Who is the Owner of Your Residential Community’s Facilities?

By: Sumita Roy

When you buy an apartment in a residential project, you look for the exclusive amenities that it provides. But do you have full right over those provisions present in the common area of the community? No. These are actually owned by the builder. You need to pay taxes for the same but you do not own them. The builder group, if it chooses to do so, can transfer the ownership, which actually belongs to them, to any retailer who wants to make money out of it.

B.K. Dhawan, now a 75 years old owner of a unit in DLF’s Silver Oaks, Gurgaon, has recently lost a battle of twenty years against the builder group. In the year 1996, he, along with other residents of the community, came to know that DLF has planned to sell the commercial facilities present within the community area. They decided to appeal to the court because they believed that these facilities were provided exclusively to them and they owned them. They thought that it is the apartment owners’ right to lease out these facilities and earn money from it.

The Silver Oaks Condominium Association (SOCA) contested against the builder’s ownership claim over Silver Oaks and its commercial facilities and cited the real estate regulation acts- The Haryana Development and Regulation of Urban Areas Act, 1975, and The Haryana Apartment Ownership Act, 1983- that state that residence owners have right over the common areas like corridors, lifts, lobbies as well as nursery schools, shops, recreational areas and so on. According to SOCA, once a project is completed, the builder should file a declaration before the concerned authority, stating the details of land, buildings, number of units, and everything present within the gated area.

However, the Supreme Court, in its much awaited judgment, has said that the apartment owners cannot claim undivided interest in the community and over its commercial facilities. These belong to the builder group. It is true that SOCA had tried in every way to convince the court, voicing their concerns regarding the safety and homogeneity of their complex. But it seems that these pleas were undermined and the law that the builder owns all the commercial facilities within the project community was upheld. 

Deep Clean your House Like Never Before

By: Sanya Kaushik 

Most home owners (barring a few, chosen individuals) are quite keen on ensuring that their house shines like the proverbial diamond all year round. 

So you’ve got the usual brooming, vacuuming and dusting of the floor, glass surfaces, shelves, curtains and countertops. However, what most people fail to realize is that this is about as basic as cleaning gets.

If you set out to deep clean your home, you’ll find dirt and dust in the most unimaginable places. Here are a few tips to recognize the red flag zones in your house and how to clean them. 

1. Top of the fan blades:

Fan blades gather a lot of dust in a few weeks. Even in the winter months when they’re not in use, your fans can get very dirty. This poses as a health hazard because the fan is basically sending dust mites into the air the whole time it’s on. 

How to Clean: Wrap a pillowcase around the blade to gather the dust so that none of it falls on your furniture or rug. 

2. Curtain Rods and blinds:

Curtain rods also become very dusty after a few weeks; as do blinds. So even if your curtains look lively and clean, their splendor will be somewhat diminished by a dirty curtain rod. 

How to Clean: Use vinegar to clean dust off blinds. For curtain rods, use a wet cloth, not a feather duster.

3. Kitchen sink pipe:

The pipe underneath your kitchen sink is a breeding ground for germs and insects. Since these pipes are generally detachable, you should clean out them out thoroughly on a bimonthly basis. Hire a plumbing service if you don't know how to detach/attach the pipe. 

How to clean: Use a thin roller brush dipped in a mixture of vinegar and baking soda to remove all the grub and muck from inside the pipe. 

4. Under the stove:

Most stoves have spaces between the grates that allow for food bits to fall through to the bottom and accumulate and rot beneath the sink. Since there are hardly any occasions that require you to move the stove, the grime underneath it goes amiss.

How to clean: Wash this surface thoroughly with soap water and lemon juice. Also clean the bottom of the stove and the steel grates.

5. Behind the fridge:

This area is a hot zone for dirt and dust. Given its hard-to-reach location, most people forgo cleaning it and just hold out till they get a new fridge. This little area can attract mice and cockroaches in droves. 

How to clean: Use some paper towels and vinegar to wipe grime off the back of the fridge. 

By using these useful tips, you can make sure that all the hideaway dirty areas of home go through a thorough wash and rinse cycle. Make sure you clean out all these spots and watch your precious abode really shine. 

Tips to Invest in Commercial Property

By: Sumita Roy

Investment in real estate is a great way of increasing your market hold. It provides you the option of either earning huge profit by selling a property or by earning a steady income by leasing it out. Here I will discuss the factors that you need to keep in mind before making such an investment, especially, if it is a commercial property. 

Parking your money in a commercial property can be trickier than in a residential one. In a residential project, you can invest in all kind of projects: prelaunch, launch, ongoing or completed. Every other moderate house has all the specifications and amenities required for a good and comfortable living. But in a commercial property, only evaluating this is not enough. It has to have all the basic requirements, structure, facilities and much more. Let us look at the points you need to focus on before investing.

• Your experience is an important determining factor. If you have good knowledge about the inner workings of the realty industry, then it will help you to determine how to go about it. You will also have a gut feeling or an instinct about what to buy and where to buy it. Often investing in a market that you know well is better, since you know the area inside out. Begin by evaluating many blueprints, checking their potential and listing them. Your hard earned money will not be in grave danger if you choose from a familiar market with great potential.

• Do not rush in your decisions. Often builder groups offer alluring discounts to attract easy and fast purchases. You may be economically strong but to lose it or invest it in a not-so-good project is not at all wise. You should check the feasibility of the place. Visit it at all times of the day, check the locality and its connectivity, inspect whether all the services and amenities are working well or not. Do not go for a deal if it is comparatively cheaper; examine all its aspects.

• Seek the help of other investors. See what they have to say about the project. They can enlighten you with important details that might have previously slipped your mind. Take their advice, and retain and apply whatever is relevant for your transaction. 

• Plan for a long term benefit. There are many projects in the city and its suburbs that were once considered as hot projects but are downsized in the present day. Often changes in infrastructure and connectivity routes can change the projects’ worth. If the property you are investing in is soon to see the arrival of one or many industrial giants, then such an investment will be highly profitable for you.

• Do not invest all your money in a single project. Diversify your investment destinations. It might be highly risky if you park your money in a single project and lose all of it. The market conditions of each locality are variable. Expanding your investing zone will serve as a safety net. 

• Often investing in completed projects, which cost more than ongoing or just launched projects, is more beneficial than the pre-launch, launch or ongoing projects. This is because everything is present before you to evaluate. You do not have to fret over the completion of the project and then verify its services. Completed projects are more trustworthy and profit earning in the long run.

A commercial property with great returns can be acquired if you are a bit more careful about the place and project that you are investing in. 

Why has Mumbai Evidenced a Hike in Property Prices?

By: Sumita Roy   

The real estate market of Mumbai continues to grow despite sky-rocketing property prices. Most of the expert forecasts of imminent correction have fallen flat for the last three years. Instead, the prices of the properties have escalated by an average of 66%. It is true that logically, such a correction is inevitable going by the rampant inflation. But the ground reality of the market is working against the end-user. Some factors noticed in the market were: 

1. The universally accepted concept of the surfeit of unsold inventory for market correction in not occurring in Mumbai due to its consistency in demand. 
2. Residential projects have encountered a steady increase of approximately 66%. Some of the localities have seen an even greater hike. The Malad-Borivali area has seen an increase of 85%. Thane is accounting a rise of 70% and Navi Mumbai, 74%. After the Lehman fiasco, Mumbai stands highest among all the cities of India in regard to the cumulative price escalation figures. Whereas, during the same time, Gurgaon and Bangalore, two other hot real estate markets, saw an increase of 52% and 46% respectively. 

The entire scenario is completely ludicrous if viewed from a distance. But the real estate background of Mumbai throws light on this situation and makes the condition appear more logical than was previously perceived:

1. Mumbai is facing a scarcity of ‘clear’ land. Unlike Bangalore and Chennai, Mumbai does not have a good supply of free plots to construct new projects.
2. The number of new launches in Mumbai have decreased consistently in the period from the first quarter of 2011 to the second quarter of 2012. This happened because of the slow approval of various projects.
3. During this period, in order to check the boom, the government raised the lending price to approximately 12 times of the existing rate.
4. The builders’ input costs also increased during this period. In addition, the investors, who had invested during pre-launch, pressurized them for returns. As a result, the property prices rose to a great height. 
5. The high volatility in the fields like equity, coupled with high debt and high land value, had the builders’ left with minimal options. 
6. During this debacle came in the new development control rules. These caused many projects to immediately come to a steady halt, and those that were still in the process of construction had struggling architects making their projects adapt to the mandatory set of guidelines.
7. The builders and the investors who spend benchmark prices based on just a few high profile launches of a particular locale have prevented the deceleration of property value.

Due to the surging demand for investment, as well as the increasing number of consumers of residential projects, the prices of property have remained unperturbed in Mumbai. The consistent increase of second home buyers and the investors’ firmly entrenched belief that real estate prices in Mumbai will never decelerate has led to this trend. 

The Universally Beneficial Concept of Retirement Houses

By: Sumita Roy

In the modern age, the culture of joint family living has seen a deceleration. Almost all families, especially in metro cities, are of the nuclear type. As a result, senior citizens are encountering numerous problems related to isolated living. The problem escalates if one is living a retired life with his children settled in a different city or country. 

Apart from an emotional void, there are numerous factors that affect them. The factors include: health problems, maintenance problems (especially if he/she owns a palatial space), maid hassles, security issues and much more.

As a remedy to this kind of living, some Indian real estate companies have ventured to construct retirement homes for the older generation. Not only does it relieve this generation from a troublesome living, but also helps them to enjoy their lives. It provides them with a number of interesting opportunities to explore one’s potential, even at this age.

First, is the maintenance of the property. In a retirement home, older people do not need to fret over the daily maintenance of their residence. All the basic facilities are available close at hand. Maids, plumbers, electricians, carpenters etc are available whenever their services are required.

Second, is the emotional factor. If one lives in a complex with like-minded companions in the neighborhood, then it’s fine. Otherwise, retirement homes promote ones’ chances to find companionship. He can share his hobbies, go for a fitness walk, play card games, table tennis, share musical inclinations and do much more with compatible people of the same generation.

Third, are the necessary security measures. The greatest advantage of living in this kind of serviced apartment is security. This kind of community is properly guarded due to which a tension free living takes precedence in these areas.

Fourth, is access to health care facilities, as and when needed. Old age necessitates regular health care services, both due to emergency situations and also for regular checkups.  None of the residents need to worry a dime about the availability of doctors or medicines. Everything will be conveniently placed at an arm’s length from their residences.

Fifth, a good retirement home provides one with the opportunity to explore his talents even at this age. It facilitates one to indulge in various social works and programs to serve society.

Therefore, this new kind of development in the realty market of India has promoted a good, safe and quality lifestyle for all those senior citizens who were, till date, living in isolated houses, all by themselves. After all, seniors deserve the best of everything. 

Create Storage Space in an Apartment

By: Sanya Kaushik

Apartments have become quite popular in the recent past. You don’t have to bother about lawn weeds; you don’t have to fight with your neighbors about boundary issues; you don’t have to take care of electricity, water or general maintenance. Sure, apartments are definitely better in terms of practicality and convenience.

But, like all terrestrial objects, apartments are accompanied by their fair share of problems, the biggest and most annoying of which is probably storage space, or rather the lack thereof. As most apartment-dwellers will tell you, finding a place for all the odds and ends (that every household invariably has) is the biggest setback of living in a flat. 

So what do you do if there isn’t space to put everything away? Easy, you make space. Here are a few useful ideas on how to make extra storage space in an apartment:

IN THE KITCHEN:

• If there aren’t a lot of people living in the apartment, you could make do with a small fridge instead of a full-sized one. 

• Place hooks and hangers above the fridge or shelf to hang pots and pans that you don’t need regularly. 

• Use a slightly cracked or unusable mug or cup to hold spoons, forks and knives; this leaves the drawers empty for plates and other crockery. 

• If you have a high ceiling, you could build a shelf and hang your wine glasses and pans off of it. 

• Get a rolling shelf for all your condiments, spices and other cooking ingredients. This way, you can always move the shelf somewhere else temporarily so that you get more space in the kitchen.  

IN THE LIVING ROOM:

• If possible, get a couch that has a storing compartment at the bottom; all your spare bed sheets, pillow covers and rugs can go in here. 

• Center tables and side tables with drawers can create a lot of space. 

• Build modish shelves around the TV/ entertainment unit; this will cover up a blank wall and give you space to place your books and other items. 

• Place your furniture strategically so that small nooks are created where you can store something. 

IN THE BEDROOM:

• Build floating shelves for all your books and other objects. 

• Hang your heavy jackets off the back of the main door in order to save closet space. 

• If possible, get a bed that has an empty bottom. This can create a lot of space for heavy winter clothes, spare sheets and pillow covers, shoes, extra crockery etc. 

• Put all the stuff that you don’t need in suitcases; places these suitcases on top of the closet to save space.

• You could also build overhead compartments in order to save floor/wall space; this will make the room feel less cluttered and more open. 

By using these simple tips, you could create a lot of storage space within the apartment without making it look disorderly, chaotic and congested. 

Effect of the Realty Bubble on Shopping Malls in India

By: Sanya Kaushik

Since 1957, when the first shopping center to be promoted as a ‘mall’ (Bergen Mall, New Jersey) made its way into the Western world, shopping malls have been ubiquitous in almost every single country the world over. Today, shopping malls are a one-stop destination for scores of people; retail therapy, recreation, grocery shopping, whatever be the need of the hour, you can be sure to find it at a mall.

Touted as a testament to a country’s industrial growth and development, shopping malls have seemingly become the driving force of the retail real estate industry on a global scale. In India, even people living in the smallest, most off-the-map towns have access to at least one mall. However, this pervasive trend may be facing a slow but definite decline.

Given the less-than-favorable state of the Indian real estate industry, a number of major builder groups are finding it incredibly difficult to sustain this particular business model. Increasing real estate prices and rising construction costs have led to lengthening of the break even period; it has increased to 10 or more years in some cases.

“The crazy building boom in retail real estate is not going to come back,” says Kishore Bhatija, Chief Executive Officer of InOrbit Malls, owned by reputed real estate group, K Raheja.

The property consultants of several large firms, like Cushman & Wakefield and Jones Lang Lasalle, have stated the national vacancy rate to be 25% in this New Year, having increased from 20% in the previous year. In metro and rapidly-growing cities such as Delhi NCR, Ahmedabad and Pune, the vacancy rate has crossed the 25% mark.

This accelerating rate can be largely accredited to the rising rent of retail and office spaces, which is a direct result of increasing construction costs and realty prices. Developers are trying to recover their money by hiking up the rent. However, since no one can afford to pay these rents, several commercial spaces are lying empty and unoccupied.

Experts suggest that this situation will not be alleviated until the Indian real estate bubble bursts. If the prices of real estate properties come down, so will the rent of commercial spaces. 

India Lives Smarter Now with Smart Home Technology!

By: Sanya Kaushik

Smart Homes have been touted as the best way to live in the modern world. It’s next to impossible to argue with this assertion. Smart home technologies let you control almost all your home appliances and systems; heating and cooling units, security cameras and burglar alarms, entertainment center, temperature settings of your bathtub, swimming pool and spa, light fittings etc, you have singular control over your entire house at the touch of a button. 

With SMART HOME technology, it is now possible for you to monitor your home without having to physically be there. 

Indian Scenario

This avant-garde technology has now made its way into the India residential development industry. Several eminent builder groups have realized the importance and sheer brilliance of smart home technology, and are presenting Indian end-users with intelligent living spaces that take care of almost all of your needs. 

Sobha Developers Ltd, a high-end real estate developer in India, is setting up Bangalore’s first smart home community. It’s VP, Vivek Jaiswal says, “Technology has already changed the way we connect and communicate, but now is changing the way we live too." 

Tata Housing Development Company Ltd is also starting to adopt some of these smart home technologies into their upcoming projects. According to Brotin Banerjee, MD and CEO of Tata Housing, “Through the integration of information technologies with the home environment, systems and appliances are able to communicate in an integrated manner, which results in convenience, energy efficiency, and safety benefits."

For senior citizens, who sometimes forget to turn off the gas or switch of the lights, these homes are especially useful; a smart home will buzz you in case there is a gas leak, turn of the heating/cooling systems if the door is left open, inform you when it’s time to take a medicine, show you who is ringing your doorbell, and dial for help in case of an emergency. 

Ashiana Housing Ltd has already incorporated some of these systems into their retirement resorts. 

The present and future of the Indian Smart Home segment

Right now, the propagation and creation of smart homes in India is still in the nascent stage of development. The ‘smart’ aspect of smart homes in India is limited to security and safety concerns. While India’s list of intelligent features isn’t as long or comprehensive as that of the West, the systems that are currently running are at par with Western systems. 

However, given the quick pace at which India is developing and becoming a leading world economy, this fast-growing nation isn’t too far behind First World nations in terms of housing innovation. 

It won’t be long before a majority of the Indian populace is living in opulent smart homes, experiencing the same lifestyle that up until now has been limited to Western home owners. 

Supertech - Yoo’s New Project in Gurgaon

By: Sumita Roy

Supertech Limited is a leading brand name in the Indian realty market. The group has successfully completed twenty five years in this field. And on the occasion of the completion of their silver jubilee, the group is presenting to us a New Project in Sector 68, Gurgaon. Aided by the superlative design, this project is all set to become a benchmark of creativity in the modern era. 

The firm is implementing the masterful and dazzling touch of the Yoo group for the interior design and layout of this project. The name of Yoo is worth mentioning in regard of its worldwide achievements. It was established by international property entrepreneur John Hitchcox and popular designer Philippe Starck. This brand has become an internationally acknowledged name with its achievements of 51 projects across 40 cities in 26 countries under its belt. They have become a torch holder for new and unique forms of lifestyle. 

This revolutionary designer brand harbors the talent of excellent designers like Philippe Starck, Jade Jagger, Marcel Wanders and Kelly Hoppen. The firm mostly flourishes in hotels and residential designs. They have created masterpieces all around the world that stand as blaring examples of their contemporary, imaginative and sophisticated designs which never cease to surprise and delight their viewers and residents. 

Supertech Limited has ventured to create milestones by employing the services of this pioneering brand. This New Project would be an accomplishment in itself as well as for the group. It will redefine the standards of unique creativity. Set in sector 68, it is going to enjoy one of the most favorable locations of Gurgaon as well.

Yoo aims at creating a paragon of modern lifestyle, surrounded by natural elements that make you feel comfortable and open to a daily celebration of life.The green will be laid out opulently to greet you in the mornings and at night, the interiors will give you the perfect repose after an eventful schedule. 

Both Supertech Limited and Yoo will blend in their exquisite efforts to make this New Project stand out as one of the most extravagantly designed residential spaces. 

Smart Homes- The Smarter Way to Live

By: Sanya Kaushik

Since the latter half of the 20th Century, technology has had an exclusive sovereignty over almost every aspect of the modern world. It has enabled us to create things that people only ever saw or read about in movies and books. It has given free rein to our imagination, allowing us to break free from the shackles of convention and tradition; there no limits, no binding restrictions, no rule book that dictates what we can and cannot achieve. The only law that seems to apply to this spectacular generation is this- ‘If you dream it, you can create it’.

With the tsunami of technological advancement that is thundering down every street and avenue in the world, it was only a matter of time before it hit the housing, construction and development industries.

People have become smarter, and so have their homes. A technological renaissance has taken place in the housing industry in the last decade or so. The novel concept of ‘SMART HOMES’ is making its way down from developed nations to developing one, and has now become an integral part of residential development in India.

What is a Smart Home?

A smart home is a home that comprises of electrical, heating and lighting devices and systems that can be controlled via a smartphone or computer. Smart Homes are generally more energy-efficient and help reduce heating, cooling and electricity costs.

Benefits of a smart home/What can you electronically control in a Smart Home?

There a number of systems that you can control using your tablet or smart phone. Typically, a smart home has the following systems:

•Lighting: A central system that will allow you to dim, brighten or turn on or off multiple lights in all rooms of the house will be available on your smartphone. Depending on the occasion, you can command the program to alter the lighting effects of your house.
You can feed in the latitudinal and longitudinal location of your home into the program; the system will know when the sun rises and sets on a yearly basis, and will turn lights on and off accordingly.

•Heating: Thermostat controls let you turn up and turn down the temperature of the home. If you’ve been away for a while, you can program the system to warm up or cool down the house on your way back home; the house will be at your preferred temperature by the time you get there.
If someone leaves the door open, the computerized system will shut off the heating/cooling unit in order to save energy.

•Security: The biggest benefit of a smart home is its burglar alarm feature. Smart home technology enables you to know if someone has broken into your house by sending a text to your phone. Also, the program allows you to directly view the feed that your security cameras are picking up; this enables you to keep an eye on what’s going on in the house when you’re not there (big win for parents, not so much for the kids!).

•Amenities: Smart home technology lets you control the temperature of your jacuzzi or swimming pool via your iPhone or tablet. You can even turn on or turn off your wi-fi systems when you’re at work or on vacation.

Smart homes are already helping millions of people live a better more opulent lifestyle. This incredible technology has made modern life more secure, comfortable and convenient.

Supertech’s New Project By Yoo

By: Sanya Kaushik

Supertech Ltd is categorically the leading real estate developer in the Indian real estate market. Having created masterpieces such as Golf Country Villas, Upcountry, Supernova, Ritz Chateau, Eco Loft and a multitude of other incredible developments, Supertech Ltd has launched another brilliant venture in Sector 68, Gurgaon. 

This amazing project not only showcases the financial might of Supertech, but is a shining exemplar of their prodigious skill and architectural prowess. It has been designed specifically for high-end users who are sick and tired of weary designs, banal layouts and copy-cat housing formats. 

This project is being advertized heavily and frequently across the country. It has been touted to be Supertech’s best work yet. So, is this new creation worth the hype? You bet it is. Check out for yourself why this project is gearing up to be Gurgaon’s most luxurious residential community:

Concept and design by international designer, Yoo

This grand venture brings to India the creative works of world-renowned design firm, Yoo, the brain-child of property entrepreneur John Hitchcox, and the internationally celebrated designer, Philippe Starck. 

A brand that is recognized and sought-after the world over, Yoo has worked with several real estate developers of global repute. Since 1999, Yoo has been helping to create visionary homes and hotels in 27 countries spread across Asia, Australia, Europe, Africa, North and South America and the Middle East. 

Being associated with Yoo has considerably enhanced the market value of this property, and has made it a highly covetous and desired living destination.

It’s all about the location

Sited at one of the most popular areas of the millennium city of Gurgaon, the new project of Supertech is accessible from all the corners of the city; it is also surrounded by a world-class infrastructure constituted by up-market restaurants, corporate offices, shopping malls and hospitals. 

Located bang on Golf Course Extension Road, Supertech’s new innovation will afford you a high degree of connectivity to Huda City Center metro station, IGI Airport, South Delhi etc. In other words, for people who travel to Delhi frequently, this location will enable to reduce and optimize commute time. 

Opulent living spaces

Under this project, gorgeous homesteads in a plethora of shapes and sizes are available to interested buyers. These apartments have been carved out of pure luxury, and are accompanied by the latest fixtures and furnishings available in the market. All these homes are privy to spectacular views of the Gurgaon skyline. 

Top-notch amenities 

Supertech Ltd has ensured, as it does with all its projects, that its new project affords its exclusive residents all the amenities that make for an ultra-modern and plush lifestyle. At this property, you will find a grand swimming pool, a fully equipped gym, a traffic-free play area for kids, sports facilities, and much more. 

If you’re scouring the market for a highly lucrative investment opportunity, or looking for a place to live that is superior in all respects, then Supertech’s new development is THE place for you.

Condominium Living - The New and Improved Housing Trend

By: Sanya Kaushik

Condominiums are all the rage in the real estate industry right now. A largely Western concept up until a few years ago, condo living is no longer the new kid on the block; in fact, a lot of contemporary Indian home owners have started demanding more and more condo complexes. This demand has opened up a massive window of opportunity for real estate developers across the board- the low cost of development coupled with the high sale value makes condos the idyllic golden goose. 

So, WHAT exactly is a condo? 

A condo is a housing tenure and/or other real estate property in which a specific part of the property is individually owned. Use of and access to all common facilities is defined by legal rights associated with the ownership. The rights of each individual unit are managed and controlled by the association of home owners that jointly own the entire property. 

The difference between a condominium and apartment complex is categorically legal. You cannot tell by simply looking at a structure that it’s a condo or an apartment building. The difference between the two lies in the nature of ownership; a condo is sold in different units to different owners, while apartments are rented to different tenants by the developer who maintains ownership. 

OWNERSHIP of a Condominium

Ownership of a condo unit is defined as the ownership of the space contoured by the walls of the home. The owned space is specified in a legal document known as a Declaration, which is filed with a local governing authority. 

The common areas, like the passage ways, elevators, exterior areas etc, have shared ownership that is held in trust by a corporate body created at the time of construction of the condo. This association only holds the area on behalf of the residents; they may not have ownership per se. 

LEGAL ASPECT of a Condominium

There a number of legal documents that dictate the terms of sharing a condominium space. Condos have covenants, conditions, restrictions and additional rules that you will have to agree to and follow. 

Homeowners Association

An HOA comprises of unit owners that manage the condominium through a Board of Directors elected by the membership. The HOA ensures that all the systems (heating, water, electric etc) of the condo are functioning smoothly and efficiently. It also decides how much each owner should pay for the maintenance of the complex, and has the legal authority to ask for and collect the same. 

The name of the HOA changes with jurisdiction. In different areas, it goes by different names such as “sectional title”, “commonhold”, “condominium owners’ association” etc.

Condos used for non-residential purposes

The non-residential use of condos isn’t all that common. However, you should know that you can use a condo as an office, retail shop, hotel room, group housing and storage, if your need should so dictate. This particular benefit proves to be quite advantageous for Non-profit organizations because it basically leads to a lower tax liability.

If you’re planning on buying a condo, you should definitely dig deeper into this new concept, and find out why you should or shouldn’t buy a condominium.

Top 7 Places for Property Investment in India

By: Sanya Kaushik

The real estate industry, much like every other industry, has been in a state of consistent growth and renovation since time immemorial. In India, this multifaceted industry stands at the forefront of economic success and development. Property investment is a ubiquitous practice across the board. Celebrities, businessmen, service providers, consultants, and pretty much anyone who has a certain amount of accumulated wealth knows that investing in property is your safest bet for a financially secure future. 

While you may have done your homework with respect to the documentation and other legal paperwork that accompanies real estate transactions, you may be confused as to WHERE to actually put in your money.

You can use this list as a guide of prospective exploration sites-

1. Chembur, Mumbai: A posh Mumbai suburb, Chembur has been the target of many a real estate developer, and is expected to witness a price appreciation of 125% between 2012 and 2017.

2. Noida Extension, Delhi NCR: Noida Extension has several commercial and residential projects coming up in the next few years. It is well-connected to Noida City Center and Connaught Place. It is expected to see a property price appreciation of 15-20% in the next few years. 

3. Greater Noida, Delhi NCR: This is one of the fastest growing suburbs of Delhi NCR. It comprises of several mid-rise and high-rise developments that serve as idyllic avenues for property development. 

4. Wadala, Mumbai: Wadala is well connected to the various areas of Mumbai via the Eastern Express Highway. The properties in this area will also benefit from an almost ready monorail that follows a Chembur-Wadala-Jacob route. 

5. KR Puram, Bangalore: This area lies in close proximity to the IT hubs of Whitefield and Manyata Tech Park. It lies in NH 75. Connectivity will be provided by the proposed Peripheral Ring Road and the upcoming metro railway network. 

6. Hinjewadi, Pune: Hinjewadi has an ever-improving infrastructure that will aid in substantially increasing the prices of all the properties established and coming up in this area. 

7. Pallaikaranai, Chennai: Located close to the upcoming Vandalur-Velachery Monorail project, Pallikaranai is a premier location for property investment. It is a popular residential destination in Chennai. 

These are the 7 best investment avenues in India. With prices constantly appreciating, these locations look quite promising.

Water Features for your Home

By: Sanya Kaushik

Since the time of the Ancient Greeks, Water has been a vital part of our evolution as a species. Every single aspect of our existence- mental, physical, emotional, spiritual- has an elemental connotation. Water is generally associated with emotion and intuition. It is also the propagator of tranquility and peace. 

Since time immemorial, people have been using water to beautify their houses. Whether it was an extravagant fountain placed at the entrance of a mansion, or a simple bird bath on the front lawn, water has always been an integral component of home décor. 

Flowing water is considered to be a spiritual cleanser of sorts. Therefore, using water to emboss your home is an excellent way to create an ambience of subtle beauty and quite elegance within your home. 

For quite some time, the use of water features was limited to independent houses and bungalows that had private lawns or terraces. Today however, a number of apartment dwellers have started embellishing their homes with fountains and other water-oriented décor adornments too.

Here are a few economically feasible and simple ideas on how to introduce a water feature into your home:

TIP 1: Fountains placed at the front door

Place tall (3-4 ft) fountains right outside the front door. These will create a vibrant and lively ambience for anyone walking towards or past your home. 

These fountains can be found at any furniture store and are incredibly easy to maintain. To create a rustic and natural look, you should place some potted green plants around the fountains. 

TIP 2: Tabletop fountains- simple but elegant

Tabletop fountains are pretty and small, therefore easy to repair or replace. Place these in whichever area of the house you think needs a touch of animation. If you have kids or pets, it is advisable to place this particular water feature at a height- on top of a counter or a high table.

TIP 3: Wall-mounted water features

The most appealing aspect of this particular water feature is that it does not consume any floor space. Since the gravitational force acting upon these will increase proportional to the height at which they are placed, make sure you don’t place these fountains at too great a height. 

Wall fountains are visually very striking, therefore they shouldn’t be too bright or too dull. Since they will be the first thing that people will see, devote a little more effort and time than you usually would in choosing a wall-mounted water feature.

TIP 4: Light-effect water cascades make the house more welcoming and warm

Light-effect fountains, contrary to popular belief, are perfectly safe as well as cheap. If you’re hesitant to use electrical lights, you could always use small battery-operated lamps or diyas. Working in tandem with flowing water, these fountains create an enigmatic and warm glow that few other ornaments can achieve. 

TIP 5: Water walls are idyllic for a modern home

If an ultra-chic, A-line look is what you’re looking for, you should definitely go for a water wall. The simplistic beauty of these walls makes for an understated yet perceptible sophistication and grace. These walls, rather than drawing attention away from the charm of the room, enhance it. They do not occupy too much space and are quite reasonably priced. 

Your home will feel much more peaceful and relaxing once these simple and inexpensive water features become a part of your home décor. 

Our physical and mental well-being is ruled, in some way, shape or form, by the five elemental forces. While it cannot be declared conclusively which of these elements is categorically more important for our survival, it can, however, be stated that water is the most calming and tranquil element of them all. 

Plot or Apartment: Which is a Better Option?

By: Sumita Roy

Buying a house is a once in a lifetime act. Before investing we always make sure whether it matches our criteria of adequate space. Whether the place has good connectivity? And whether it lives up to our expectations of providing adequate features or not?  

Previously there were no builder groups who would take up a residential project and deliver it with all the essential amenities and specifications. With an abundance of vacant plots available, people planned and designed their own houses.

But with the emergence of builder groups, especially in the metro cities, the construction process has undergone a paradigmatic shift. Today, most of the people opt for readymade houses instead of personally designed spaces. But this does not mean that there are no individual house construction plots available. In fact, there are quite a number of builders who are providing plots for residential and commercial purposes.

Now, the question a buyer faces while buying a property is whether he should opt for apartment or buy a plot and personally design it? The simple answer to this is - check your bank accounts. With the growing rate of land prices no one usually buys a plot and constructs a private residence. He does not have ample money, time and access to adequate human resource to build a house. Nowadays, plots are mostly bought for investment purposes.

With a majority of the city population consisting of middle class working citizens, apartment seems the best option. The projects become all the more enticing when the builders offer inaugural discounts to buyers.

But building a house on a plot and fitting it with all its unique features is also a very tempting endeavor. 

Particularly, for any person who has the luxury of a big bank balance. He can hire his own architect, mention his requirements and even design the entire layout. He can recruit his own set of skilled labor and see that the house is constructed accordingly.

But this kind of an undertaking requires good amount of investment and ample time. Both of which cannot be afforded by the milieu of working class people. It is only an extravagance that can be borne by a very restricted population of affluent people.  

Therefore, residential apartments have become the new way of living and a city trend. All thanks to the builder groups who have undertaken such projects and have embellished them with amenities and specifications that suit the modern style of living.  

5 Common Home Design Flaws in the Modern World

By: Sanya Kaushik

In the modern world, over-the-top designs and novel architecture have almost entirely substituted simplistic designs. Lavishness and opulence are driving the housing market while practicality and utility have taken a backseat. What most designers fail to take into consideration is that aesthetic beauty is not, and can never be, a replacement for comfort. Rather, these two elements should complement each other, work hand-in-hand to create a comprehensive and holistic lifestyle for end-users.

There are a number of design flaws that have become typical of modern homes. If you find some of these in your own home, don’t fret. The good thing about these mistakes is that they can be easily and economically remedied. 

Here’s a list of some of the most popularly-observed design defects:

1. Too few/too many windows:

Studies have proved that natural lighting can cut down energy consumption by 25-40%, essentially lowering carbon footprints and annual energy costs. Natural light also has several visual advantages. In the winter, windows can magnify the heat radiated by natural light, thus reducing electronic heat requirements. 

Too many windows are perfect in the winter, but can cause temperatures to soar in the summer, leading to increased costs and usage of air conditioning. 

2. Very little/too much storage space:

Storage space is a major problem in most contemporary homes. Architects sometimes don’t account for just how much storage space a person might require. They do not allot a lot of space for closets and additional storage. 

Too much storage space can also be a problem. Walk-in closets may suggest success and wealth, but are quite impractical for people who don’t really need that much space and could have used it for something else. 

3. Stuffy homes- no ventilation:

Given that most corporate offices, educational institutes and transport facilities are air conditioned these days, it is vital that your home is well-ventilated and is constantly plied with fresh air. Air-conditioned homes may sound very futuristic and lavish on paper, in reality they are quite the little snuff boxes. Make sure your home is well-ventilated and open. 

Well-ventilated homes are not only good for your mental and physical health; they also sell better than other closed-up, airless units. 

4. Air conditioning:

Most homes come attached with air conditioners these days. This isn’t the cause for celebration as it poses to be. Architects often under or over estimate the size of the unit required for a particular unit. The wrong unit can lead to mold from too much moisture. Then there’s the cost of maintenance and upkeep, which is, most of the time a lot more than you accounted for initially. 

5. Placement of the bathroom and the kitchen:

In order to make water supply easier, a lot of architects cut corners and build a kitchen right next to the bathroom. Water pipes can be laid down quickly and easily if the 2 places that require the most water are right next to each other.

Can you imagine having to use the facilities while a bunch of people are gathered around the dinner table right outside the bathroom door? If you are unfortunate enough to have witnessed this first hand, get it fixed right away. The value of your home will dip drastically because of this particular problem. 

The common design errors listed above can severely damage the chances of the house selling quickly and easily. In fact, these flaws can become major setbacks to your investment purposes. By spending a little bit on repairs right now, you can expect to see a pretty wide profit margin when you do put your house on the market. 

Vaastu Tips for an Office Space

Written By: Sanya Kaushik

Vaastu is as ubiquitous and significant in real estate today as it was 50 or more years ago. Most people think of vaastu only in terms of their homes. When it comes to office spaces, people make sure that the site itself is compliant to vaastu tenets and leave it at that.

However, working professionals spend, on an average, approximately 10-12 hours at their work place. Therefore, it is imperative for you to create the same peaceful and positive environment at the office as you do at home. Why is it so important? Because being in and around a negative atmosphere can be extremely detrimental to your psyche. In fact, if you’re bogged down by stress and anxiety at work, you’re more than likely to carry this negativity back home with you. 

There are a number of things you can do to create an environment that stimulates creative juices, is conducive to prosperity and success, and inspires team work. Here are a few simplistic but effective vaastu tips for your office. 

1. Since vaastu is drawn from natural elements, it is advisable to introduce a natural element into your work space. Place multi-colored stones inside the entrance of your office. Placing a potted plant near the entrance is also a good idea. 
2. Rectangular work desks stimulate the flow of work energy and help in creating a professional work environment. They are also more welcoming to wealth and prosperity. The CEO’s desk should definitely be rectangular. 
3. Employees should not be seated directly under light beams. These beams are quite harsh to an employee’s productivity and can cause him/her to feel burdened and weighed down. It can cause headaches, and in extreme cases, seizures. 
4. The windows should always be clean. Dirty windows restrict the flow of wealth and create a sense of abandonment and neglect; this can be quite damaging to the flow of creativity in the work place. If possible, ensure that all the employees sit close to a window that gets direct sunlight. This will lift their spirits and alleviate the feeling of being trapped, or encumbered. 
5. Add a water feature, like an aquarium or a table top/floor fountain to the office design. Water represents tranquility and purity; this water feature will help drive out any negative energy in your office space. A colorful aquarium will lift the spirits of your employees and break the monotony of the work place. 
6. The entrance of the office should be at the end of a long corridor- this helps in the easy flow of prosperous and positive energy. The entrance should be distinctive in order to attract wealth. 

Use this list as a guide to increase the flow of positive energy, prosperity and wealth into your work space. 

Plan Your Studio Apartment

Written By: Sumita Roy

Renting or buying a compact studio apartment is much easier than a well spread out flat, especially, in the Indian market, where the prices of modest apartments are skyrocketing. It is also an easy and affordable destination for anyone who desires to own an individual space in the happening areas of the country.   

Usually one shies away from the idea by taking into account the limited space it provides. But studio apartments can actually prove to be very convenient to simple living standards. All it needs is a bit of planning and an ounce of your hard work. 

Some of the ideas that can really be used to make it look spacious and cozy are- choose your priorities, effectively plan them and keep the area tidy. You cannot afford to have stacks of paper work and bunch of dirty laundry straying around. They have to be done with while staying in such an arrangement.

If you are a prolific reader then you must have a long but narrow bookcase. This drives your eyes upwards and rendering the place a quality of spaciousness. If you are a workaholic have a small table at the corner with a chair so that it does not clutter your living space. Try and use a sofa cum bed that saves you a lot of space. Have furniture with longer legs so that the carpet area is visible (the shorter ones make your room seem smaller). Use lighter shades of wall paint and couple them with similar shade furniture; lit the corners of the rooms with lights; if possible use hanging ones and/or mini chandeliers, flower pots; use smaller carpets that spare a bit of uncovered floor area - all these contribute to make the living space look bigger than it really is (a perceptual enhancement). 

Purchase smaller forms of everything such as smaller television set, stereo system, coffeemakers, and all such electronic appliances that leave sufficient area in the kitchen working top as well as other operational spaces to function freely.  

Of course, this does not offer the spectacle of a grand pent house suite, but it is enough to live in comfortably. And yes, if you want to entertain guests feel free to do so, but don’t let them stay overnight- honestly, you cannot afford the space. Or, a better suggestion would be to find good excuses and turn them down.

5 Easy Ways to Give Your Living Room a New Look for 2014

Written By: Sanya Duggal

It’s a new year – the time to commence new purposes, start things afresh, and improve everything surrounding you. So why not begin with your home? Give it a refreshing look, enliven up the space! To get a new look, it is not always necessary to spend a lot or give it a complete makeover. Just small changes, a few replacements, and some additions can make your living room seem different and fresh. Try out these easy ways:

1. Add pillows and throws to your sofas: A beautiful arrangement of pillows and throws can give an ultimate finishing touch to sofas. Place 5 or 6 new pillows, which vary in colors, textures, and sizes. You could use bright colors and elaborate textures if your sofa has a subtle shade. Use lighter shades and basic designs if the sofa has a darker shade. Your living room will not only look new, but will become more comfortable too.

2. Put up paintings/ photographs on a blank wall: Create a focal wall in your living room. You can use framed photographs, paintings, mirrors, wall hangings etc of different shapes and sizes. Place them close together. To add vibrancy to this gallery wall, you can use contrasting colors in different pictures.

3. Add an area rug: A rug can entirely elevate your living room space and make it feel more complete and defined. Use a contrasting color in a new pattern, of a large size. Bold style or design will have a striking effect too. Remember to place furniture on top of the area rug and make sure that your rug does not cover the entire room. Leave some bare floor space. This soft furnishing can add great value to your space.

4. Decorate with floor and table lamps: A new lighting accessory can enhance the overall ambience of your room. You can add a large size, corner floor lamp or place table lamps of modern designs to complement the rest of the room. Make sure the size of the lamp is appropriate for its location.

5. Get a new centre table: The coffee table is the central piece of the room. Get a new design for the table. Ensure that it balances and matches with the décor of rest of the room. If your living room looks too simple, set it off with a large and stylish looking coffee table. If it’s already too decorated, place a transparent table which has a sober design.

Try these tips and give your living room an elevated and refreshed look and feel!