In Search for Spaces of Wellbeing: Predictors of Transition From Temporary to Permanent Residency Among Second Home Users in Croatia

ABSTRACT Occasional stays in a second home, along with the specific activities and social interactions they involve, often contribute to an improvement in quality of life and personal wellbeing. This is one of the main reasons for the lasting appeal of second homes, which can even motivate some users to consider a permanent move to place where second home is situated. This paper examines the experiences of second home users in Croatia to explore how characteristics of the spatial context in which second homes take place influence the decision to convert a location occasionally used for leisure into a permanent residence. The study is grounded in the lifestyle migration framework and its perspective on migration driven by the search for a more fulfilling and healthier living environment. To assess the living environment at the place where second home is located, we draw on the framework of spaces of wellbeing and analyse the effect of the regenerative, integrative, stimulative, and security dimensions on plans for a permanent move. The results show that three of the four mentioned dimensions have a statistically significant effect, underscoring the important role of perception of living environment in the shift from temporary to permanent residence.