There is an intriguing  term  that has gained a lot of fame, popularity and curiosity in Goa’s parlance among locals as well as the visiting tourists: That word is “Sussegad” (meaninglaidback, relaxed and unhurried).

In the Goan  lingo, the word ‘Sussegad’ describes an entire philosophy of living  -  being  content and satisfied with what is available and staying in the present.  The Sussegad lifestyle of Goa is the latest marketing strategy being advocated by Goa’s real estate developers in today’s date  and it is reaping rich dividends. 

Luxury has acquired an entirely new dimension in Goa’s real estate. In the  Goa of the present day, luxury is measured in the quality of life on an Indolent Sunday afternoon, 

REDEFINING THE RETURN ON INVESTMENT: 

Purchasing a property in metropolitan city such as Mumbai or Pune is considered as a lucrative investment due to its massive price appreciation and potential to earn handsome monthly  rentals. 

Whereas for someone who purchases a property in Goa as a second home, return on investment is calculated based on the closeness to the seafront and whether the marketplaces and essential services are at a walkable distance from the residence. 

This is the Susegad Dividend: the  non-monetary yield of time, health, contentment and peace of mind that Goa’s slow-paced life pays out daily to the home-buyer. 

LIVING BY THE SEASONS, NOT THE CALENDAR: 

Metropolitan life is governed by the Gregorian calendar. On the contrary,  life in Goa is defined by the monsoons, the harvest, the tide and its soothing seasons.       

• SUMMER (MARCH–MAY): The Goan summer is cherished for its seasonal fruits that line-up the markets during these warm months; Mango, Cashew, Kokum and Jackfruit are just a few examples of these  fruits that are enjoyed by the locals as well as tourists 
• Mankurad Mango: This brand of mango is the undisputed king of Goan fruits and is consumed directly as well as used for a wide variety of mouth-watering & refreshing summer beverages. 
• Jackfruit: It is the largest tree-borne fruit and it very popular during Goa’s summers.
• Kokum: It is a sour-tangy fruit used heavily in making  refreshing summer drinks and as a taste-maker in Goan fish curries.
• Cashew: It is  a popular fruit which is either eaten fresh or pressed into juices and fermented beverages.
• These  and many others forest fruits such as Jambhalam and Bora make the Goan summer refreshing and enjoyable for the locals. In spite of its scorching heat, such seasonal delicacies make the Goan summer a memorable affair.

• MONSOON (JUNE–SEPTEMBER): The arrival of monsoons is one of the most awaited events in Goa. The rains provide welcome relief from the scorching heat of the summer months. Another striking aspect is that the arrival of monsoons triggers a new normal for Goa – beaches look deserted, restaurants are empty and the sound of rain hitting the Mangalore-tiled roofs of traditional Goan houses is the most soothing music to the ears. 

• POST-MONSOON AND WINTER (OCTOBER–FEBRUARY): The post-monsoon months  constitute   the most happening period in Goa: The end of the rains signals the beginning of the festive season which starts with the popular Ganesh Chaturthi in the month of September and continues with Dusshera, Diwali, St. Xavier’s Feast, Goa Liberation Day and finally Christmas in December. 

• October is also the start of the tourist season and chartered flights from European countries make their way into Goa’s airports from this month onwards. 

• THE OCT-NOV-DEC QUARTER: The last quarter of the year heralds the beginning of several arts and cultural events such as The International Film Festival of India (IFFI) and Serendipity  Arts Festival which are organised in November and December respectively. 

• JATRAS AND FEASTS: To add to these festivities, several temples organize their   Jatras (Annual Inauguration  Fairs) and Churches across Goa celebrate their feasts during the post-monsoon period i.e. in the months of December, January and February furtheramplifying thee festive fervour. 

• The Sussegad spirit of Goa gets a dash of jovial ardour during the last three months of the year.

THE LOCAL MARKET AS SOCIAL INFRASTRUCTURE: 

The Goan marketplaces are not just where goods exchange hands. It is a  place for social interaction among the locals (the buyers and sellers). The Mapusa Market in North Goa and the Margao market (South Goa) are Goa’s  most popular marketplaces.

These marketplaces are a unique experience in itself.  – Its where the spice vendor uses his expertise and product knowledge and  recommends a particular spice to his customer.

These are not just marketplaces, these  are celebrations of life where people indulge in meaningful conversations with others shoppers and bargain with the shopkeepers to get the best deal for themselves.   These Goan markets are a unique experience which can’t be recreated in a high-tech seven-storey shopping Mall that have become the norms in Indian urbanscapes.

WHY THE SUSSEGAD DIVIDEND MATTERS TO SERIOUS INVESTORS

Serious real estate investors are looking to purchase properties in Goa that are a true reflection of the Sussegad Goan  way of living. A second-home in Goa is not just about price per square meter, it’s the quality of hours that its owner actually spends there. 

Goa as emerged as a perfect destination for remote and creative professionals who want to experience the state’s laidback way of living  as opposed to the fast-paced and draining metropolitan lifestyle.  

Such work-from-home professionals   prefer to stay in   residences that offer a distinct village rhythm.  – residences that are walkable distance from the markets and a stone’s throw away from the waterfront.

Developers have read the pulse of such buyers and are customizing their properties to blend in this Goan Sussegad Way Of Living.. 

Closing Thought: Sussegad is all about  living in the present and relishing the moment - a philosophy that modern luxury, obsessed with more, has largely forgotten.  Second-home buyers in Goa  now want an easy and relaxed commute to the coastline and want to lifestyle that offer the perfect taste of Goa that a balance sheet will never be able to record.