IS GOA STILL AFFORDABLE?

A Ground Reality Check for Locals and Tourists

- Gauri Ghadge

There was a time when Goa epitomised the art of slow living.

Susegad wasn't just a word, it was a lifestyle, one that reflected a place where the coconut palms danced in the breeze, neighbours shared sorpotel over fences, and tourists found an easy, affordable escape from the rush of mainland cities. But today, as Goa transitions from quaint to cosmopolitan, the question is no longer rhetorical. Is Goa still affordable? And if so, for whom? Goa's magnetic pull has intensified over the last decade. It now draws not only tourists but also investors, influencers, retirees, and remote workers looking to build their lives or portfolios against the backdrop of tropical charm. This influx has inevitably transformed the state's economics. Rising real estate prices, evolving hospitality trends, and record-breaking tourist numbers have created a clear divide between perception and reality.

REAL ESTATE: BETWEEN STABILITY AND SATURATION

Contrary to the assumption that property prices in Goa are skyrocketing uncontrollably, the first half of 2025 has revealed a more nuanced story. According to Savills India, as reported in Hindustan Times and Times of India, villa prices in North Goa have largely remained flat during this period. The reason? A glut of luxury inventory has outpaced actual buyer absorption.

For investors, this oversupply signals negotiation power. For locals, it offers a rare moment of breathing room in an otherwise overheated market. But even with the plateau, affordability is relative. In hotspots like Assagao, Anjuna, and Siolim, entry-level villa prices still range in crores, well beyond the reach of middle-class Goans. Long-term rentals, too, are affected, with many landlords preferring lucrative short-term vacation listings over stable tenants.