JOIN USWhile the concept of the gated community has been around for a while now, it is picking up pace thanks to urbanisation. Ruth Dsouza Prabhu examines the current trend.
Gated community development has been the norm for a while now in Bangalore, much like in other rapidly developing cities. What it essentially promises is a set of homes – apartments or villas – spread over a sprawling expanse. A villa offering will include the land the home is built on. Amenities such as well-lit roads, grocery stores and entertainment options for all age groups are also provided, depending on the scale of the project.
All of this is enclosed within a walled perimeter that has a specific number of entries, each of which is manned by security to ensure that only home owners and tenants are allowed in.
Viswa Prathap Desu, V.P, sales and marketing at Brigade Group, says, “Gated communities are the most sought after housing projects by customers now. These provide a wholesome and secure lifestyle. Well-planned enclaves provide a lifestyle, which has work, play and entertainment options. Residents need not step outside for anything at all. If it has a school within, then the safety of children is also taken care of.”
Describing the average home buyer of a gated community property, A Harikesh, senior V.P of marketing and sales, Tata Housing, says that the profile of the buyer depends entirely on the project profile. The appeal of integrated townships lies in the fact that it puts affordability, convenience and focus on lifestyle in one attractive package. Also, in order to meet the housing demands and needs of the middle income groups and lower income groups, developers are venturing into the periphery of the city.
Reasons for popularity
The concept of a gated community is definitely gaining momentum, considering the number of such projects that are coming up. Syed Ahmed, head of sales at Vakil Housing says, “There are many reasons why the concept is getting popular. The format provides optimal combination of privacy and shared community space. It also provides a prestigious ‘landmark’ address and satisfies the unstated desire to mingle with similar kind of people. Such communities also come with exclusive amenities like club house, swimming pools, children’s playarea, jogging tracks and the like.”
Mythili G Nirvan, an entrepreneur, has been living in a gated community for nine years now. Based in a well-developed sector of the city, this community has 200 homes ranging in configurations starting at 3BHK all the way to 6BHK.
Mythili says, “Choosing to live in a gated community was a conscious decision. I wanted to live in an independent house and my husband preferred an apartment. A gated community was the perfect solution as it gave us the expanse of an independent home along with the security of an apartment complex.
The pros of a gated community are very similar to that of living in an apartment complex - community living, security, clubhouse, to name some. The only differentiating factor is that in a gated community you get to own the plot as well as live in an independent home.
Concurring with Mythili, Syed lists out some benefits for a home buyer investing in a gated community project:
n Security: Gated communities have 24X7 manual and automated security. Hence, residents feel secure about their families, even if they are away for a long period.
n Exclusivity: Since gated communities are ‘lifestyle branded’, there is a sense of pride and exclusivity for the buyers.
n Ambience and amenities: There are plenty of well-maintained lawns and gardens; within the enclave. City traffic noise is absent. Typically, there is also a large club house with excellent facilities for indoor and outdoor games
n Maintenance: Maintaining your home is easier. There are people to take care of your electrical and plumbing works and waste management. Everything is a call away, easy and simple.
n Legitimacy: Since the builder also ensures that the property is approved by planning authorities and leading home lending institutions, the buyer is assured of clear legal titles as well as easy home loans.
The potential for the development of gated communities continues to remain good, says Harikesh. “Research suggests that mixed land use policy will emerge in the future. Mixed use for urban infill sites creates jobs and caters to the residential requirements. Quality continues to remain a hallmark of the gated community development. The concept has caught on internationally as well, with exclusivity in terms of offerings reaching new heights.”