New Residential Projects in Bangalore

By: Sumita Roy

Bangalore, officially known as Bengaluru, is the capital city of Karnataka. It is regarded as the third most populous city of India and stands fifth in the category of being the most populous urban agglomeration. It is also famously termed as the ‘Silicon Valley of India’ for being the leading information technology exporter of India. It is also listed in the index of being one of the top ten entrepreneurial locations of the world.

Apart from this, its pleasant weather and the setup of numerous renowned educational institutions are some of the other factors that have contributed to the mass agglomeration that the city shelters. Some of the research institutes located in here are: Indian Institute of Science (IISc), National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Indian Institute of Management (Bangalore), etc.

Therefore, due to its rapid development in all the above mentioned fields, its real estate market has undergone an economic boost. It is not just the multinational and national corporate hubs seeking offices in this area but also the populace seeking stylish homes in the city. Due to this demand many developers of the city have forayed into the creation of various types of housing projects within the last few decades. Their endeavors range from mid income housing projects to creation of ultra luxurious homes. To name a few of these developers: House of Hiranandani, Prestige Group, Sobha Developers, Godrej, Tata Housing, Brigade etc.

For those of you who are thinking or rather planning to buy a home in this city, I have created a list of some of the city’s brilliant upcoming residential projects that are presented below. All these have been compared by the parameters of space, amenities, location, price etc.:

Prestige Lakeside Habitat: This Disney themed luxurious township is set next to Varthur Lake, Whitefield, Bangalore. This location is good in terms of connectivity to other popular locations in the city such as TPL, Electronic City, Bellandur, Sarjarpur etc. The entire project occupies an area of 102 acres. It offers both apartments and villas. The apartments available are of 2 BHK, 2.5. BHK, 3 BHK and 4 BHK. This wide range of availability makes it ideal for all kinds of families. The villas are available in two sizes: 4003 square feet and 4827 square feet.

The per square feet rate of the apartments is Rs. 4860 and that of the villas range from Rs. 7750 to Rs 8000.

This project also offers a range of amenities and facilities. The amenities include amphitheatre, swimming pool, festive lawns, skating rink, basketball court, billiards table, mini golf course etc. The facilities encompass water supply, good security facility, power back up and so on.

Century Ethos: The quintessence of modernity and opulent features is provided in this creation. It offers only two types of palatial apartments- 3 BHK of 2800 square feet and 4 BHK of 4400 square feet. The entire project has been designed by USA-based architectural firm named HOK. It has also provided the residents with the option of home automation suite. It has a Cobalt Club that has a wine cellar consisting of a collection of vintages and a pooling alley. It also has a central yard known as Butterfly Garden.

This housing complex is more of an ultra luxurious dwelling with the per square feet rate in it amounting to Rs. 6500.

Brigade Cosmopolis: This Bangalore based residential creation, like Prestige Lakeside Habitat, offers a range accommodations. It hosts 2 BHK, 3 BHK and 4 BHK apartments. The interiors of these are done spectacularly with engineered marble flooring in the living room, wooden laminated flooring in the bedrooms, branded fixtures in bathrooms and toilets.

It is set just off the Whitefield Main Road and is in the middle of IT city. The 9.3 acres of land parcel has water fountains and landscaped greenery.

Brigade Begonia: Twelve architectural masterpieces holding a total of 880 apartments is what describes Brigade Begonia in the best way. These apartments are of 2 BHK, 3 BHK and 4 BHK type. Their area range begins from 1350 square feet to 3400 square feet. The per square feet rate of the apartments amounts to Rs. 5990.

It is located in Whitefield and enjoys accessibility to International Airport, Forum Value Mall, Ring road, ITPL Tech Park, MG Road and so on. This connectivity makes these homes a viable housing destination in this city.

It also offers an assortment of amenities like fully equipped gymnasium, club house facilities, swimming pool etc.

Skylark Ithaca: Skylark Mansions is a real estate giant which has and still is contributing to the formation of the famous Electronic City of Bangalore. Skylark Ithaca is one of their resplendent residential creations that majestically articulate the group’s prowess for excellence. It has created the project in a land parcel measuring 20 acres and endowed its landscape with opulent shrubberies and trees.

The types of apartments it hosts are: 1 BHK of 605 square feet; 2 BHK of 1011 and 1268 square feet; 3 BHK (penthouse) of 1991 square feet and 4 BHK (penthouse) of 2790 square feet.

Some of the striking amenities it houses are: cycling tracks, barbeque pits, Olympic size swimming pools with kids splash pool, festive lawns, tree court, volleyball court etc.

Godrej United: 17 storied idyllic towers is what features the residential project named Godrej United. This is set within close quarters from Whitefield Main Road and Phoenix Market City. This high rise development hosts a range of 2 BHK, 2.5 BHK and 3 BHK apartments. The 2 BHKs  are of 1338, 1500 and 1799 square feet; 2.5 BHKs are of 1544 square feet and 3 BHKs are of 1933, 2173 and 2700 square feet. The standard per square feet rate of the apartments is Rs. 5400.

Though extravagant is not the right word to describe these apartments but these can easily be considered as modestly spacious. Moreover when adjoined with the amenities and facilities, these become all the more good option to lead a chic lifestyle.

Prestige Jade Pavilion: This project features a unique blend of luxurious amenities, sensible layouts and plans and architectural aesthetics. Located in Marathahalli, Bangalore, it is privileged with easy access to Outer Ring Road, Vrindavan Tech Park, Marathahalli Junction, Prestige Tech Park, Papa Johns Pizza, Cessna Business Park, Central Mall, Sarjarpur Road and VIMS hospital. Connectivity being the lifeline of every successful residential project, Prestige Jade Pavilion stands as the perfect example for this criteria.

It has been constructed in a land parcel measuring 4.60 acres. This also offers 2 BHK, 3 BHK and 4 BHK apartments. The 2 BHKs occupy 1358 square feet, 3 BHK are available in two sizes 1921 square feet and 2375 square feet and the 4 BHKs engage 2524 square feet. The average per square feet rate of these units stands at Rs. 6000.

All these are just launched projects and all the details provided here are based on the brochures the builders have presented. However, special importance has been given to the reputation of the developers. Only the names of those builders have been entered who have created a name for themselves in the realty sector of Bangalore.

If you are planning to purchase a home in Bangalore or thinking about investing in any, these seven are the best of the best options when compared in terms of space, price, setting, amenities and facilities. 

Ultra Luxurious Features that you might like to have but are difficult to Maintain

By: Sumita Roy

Joys of home ownership can be multitudinous. Often when we dream of a house, it is nestled in vast measures of greenery having a front lawn and a backyard, a separate play area for the kids, sundecks, swimming pool etc. It takes the form of almost a villa or cottage with a sea beach at a walking distance. And so runs the endless wish list.

But in reality we need to cut down on our wishes, not just because it is beyond our affordability but also because it may prove to be difficult to maintain in the long run.

Here is a list of the luxurious features we want our homes to have. But is not such a good idea if we keep in mind the long term plan:

• Landscaped gardens
  

A natural setting is truly advantageous for your home. You can plant trees, grow them and reap their benefits. Even children love to play in big yards. They add a curb appeal to your home where you can arrange barbeques or just outdoor meals.

But the problem arises as it requires lot of maintenance which comes with a big price tag and much of your time. The lawns that are advertised in the magazines and papers are usually outdoor carpets. These are also expensive to maintain and are not pet friendly. Even if you maintain the entire lawn, naturally or superficially, you will not get even a good return for it when the time to sell your house comes. 

• Home Theatre

This is an ultra luxurious feature you would love your household to have. But an average working Indian does not spend more than five hours in front of the television set, everyday. You have to dedicate an extra space of the living area or convert an entire room just to make the experience of television watching more pleasurable. It will also cause your electricity meter to rise up. Also, you will also have to spend a lot of time and money to maintain and decorate the home theatre.

• Fireplace
  

Roaring or crackling of fire and its warmth is something you wish to have each winter. But this kind of indulgence can come at a great price once again. A natural fireplace always entails the danger of creating some serious havoc. It pollutes the atmosphere of your home, and, if properly channelized out via a chimney, it still harms the nature. 

Also think about the professional cleaning it requires. It calls for good expenditure as well.

• Wine cellar

Your refined tastes may demand vintage wines and Cuban cigars, but having these in a cellar may entail sharing it with guests and relatives, whoever chooses to visit you. A good idea would be to go for average drinks and beverages that would not cost you a lot. Occasionally indulging in luxury of vintages is a different thing, but having it available to all your near and dear ones is not such a pocket-friendly idea.

• Home utensils and appliances
  

Often in television shows and magazines we come across expensive dishes and cutlery sets that appeal us. When we go for home shopping, often displayed sets and appliances entice us and we finally end up buying them. But it should be kept in mind that designer wares, appliances’ models and colors change with time. The ones that are looking good in the kitchen presently will not look the same after a year or two. 

Therefore it is always advisable to think before buying. Choosing utensils that are simple and suit all occasions are better to buy rather than funky things that look good for a few months and then their color and design start to fade away. In case of appliances the same thing happens- if most of your family members do not like to have toasts for breakfast, then there is no point in buying a trendy toaster and then leaving it unused. 

• Outdoor Kitchen

Often we like to have outdoor kitchens to keep the heat and cooking smell out of the home and enjoy nature. The idea sways you to set your furniture outdoor, in the porch or in the lawn. But can cause you a lot of havoc if these get morphed out in the outdoors. It can also cost you a small fortune to restore them back to their form. 

Therefore if your city or area has a pleasant weather for at least three months you can chose to indulge in outdoor cooking and eating scenario, but if it is not so, keep your prized valuables indoors and preserve them from the tortures of harsh weather. 

• Dining setup
  

Formal dining space always adds grandeur to your inner set up. But in the present day this set up is, in most of the families, no longer necessary. Most of the families like to have their brunch or meals in front of the television set and eat on the sofa. So buying a dining table and chairs is an unnecessary thing. 

Those who have dining tables clutter it with other things which make the house look untidy. It is better to purchase it only if you think your family is in favor of formal dining. Otherwise it would be better for you to save your money and space for something more useful. 

• Library

If you are a lover of books then having a library in your home will be a good option. But beware of a few things: first keep the area clean and free of insects; make sure you use it fruitfully and if you want to sell the home in the long run, the buyer may not be very interested in the library setup and may not give you extra value for it. 

• Outhouse
  

Having outhouses in the same area as your home can make the entire set up look unattractive. These prove a good option when you are thinking of moving a huge amount of junk out of your house. But these are usually set in the same land parcel as your house. This can provide a very unappealing sight of your home as a whole. 

For storage purpose too these can dampen your belongings. So instead of these kind of sheds, look for homes having creative storage solutions like over head attic etc. 

• Water features
  

Swimming pool or ponds seem a good idea, often a luxurious feature when it comes to the look of the house. Sitting on your pool deck, having a sun bath or just reading a book at its side, seems a dream like feature your house will have if it has a pool in it.

In reality, you will not be sitting and enjoying its bounties but will be walking around it with a long poled skimmer taking out fallen leaves and trashes out of it. You will also have to spend time adding chemicals to it and doing required maintenance work. 

It is particularly dangerous if you have small children and pets around. Therefore, this may be a good option in theory but not so brilliant if regarded from a more practical perspective. 

Therefore, owning and decorating your dream home requires art and great amount of thinking. Do your home in such a way that it has all the necessary things that you and your family will need and exclude the archaic or only decorative accessories. Most importantly keep out anything that may affect your family’s health and safety issues.