Must-ask Questions Before You Finalize on a Luxury Apartment

Now, that you have decided to buy a luxury apartment, it’s important to invest your time and carry out the necessary homework around the luxury real-estate market. Firstly, the easiest way to do research is using the internet. There are many real-estate discussion forums and groups in social-networking sites such as Facebook or Quora, where you can post questions related to the luxury home market. All you need is basic networking skills, and you can easily evoke informative answers from “virtual” friends.

Apart from posting online queries, it’s important for you to have in-person interactions with people in real estate. For example, you can set appointments with sales people from various real-estate companies and get a quick view of the prices and deals.

Besides, it’s important to draw impartial advice from people who are experts in the market. In that respect, you may meet real-estate advisers, brokers and agents who are known to enlighten many on the market and share a few tips on finding the best deals in the city.

All the interactions, be they virtual or in person, will help you to avoid apprehensions about the big investments you’re about to make. However, there are ways in which you can prepare yourself and ask better questions to understand the market of luxury apartments.

Before the final plunge, let's quickly run through some common questions that come to everyone's mind…

1. Is the project title clear? 
2. Has the project got the required approval? 
3. What is the total cost of ownership? What is the monthly maintenance cost?
4. Which other costs are included along with the registration fee?  
5. What are the highlights of the project? 
6. How great is the aesthetic value of the building? Is the building design in sync with your concept of a luxury building? 
7. What are the key amenities showcased by the builder? 
8. According to you, what are the most desirable amenities of a luxury apartment?
9. How good are the views from balcony and living room?
10. Are concierge services available? 
11. How far are the conveniences?
12. Is the price affordable for you? 
13. What’s the overall reputation of the builder in terms of deliverability, quality and finish?
14. What’s the actual size of the house? 
15. Is there a model apartment or an occupied flat that you can visit?  
16. What is the compensation offered if the possession gets delayed?
17. Is there an option to customize the interiors when the building is in construction phase?
18. What are the luxury amenities provided by the builder? Are they at par with amenities in luxury projects being built by other builders?
19. What is the overall prospect of the price trends in the given locality?
20. What is the probable return on investment for the given project?
21. If the apartment is already occupied, can you check the opinion of current owners about the property?
22. How is the locality connected to other parts of the city? 
23. Is there easy access to public transport facilities?
24. Apart from the main features, what are subtle aspects of the project which make it unique? For example, the floor-to-ceiling height, common wall sharing, number of apartments in each floor or block, number of elevators in each block, fire safety precautions, etc.

Closing note...

Here is one suggestion to prospective luxury home buyers – don’t believe everything that sales reps say. Try to go beyond their words and the glossy brochures. Carry out a good research on your future home as the pay-out is big and it’s an important decision in your life.

This is a Guest post by Seema Mohta, who has over 7 years of experience within Real Estate Industry. She has worked with Various Real estate companies and has Good knowledge about property trends, Investment, Apartments in Sarjapur

Ultra Luxurious Houses That Are owned By Big Pocket Celebrities in India

India is rapidly as well as continually growing country with rising economy as well as Big Pocket celebrities who are not just investing in their business for generating more and more revenue but are fully dipped into a luxurious lifestyle. They are investing a huge amount of their earnings in luxury. Not  just them, with the changing lifestyle, many people are looking for luxurious properties in Mumbai. Here is the list of some big pocket guys owning dream mansions in one or the other urban cities of the country. This is how the house of your favorite celebrity or a popular Industrialist looks like:

• House Name: Antilia

It is the most expensive home not just in India but in the world. The Owner of this ultra-luxurious dream house is none other than the filthy rich Mukesh Ambani. Antilia is spread over an area of 4 lacs Sq Ft. having 27 floors. The building contains amenities which only a few people can dream of. 6 floors in the building is just reserved for parking and 3 for the helipad. If a building has a separate 3 - helipad, then you can imagine the type of world-class amenities it stores.
Owner: Mukesh Ambani

City: Mumbai

• House Name: Abode

Anil Ambani, following his brother’s footsteps hold 2nd position when it comes to the luxurious houses in India. Currently under construction, he has named his sweet home as Abode worth Rs 5000 Crore, subject to rise based on needs and amenities he wants to fix in his Abode.

Owner: Anil Ambani

City: Mumbai

• House Name: Mannat

The second richest actor in the world and the King of Bollywood “ Mr Khan” owns one of the most expensive houses in India having an approximate worth of Rs 125 to 150 Crores. All his fans gather in Bandra, Mumbai, outside his residence with a hope to wave him “Hi !!”
Owner: Shahrukh Khan


City: Mumbai

• House Name: Ratan Tata’s Bungalow

Ratan Tata is the name almost everyone is familiar with. A Very well known and reputed industrialist owns a home worth Rs 125 to 150 Cr comprising the area of 15000 Sq Ft. with 3 storey building and an infinity pool at the top for a view that is breathtaking, something which a common people like us can’t even dare to imagine in our house.

Owner: Ratan Tata


City: Mumbai

• House Name: Naveen Jindal Mansion

Industrialist turned politician, Naveen Jindal is another filthy rich guy who owns an ultra- luxurious high-cost bungalow in Leafy Lutyens, Delhi. His property is also valued to be Rs 125 to 150 Cr.

Owner : Naveen Jindal

City :  Mumbai



Apart from this, there is a huge list of other filthy rich celebs in India who owns a house which feels like a resort. If even you are one of them and looking to own such kind of a house, QuikrHomes can help you in your search for the most magnificent and lavish house in Mumbai.


This is a guest post by Prakshi Agarwal.

An analysis of the Indian luxury real estate market

Gone are the days when people compromised on residential facilities and amenities. These days, everyone wishes to have a gym or swimming pool on their residential premises. Convenience is no longer an option. It has become a compulsion to homeowners. Thankfully, the Indian real estate market has evolved from being a market obsessive about a home with a location to a new and vibrant concept of branded homes. Luxury housing concept refers to houses that are approximately 2000 sq. feet in area as the starting size of apartments. It goes onto much larger sizes depending on the category of luxury housing that the project is looking at offering. At this moment, potential buyers are checking out luxury villas for sale in Bangalore, Hyderabad, and Chennai. Today, luxury homes are the fastest growing segment of residential housing. Studies reveal that to cater to this growth in demand, India would require 1.5 million luxury homes over the next 15 years.

• How has globalization contributed to the development of luxury real estate?

In the last decade, rapid globalization has paved the way for employment opportunities. Due to this, income earned on the executive level is significantly high. Individuals from this segment are exposed to world-class amenities, are well-read, well-traveled, and thus, have an idea of what they want as a reflection of their taste and lifestyle. It has acted as a catalyst and paved the way for real estate developers to earn high-incentives while simultaneously catering to the housing needs of the uber wealthy of the city. These are the ones who are happy to pay for a luxurious property that would be an indicator of their social and financial standing.

Indian real estate market has witnessed a surge in the sale of properties due to an emerging concept of owning more than one luxury property by the upper segments of society. Investment in premium properties further diversifies the assets of an individual and is primarily motivated by a variety of reasons that range towards a passionate inclination or even investment purposes.

• Factors that draw potential buyers towards luxurious segment

There are multiple factors that a customer keeps in mind before investing in luxurious properties. Apartments and villas in Devanahalli, Bangalore, and other locations of South India are widely in demand. The location is stated to be the prime factor. Outstanding infrastructure, the status of people living in the vicinity, trouble-free access to nearby locations, etc. play a crucial role. Properties that are situated near golf courses, beaches, mountain tops are all time favorite developments. Research indicates that top locations in luxury segments in India are like ones that have an inclination towards environment-friendly projects. A vast number of individuals are demanding homes that would have less impact or no impact on the Eco-system. Green Homes make use of Eco-friendly/recycled materials for construction, use of solar energy and bio-gas plants, have more windows to allow natural light. These are some features that are considered while making a purchase.

• What is the future of luxury residential real estate in India?

Major steps are being taken towards the creation of intelligent living spaces. The use of high-tech built-in features that allow you to lock-unlock doors, air-conditioners, turn on the lights, etc., with a click of your phone, high-speed elevators and security systems such as limited access cards always makes a mark. Builders are even collaborating with international designers and brands to create a statement. Currently, the luxury real estate market is going through a slowdown due to an oversupply situation. NRIs are skeptical about the investment in this sector due to global economic downturn.

Ultimately, a smart buyer knows that it would make sense to use, this time, as the property prices are at an all-time-low, and would rise in the long run.

This is a guest post by Deepak Yewle

Emerging Trend of Affordable Luxury Housing

~ win- win situation for all

Fast emerging HNI segment in Delhi NCR has boosted strong demand for luxury homes, so much so that this segment has surpassed all expectations. Due to high disposable income and greater aspirations, HNI buyers naturally want to lead a better standard of life and hence the demand for quality dwellings has witnessed considerable upsurge. Even to meet their expectations, a large number of developers have also ventured into this segment, resulting into a massive upsurge of luxury housing projects around the capital.

However, not every project is compatible to provide the truly desired luxury and most of the so called luxury projects are nothing, but demonstration of basic luxury features and amenities. To fulfill the actual demand of the buyers and in order to provide similar facilities and amenities ‘affordable luxury’ is another growing segment. In this segment a strong demand has been witnessed over the years which have created a win-win situation for everyone. In other words, the concept of luxury homes in India is striving hard to have relevance to a wider cross-section of the population.

Resultant, the affordable luxury homes segment is fulfilling all the expectations in the integrated township format. Luxury living projects though involve larger spaces and the provision of exclusive features such as individual swimming pools, reserved parking and smart interiors, affordable luxury projects on the other hand, offer all these facilities, but in compact format.  In addition affordable luxury homes located in such a setting also bring with them the matchless benefits of integrated township living for the home-buyers.

Such projects are helpful for the middle income group in realizing their dream of improving their lifestyle. Affordable luxury projects have successfully captured the larger market by providing the home buyers actually what they truly want rather than what artificially created standards of luxury offers.

In simple terms affordable luxury project are developed in such a manner that these remain in the financial reach of a much larger audience. The whole aim of developing such projects is centered around a distinct luxury flavor and experience without pricing the project out of the pocket of the mid-income segment of buyers. Affordable luxury projects are thus conceived and designed to meet the aspirations of middle-income buyers and so the developer has to upgrade the projects to a superior lifestyle without increasing their financial burden.

However, looking at the current real estate development scenario and the inspirational level of the home buyers, affordable luxury market segment is a good investment option.

This is a guest post by Aman Nagar, Director-Paras Buildtech

 

Bathroom Makeovers in India

When it comes to bathroom makeover most of the people see it as an expense rather than an investment. Indeed true that the business in bathroom is plain necessity, it brings in great joy to indulge in a hot tub bath for hours if the atmosphere is right. But making over a bathroom can do much more than that. After all who would like the ugly sight of dampened walls lashed with broken tiles or leaky taps that steals the unwanted attention.

Benefits of bathroom remodeling- 

Bathroom renovations bring in tremendous benefits when done with care and planning. Here are few benefits of bathroom remodeling which brings in both form and functionality-

1. Bathroom renovation brings in the jest of luxury.
2. It creates right ambience giving you the joy of indulgence.
3. It shows off your taste for design and brings in personal touch.
4. Renovation can also mean more comfort and functionality, which lacked earlier.
5. When somebody enters the bathroom it gives the same feeling and equal pleasure as the rest of your home.
6. It can bring in a lot more space with the help of either virtual arrangements or physical constructions.
7. It can also make you more space for additional storage required for bathroom linen and towels hence decluttering other part of your house.
8. It improves the cleanliness of the bathroom by getting rid of old rusty pipes or hardware that is lashed withbuildup, which is beyond the reach of acids or other cleaning agents.
9. It also makes your bathroom green if you can opt for energy efficient bulbs and eco-friendly materials. This’ll save you on utility bills and also create healthy environment. 
10. Gets rid of mildew or mold accumulated over years, which otherwise could lead you to sickness. This helps to improve your overall health, psychologically as well as physically. It brings in feel good factor and lifts your spirits. 
11. Bathroom remodeling can increase the value of your property since the potential buyers look out for beautiful and functional bathroom while buying a house.  This gives your home immense boost adding to capital gain.

4 Handy tips to uplift your bathroom interiors by giving it a makeover under budget- 

1. Move it and get some floor space-

Huge vanity in bathroom looks stunning but can consume a lot of space. Vanities are a good option for big bathrooms with enough space for mobility.  However, the same good-looking vanity can become cumbersome in small bathrooms occupying most of the space. 

You can optimize floor space in small bathrooms by replacing vanity with modern sleek pedestal sink. This helps you save huge on your budget as well. Or the other way is to have floating vanity that still keeps the floor clear while retaining the look of sophistication. 

Petite wall mounted toilet is another way to add more room in your bathroom. Further if you want wet and dry area to be separate then a shower curtain should suffice. This not only makes it easy to keep it open when not in use but also fits in budget. Having a closed shower room can make your small bathroom too congested. 

2. Create storage space tactfully-

Storage in bathroom is so much more important than just having it done beautifully. You might not have all the space in the world to consider a closet inside the bathroom but having a few selves shouldn’t be so difficult. Sometimes it seems like it’s just not going to work and adding shelves would steal the look. However, with little planning and smart execution you solve the problem just-like-that.

Have a small mirror above the sink and install a shelf below it so that you can accommodate all your daily essentials. The space above your toilet is the most neglected area, utilize it and use it for storage with a chick cabinet or a couple of shelves. You can also squeeze in more storage space by mounting a shelf above the door or double the mirror so that you can hide away stuff behind it with a recessed cabinet or you could even have a full-length mirror that blends in with the style of your bathroom. 

3. Make it feel roomy –

Is your bath smaller and look like a cluttered cage? Here are few things you can do to make it feel bigger and better.

Go for a single tone when it comes to colour. The theory being that lighter is better, uniform color from ceiling to wall to floor makes it feel bigger. Contrast in color can chop off the space making it visually look smaller. Choose uniform colour for flooring, tiles on the wall, sink, bathtub, etc. But you can still play with colours by highlighting the hues of shelves or accessories. 

Make use of larger tiles on the floor as well as on the wall. The smaller the tiles the more the grout lines which tend to break the space and add bulkiness.  Get in some movement with pattern tiles on the floor such as herringbone pattern, which attracts the beholder to the width making it feel wider.

Bigger mirrors give it a more roomy feeling and also make your bathroom grander. You could also use mirrors or glass on top of wall cabinet to give it an illusion of depth rather than bringing it on the face with woody opaque cabinet doors.  Use clear shower curtains or clear glass to separate wet and dry area so that they don’t cut the space visually. 

4. The art and science of lighting your bathroom interiors-

Yes privacy is key in bathroom but don’t let your fear (of being seen in the state) creep in so much that you end up covering your window with dark or shady blinds. Let the light in by covering it with sheer curtains or frosted window glasses. Make use of mirrors to reflect the lights so that your bathroom makes the most from natural sunlight during the day.

When it comes to lighting your bathroom, you might want to use at least 2 types of lights- task lightand ambient light. Task lighting, like the one beside the vanity mirror or top of it helps to see yourself better. When you use the mirror to shave or for other purposes it gives a clearer reflection.You can add ambient light in the center of the bathroom required to illuminate the entire area.  Accent light and decorative light areluxurious options depending on the size of the bathroom, your bathroom décor as well as your budget. 

Conclusion-

Smart design and styling can rock even the smallest of bathrooms all under budget. You can transform your bathroom into a space that grows visually and adhere to functionality with few tricks like the ones mentioned above. A newly done bathroom is just so much more than increasing resale value. It’s a place you want to be in, relax and bath in sophisticationwithout making you claustrophobic.

This is a guest post Contributed by Wienerberger India

Luxury houses in India: Choose EMI over rent

Are you paying an enormous sum of money on house rent every month? If yes, ask yourself, that why are you letting your hard-earned money to go down the drain? There is no need to do that anymore! Now, you can select your dream home from various luxury houses in India by investing the same money on EMI. As per research, young professionals are seeking accommodation by buying luxurious houses in India on EMI basis. When the real estate market has a lot to offer then who doesn't wish to spend a little extra and raise their standard of living? Read further to discover how young India is investing in apartments in Chennai and other parts of the country.

• Matching the demands of young professionals

When it comes to buying luxury houses in India, young, ambitious, and working professionals under the age of 30 are not looking for conventional choices. As per a survey, it was found that young adults wish to buy apartments in Chennai and other metropolitan cities. They do not mind investing in residential properties that are surrounded by greenery and situated on the outskirts of the city. The primary preference lies in high-rise buildings with required amenities.

According to the survey, it was also found that conventional residential spaces do not excite working professionals under the age of 30. The hunt is for owning a property that has a decent connectivity with the rest of the city, but the residential complex needs to offer something unique as compared to the other ongoing projects. A decent society needs to provide social comfort, as well as add to the intellectual quotient of the person. Keeping in mind the fast paced lives of young individuals, they prefer purchasing luxury houses in India that have a few restaurants and food joints nearby.

• What real estate developers think?

Today, the real estate market is buzzing with modern and upscale luxury houses in India. They understand that the young prefer properties with greenery around. Having facilities such as schools, hospitals, groceries or supermarkets, works as an advantage. Since they are working individuals, they would require a well-knit local transportation from their residence to their workplace. Hence, real estate developers are designing homes where young people can choose between both comfort and affordability. Many luxury houses in India, especially apartments in Chennai are booming with an excellent social infrastructure, lifestyle shopping malls and health care centers. Most premium projects are coming up with a temple, swimming pool, Jacuzzi, spa, badminton and squash court.

• EMI system is soon catching up with the young crowd

It has to be noted that when youngsters hunt for luxury houses in India and are away from their hometown, they avoid the conventional way of staying with distant relatives. Staying on rent turns out to be a huge hassle because you cannot make too many changes to the house as it is rented. For example, even if you would want to drive a nail into the wall, you would require permission from the owner. Banks have now made loan availability procedures easier as compared to the earlier times. The interest rates too have been brought down. These days, even real estate developers are providing low-down payments and EMI options with zero percent interest. In today’s times, owning an apartment in a contemporary housing complex has become a necessity as well as an aspiration for the urban youth. It has created a demand for quality housing and real estate developers are taking a note of this.

Nowadays, the topmost real estate developers of the country such as House of Hiranandani are coming up with the concept of environmentally-friendly buildings. They have lured potential buyers to invest in larger upscale projects with world class facilities. House of Hiranandani believes that young working individuals prefer innovative designs, classy infrastructure, and built-in modern appliances that save time and energy. Hence, they are working on developing luxury houses in India.

With young investors choosing to buy luxury houses in India on EMI basis, real estate developers are coming up with lucrative schemes for their housing projects. After all, every potential investor wishes to buy a luxurious home at their convenience.


This is a guest post by Deepak Yewle

2015 will showcase high demand for luxurious homes in India

What does the real estate market hold in store for potential buyers and investors in the year 2015? Can consumers expect high returns on investment from luxury properties, apartments, and luxurious homes in India? There are numerous questions that may puzzle the consumers and it is crucial to make the right choice. Read further to discover how luxurious homes in India are set to elevate the real estate sector in 2015.

• Real estate seen as a commodity

It has been known that the real estate and infrastructure sector has been the backbone of the Indian economy and a significant contributor to the economic growth of the country. Earlier, housing was seen as a form of luxury and lifestyle purchase. It was barely perceived as a commodity. During 2012-2014, investors and other buyers scooped up undervalued homes and took advantage of short sales, boosting overall sales volumes of luxurious homes in India. Real estate has become speculative because products have become short-term commodities. Buying second properties without the intent of flipping is not an easy task. There were many who bought luxury properties because they believed that earning high returns on investment in real estate was easy.

• Rental market shows high demand

The 2014 apartment construction boom will lead to more supply in 2015, since multi-unit buildings take about a year to build. The NDA government aims to develop ‘smart cities’ across the nation and provide housing for all. Though a large number of buyers will be seen as homeowners, there would be an enormous number of interested buyers who will enter the market as renters. These days, the standard of living has progressed and people prefer renting luxurious homes in India.

• The rise of nuclear families

Some may argue that joint families are still prevalent. No doubt, they still exist, but they have reduced in number. Young adults who are earning decent salaries plan households, which is another cause for the boom in real estate sales. The availability of loans in the market, both individual as well joint loans, makes it easier and less troublesome for interested buyers.

• The supply and demand relationship

Today, there is high speculation about the demand and supply. When people wish to purchase or sell luxury properties, they do so, on the basis of speculation. You may have seen how the internet is constantly buzzing with the speculation of property rates. Real estate agents add to the buzz by predicting if the market will crash or rise. This speculation has enhanced volatility in the market and made it more unpredictable. So potential buyers who wish to buy luxurious homes or moderate budget homes in India should keep a track of the supply and demand levels.

• Fear of the rising interest rates

Can you imagine buying a house when the interest rates are sky high? Real estate developers have figured out that people rush to purchase homes with the fear that interest rates on home loans may shoot up. Buyers need to focus on tangible and concrete factors while making a purchase. They need to ensure that they are not extending their financial abilities in the quest for home ownership.

• Think before you act

Acquiring a house is a big decision and should be taken seriously, especially if you are planning to buy luxurious homes in India. You can be impulsive while buying a pair of shoes, but you cannot be the same while house hunting. Sometimes, predictions may state that the real estate prices will fluctuate in the short term and shoot up in the long term. But that does not mean you blindly follow predictions. If you wish to buy luxury properties as a long term investment, then take a look at the rental income that you can receive. See if it covers your expenses and provides a good profit margin.

• Luxurious homes in India available at decent prices

Can you imagine living in a luxury apartment that you grabbed at a reasonable rate? House of Hiranandani (HOH), which is one the renowned builders in the country, has developed high-quality constructions and are making them available at moderate prices in the country. They believe that people from all walks of life are entitled to taste luxury and developing luxurious homes in the metropolitan cities of India.

Buying a house is entirely your choice and House of Hiranandani believes that you deserve the best. So, look out for their luxury properties in Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Mumbai. Purchase exquisite and luxurious homes in India that are designed to meet your comfort needs.

This is a guest post by Deepak Yewle