A property is not just about the building and the premises. The neighborhood is a significant part of it, especially for those living in it. What is the use of a residential project that does not have any social infrastructure around it? Or one that is secluded and unsafe? Will families choose to live there? Of course not! The neighborhood can increase or decrease the property value depending on its conditions.

In this blog, we will discuss neighborhood features that enhance the value of a property.

1. Safety and Security

A safe neighborhood is the most basic requirement for any residential complex where families reside. The surroundings should not have any dangerous or anti-social elements. A residential complex is usually gated, and strict vigilance may be maintained. However, the residents need to feel safe when they move about in and out of the locality. Builders in Ernakulam should choose only safe neighborhoods for their upcoming projects.

2. Residential Neighborhood

The residents of the neighborhood feel safer if it has many residential complexes. If the project is located in an industrial area or in the marketplace then the residents might not feel comfortable and at home. The noise and pollution in the vicinity may make the stay unpleasant. Resale of such properties may be difficult as most home buyers would prefer a residential neighborhood.

3. Connectivity

A locality that is easily accessible from different parts of the town is always convenient. Any property that is in a deserted location will not be favored by home buyers. The neighborhood should have a good frequency of public transport like buses, suburban railways, or metro networks. The residence should be accessible by road so that it is accessible to vehicles. Apartments in Ernakulam are always constructed at easily accessible locations.

4. Infrastructure

Social infrastructure like schools, hospitals, and shopping centers should be easily accessible and reachable. Children cannot be expected to travel long distances to reach their school. Hospitals and doctors should be available quickly in case of emergencies. If work locations are closeby, then the daily commute becomes manageable. Neighborhoods located centrally will have the advantage of being accessible from all the corners. All these factors improve the value of the property as it improves convenience.

5. Convenience

Grocery stores, pharmacy and retail stores should be within walking distance from the property premises. If not so, then it should be reachable within 5 to 10 mins on a two-wheeler. Fetching one or two things should not have one to travel long distances from the apartments in Ernakulam. These are small factors but make a noteworthy difference for residents.

The real estate market in Kerala is booming evident from the registration data with the Kerala Real Estate Regulatory Authority. As per the RERA, there is a remarkable year-on-year increase in the number of property registrations in Kerala. This can be attributed to the demand for residential properties in urban areas like Kochi and Trivandrum, investments by NRIs, and plot registrations as large land parcels are divided into smaller plots. Under these circumstances understanding stamp duty and registration fees in Kerala becomes necessary for home buyers and investors.

Stamp Duty

When you buy property in Kerala, it is mandatory by law to register the property in the owner’s name and record it with the government. Without this, the transaction will not be considered and recognized as a legal transaction. Home buyers in Kerala must pay a percentage of the property value as stamp duty during this process. Stamp duty is the state-imposed tax levied on the purchase or transfer of immovable property. For example- for flats in Kochi, like in other parts of Kerala, the rate of stamp duty as determined by the government is 8%. This charge is payable on the sale deed or transfer document for all the flats for sale in Kochi.

Registration Charges

Registration charges are the fees paid to the government to officially record the property transaction. They are separate from the stamp duty charges and cover the administration costs associated with the process of registration. While most states in India charge 1% of the deal value as a registration charge, Kerala charges 2% on the transactions for apartments in Kochi.

Exemptions and Concessions

Certain categories of property transactions are eligible for exemptions and concessions on stamp duty and registration charges. First-time homebuyers, women, and economically weaker sections may be exempt from taxes. This initiative is to encourage home ownership and make it accessible to certain sections of the society.

Property Registration Process

The property registration process can be completed offline by visiting the Sub-Registrar’s office. The required forms need to be filled and the stamp duty and registration charges can be paid. For online registration and payment, the Kerala government has permitted the usage of e-stamps where the stamp duty charges exceed Rs 1 Lakh. These e-stamps can be purchased from the official portal of the State’s Registration department. All the details for the process can be found on the link – http://www.keralaregistration.gov.in

Important documents required during the registration process are listed below :

1. Original Title Deeds
2. Encumbrance Certificate
3. Identity Proofs – Aadhar Card or PAN card of the buyer and seller
4. Property Tax receipts
5. ROR
6. Location Sketch
7. NOCs – No Objection Certificates from relevant authorities

Kerala has a burgeoning real estate market. The infrastructure growth, rapid urbanization, and growing urban economic centers have given a fillip to the development of the real estate sector in the state. The number of transactions is increasing every year. With property values soaring and home buyers and investors investing in real estate like never before, the legalities involved in the transactions become crucial. The involved parties, the buyer and seller need to be aware of all the legal aspects involved in the property buying process. In this blog, we will understand the legal aspects involved in buying property in Kerala.

1. Title Verification

The first step is to check if the property is in the seller’s name. Two documents that ensure that the title of the property is clear and that there is no ambiguity are:

A. Title Deed (Sale deed/Settlement Deed/ Gift Deed/ Will): The seller should have a clear and marketable title deed as this establishes the ownership of the property in their name.

B. Possession Certificate

Confirms legal ownership of a property.

C.Property Tax Receipt/ Land Tax Receipt

These receipts  should be in the name of the property owner which ensures the mutation  and the  property ownership.

D. Encumbrance Certificate: The encumbrance certificate proves there are no pending legal or financial liabilities with the said property. The encumbrance certificate for the last 15 to 30 years should be clear of any liabilities.

2. Property Documents

Important documents that the builder must possess are:

A. Prior documents

The sales deed is the primary legal document that confirms that the said property was transferred from the earliest seller to the current seller. The document’s authenticity should be validated.

3. Approvals

A. Plan Approvals

The local municipality or Panchayat should have approved the structure plans of the property or the project.

B. Zone Clearance

Builders in Kerala should have zoning clearance from all regulations, like agricultural, forest, residential, commercial, and coastal regulation authorities for their projects for sale.

C. Environment Clearance

Large-scale developments and residential projects should have mandatory environmental clearance.

D. Occupancy Certificate (OC)

Occupancy certificate is issued when a property is ready to be occupied. This is a very important document, and the prospective buyers of an upcoming apartment should necessarily ask for this. OC certifies that the construction of the property is done according to the approved plan and in adherence with existing building norms and regulations.

4. Registration process

A. Stamp Duty and Registration Charges

In Kerala, the stamp duty is 8% of the property value and the registration charges are 2%. These charges need to be paid during the property registration process when the transfer of the title goes from the seller to the buyer. The property registration takes place at the local sub-registrar office, where the legal procedure of the ownership transfer takes place.

A home buyer should consult a legal expert who specializes in real estate especially when they are buying property for the first time. The legal expert can verify the authenticity of all the documents, cross-check if the fine print in the agreements meets the rules and regulations, and guide the home buyer in the complete buying process. This way the home buyer can complete the process without any doubts and ambiguities.

The ‘Queen of Arabian Sea – Kochi is a major city in God’s own country, Kerala.  These acronyms say a lot about the state and the city and rightly so. The unique experiences in store are a magnet for tourists from all over the world. Living in Kochi can be a rich experience for people moving in apartments in Kochi. With the growth in the economy, infrastructure, and housing options moving to the city can be one of the best decisions ever made.

This blog delves deep into the many aspects of living in Kochi:

1. Climate

Kochi has sultry tropical weather with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 35°C throughout the year. The weather hot and humid during the summer from March to May. The monsoon is pleasant while the weather is cooler during winter ( December to February).

2. Cultural diversity

The port of Kochi was known for the major trade carried out with traders from France, Britain, and Portugal. One can witness the influences of these cultures even today. The ancient buildings in Fort Kochi depict European architecture and their influence on the culture in these regions. Today, the city is cosmopolitan with people from across the country living in the flats for sale in Kochi. The influences can be seen in the food, music, arts, and culture.

3. Food

Kochi has a strong food culture with a wide variety of regional and exotic dishes to savour. Being a coastal city, Kochi is known for its seafood delicacies made from fresh catches from the Arabian Sea. Popular local dishes include puttu and kadala curry which is a breakfast dish made from rice flour and chickpeas, thoran a vegetable dish, and spicy beef chilly fry which the city is very famous for.

4. Language

Malayalam is the official language in Kochi widely spoken by the locals in usual conversation. Tamil, English and Hindi are also known by many people living here due to the cosmopolitan population. Language is not a barrier as people are acquainted with English and Hindi.

5. Lifestyle and Leisure

The picturesque beaches, captivating backwaters, and dense natural beauty are exclusive to Kochi. There is no dearth of cultural attractions in the city with musical festivals like Cochin Carnival and Kochi-Muziris Biennale, which celebrates contemporary art, music, and dance. The Kerala Folklore Theater and Museum is a must-visit for those interested in traditional performing arts to immerse in the region’s rich cultural heritage. The many multiplexes and theatres showcase the latest Bollywood and Hollywood films for those interested.

Living in Kochi is an ideal option to settle down as it has the perfect combination of cultural heritage and modern lifestyle. It also boasts of the best educational institutions, healthcare facilities, and essential services giving the residents of 3 BHK flats in Kochi a well-rounded and convenient lifestyle.