Perhaps you’ve lived in your home for a considerable period of time and it’s finally, an ideal time for an upgrade. Or you may be assembling a new house without any preparation and need to make something wonderful.

Either way, you would be searching for ideas to make your space fun, functional, productive, and green. In many apartments in Kottayam, residents are often in a dilemma as to where do you go for these ideas for the design of your new home? The answer is that you could begin following expert home builders and interior designers for getting their feedback, or you could simply read on.

Hopefully, you would have chosen to read on because you are going to discover 7fabulous ideas on what you should add to your home to build a unique space for you.

USB wall charger 

Many recently built flats in Edappally come with wall outlets that have USB spaces nowadays.  However, regardless of whether you already have a completely built home, they’re a fantastically worthy option that is simple to include for somebody with a touch of electrical experience.

Steam shower 

These showers not just have medical advantages like helping you to unwind, installing one will probably raise the value of your home. Also, they are amazingly green. While regular showers utilize seven gallons of water for each minute, steam showers utilize just one.

Impact-rated windows 

For instance, If you are living in a waterfront region where storms are normal, windows like these are legally necessary, yet, for those living in different zones, there are numerous advantages to using impact windows. For example, they offer improved security, decreased noise, and better energy efficiency, making them a wise investment.

Outside theater 

An Outside theatre is incredible as it can be done in a low-end, DIY way (utilizing a projector and straightforward open-air seating), or you can go hard and make a genuine performance center in a space designed for projection and built-in seating.

Secret rooms

Do you like privacy? Along with doors, have some shelves assembled that open to allow you to go from one room to another.

Window seats

What’s better than having a seat by the window where you can curl up with your favorite book and spent the day reading? A seat by the window is a useful expansion to any new home or rebuilt project. Moreover, it can also be used as a storage space.

Stair shelves

In many flats in Kottayam, stair shelves are a popular way to make use of your space. They are great because of the utility along with adding a fun and funky design aesthetic to your home. Stair shelves are hence always a great idea.

In these uncertain times, deciding on the best investment option is a difficult task for most people. Everyone is on the lookout to make the highest returns in the shortest possible time without losing out on their principal amount. In fact, there is no investment that can give you high returns without a degree of risk involved.

If we are to look at the various investment options available, we will see that investing in equity does not assure a fixed return and also involves a high degree of risk, as it is market linked. Mutual funds are mostly equity linked and any fluctuation in equity markets will adversely affect the performance of the fund. Fixed deposits, is seen as a safe avenue, but there’s hardly any return on your investment, considering that the banks are constantly reducing interests on term deposits. Government bonds are safe investments assuring a fixed return, but the returns are not high and the duration is far too long.

Investing in gold is an option that is quite popular especially in India. It has always been considered wise to invest in gold, for its high liquidity. But in reality, you lose much more than gain when we try to sell off gold in the form of jewelry; so investing in gold is not such a wise option, after all.

Despite the host of investment options available today, let’s examine why real estate is still considered to be the best investment avenue. The Indian Real Estate Consumer report for April – May 2020 finds that 35% of investors prefer to invest in real estate than gold (28%), fixed deposits (22%) or stocks (15%).

Real Estate fetches returns in two ways; it gets you a capital appreciation and also earns a rental return. The apartment or house, or the plot of land that you invest in will appreciate well over a period of time. You can rent out the apartment or house and earn a good rental return as well. Apart from the capital appreciation, investing in real estate also provides you with tax benefits.

While investing in real estate, a few points should be borne in mind, so as to make the right choice. If you are looking to invest in an apartment, it is important to check out the credibility of the builder; how long has the builder been in business, the number of projects delivered, whether these projects have been delivered on time, the quality of construction etc. are a few important points to look out. Reading up on customer reviews would be very helpful. The location of the house or apartment decides the kind of value appreciation and rental returns you can expect.

You should thoroughly go through the plan of the apartment and decide whether it completely meets your requirement of a home. It doesn’t matter whether it is for your personal use or whether you are planning to rent it out. A well planned and laid out apartment with good amenities and ambience fetches better resale and rental returns. Some builders offer fitted out apartments, which will save you the hassle of getting it done yourself, even though this would be more expensive.

You can also consider investing in commercial properties in good locations, if you are planning on a bigger investment in real estate. The advantage is that the returns on investment, both in terms of rental and the asset value appreciation, would be much higher as compared to an apartment or a house.

Even though in the current pandemic scenario, people seem to be deferring their decision of home buying, possibly owing to liquidity concerns and general uncertainty, a recent survey conducted by the National Real Estate Development Council, shows that people will again start investing in real estate in the next six months. The pandemic has alerted people, especially the NRIs that it is indeed a necessity to have a home back in India. Those people who stay in rented homes have also realized the importance of having a home of their own.

 “The addition of real estate to a portfolio of diversified assets can lower portfolio volatility and provide a higher return”says Investopedia. Investing in real estate properties is the best way to build a diversified financial portfolio, as real estate assets are real and tangible and provide a much greater level of security than any other investment option.

For more information on reliable and prudent real estate investment in Kochi, please contact: 9072369966

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

PRASIDHA PRABHAKARAN

The author of this blog is Prasidha Prabhakaran. She is a freelance marketing professional. Her journey in Real Estate began in 1995 when she joined Abad Builders. In the last 25 years of her career, she has worked in the different domains of Sales, Marketing and Customer Care with Builders in Kerala and also those with pan India operations. This vast experience has endowed her with profound knowledge of the Real Estate industry, both in Kerala and rest of India. She is currently engaged as a marketing consultant for Abad Builders.

As the whole world is fighting the Coronavirus pandemic and businesses are struggling to keep afloat, there is uncertainty all around, be it in terms of jobs, dividends, stocks, or finances. Likewise, the economic imbalance has also affected homebuyers and investors who were ready to make a real estate investment just before the disease started spreading at a fatal rate. So, the question is whether you should buy a home during COVID – 19. Let’s find out.

Benefits of Investing Now

Low Lending Rates

The RBI has recently announced a repo rate cut, that will bring down the interest rates on home loans. As a result, most banks launched new home loan products linked to the repo rate revision. Currently, the repo rate stands at 4.4%, which is the lowest ever. This is the perfect time for homebuyers who have sufficient funds to invest in that dream flat for sale in Kochi and to get a home loan approved before the rates are increased again.

Chance for Negotiations

This is a time when builders and property agents are eager to clear the inventory to resume cash flow. Most of them are also offering attractive discounts like a refund on booking amount to lure investors. Therefore, this is the right time to invest in the luxury flats in Kochi and secure a good deal for yourselves.

Demand – Supply Slowdown

As the pandemic has created an economic slowdown, the demand for homes has diminished. Besides, there are hardly any new product offerings by builders and developers. As discussed above, this is a great opportunity for homebuyers who have sufficient funds to own a home at a decent price.

Things to Consider:

Expect Project Delays

With the whole country under lockdown, and construction workers returning home, project delays are imminent. The real estate sector that has always been struggling with regulatory changes and low sales is now facing project delay issues.

Liquidity Issues

With almost no sales happening in any sector, liquidity can be a major issue you will face. Most investors and businessmen are struggling to pick up their pace once the lockdown ends. Investors should have to wait until the money starts flowing in gradually.

Uncertainty in Economic Growth

As a matter of fact, it is not just India that is facing an economic crisis. Most of the countries in the world have been impacted due to the pandemic. With these large economies facing turmoil, the Indian economy that is dependent on foreign investments and equity funding will suffer.

Kochi is a growing city and the residents in Maradu and Nettoor feel happy that the proposed flyovers in Vyttila and Kundanoor are a reality now. Being the most crowded city in Kerala, Kochi has been a vital location for home buyers. Though the traffic was haunting, the need for properties in the heart of the city had never seemed to cease.

Now, the traffic-related chaos is not at all a problem after the inauguration of flyovers, and this has resulted in greater demand for residential plots in the nearest areas.

If you are a home seeker and looking to buy flats in Ernakulam, you might have included Maradu and Nettoor in your list. But, let’s see how these two localities could find a place on the top of your list.

What makes these two places so valuable and desired among buyers?

First of all, Vyttila and Kundanoor are the major traffic interception on national highway -66 which connects the southern and northern districts of the state.

Why should you reside in Maradu?

Maradu is located near the city center and the national highways NH 85, NH 966, NH 66 pass through the region. This helped in the development of the area and the place is well connected by waterways. Maradu municipality is situated close to Kochi and one of the fastest-growing areas of Ernakulam District. The growing city is well resourced with houses, 5-star hotels, automobile showrooms, and shopping malls. The construction of flyovers reduced the intense traffic roadblock and made transportation easier. Flats in Maradu are getting more demand than before after the inauguration of flyovers.

Why should you reside in Nettoor?

Nettoor is a scenic region in Kochi city and around 5 km from Vyttila Junction. The ease of transportation after the inauguration of the flyover. Now traveling is becoming stress-free and you can reach Ernakulam Railway station within 10 minutes. There are many educational institutions near Nettoor and the Lakeshore Hospital and Research Centre are situated in Nettoor. The city is well connected by roads and transportation is available to various parts of Kochi such as Edakochi, Vyttila, Kaloor, Aluva, Edapally, Thevara, and Thrippunithura. Even KSRTC low floor buses available from Nettoor to Cochin International Airport. The railway station is located in the northern part of Nettoor. Life becomes hassle-free when you buy a residential plot in Nettoor.

How Flyovers in Vyttila and Kundanoor increased the residential value? 

Both the flyovers at Vyttila and Kundanoor are expected to save a lot of commuting time on NH-66 and reduce major traffic congestion. By playing a major role in solving the traffic blocks in the city, transportation became easier and you can reach anywhere without delay.

Maradu and Nettoor have become the prime residential locations after the inauguration of flyovers and it ensures the development of the national highway. Vyttila is the busiest city near Kochi with an estimated 13,000 vehicles crossing the junction per hour and the traffic block consumes more than 30 minutes for each traveler. As a remedial measure, the government has completed the Vyttila-Kundanoor flyover project.

Flyovers have greatly helped in reducing the traffic congestion and more people showing interest in buying plots near Maradu and Nettoor for setting up residential apartments and flats in Kochi. The prospect of transportation and easy reach to major points in the city increased the value of land and building near the flyovers.

Our own home is the dream of every person.  The presence of a home shows the social and personal growth of the person. Today the government is trying to provide all the necessary support by working along with the developers for every citizen to fulfill their dream of achieving a self-owned home.  As a result, the first step from the government side is the affordable housing policies put forward. Today, builders in Kochi are putting efforts to layout affordable projects in their business. As known, the middle class is huge in the Indian community. So, the developers are trying to spread their business to this class realizing the importance of their dream. Nowadays the developers are trying to bring a balance between luxury and affordable projects.

Government Support to you

With affordable housing policy, reduced interest rates, and better package from the government; its time for the homebuyers to achieve their dream. We always know Indians save for the future, in terms of gold or money. But today’s generation thinks real estate is one of the better investment options. Buying out a home or flats in Ernakulam is a huge decision for every person. With proper policies and planning, the real estate sector would help you to achieve the best deal.

Efforts from the Real Estate Developers

The new home buyers and those who had put the investment plans on hold due to the lockdowns are now coming back to the market sector. This pandemic situation had made the developers come up with attractive deals and discounts for the home buyers to achieve their dream projects or apartments in Kochi. Also, many residential festive offers are in place with affordable pricing and are attracting new home buyers to the real estate sector.

Use of Better Technology

It is seen that in the upcoming time more use of digital mechanisms would be there as technology is advancing. Though, the work from home trend has come up with an initiation towards online tools. Today, builders are coming up with more digital capabilities with tools like 3D cameras, ProTech facilities, etc. Such a form of advancements has made the brands convince and sell during the lockdown process. Today homebuyers could virtually see the space without stepping outside from their area. Thus, giving priority to your health too. Creating virtual tours, displaying floor plans and 3D views are made possible by the real estate developers for better customer understanding.

A Final Thought

The builders are trying every way to satisfy each customer’s needs and expectations this year. Homebuyers trust developers who customize their offers and find better solutions to every concern raised by the customers. So, the year 2021 is one of the best times for every new homebuyer to make their home dreams come true and seek comfort in their new deal. So, why are you waiting? Start investing in a new home. Let your home dream come true. Consider this as the apt time to have your own home.

In the young generation buying a home comes last on their priority list. They always like to enjoy their present life and live in the present moment. Living in the present moment is a good thing but sometimes you should think about the future also. Buying a home or apartment in Kochi is a wise decision if you are done at a young age. Most of the people are going to invest in homes only when they are in middle age. But buying flats in Ernakulam while you are young is the best option. Also, it is a valuable asset for them.

Here few benefits of buying homes at a young age:

Investing in your future:

Buying a home is a lifelong investment for your future. A house is one of the most important shelters for a human. Also, it is most valuable. Buying a home at your younger age is a good decision for you to invest in your future. Also, you can sell the property at any time.

Get loans easily:

We all need to calculate the funds and capital before any investment is done. So all of them apply for home loans. Because you are young, then you get sufficient time to pay the loan amount.

Get tax benefits:

One of the main benefits of buying a home with home loans can help you to be exempt from tax. Under 80C of the income tax act, homebuyers can get deductions up to 1.5 lakhs. If you are buying a home at a young age, then you can get a tax deduction at an early stage.

An additional source of income:

You rent out the new home for others and you have to reside in another place. Then you get additional income from the rent-out of a property. This is one of the good ideas for an additional source of income.

Retire early:

One of the main reasons for investment at an early age is the option to retire early and live a peaceful life. Investment in home property gives you a secondary income and also a passive income. Investment in the home will give an option to retire early. If you invest at the age of 50 then you have approx 10 years to achieve whatever you need.  But you invest at the age of 30 you can achieve up to the age of 45 to 50.

You get a high return on investment:

When you invest money in buying homes or property, you will get benefits tomorrow. Land prices are steadily increasing day by day. So you can sell the property at any time for profit. So real estate is a better investment than any other investment.

At the early stage of your life, you are your boss and your income is passive. But starting your career you have so many responsibilities like family, etc. So this kind of investment is a very good idea. Once you invest money in-home or buy any property. Then you will be responsible for handling money flow. So the rental income from the property is very beneficial to you.

Some tips to buy the home at a young age:

• Knowledge about your budget
• Research on your home or property
• Awareness about the home loan
• Compare home loans
• Improve your credit scores.
• Latest real estate demand

Homeownership is a better way to invest in your future. When you give rental income to someone, there is no profit or benefit. But when you buy a home, the value of the home will increase day by day. So buying a home or flats for sale in Ernakulam is a better option to earn more in the future.

Outdoor space is the place outside your home. Outdoor living space can improve your health. You can sit outside, enjoy the surroundings, sounds of nature, and birds. These all are good for your health as well as your mind. Today people give more importance to outdoor living spaces. It is essential to everyday life for getting fresh air. Many home builders and flats in Edapally are designing beautiful homes with lawns and spaces. They are also doing beautiful interiors. But they forget about the importance of outdoor spaces. Outdoor living spaces have so many benefits like it improves family relationships, relax the body, and mind, etc. The below are some benefits of outdoor living spaces.

Boost your immunity:

The fresh air consists of pesticides. It is an airborne chemical produced by plants for self-protection. So breathing this phytoncide helps our body to increase the production of NK WBC. That kills infected cells in your body. So it is very good for increasing immunity power.

Increase vitamin-D level:

A human being needs 7-9 hours of sleep. Due to work and all, they didn’t get time to get sunlight. So the majority of people have a vitamin-D deficiency. Studies told that min 15 minutes of sunshine a day increase vitamin-d levels. So you can spend time outdoors to get this.

Prevent Nearsightedness:

In children, spending more time outdoors has less in the development of nearsightedness. But in adults, those who are spending more time with computers will increase the chance for nearsightedness. So spend time outdoors to avoid computer vision syndrome disease.

Improve your mood:

Spending time with nature will decrease stress and tension. It refreshes the mind. If you are tense with working hours, then spending some time with nature will decrease your stress. So it is very good for your mind refreshment and improves your mood.

Strengthen relationships:

Communication is the key to a good relationship. Nowadays everyone is busy with their job and all. So there is no more time to interact with the family. It will decrease the value of family relationships. Spending your time together with nature increases the communication between family members and strengthens your relationship.

Improve work performance:

Spending time outdoors can reduce mental stress and it will increase creativity level and improve your mental and physical well-being. So you can perform well in your workspace. You can spend time with outdoor activities and that will improve your performance.

Improve memory:

Spending time outdoors can improve your memory and increase your focus power. A study found that a person’s memory increased by 20% after walking in nature. So nature will boost your memory and attention.

Reduce stress:

Being in nature can reduce your hypertension, muscle tension, and blood pressure. The cool and clean space in your outdoors helps to reduce stress and get better sleep.

Live longer:

The increasing time outdoors reduces the risk for diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, blood pressure, etc.
Spending time outdoors is to improve both mental and physical health. People who spend more time outdoors have happier and healthier lives. So the home builders designed homes and flats in Maradu with beautiful outdoor spaces. The outdoor space will allow you to spend more time and breathe fresh air.

Maintaining a healthy work-life balance is an important factor in having a peaceful, pleasant, and satisfying life. Nowadays, people follow a busy work schedule like meetings, overtime work, discussions, travels, presentations, etc. This continuous process irritates a person’s mental and physical health. All the people are searching how to improve work-life balance. Living in flats in Edappally can help with a better work-life balance. There are so many positive factors for apartment life. It offered a positive state of mind. During this Covid-19 pandemic, peace of mind is one of the main requirements for work from home employees. The work-from-home option also affected negatively for many. The continuous hours of work affect their personal life more. Their work-life balance can be affected due to a lack of good social life, no outings, no other entertainment options, etc. The given below are some tips to improve your work-life balance.

Relax After Work 

The apartment has so many facilities like walkways, parks for stress release and relaxation. Walking through the beautifully landscaped parks, gardens, and green-surrounded parks will help you to mood change and give relief from tension. Keeping some time helps to relax your body and mind after work. It helps to forget the worries. You can utilize the time with family. Most of the apartments consist of a swimming pool, games room, gardens, etc for relaxation. It will maintain the work and personal life.

Fitness Centre 

Sitting in front of a computer for a long time is bad for your health. The body will weak due to a lack of exercise. Most people didn’t get time for exercise due to their busy schedules. Another advantage of living in an apartment is the facilities like fitness centers, yoga rooms, jogging facilities, etc. Then you easily make this a habit for your daily life. And exercise becomes a part of your daily routine. A happy refreshed mind and a healthy body will refresh your mood and work life.

Live in a Classy Community 

People who live in close communities are always happier than others. The community helps you to make friendships and participate in various events, celebrations, and occasions. Some apartments conduct events, hobby classes, yoga classes, etc for the resident’s engagement. So you can participate in all the events for entertainment and enjoy a well-balanced lifestyle. Also in case of any emergency, neighbors are ready to help. Well-maintained community life is needed for a blissful life.

Maintenance Support 

It is very difficult to call the maintenance person when any damage happens in between your office work. Another most commonly seen issue is a power failure and water supply. But in flats in Ernakulam, the caretaker will monitor all these issues and do the needful in such a situation.

Handling all the activities with your work is very difficult to handle. So people living in the apartments don’t have to worry about this kind of issue.

Parks & Outdoor Spaces 

The apartments consist of parks, green outdoors, and gardens. The natural atmosphere gives a lot of positive vibes to relax your mind and body. It is very important in your busy work schedule. Nowadays most of the flats are constructed with wooden interiors, gardens, play areas, etc. These facilities do not only benefit you but are also beneficial for kids also. Kids also get space for play and make themselves happy. The flats have a high-security system. So do not worry about the children also.

These are the few methods to improve the work-life balance of working professionals. A work-life balance not only minimizes overtime work but also reduces stress and becomes refreshed. A life of comfort is the main reason for many working professionals to select flats in Cochin. It is part of a healthy and happy life.

Real estate investment is a tricky business, especially if you are a first-time investor. It is very hard for you. Getting the right property that matches your budget is a challenging task that buyers face. Background research can help the buyers to select the appropriate property within the budget. The real estate market in India deals with various types of properties like land, apartments for sale in Kochi, villas, and commercial spaces.

Decide the location: 

The first step in the property investment process is to find the right location. It would be better to find out the location in your native city or working place is an important factor before selecting the ideal location. Remote locations are cheaper than locations within the city. So depending upon your investment choose the location that is right for you.

Calculate the budget: 

The second step in the investment process after selecting the location is a calculation of the budget. To check how much money you are able to invest in the new property. If you are a first-time buyer, then it would be better to consult a qualified financial advisor to know about your bank loan eligibility. Once the budget is set, then start to find a different option that matches within the limit.

Get to know your market: 

The real estate investment market has to change day by day. That’s why through market research, you have to find out the current market trends, prices, interest rates, and development which allow you to recognize the current market status and you should plan accordingly. It is better to invest in an area in which the property price is rising fastly. It is good for the future also and compares the different types of properties in the same locality. It will help to find out the pros and cons.

Size and type of property: 

Finding the right property is a difficult task. You can find a lot of properties of different sizes and types in your chosen location. The price of land depends upon the location whether it is a city or village. Land prices vary with location, size, age, and type of property. Buying ready-to-occupy

villas or apartments is a good way of earning money. Another best investment option is investing in an ongoing project. Ongoing projects price is lesser than the price of completed projects.

Know your needs: 

Another main thing is the actual purpose of investment. Different people have different intentions for the investment. For some, it may be their dream home or flat for sale in Kochi and for some others, it may be for earning money. So understanding your needs is an important thing. If you are selecting a house, then you need to have some space for a garden, a play area, etc.

Clear your debts: 

It is last but not least. Clearing all your existing debts will help to achieve your dream villa or flat fastly. While you are applying for a loan, the bank will check your credit score or find any debt to income ratio. Then if you have any pending debts, you won’t get the loan easily. So try to settle all the debts before buying a property.

The above are some aspects that give you a good idea about how to make the right property investment in your budget. You should be up-to-date on the current market trends. It will help you become a good investor. A property like a flat in Kochi, villa, or home is a valuable asset for the future.