Category: Blog

The lockdown imposed to stop the spread of the novel Coronavirus has had a deep impact on the real estate sector. Owning a home – be it a villa or an apartment – is in focus as more and more Millennials see it as the best asset class investment. While industry pundits peg this shift on the sense of security that physical assets provide, it is also important to think about what type of real estate asset would you invest in – a villa or an apartment. Which is safer and more comfortable during these troubled times. Here’s a look.

Apartment Living: What Are the Advantages?

When you think about investing in real estate, financial imperatives tend to push us towards buying an apartment, since it might be the least expensive. This is because it is normally a given that an apartment is cheaper than a villa of the same category in the same location. An apartment is your private cocoon in an urban environment, with maintenance just a call away. An apartment offers higher security, vibrant community life, and a higher chance of tenancy if you are thinking of making your investment work for you. Since most of the apartment complexes are situated close to the city, it also offers you a higher level of accessibility.

That being said, there is a flip side too. During these troubled times, the onus of staying safe and disease-free rests on each and every member in the apartment complex. Staying within the four walls of the apartment complex could get slightly stifling. You need to make do with the limited space that you have to refresh yourselves after a tiring day at work.

Living in a Villa: What Are the Advantages?

More space, more privacy, and more freedom are the main factors that work in favour of the villa. It gives you home with a refined style, stylish modern architecture, comfort, and luxury. Living in a villa means a spacious, bright, and cosy interior and if you have a green thumb, you can work wonders in your garden. Some builders also allow you for more customizations. You are in a world of your own and yet benefit from the community life that you are surrounded with. During these troubled times, it offers you a safe haven to retreat to without feeling claustrophobic. It is easier to maintain and disinfect the area if you are living in a gated community that offers you every comfort you can dream of.

So, will it be a house or an apartment?

The choice finally boils down to two important factors, your finances, and your lifestyle. At Prime Property Developers, we offer you an eclectic mix of stylish and spacious apartments and villas to suit your tastes. Do give us a call and book a visit.

Bottomline

During these uncertain times, your safety is the primary concern. At Prime Property Developers, we understand your concerns and we have ensured that we keep our premises clean and disinfected.

Investing in real estate is your gateway to a richer life. However, there are many risks involved. Here’s a look at the 5 top things to keep in mind before you take the plunge.

Don’t Let Your Emotions Play With You

There are two major types of investments that you can make in real estate. One is when you are buying that dream home where you will be spending the rest of lives and the second is when you are buying a home as an investment. Either way, you mustn’t fall for your emotions and make a bad investment. Investing in real estate is a major move that involves a huge amount of money. It is a major investment and you must negotiate for the best price. This is where research comes in.

Do Your Research

When investing in real estate, you have to be very meticulous. Think logically. Know that location is the key. It is important to have an in-depth understanding of the neighbourhood and the infrastructure that is available and how you can earn an income from your investment if you are not planning to stay there as soon as you purchase it. Once you have zeroed in on the location, do a careful check of the various builders and the properties available at the location you have picked. If you are investing in a flat, ask and figure out the total livable area – also known as the carpet area- that you will be investing in. The builders normally mention only the built-up area and the super-built up areas in the brochures. Opt for the best builder and the best available property that matches your budget. Do a thorough background check on the builder, and the title deeds before signing on the dotted line.

Documentation

Once you have zeroed in on the flat, the focus should shift to the paperwork. Ensure that the necessary paperwork is in place and if you do not understand the terms and conditions, get it verified by a professional. Check, and double-check the legal documents. Make sure that the project is not stuck in any kind of litigation. This is also the time to check the credibility of the builder one last time before you invest.

Consider Investment Options

Investing requires planning too. You have to calculate your finances, pay up your debts, and maintain a good credit score if you are thinking of a loan to fund your real estate investment. It is ideal to go for a loan option when you are making a major investment like that in the real estate sector.

Risk Factors

All said and done, real estate investments are safer than most other investments. However, it is not risk-free. Be prepared for this risk.

Bottomline

Weigh in the pros and cons properly and spend endless time in research before taking the plunge into real estate investment.

Life depends on water, and the availability of water depends on you. Due to poor conservation techniques and mismanagement of the resource, we are on the brink of water scarcity. It is at this juncture that conserving rainwater has become a new mantra and rainwater harvesting a new catchword.

What is rainwater harvesting?

Rain is one of the best gifts bestowed by Mother Nature and all we have to do is save some for the future. In the earlier days, rainwater used to get collected in tanks or wells and thus replenish the groundwater. However, at this time of rapid urbanization, we have to think bigger. We have to adopt innovative techniques to modify the age-old practices and collect, store, purify, and utilize this rainwater to suit the demands of homes including multi-storied apartment complexes.

How to harvest rainwater?

Rainwater harvesting is a simple process and usually is a one-time investment that requires periodic maintenance. Before you get started, however, you have to factor in the quantum of rainfall in your area. Be it small or big, a rainwater harvesting process should ideally consist of a catchment area, a conveyance system, a flush, a filter, tanks, and recharge systems. You have to factor in the quantum of runoff, features of the catchment zone, and the capacity of the storage tanks according to your requirement and wait for the rain. Once it starts raining, this water is stored and you can utilize it according to your needs. From simple pipes leading from the roof to rain barrels to complicated systems like an underground storage tank, harvesting rainwater is a simple, yet systematic process.

Why should we conserve rainwater?

Rainwater harvesting, though simple has a lot of impacts and is highly beneficial to our daily lives. It is eco-friendly as well as economically rewarding. To harvest rainwater, all you have to do is invest in a one-time rainwater harvesting infrastructure. The rainwater can be collected and stored and utilized to meet the peak demands during summer months, making it a perfect primary backup water supply for emergencies. A well-structured rainwater harvesting system can reduce stormwater runoff from a property and be an effective method to meet your local area’s stormwater management program requirements. And more than anything else, collecting and using rainwater to replace municipal water use reduces your water bill considerably over a while.

With water scarcity being a major concern, it is about time we consider rainwater harvesting to meet our requirements. In addition to being a great way to conserve water, rainwater harvesting is a sustainable process. It promotes self-sufficiency and makes you an environmentally responsible citizen.

At Prime Property Developers, we believe in a sustainable model while being environmentally friendly. Our projects have been designed keeping in mind the changing socio-economic framework. We have accounted for rainwater harvesting units in our projects. Call us to know more about the eco-friendly and socially responsible elements we have added to our homes.  

The days are getting longer, and the sun is shining brighter. Summer’s here and there is no shying away from it. This summer, unlike the others, has been a tough one so far. As we stay indoors to #StopTheSpread of the deadly COVID 19 pandemic, it is all the more important to plan out a systematic checklist for keeping your home summer-ready. While some of the tasks in the checklist can be done easily, you will have to keep an eye out in the news to know when you can get the necessary support staff to do the other tasks.

Maintain Your Cooling System

It is mandatory that you run a check for your gadgets since the sudden temperature variations could affect their smooth functioning. The most important household item you have to monitor is the air conditioner. Proper air conditioner maintenance can help your AC last longer. You should also dust your ceiling fan blades and check their balance. You should also get your electrical gadgets checked. We at PPD help you to get this maintenance done on time while adhering to the rules set down by the government due to lockdown. 

Freshen Things Up

Do a thorough check inside and outside your home. See if you need to add a fresh coat of paint to your home. Do touch up if it is necessary. Invest in a few flowers to pep up your exteriors. When it is sunny and bright, let the sun inside your home. Remove the heavy curtains and opt for sheers to do up your home. 

It’s Time for Cleaning 

Since you have time at hand, do the cleaning you have been putting off for that longest period of time. Clean everything up, including the vents and exhaust ducts. Wash the windows and the screens, use a good disinfectant to clean up the home. It serves to keep the deadly COVID 19 virus at bay. Use this time to declutter your home too. 

Inspect The Exteriors

The summer showers throw up some challenges. It is mandatory that you clear the downspouts and the gutters because they can get clogged. You need to check the windows for leaks too. 

Bring Home Some Cheer

We are going through a tough time, but that does not mean that we should not have our special moments at home. Bring in some greens, dress up the windows in light sheer curtains and redo the interiors of your homes. Now is the best time!

The summer is long, but the winter is coming and it is important that all the work be done before the downpour begins.

Trivandrum is the capital city of the southern state of Kerala and has a significant history going back to 1000 AD when it was an important trading port for spices, sandalwood and, ivory. Trivandrum has also been the capital of the Kingdom of Travancore since 1745 when Maharaja Marthanda Varma shifted the capital from the present-day Tamil Nadu area. They built many palaces during their reign, but the most beautiful one is the Kowdiar Palace, rich in its architectural design and extensive use of wood.

Kowdiar is the best locality to live in Trivandrum city. This premium residential area is one of the cleanest and greenest localities in the city and boasts of the Kowdiar palace too. Members of the erstwhile Kingdom of Travancore royal family are still in residence here with the palace offering a glowing tribute to Kerala-style of architecture.

The Kowdiar area is named after the Kowdiar palace that exists here and it is also where you will find the homes of the rich and famous. This posh area is understandably very expensive too and buying a plot here can create a big hole in the pocket! However, highly-reputed builders such as the Prime Property Developers have solved this dilemma for you by providing apartment projects here such as the ‘Anthem’, ‘Seasons’, ‘Vintage View’ and ‘The Keystone’. These projects offer luxurious state-of-the-art lifestyle amenities fit for the aristocracy and contemporary living. The apartment homes here come at comparatively more affordable rates, thus making it possible for you to own your dream home in one of the best locations in the city. It’s a matter of great prestige to own an address in Kowdiar, aside from being a great asset too.

This locality is also home to many high-end facilities including fine-dining restaurants, modern cafés as well as exotic boutique shopping facilities offering branded items. It is one of the best-maintained areas in the city too with wide clean roads, no pollution as well as the presence of lots of well-maintained greenery and parks. Aside from the Kowdiar palace, several other important features located close to Kowdiar include the Museum and zoo complex, the Kanakakkunnu palace, the Raj Bhavan and various other government offices. This up-market residential area is also a few minutes’ drive away from the Central railway station and bus station with Trivandrum International Airport being about 8km away.

Kowdiar is one of the best locations to buy your dream home and builders like Prime Property Developers help you to fulfill this dream!

NRI (Non-Resident Indians) are Indian passport holders who are resident in a country outside India. They are eligible to buy or build homes in India just like any other resident Indian and can invest in any kind of property expect for farmhouses, farmland or plantations.

And just like any other resident Indian, NRIs are also eligible to avail of home loans to buy properties. The only difference is that EMI (Equated Monthly Installments) rates are slightly higher and the loan tenure slightly lower. This is because NRIs earn higher incomes thus improving their repaying ability. Aside from this, NRIs prefer shorter tenure periods to complete loan repayments. The repayment of EMIs for NRIs is done through NRE or NRO accounts and not through their NRI accounts. Other facilities remain the same such as a choice for opting for fixed or floating interest rates, part-prepayment facilities as well as attractive interest rates on a month-on-month reducing basis.

Eligibility Criteria:

• The NRI should show income proof.
• The NRI should also have lived abroad continuously for at least a year if salaried and 3 years if self-employed.
• The age of the applicant can be anywhere between 21 to a maximum of 70 years.
• Depending on the bank, the loan tenure can be up to 30 years, depending on repayment capability.
• The interest rates can vary from 8.20% to 12% depending upon the loaner bank, such that the NRI should shop around for the best rates.
• Depending on the discretion of the bank and the repayment capability of the NRI, the loan amount sanctioned can range from anywhere between 70-90% of the actual cost of the property.
• The banks will also consider the status of any other loans the NRI has taken
• The credit score of the NRI is also taken into consideration.

Documents Required:

• Identity proof in the form of a valid passport and visa copy.
• Income proof in the form of last 3 month’s salary slips, last 6 months bank statements and an appointment or contract letter in case of a salaried person.
• In case if the person is self-employed, then details of business should be provided too along with the last 6 month’s current account statements of the business.
• The NRI should provide a copy of the buyer agreement papers for the property and any payments made towards it.

For NRIs interested in buying residences back home in Trivandrum, Prime Property Developers have a number of choice apartment projects available in niche locations.

Along with changing lifestyles in the city, the types of residences have also evolved. Where people lived in independent homes earlier, the trend now is for flats, villaments, and apartments. Where there were backyards before, there are balconies now, and front pavements leading to the house are now replaced by lifts in flats. All this makes the application of Vastu a little different for flats than in houses.

But first, what is Vastu? It is an ancient science that deals with the architecture and design of buildings so that its inhabitants lead a happy and peaceful life. It includes a set of principles that when applied properly to homes, releases positive energy and enhances the general wellbeing of the home’s residents. Its doctrines teach you how to stay healthy and prosperous in your endeavors and clear of the clutter that hinders the flow of energy. Keeping all this in mind, here are some ways to apply Vastu principles in flats:

• The flat should be regularly shaped like a rectangle or square, with every room having four corners or walls.
• The flat project shouldn’t be at the end of a road or at a T-junction.
• The main door of the flat should be bigger than the other doors in the home and should open inwards.
• The entrance into the flat should be in the north or eastern directions as they are more auspicious.
• The northern direction represents prosperity and movement shouldn’t be blocked in any way.
• Don’t keep paintings that depict violence or sorrow and avoid growing cactus within the home.
• The master bedroom should ideally be in the southwest corner and the children’s room in the northwest corner.
• The sitting room should be located in the northwest, west or south side of the flat, with maximum furnishing being placed in the south and west directions.
• The bathrooms should be in the south or western directions according to Vastu with the drain always flowing north-east.
• The kitchen should ideally be in the southeast direction with the cook facing east while cooking.
• The storeroom should be in the southern part of the building.
• The study room and prayer room should ideally be adjacent to one another and face northeast or northwestern directions, with the study table always being placed on the northern or eastern walls.
• According to Vastu, east-facing balconies are more auspicious than others.

Prestigious builders like Prime Property Developers in Trivandrum always been keen on design Vastu-compliant flats, to have peace of mind.

“Location, location, location” has been the mantra being chanted in real estate since at least 1926, but it’s still as relevant today as it was then. A good location means different things to different people. Some would argue that it’s the home that matters; and depending on your personal needs, the location might not be the top priority for you right now. However, when going house-hunting, do keep the following points in your mind to help you make a solid investment – after all, buying homes isn’t like buying your daily groceries!

Neighborhood – Most people are ready to pay more for homes that are located in safe, low-crime areas. Homes where the parents don’t have to worry about their kids walking back home alone. When buying a home, you also wouldn’t want to live in a place where there is a club or bar close-by for the public nuisance they create. Other things to check would be the presence of smoke-chugging industries or smelly canals or even waste dump sites nearby to your home. Aside from the chances of their polluting your water and air resources, they are a major threat to you and your family’s health.

Schools – Most people prefer homes where there are good schools and colleges in the locality. Such homes also have great resale value, as just like you, others too want to buy homes where there are good educational facilities for their children. The take-away point here is to buy the home with selling it in mind.

Facilities – Everyone wants to live in areas where they don’t have to go too far to access commonly-used facilities. After all, everyone wants to live close to a supermarket, a good hospital, a couple of trendy malls or cinema halls, restaurants, etc. And the closer the home is to the commercial center of the town or city, the better it is as the property’s value becomes dearer.

Transport – Another important feature to choosing a home is having adequate access to nearby transport facilities. A close-by bus stop or bus station, a not-too-far-away railway station or an airport are all features that add to the value of your property.

Finally, it’s always better to avoid buying homes too close to schools, hospitals or fire stations, as the consequent sirens and noises on a daily basis can become a bit of a pain to live with! Look for homes in open spaces and away from congested areas…

One of the best ways of making the big bucks is by investing in real estate – as history has repeatedly shown this sector to be the most stable amongst the various forms of investments. Buying a home for the sole purpose of investment still means that you need to buy the home as if you are going to use it for yourself. Only this way will you be able to make a good choice of a property that will increase your wealth and make the property more resalable.

The first factor of course has to be the location. The house needs to be located in a good neighborhood, where it’s safe for kids to walk unescorted. No one wants to buy a home in an insecure area. The neighborhood should also be devoid of potential sources of noise pollution, waste dumpsites or nearby smoke-emitting industries.

The locality should also include access to basic facilities to a nearby hospital, pharmacies, grocery shops, malls, cinema-halls, schools, etc. It should also be located in a place where you can easily access areas with numerous job opportunities. People want to live in places where they can have easy access to jobs as well as schools.

The property should also be situated in an area that’s still in its growing phase, such that with upcoming infrastructure and facilities, the cost of your investment will increase in its value over time. This is called capital growth, making buying at the right price critical. If you buy a relatively expensive property, you will have to wait that much longer to derive substantial benefits from it. However, do remember not to sell the property for the first three years at least as it’s considered short-term capital gains and can be taxed.

Before buying property for resale purposes, do make sure that you have enough liquid funds to carry on; you should have a steady income plus a nest egg tucked away for emergencies. A situation shouldn’t arise whereby you have to offload the property before its values have gone up sufficiently for you to make a killing on it.

Investment in property is a long-term scenario and you shouldn’t expect substantial gains within the first few years itself. In fact the longer you hold it, the more equity you build on it. And in the interim period, you can always rent it out and pay your loan EMIs with that. Gains all around!