Multiple Homes

Abstract

Growing affluence has resulted in many households owning more than one dwelling for purely private use. Such dwellings may be described as ‘second homes’ but many households own three or more private homes. The ownership of many dwellings for private use is a vital element in household investment and consumption planning. Various types of dwelling use are reviewed, including primary residences, second homes, multiple homes, pieds-à-terre, other noncommercial uses, and investment properties. Growing multiple home ownership has social, economic, and environmental impacts; it raises questions about the meaning of ‘the home’ and is likely to continue into the foreseeable future.