The small, minimalist Scandinavian- and Japanese-inspired plans appealed to city dwellers looking to build a vacation home for themselves that would also perform well on Airbnb.

One way to do that is to think about the use and ownership of the vacation home as a business. Make sure you consider and make plans regarding: Who will own the home? You might intend to divide ...

A second home can mean endless headaches, unexpected costs and shattered plans. Here’s what you need to know before you buy.

Is buying a vacation home a good idea? Will it make me happier? What factors should I consider before buying?