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      Flats, Independent Houses, Villas, or Plots? – Which is a Better Real Estate Investment?

      By SQUAREA Knowledge Hub

      Published: March 7, 2024

      Purchasing your first home can be a daunting task. With countless options available on the market, selecting the right property to invest in can be a challenge. Plots, independent houses, villas, and flats all come with their unique features and drawbacks. But which is the best property investment ?

      Flats

      Flats or residential apartments are one of the most popular residential property investments – especially in the vertically growing metro and urban cities. Flats are not only affordable but also easy to finance as you can easily access home loans at competitive rates. Additionally, you can avail tax benefits on interest paid against your home loan. Flats also attract a higher resale value and a wider buyer pool speeding up the resale process and offering you a higher return on investment.

      Builders also offer contemporary looks and modern amenities while the residential society takes care of maintenance, utility, and security services. Residential apartments offer a sense of community as you also enjoy the benefits of independent living. As a result, you are free to enjoy community amenities without having to invest significant time or resources. However, flats have a limited customization potential and can potentially lack privacy – especially on the lower floors.

      Independent Houses

      Independent houses are ideal for individuals who value privacy above all and are willing to invest the high initial capital necessary. Due to the high initial capital investment and limited demand, capital appreciation may be limited for independent houses. Accessing home loans can also be difficult – involving more comprehensive scrutiny – for independent houses, but you can enjoy the same tax benefits as flats.

      You can customize independent houses to make them your own. However, one of the major drawbacks of independent houses is that you are responsible for adding any amenities, maintaining the property, managing utility services, and ensuring the security of the property. This involves significant investment, effort, and time on your part to maintain the property. Developers today are offering independent houses in gated communities where you can enjoy individual and shared amenities – similar to residential apartments.

      Villas

      Villas are just the luxury versions of independent houses that often include gardens or even pools on the premises. Villas allow you to enjoy a luxurious living experience without compromising on your vision, quality, or privacy. Villas require a significantly higher initial capital investment. But if you have the resources, a villa is often a great investment as its value appreciates significantly with time and you can also attract high rental income with them.

      Apart from being expensive, villas also need regular extensive maintenance of the property, landscape, and amenities like a pool, patio, or gardens. This further drives up the cost of owning a villa, making it an undesirable choice for individuals on a budget. Finding the perfect location for a villa is also difficult as you need to find a place that is desirable and scenic, connected, private, and provides all basic amenities.

      Plots

      Plots are vacant stretches of land – either in gated communities or standalone – where you can build a house from scratch that meets your requirements and reflects your vision. Plots open up a host of possibilities and opportunities for you to construct a house best suited for you. Residential plots are a great investment as they have a higher capital appreciation rate compared to constructed structures and demand is higher than supply.

      However, buying a plot and building a home is extremely challenging and time-consuming. First, you have to find an available plot in a desirable location, which can be challenging. Further, banks offer significantly lower loan amounts to purchase plots than constructed homes, which also come with much sterner repayment terms and no tax benefits. You also need to invest in architects, designers, construction materials, and labour costs when building a house on a plot. And you cannot expect to enjoy the property or get rental income until you invest significant time, effort, and resources in residential plots. So, you have to look at plots as a long-term plan and be prepared to deal with market fluctuations and significantly higher initial capital investment.

      Choosing between flats, independent houses, villas, and plots, you have to consider many factors like initial capital investment, access to financial assistance and loans, availability of amenities, maintenance cost and efforts, security, and return on investment. Your lifestyle preferences, investment plans, and rental potential also play a significant role in making this decision.

      Wondering which property investment is the best for you? Get in touch with the Squarea team today to find the best home for you.

      For more details on this subject, please email hello@squarea.io


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      15 February 2025
      The first-ever Global Investments, Mobility & Education Roadshow 2025 at Hyatt Pune by SQUAREA and Henley Global

      PUNE, MAHARASHTRA, INDIA, February 13, 2025 / EINPresswire.com / -- This Sunday, 16th February, SQUAREA presents GIME 2025, Pune’s first-of-its-kind Global Investments, Mobility & Education Roadshow, in partnership with Henley & Partners at Hyatt Pune, Kalyani Nagar. This exclusive event is designed for investors, entrepreneurs, and families looking to secure global residency and citizenship through investment-led routes. As economic landscapes evolve and international mobility becomes increasingly valuable, GIME 2025 will host global experts and offer strategic guidance into International Golden Visa, Permanent Residency, and Citizenship Programs, through cross-border wealth planning, investment, and business expansion routes.

      The event will host programs and country experts from the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Greece, Portugal, and Latvia. Key programs up for discussion will include the U.S. EB-5 Immigrant Investor Visa, which offers an expedited route to the U.S. Green Card; Portugal’s Golden Residence Permit, a preferred option for those looking to secure Schengen residency through investment; and Canada’s Start-Up Visa Program, designed for tech entrepreneurs aiming to establish and scale businesses in North America. The event will also offer Greece’s Golden Visa, the United Kingdom’s Business Investment and Citizenship Program, and Latvia’s Residency by Investment Program. Alongside, UAE’s Golden Visa Program will also be present.

      In an era where investment migration is increasingly becoming a critical component of growth and lifestyle planning, GIME 2025 aims to bridge the gap between investors and global opportunities.

      7 December 2024
      Best Real Estate Investment Areas in India: City or Suburb?

      Investing in real estate is a pivotal decision, one that hinges significantly on the choice of location. Whether you are buying property for the first time or adding to your investment portfolio, the question often comes down to this: Should you invest in the vibrant heart of the city or explore the expansive suburban regions? In 2024, India's real estate landscape continues to evolve, with significant developments in both urban and suburban areas. In such a scenario, understanding the best real estate investment areas has become essential for both investors and homebuyers.

      The Indian real estate sector is projected to reach an estimated value of $1.5 trillion by 2030, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of about 9.2% from 2023 to 2028. The first half of 2024 saw a continued surge in residential sales, reaching 173,241 units, an impressive 11% year-on-year growth. This positive trend indicates a strong demand for housing in the market.

      This blog delves into the key considerations, the pros and cons of each option, and the latest market insights to help you make a well-informed decision.

      Basic Differences Between City and Suburb Investments

      Before diving into detailed insights, it’s essential to understand the key factors that distinguish urban and suburban real estate investment areas:

      • Location
      • Cost of Living
      • Atmosphere
      • Infrastructure
      • Population Density

      Alt text: A comparative glance at the key differences between city and suburban real estate investments.

      Real Estate Investments in Cities

      Urban centers across India remain hotspots for real estate investment due to high demand, robust infrastructure, and proximity to key amenities. Cities like Mumbai, Pune, Bengaluru, and Delhi are well-known for their vibrant job markets and advanced infrastructure, making them some of the best real estate investment areas.

      Advantages of Investing in Cities:

      1. High Demand and Fast Appreciation : Urban properties often see quicker appreciation. Mumbai's prime localities like Bandra and Powai saw an average price increase of 7-9% in 2023-2024 (Knight Frank India's Prime Residential Index). While in Pune, Koregaon Park has seen consistent appreciation of 6-8% annually, making them ideal for short-term investments in the best real estate investment areas.

      2. Proximity to Amenities : Cities offer a wealth of amenities such as hospitals, schools, restaurants, and entertainment venues. Pune is renowned for its educational hubs, adding to its appeal as one of the best real estate investment areas in India.

      3.Job Opportunities: Major cities house industries across sectors like IT, finance, and manufacturing. For instance, Pune’s IT hubs and tech parks attract a large workforce, making it a strong contender for real estate investment areas in India.

      Public Transportation : Urban transport systems, like Mumbai’s local trains or Delhi’s metro, including Pune’s ongoing metro project, boost property values around transport hubs, solidifying their status as the best real estate investment areas.

      Challenges of Suburban Investments:

      Longer Commutes: Suburbs can be farther from major job centers, increasing travel time. However, with improved transport networks such as the Pune Metro Extension, connectivity to suburban areas is gradually improving.

      Limited Social Infrastructure: While development is ongoing, many suburban areas still lack the robust social infrastructure found in cities. This can be a drawback for those who value proximity to shopping malls, entertainment centers, and restaurants.

      Final Considerations: Best Places to Invest

      In 2024, both urban and suburban markets in India are poised for growth, driven by government initiatives, economic recovery, and rising demand. Programs like PMAY and RERA have improved transparency, making suburban regions particularly appealing. The ARHC scheme also enhances suburban areas by providing affordable housing near industrial hubs. Meanwhile, smart city projects are revitalizing urban centers, boosting livability and sustainability.

      Urban investments offer faster appreciation and proximity to job markets, while suburban areas provide affordability and space. Your choice depends on your financial goals and lifestyle preferences.

      If you still find it difficult to decide, contacting a real estate expert like Squarea can help you navigate the complexities of property buying and investment in India.

      7 December 2024
      Factors Affecting Property Prices in India: Insights for Homebuyers

      Primary Keyword: Factors Affecting Property Prices in India

      Secondary Keywords: Real Estate Market in India, Property Price Trends

      Investing in real estate is a significant decision for homebuyers in India. Real estate constitutes an appreciable percentage of most people’s wealth. The real estate market in India is influenced by various dynamic factors that drive property price fluctuations. All these factors affecting property prices in India are very important for home buyers and investors to understand to navigate this complex scenario and make the right decisions. It attracts as well as creates huge opportunities for investors because of the size and scale of this real estate market.

      In this article, we will discuss and analyze the main factors affecting property prices in India.

      Market Outlook FY 2024-25

      Experts predict moderate growth for the Indian real estate market. ICRA and Colliers suggest a shift from last year's rapid expansion to steadier progress. ICRA anticipates price stabilization, while Colliers highlights infrastructure projects and economic recovery as key drivers of resilience.

      The seven major metros—Mumbai, Delhi NCR, Bangalore, Chennai, Pune, Hyderabad, and Kerala—are set to experience varied growth:

      Mumbai: 5-8% rise, driven by metro expansion and coastal projects.

      Bangalore & Hyderabad: Increases of 6-9% and 7-10%, respectively, due to the IT boom.

      Chennai & Pune: Expected gains of 5-7% and 6-8%, aided by residential demand and metro expansions.

      Kerala: 3-5% growth from NRI investments and tourism.

      (Sources: CBRE India, JLL India, Colliers).

      Factors Driving Property Prices In India

      1. PEconomic Growth

      The nexus between economic growth and property prices is well-established. India's real GDP expanded by 7.2% in FY23, the highest among major economies, fueling real estate demand. Q1 2024 saw record residential sales with 74,486 units sold, driven by large-scale projects, smart city initiatives, and urban renewal programs

      Interest Rates

      Interest rates are a key determinant of property prices. Lower rates reduce borrowing costs, boosting demand, while higher rates may curb it. RBI's 2024-25 monetary policy aims to balance inflation and growth, shaping housing market trends accordingly.

      Government Policies and Incentives

      Government policies directly impact the supply-demand curve of the real estate market in India. Policies like the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act (RERA), 2016 have increased transparency, boosting buyer confidence. The Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) and GST reductions on under-construction properties enhance affordability, stimulating investments in new developments.

      Urbanization and Population Growth

      With 600 million people expected to live in cities by 2030 (40% of India’s population), housing demand is on a continuous rise. Bangalore, Hyderabad, and Pune are key beneficiaries, driven by industrial growth and skilled professional inflows.

      Location and Infrastructure Development

      The quality of infrastructure is another factor that determines values in properties. Areas well connected with transport, educational institutions, and health facilities attract a premium. Infrastructure projects like the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link and Bangalore's Namma Metro are expected to raise property prices by 20-30% in adjacent areas, highlighting the importance of connectivity for real estate appreciation.

      Supply and Demand Dynamics

      The balance between housing supply and demand significantly impacts prices. In markets with high demand but limited supply, prices rise due to scarcity. Conversely, areas with abundant supply may experience stable or declining prices. For instance, the luxury housing segment in cities like Delhi NCR is seeing higher demand, driving prices up. In contrast, markets with substantial affordable housing inventory show more consistent rates.

      Construction Costs

      Building material costs (steel, cement, labor) influence property prices. Developers often pass these increases to buyers, especially in high-cost cities like Mumbai, where land acquisition also inflates prices.

      Employment Opportunities and New Job Creation

      Job growth in IT and finance sectors, especially in Bangalore, Hyderabad, and Pune, increases housing demand. The Indian IT market is expected to reach $19.93 billion by 2025, further boosting residential real estate.

      Development of Industry

      Industrial corridors like the Delhi-Mumbai and Chennai-Bangalore are enhancing property values in surrounding areas, supported by job creation and infrastructure improvements

      Regional Real Estate Trends

      Property price trends vary significantly across different regions, influenced by factors such as local economic activity, infrastructure development, and regulatory environment. Pune’s residential market claimed a substantial 16% of new residential launches across India’s top cities in Q2 2024 – adding around 18,900 units and marking a steady 1% quarterly increase.

      Understanding the several factors affecting property prices in India is very important for home buyers and investors planning to invest in the real estate market in India. Staying informed about these factors is key to capitalizing on opportunities and navigating potential challenges.

      For those looking to deepen their understanding and make informed decisions in this dynamic environment, consulting with experts in the field can be invaluable. SQUAREA offers insights that can help you navigate these complexities and align your investments with market trends.