

The company’s integrated approach – managing everything from development and design to hospitality services – ensures quality consistency while optimizing returns. This full-spectrum management has yielded impressive results: €32 million turnover in 2023, representing a 94% growth, with plans to multiply revenue sixfold by 2028.

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The new era of lifestyle property investment is thus defined by this hybrid approach – buyers want both passive income and personal escape. Leading companies like Ando Living, powered by Optylon Krea’s nearly nine years of expertise guiding over 2,000 investors from 40 different countries, stand at the forefront of this evolution.

This unique blend of financial performance and personal fulfillment represents what truly differentiates premium lifestyle residences from conventional rental properties, offering investors not just ownership of real estate, but participation in a curated, flexible, and rewarding lifestyle.

Contact us today, so we can guide you through your next savvy investment in branded residences.