Goa: Actress and entrepreneur Parul Gulati has candidly admitted that her Goa Airbnb venture has not delivered the returns she had initially expected, saying that “reality hit” after she underestimated the challenges of Goa’s highly competitive homestay market.
Parul, founder of Nish Hair, had revealed in 2024 that she had purchased a property in Goa and planned to list it on Airbnb. At the time, she confidently estimated that the luxury two-bedroom villa could earn around ₹40,000 to ₹45,000 per night.
However, speaking during a recent appearance on Sharan Hegde’s podcast, the actress acknowledged that the market has changed significantly.
‘Reality Hit Me’
Reflecting on her earlier prediction, Parul said that the number of luxury villas in Goa has increased considerably over the past few years, making it much more difficult to command premium rental prices.
She admitted that she had also underestimated the impact of Goa’s peak and off-season tourism cycles.
“Reality hit me,” she said, adding that while she had once expected ₹45,000 per night, Malkin House is currently priced at around ₹11,000 per night.
Competition Changing Goa’s Homestay Market
Located in Nerul, Goa, Malkin House is a luxury two-bedroom villa featuring a private swimming pool and garden.
Despite its premium location and upscale amenities, Parul explained that increased competition among luxury holiday homes has affected pricing across the market.
Her experience highlights the growing supply of boutique villas and homestays in Goa, where property owners are increasingly competing for tourists throughout the year.
Growing Debate Around Homestays
The discussion also comes amid wider conversations surrounding Goa’s short-term rental sector.
In recent months, the Goa government has raised concerns over unregistered homestays operating in residential buildings, with legislators highlighting issues relating to visitor monitoring, safety, noise, and pressure on residential infrastructure.
Industry observers say that while demand for premium holiday homes remains strong during peak tourist seasons, operators must now carefully balance pricing, occupancy, seasonal demand, and increasing competition to maintain sustainable returns.
Parul’s candid admission has resonated with many entrepreneurs and property owners, serving as a reminder that even promising investments require realistic expectations and adaptability in an evolving market.
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