Bengaluru is amongst the most well-known cities in the world. Thanks to the thriving Information Technology (IT) industry, people cutting across all ages, gender, and cultures have adopted Bengaluru as their home.
It is common to see young IT professionals start their careers and then choose to settle here along with their families as they climb up the professional ladder. It is not just the IT industry, but a host of other industries such as the Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG), Food & Beverage, Hospitality, and Small & Medium Enterprises (SME) that have made Bengaluru a hub today. Moreover, it is also one of the most preferred destinations for start-up companies in India.
With the city seeing such fascinating growth in terms of the number of young adult population embracing Bengaluru as their base and their increasing purchasing power, the real estate market here has been on overdrive. While there is demand for commercial spaces, more significantly, the demand for personal living space is also growing.
During the pandemic, the Bengaluru real estate market remained stable even as the real estate market slowed down in other major cities of India. One reason for this was the decision by the local authorities to slash the amount of stamp duty on property purchases by 2 to 3% depending on the purchase price. It encouraged people to continue investing in properties and has been helping to put the real estate market back on a growth trajectory post-pandemic.
More and more working professionals with stable jobs are opting to buy personal living space in Bengaluru. The options include an apartment or even a small house if your budget permits. Your preferred location will primarily depend on how much time you are willing to commute to and from your workplace.
Property prices and Bengaluru geography
North Bengaluru currently has the highest demand for properties as compared to other parts of the city. This is primarily due to its proximity to the Kempegowda International Airport and the outer ring road. It is also closer to the industrial zones that house some major IT hubs. The prices of properties here have seen the highest peaks in recent times.
West Bengaluru is traditionally an industrial hub with warehousing and heavy industrial activities. Due to the lower land value in this part of the city, it is considered a good starting point for those who wish to own their own house in Bengaluru.
East Bengaluru has long been considered ideal for affordable residential developments, and several major property developers have recently shown interest in investing here.
South Bengaluru is the most well-known part of the city and houses both the old and the new Bengaluru. It comprises upscale neighbourhoods and is a thriving and affluent residential market.
What is the best housing option for young professionals?
For working professionals in a growing city like Bengaluru, apartments present the most viable personal space to own. One reason is safety & security; most apartments have security measures to ensure a safe environment.
Safety is important if you are an IT professional working in international time zones. Most of these apartment societies are covered by CCTV security cameras. Secondly, most apartment complexes have a maintenance crew managing minor services of your unit. You don’t have to take a day off to look for plumbers, electricians, and other services.
Most apartment complexes have thriving grocery and essential services centres in proximity. It is particularly useful now when many prefer to work from home. The proximity of groceries and other essentials ensures basic grocery shopping is hassle-free and convenient.
Once you have decided which part of the city you would like to reside in, the obvious next step would be to find the right kind of apartment.
You have the following options:
- 1 BHK with one standard bedroom with a hall, a bathroom, and a kitchen. The overall area is approximately 500 sq ft.
- 2 BHK comprising two bedrooms with attached bathrooms, a hall, and a kitchen. The approximate area is around 1000 sq ft.
- 3 BHK is a big unit mostly with 2 large bedrooms with attached bathrooms; an independent bedroom, usually smaller as compared to the other bedrooms; a hall; and a kitchen with a work area. The overall space will be around 1500 square feet.
- 4 BHK are available for those who are comfortable spending big. Amenities include 4 large bedrooms with attached bathrooms, 2-3 balconies, hall, kitchen, smaller common bathroom, and so on.
- Duplex apartment houses are available for the high-end strata; there is only one apartment per floor. Developers also offer tailor-made two-floor apartments as per your convenience and budget.
Five apartment complexes to bookmark
Having understood the types of apartments, it is time you take a look at some of the best yet affordable places in Bengaluru today.
Here is a list of five such apartments:
1. Sobha Royal Crest, Banashankari
Built over six acres in Banashankari, the Sobha Royal Crest will house 329 Vaastu-compliant apartments (3 BHK & 4 BHK). It has easy access to top schools, hospitals, and malls and offers a good view of the city. You can expect possession by 2028.
Amenities:
Landscaped garden, classy pool, sports zones, gym and jogging track, party-house and clubhouse for residents. It will be a gated community with sufficient power back-up along with a maintenance and security crew.
2. Puravankara Tivoli Hills IV, Devanahalli
Puravankara Group is one of the foremost real estate developers in India, with close to 400 completed and ongoing projects in about a dozen major cities of India.
They have projects in India, Srilanka and the Middle East. The Puravankara Tivoli Hills IV, situated in Devanahalli, occupies an overall land area of about 12 acres. It will house 251 apartment units.
Amenities:
Special sports complex with tennis, basketball and badminton courts, and a swimming pool, clubhouse for house and common parties, jogging track, gym, as well as rainwater harvesting & sewage treatment plants. There will be a well-planned power-back structure along with maintenance staff.
3. Sovereign Silicon City, Horamavu
Situated along the outer ring road (ORR) in north Bengaluru’s Horamavu, it enjoys the vicinity of the International Tech Park & Manyata Tech Park. The Sovereign Silicon City will house 1000 units of 2 BHK apartments on 9.5 acres of land.
Amenities:
Clubhouse for small gatherings, a jogging track and gym for healthy living, a swimming pool and badminton court for the sports freaks, elevators and convenient car parking, rainwater harvesting plant, sewage treatment plant, and power back-up.
4. SV Prime, Whitefield
Whitefield in north Bengaluru has emerged as a high-demand location, especially for IT professionals. It is home to some of the most reputed IT giants such as Wipro, MindTree, TCS, Accenture & IBM Global Services. It also houses some of the best Malls in Bengaluru. The SV Prime in Whitefield will comprise over 250 apartments, including 2 & 3 BHKs.
Amenities:
Common WiFi, clubhouse, gym, jogging track, swimming pool, car parking, sewage treatment plant, rainwater harvesting plant, and a dedicated crew of maintenance staff. Expect possession to begin in 2025.
5. Lucky Greens, RR Nagar
The Rajarajeshwari Nagar (RR Nagar), along the Mysore road, is home to the Global Village Tech Park, which houses some of the top IT companies such as Accenture, Mphasis, and NTT Data Services. The area offers proximity to some of the most reputed educational institutions as well as healthcare facilities. Lucky Greens in RR Nagar offers 10 ready-to-move 2,3 BHK apartments.
Amenities:
Well-maintained garden, car parking, power back-up, a common clubhouse, CCTV surveillance, swimming pool, gym, sewage treatment & rainwater harvesting plants, and a team of maintenance staff.
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NeighbourhoodIn recent times, gated communities have emerged as the preferred choice among homebuyers in Bangalore. Increased awareness of the importance of quality living among working professionals, combined with their growing affluence due to jobs at thriving multinational corporations and startups, have encouraged homebuyers to seek world-class amenities and living standards in Bangalore.
If you are a home buyer interested in purchasing a flat in the best gated community in Bangalore but are still weighing its pros and cons, you are at the right place. Here are the answers to some pertinent questions you should ask before investing in gated community properties.
What is a gated community?
A gated community is a housing community surrounded and protected by walls or fences, with controlled entry and exit points for non-residents. All pedestrians and vehicles, including cycles, are allowed inside based on permission provided by the residents inside or the community management. Gated communities are on the rise worldwide, and India is no exception. The experience of living in a controlled-access space ensures the safety and security of our families, enables us to experience quality upkeep of civic amenities inside the gates, and helps maintain proper hygiene, especially during the ongoing pandemic. The rules are finalised by the community management, comprising chosen residents, and these rules are binding within the community’s gates. The community management is responsible for maintaining all civil works inside the gated community, such as roads, walls or fences, walkways, etc.
What advantages do gated community residents have in Bangalore?
Gated communities in Bangalore offer a string of benefits to their residents. Some of these include:
- Safety and security are the most evident and important advantages offered by gated communities. Often, a crew of security personnel man the entry and exit points of gated community apartments in Bangalore to ensure that no one enters the premises without explicit permission. The permissions are communicated to the security guards manually or through emails or mobile applications. The major instructions are highlighted at the entrance, so those seeking entry fully know the norms of conduct they need to maintain inside.
- Second, the residents inside Bangalore gated communities enjoy hassle-free access to community amenities such as gyms, jogging tracks, and swimming pools. Parents do not have to worry about the safety of their young children playing in the community park. Senior citizens can freely walk inside the gates without any fear of getting hit by moving vehicles. Moreover, public hygiene can be strictly maintained inside the community premises.
- Third, gated communities facilitate healthy social interactions, as most of the residents hail from similar economic and social backgrounds. The quality of these interactions improves through similar peer interaction and value sharing. The community management may also organise get-togethers and events, which, in turn, enhance interactions among the residents.
- Fourth, properties inside Bangalore’s gated communities are known to provide a higher return on investment when sold in the market. Although their base price is higher from the outset, the cost appreciation of these properties often makes them a very attractive investment for many.
- Lastly, with growing calls in Bangalore for citizens to be responsible by practising sustainable living, gated communities offer a wide range of opportunities to choose green living. Usually, gated communities have plenty of green pockets around the built-up area for residents to experience a pollution-free environment. The homes inside such societies often focus on energy efficiency, such as using solar energy for common power and regular plumbing checks to prevent water wastage. Many of these communities even go as far as including waste recycling plants inside the gated space. Rainwater harvesting is also prevalent in many gated communities in Bangalore.
Do gated communities encourage exclusion?
While the advantages of choosing a gated community outnumber the disadvantages, many social commentators have red-flagged the culture of exclusion that gated communities can result in. While there is security and accountability, living in a controlled community accessible only to selected outsiders could result in an aversion to the larger society and people at large. This, in turn, could invariably foster deep societal divisions among adults and children alike, making them feel disconnected from ground realities. This could be quite detrimental, especially in a country like India.
Is gated community legal in Bangalore?
With its growing diversity and affluence, Bangalore is an apt place for gated communities to grow and thrive. Even as there are several gated communities in Bangalore, their legal status is still up for interpretation. Mr Ashok Haranahalli, former Advocate General of Karnataka, speaking to the news portal Citizen Matters, remarked, “Gated communities are not legally recognised by the BBMP. But you can’t call them illegal because the entire area is surrounded, and some kind of security is provided. You can’t call it illegal, but the concept is not recognised under the statute.”
How do you convert your community into a gated community in Bangalore?
- Finalise your proposal after discussing it with all sections of your community members. This is important as all costs related to maintaining the civil infrastructure inside the community will have to be borne by the residents through their management. As much as possible, switch to renewable energy methods for long-term self-reliance for the community residents.
- Take due approvals from local authorities (such as BDA and BBMP), and ensure completion of required paperwork.
- The gate access technology will be a very critical decision here. Choose carefully, considering the convenience of the guards as well as residents. Document the process of approvals for guests, issuance of permissions, and community management rights in detail.
- Decide on gate placement and gate type. Furthermore, plan and decide on any other security-linked infrastructure needed, such as CCTVs, computers at the gate, and so on.
- Ensure proper training of your security personal crew, especially on the entry and exit rules for your gated community, but not just limited to it.
- Organise training sessions for residents on the do’s and don’ts of living inside a gated community.
Top 5 gated properties in Bangalore
Now that you have a fair idea about gated communities and what they offer to their residents, here is a compilation of the five best societies in Bangalore, which are handpicked from many for your kind consideration.
1. Sobha Emerald Phase II, Jakkur
Amenities: Indoor games, swimming pool, gymnasium, maintenance and cleaning staff, clubhouse for individual or community gatherings, and a dedicated play area for kids.
2. Nakshatra Villas, Chinnapannahalli
Amenities: Landscaped garden, indoor sporting facilities, swimming pool, gymnasium, meditation hall, play area, clubhouse, health facilities, 24-hour backup electricity.
3. Zonasha Paradiso, Doddanekundi
Amenities: Community library, landscaped garden, indoor sporting facilities, including basketball, tennis, and badminton courts, CCTV cameras, community hall, clubhouse, swimming pool, gymnasium, 24-hour backup electricity, waste management system, and drainage and sewage treatment plants.
4. Salarpuria Sattva Greenage, Hosur Main Road
Amenities: Landscaped gardens, snooker and table tennis tables, squash court, skating rink, basketball court, clubhouse, jacuzzi, gas pipeline, ATM, laundry, supermarket, and security.
5. Prestige Shantiniketan Condominiums, Whitefield
Amenities: Swimming pool, library, landscaped garden, cafeteria, multi-purpose hall, temple, community hall, badminton court, and tennis court.
You can find more such gated societies in Bangalore by browsing through Mygate Homes. Whether you’re buying a new property or renting one, Mygate Homes is the one-stop solution for all your real estate needs.
The BHK complete form implies a bedroom, hall, and kitchen. It usually specifies how many rooms are in a house. For instance, a 2BHK denotes a specific home with two bedrooms, a hall, and a kitchen. Similarly, 1 BHK means a home with a single bedroom, theatre, and kitchen. n their advertisements. So, to simplify, 4 BHK complete form is four bedrooms, a hall, and a kitchen. Although there may be two bathrooms or toilets, vendors will always state the bedroom number. Most BHKs have a toilet+bath area, even if the short form has no “T”. Some developers might market their flats as a 3BHK Plus 2T, where the 2T signifies two toilets. It emphasizes the edge of the extra space in the three-bedroom house.
In addition to flats, bungalows, independent homes, builder floor properties, and villas are also referred to by the abbreviation ‘BHK.’ ‘BHK’ does not mean a plot of land unless it is used to represent its future potential. For instance, “You can construct a four-bedroom residence on this land.”
Let’s understand various types of BHKs:
What 0.5 BHK full form?
0.5 BHK means an apartment with a smaller bedroom than a usually sized bedroom, a toilet, and a kitchen are called a 0.5BHK apartment or half bedroom. Developers have tested different BHK apartment layouts that are popular with home purchasers. The trend of 0.5BHK apartments is expanding in India due to the country’s fast urbanization and changing demand for living space. A 1RK is quite a popular option in many posh and high-end apartment complexes.
What is 1 BHK full form?
A hall, a kitchen, and a standard-sized primary bedroom create a 1BHK. Usually, 1 BHK means the primary bedroom’s bathroom and toilet are separate rooms that are not connected. Due to the price of 1BHK apartments, they are a prevalent option for customers searching for real estate, particularly in centrally located areas.
What is 1.5 BHK full form?
A 1.5BHK full form is a house that has a primary bedroom that is the usual size and a smaller bedroom. This smaller space can be used as a storage, study, servants, or kids’ room. Many interior designers also suggest using this extra room in the apartment as a pooja room. However, this room may or may not have windows and other amenities like the main bedroom.
What is 2 BHK full form?
An apartment called a 2 BHK has two bedrooms, one hall, and one kitchen. The main bedroom of the two-bedroom house has an attached bathroom, while the guest bathrooms are located outside the rooms. Families with young children like these apartments as they are more spacious than a one-bedroom apartment and less expensive than a three-bedroom apartment.
What is 2.5 BHK full form?
2.5 BHK means a flat having two bedrooms plus a smaller room that can be used as a servant or storage space. The demand for such BHK apartments is rising, especially in Delhi-NCR. Mostly middle-sized families prefer 2.5 BHK since they offer the convenience of a 3BHK at an affordable cost.
What is 3 BHK full form?
A 3 BHK means a home with three bedrooms, one hall and one kitchen, also in demand, especially in cities such as Mumbai and Delhi-NCR, i.e. the National Capital Region, including Gurgaon, Noida, Faridabad and Ghaziabad. It may have three bathrooms, two attached to the rooms, and the third one is common.
What is the reason behind 0.5, 1.5, or 2.5 BHKs?
Builders have come up with extra “half-rooms,” or 0.5 BHK, due to the high demand for 2BHK units; 1.5 and 2.5 BHK units represent a desirable alternative for purchasers who prefer not to upgrade to a 3BHK and spend more. Half-rooms provide the extra space that buyers need. Therefore, these BHKs are quite in demand for resale properties as well.
What is 1RK?
When we talk about BHKs, it is imperative to speak about 1RK. A 1RK unit is an alternate choice for individuals searching for compact apartments. 1RK means a unit has a single room, a kitchen, and a bathroom or toilet. As the name suggests, such a structure has removed the living space. Customers on a tight budget typically choose this setup. This structure is ideal for frequent travellers. These folks may not wish to invest much money in real estate in another city or stay too long in a hotel. For this kind of individual, a 1RK arrangement is appropriate.
Why is it important to understand the size of the property?
Sometimes a 1BHK unit may appear larger than a typical 2BHK, or a 3BHK may look smaller than a 2BHK size. In other words, some builders would market an 800-square-foot unit as a one-bedroom; others might offer a two-bedroom instead. Depending on the builder, the size of a 2BHK apartment may vary from 750 to 1,000 square feet. 2 BHK apartments in Delhi and other pricey cities are typically between 650 and 700 square feet in size. The dimensions can be smaller than 600 square feet in some areas. However, luxury residential projects that provide 2BHK apartments of 1,000 square feet or more offer big residences for potential buyers.
So why do such inconsistencies occur concerning a property’s area? This is because there aren’t established guidelines for a typical BHK house, and the areas or real estate markets may create unspoken guidelines in this regard. For instance, Delhi can have larger two-bedroom apartments than Mumbai. Uneven BHK sizes indicate the accessibility of land in a certain area. It also depends on factors such as the premium associated with a building in that location, the total cost of construction, the market price, etc.
Carpet area, built-up area and super built-up area
It’s critical to understand carpet area while talking about property size. In a BHK, the carpet area refers to the real usable space you receive to utilize within your home. The space used to construct the entrance, the lift, the staircase, the playground, etc., and the interior walls’ width are not included. At the same time, the built-up area in an apartment means the total area covered by the carpet, inside walls, and balcony.
On the other hand, super built-up space contains the built-up area, the carpet area, and a portion of the common area, including the stairs, lobbies, and galleries, which are accessible to all inhabitants. Before the RERA (Real Estate Regulatory Authority) came into existence, developers would mention how densely populated the area was, and salespeople would tout the spaciousness of new developments. The RERA has now outlawed such malpractices.
How to decide between 1 BHK or 2 BHK while buying a property?
There are several considerations to examine when choosing between a 1BHK, 2BHK, or 3BHK apartment. While choosing between a one or two-bedroom apartment is a popular argument among buyers, especially with a modest budget, it can be complicated due to the numerous possibilities offered by developers of residential properties. These can be in different formats; the home loan options provided by banks and Non – banking finance companies, the cost of the property, the area, the size, the builder, the needs of the buyers, etc.
Let’s discuss these various factors in detail:
1. Purpose of Buying
First and foremost, the reason for buying a property should be decided. For example, if you are buying it for investment, a 2 BHK unit is more likely to sell than a 1 BHK apartment. This is due to the demand for two bedrooms consistently outpacing a single bedroom. Therefore, a 2BHK home is always preferred if you buy an apartment for financial purposes.
2. Future Planning
A 1BHK signifies a first-time buyer’s finest balance of comfort and cost. However, investing in a house must be done in the long run. A 1BHK apartment might initially seem adequate for a small family; however, the same unit might not be enough if you decide to grow the family. However, a two Bedroom apartment can provide ample room for a modern family to live comfortably.
3. Property Price
The size of the house drives the cost of an apartment. The price of a 2BHK home will be higher than a 1BHK home of identical size and location. Therefore, the 1BHK apartment will be the only choice if the 2-bedroom flat is out of your price range, even with a home loan.
4. Market Trend
A 2BHK apartment might be more practical, even for a bachelor or a small family. Based on the location, pricing and layout of the apartment, a home buyer might prefer a 2 but then 1 bhk. The higher demand for 2BHK apartments has led to real estate companies paying much closer attention to the supply and facilities of a 2BHK flat.
Though these are some deciding factors while buying a one, two, or three BHK apartment, research shows that purchasing a 2BHK is more profitable than a 1BHK apartment.
What is the difference between 1BHK and Studio?
The term Studio is quite popular nowadays. Every home buyers looking for a 1 BHK apartment get to hear the term Studio by property agents. Getting confused with these two terms’ Studio’ and ‘1 BHK’ is quite a common problem among home buyers. Let’s understand the difference between a studio and 1 BHK here:
A studio flat is similar to 1 BHK in size, but the layout is different. A studio comprises one sizable room where you must allot space for your kitchen, bed, etc. So, there is no separation between the bedroom and kitchen or living space. A studio is an open layout that gives the homebuyer just one room with a bathroom/toilet. If the space has a wall separating the sleeping area from the kitchen, then this apartment is called 1 RK. However, most of the time, the carpet area of a studio is more than a 1RK and feels more open and spacious. A 1 BHK apartment, in comparison, has a specific bedroom, a kitchen, a living space, and a bathroom/toilet.
How to choose between 2, 3, and 4 bedroom apartments?
Several factors involve deciding whether to buy or rent a 2BHK/3BHK/4BHK apartment. Let’s discuss some of these factors:
1. Budget & Price
Whether to rent or buy comes up for practically everyone at some point, particularly in a big metropolis. The financial burden of purchasing a two, three, or four-bedroom apartment is more significant than renting one. If one plans to purchase any flat, the buyer must determine their income before looking at the EMI. The cost of a BHK apartment must be evaluated based on several variables. If a loan should be taken, then EMI should ideally not exceed 25% of the borrower’s income. However, renting should be chosen if purchasing a 2 BHK, 3 BHK, or 4 BHK flat will impose an undue financial strain on the buyer.
2. Rules & Regulation
There are many limitations on what can and cannot be done when renting an apartment. For example, there might be regulations on entry and exit timings, making any structural changes to the apartment, or even restrictions on visitors. However, these limitations do not apply to self-owned 2 BHK, 3 BHK, or 4 BHK apartments.
3. Flexibility
If one continues to pay rent, they can quickly relocate out of their apartment when they need to stay in a different area. However, this won’t be as simple if you decide to buy a 2BHK, 3BHK, or 4BHK flat. Whether renting a home has one or more bedrooms, there is much more flexibility involved. Therefore, the buyer’s likelihood of moving must be carefully considered before making a purchase decision.
4. Interior & Layout Design
Beyond a certain point, a tenant might not be able to customize further the interior of the 2BHK, 3BHK, or 4 BHK apartment. When you rent a place, there are always restrictions on making any permanent design changes. However, a 2BHK, 3BHK, or 4BHK flat’s owner is free to make as many interior or layout changes as they choose.
5. Tax Benefits
Only a specific part of the rent is eligible for tax benefits if you stay in a rented apartment. However, acquiring a 2 BHK, 3 BHK, or 4 BHK apartment provides several tax advantages. After the 2019 Budget, the tax advantages for buying property have grown. A deduction of Rs 2 lakh is allowed for the house loan interest paid. In addition, the tax benefits increase to Rs 3.5 lakh per year if the stamp duty cost of the obtained property is over Rs 45 lakh.
The Hosur-Sarjapur Road Layout, commonly known as HSR Layout, has become one of the most prominent locations for residential properties in Bangalore. Located in the southeast part of the city, it is close to commercial hubs like Koramangala, BTM Layout, Bellandur, Bommanahalli, and Hosur Road.
HSR Layout also serves as a gateway to Electronic City and is well-connected to the IT corridor along Hosur Road, Marathahalli, Silkboard, and Sarjapur Road. Additionally, HSR Layout is a well-planned locality with seven sectors. This has transformed it into a posh suburb, featuring wide streets, parks, and modern civic amenities. As a result, properties in HSR Layout have become lucrative and highly sought-after, particularly by IT professionals in Bangalore.
HSR Layout is home to several top-tier gated communities for those seeking an exclusive and premium lifestyle. These gated communities offer apartments, villas, and plots of land, catering to various budgets.
If you’re a serious homebuyer looking for a gated community in HSR Layout, here is a list of five gated community properties you should consider:
1. Purva Vantage, Sector-2, HSR Layout
If you’re seeking an urban, elegant lifestyle, Purva Vantage in Sector-2 of HSR Layout is the perfect choice. Promoted by the Purvankara Group, which has successfully developed and delivered over 25 million square feet of residential and commercial projects in India, Dubai, Colombo, and Saudi Arabia, Purva Vantage offers a blend of luxury and quality. The project comprises seventy-six residential flats, including 2BHK and 3BHK Vastu-compliant apartments, ranging from 1340 to 1850 square feet in size.
At Purva Vantage, safety and comfort are top priorities, with state-of-the-art safety measures in place to ensure the security of all residents. The property offers 24×7 security and has maintenance staff available at all times. In addition to the lift, gym, power backup, and reserved parking, residents can enjoy a variety of modern amenities, including sporting facilities such as a jogging and cycling track, a tennis court, table tennis boards, a billiards/snooker table, and a swimming pool.
2. Sobha The Supreme Tower, HSR Layout
True to its name, Sobha The Supreme Tower rises tall and majestic at HSR Layout in Bangalore. Promoted by the Bangalore-based real estate giant Sobha Group, which has successfully completed over 100 residential and commercial projects across 25 cities in 13 states of India, Sobha is renowned for its commitment to quality. The company was one of the first in the industry to receive ISO 9001 certification, a testament to the excellence of its projects.
Sobha The Supreme spans 15 acres of land and consists of 910 units. The 2BHK apartments offer a saleable area of 1365 square feet, while the 3BHK apartments provide 1935 square feet of saleable space. The amenities at Sobha The Supreme include a kids’ play area, badminton courts, and cricket nets, with central parks available for various outdoor activities. The property also offers 24×7 security, power backup, and spacious lifts for the convenience of its residents.
3. Assetz Homes 27 Park Avenue, HSR Layout
The exquisite 27 Park Avenue in HSR Layout offers a luxurious, international living experience. Promoted by Singapore-based Assetz Homes, which specializes in luxury villas, apartments, and condominiums, the company’s portfolio also includes business parks, SEZs, hotels, and retail and industrial spaces.
Spanning one acre of land, 27 Park Avenue features 19 units with 4-bedroom layouts. The 4BHK apartments vary in size, with the smallest starting at 4540 square feet and the largest offering up to 9200 square feet of saleable area. The balconies are equipped with water-resistant deck flooring, while imported marble, designer tiles, and distinctive hardwood cover other surfaces. The amenities include a clubhouse party area, swimming pool, jogging track, kids’ play area, and badminton court. Additionally, there is an indoor games room and floral gardens. The apartments come with centralized air-conditioning, home automation, power backup, and high-speed elevators. Safety measures include CCTV surveillance, smoke/heat sensors, video phones, and smart card access.
4. SNR Mayfair, HSR Layout
If you’re looking for smaller, compact gated apartments, SNR Mayfair is a must-see. Promoted by SNR Square Limited, a well-known developer in Bangalore, SNR Mayfair consists of sixteen well-lit and well-ventilated 2BHK apartments. Each apartment has a saleable area of 1185 square feet, making it both compact and affordable.
In addition to 24×7 security and power backup, SNR Mayfair offers a kids’ play area, a jogging/cycling track, and space for indoor games and yoga. The property also features a central park for general leisure activities.
5. Salarpuria Serenity, HSR Layout
Salarpuria Serenity in HSR Layout is a stunning project in Bangalore for those seeking a luxurious lifestyle. Promoted by the Salarpuria Sattva Group, which has successfully completed over 80 projects, this development spans one acre of land and offers over 300 units. Salarpuria Serenity features opulent 2BHK and 3BHK apartments. The 3BHK apartments have a saleable area of 1760 square feet, while the 2BHK apartments come in three sizes, ranging from 1342 square feet to 1533 square feet of saleable area.
The amenities at Salarpuria Serenity include both indoor and outdoor sports facilities, such as a swimming pool, tennis, badminton, basketball, and volleyball courts, cricket nets, a gym, and an exclusive kids’ play area. The apartments are equipped with intercoms and are supported by 24×7 power backup and security surveillance. The complex also boasts a fully equipped library and a clubhouse for residents, as well as an efficient rainwater harvesting system.
Every house has ants. There is hardly any place on earth that does not have ants, except for Antarctica and the Arctic. Estimates suggest that there are about 10 billion ants on this planet. However, it’s confirmed that getting their exact number is impossible. Studies show that there are about 13000 species of ants around the world.
What makes tiny ants such incredible survivors?
Ants are amongst the most evolved living organisms on this planet. They are proven to have an exceptionally high definition of smell, probably the highest among living organisms. Studies show that ants have four to five times more odour receptors than other insects. How often have we wondered how ants turn up so quickly around dropped food particles? Well, we now know how that happens!
While the sight of an ant infestation is constantly alarming, ants play a crucial role in maintaining the ecosystem around us. They are often called ‘ecosystem engineers’ because of their fantastic ability to create and build their habitats. As silent workers, they aid our lives in more ways than one:
- Ants are masters of natural recycling. They feed on dead insects, plants and other food particles and thus help in the decomposition process.
- Like earthworms, ants aerate the soil to keep the soil fertile, thus aiding crop production. Many agriculturists believe that ants turn more soil than earthworms.
- Ants play a crucial role dispersion of plant seeds and pollination. For those who live in an urban environment with terrace and balcony gardens, the process of flowers turning into fruits in small spaces will become very challenging without ants.
- Ants act as a ‘cleaning crew’ by cleaning off minute dropped food particles around the house.
For all their good for our environment, ants can often become a big nuisance inside our homes. If left unchecked and uncontrolled, large colonies of ants could appear inside your houses, causing significant damage.
Why is it so difficult to keep ants out of our homes?
While there are numerous pieces of literature available on how to remove ants from homes, the reality is that getting rid of ants is a hugely challenging task. More so because ants are incredibly resilient creatures with highly evolved survival mechanisms. For instance, the ant colony visible to us is only a fraction of its full size. So, when we remove the visible ‘ant-house’, we only remove the top part of their colonies, while a significant fraction of it underground remains intact. But why is it so challenging to keep ants out of our homes?
The answer lies in minor little oversights on our part:
1. Uncovered food
Even though we are careful about food being properly stored inside our kitchen and store room, sometimes we forget and offer a massive opportunity for ants. Many times, it’s just that the lid of the container comprising food is not fully closed. With their strong sense of smell, ants immediately trace the gap and infest it.
2. Tiny food particles on the floor
Again, despite our efforts, sometimes small food particles end up on the bottom of our dining room and kitchen without our realisation. It could be a few particles of sugar, a drop of honey, or minute particles of cake that fell while we were storing it. Ants will find it within minutes. It is almost unavoidable if you have little children in the house.
3. Greasy surfaces
Many times, even though we are cautious in properly cleaning our dining tables and kitchen slabs after use, traces of food ingredients remain there probably because of unclean cloth used for cleaning or not using a good surface cleaner. It is typical for oily products and liquid desserts such as ice-creams.
4. Sticky garbage
Places where we keep our garbage are thriving places for ants. However careful we are, our garbage bins end up with solid or liquid food particles. Interestingly, it is the waste bin that is used for non-biodegradable waste that is the culprit. We hardly notice that last drop in the soft drink can or that biscuit powder inside its plastic cover, which is often tracked by ants easily.
5. Leaking pipes
Water is another ingredient that attracts ants as they need a water source for survival. It is worse in the summers, and you may suddenly start seeing clusters of ants in your bathroom or around your wash basin.
6. Wet wood
Moist wood in and around the house is a perfect place for carpenter ants to make their nests. It could be because of the rainy season or leaking pipes.
How to get rid of ants permanently?
While extreme infestations might need professional pest control methods by experts, it is always advised to try natural ways first to get rid of ants and only opt for a chemical solution if the natural remedies fail. Interestingly, certain home ingredients act as an excellent pesticide for ants in the house and are safe for humans.
On the other hand, chemical pesticides used to get rid of ants are chemicals with a strong odour that could harm humans in their first few hours, especially if you have bronchial conditions such as asthma or allergies. Infants and toddlers should be kept from pesticides when used by residents and when pest control professionals are deployed.
How to kill ants using safe-for-human remedies?
1. Boiling water
As soon as you see an ant colony, the first practical response should be to pour boiling water inside it. It will immediately kill many ants. However, remember that these colonies have many ants, so a follow-up action will be needed to dismantle the settlement altogether.
2. Salt
Salt is amongst the best natural remedies used to get rid of ants inside your house. Mix a good amount of table salt and hot water, then sprinkle it on infested areas and at the mouth of ant colonies. Use a sprinkler to spray in corners and edges of surfaces evenly.
3. Lemons
The bitter lemon is another helpful remedy to get rid of ants. Spray hand-squeezed lemon juice on ant infestations. You may mix squeezed lemon juice with water to clean the house’s floors and chase ants away. Often, placing lemon peels at places through which ants enter works well to keep them at bay.
4. Chalk
Chalks have been proven to be an effective remedy against ant infestations. The calcium carbonate in chalks acts as a deterrent against ants. A sprinkling of chalk powder helps to mask the scent trail of ants, thus preventing their early build-up.
5. Peppermint
Peppermint is often called the natural insect repellent. More so for ants as its strong smell chases them away. It also acts as an effective deterrent for any future infestations. Here is how you can prepare a peppermint solution against ants:
- Take about 2 cups of water inside a spray container and add 15 drops of peppermint oil. Shake the solution well.
- Spray this solution along the windows and doors of the house. Ensure you cover all corners and edges.
- Repeat this process every 15 days for three months for best results.
6. Self-made ant repellent
Ants produce a scented chemical called pheromones from various glands all over their body. These pheromones are secreted as they move and are picked up by other ants. This is how they create a scent trail between the food and their colony. The self-made ant-spray counters the pheromone scent, due to which ants cannot re-enter your homes. This repellent can be prepared as follows:
- Mix liquid detergent, glass cleaning spray and water inside a spray bottle.
- Shake well and then spray it on ant infestations and entry points.
- Wipe the area gently after spraying to leave a light residue.
- Repeat once every month and twice a month during monsoons.
7. Tea-tree oil
Among the natural insect repellents, tea-tree oil is highly effective against ants. Follow the instructions below to prepare an effective tea-tree oil ant spray:
- Mix water and ten drops of tea-tree essential oil in a spray container
- Mix well and spray it in places where you see ants.
- Spray the mixture onto a small ball of cotton and place them in deep places that could contain ant infestations, such as wooden kitchen cupboards, under the sink etc.
8. Lemon eucalyptus oil
Lemon Eucalyptus oil can be purchased from local grocery stores. It comprises citronella, which has been proven effective against ants, mosquitos and other home insects. Follow the steps below for effectively using it:
- Take a small cotton ball and add 2 -3 drops of Lemon Eucalyptus oil.
- Allow it to soak well.
- Place these balls in areas where you frequently see ants.
- Replace the cotton balls with fresh ones every fortnight for three months for best results.
9. Neem oil
The uses of Neem oil are quite diverse. However, its potency against ants is pretty high, especially in gardening and small-scale agriculture. Neem oil is sprayed around plants to neutralise ant colonies. It also helps to kill many other forms of plant pests. For those unaware, Neem oil is extracted from the Neem tree, which is extensively used to prepare Ayurveda medicines.
10. Silicon dioxide (diatomaceous earth)
Diatomaceous earth is not a chemical poison. It is made of fossilised remains of diatoms(plankton). Just sprinkle it on ant infestations to kill the ants. Some people can be allergic to it, so it is recommended that you avoid its direct contact with your skin and refrain from directly inhaling it.
11. Boric acid
Boric acid is a chemical poison considered very effective against large ant infestations. It is available at the nearest hardware shop. Follow the steps below to use it. Make sure you have put on safety gloves while doing this.
- Mix eight teaspoons of sugar and half a teaspoon of boric acid in a cup of warm water. Stir well till the sugar is completely dissolved.
- Soak small cotton balls with this solution and place them in areas of ant infestations. Make sure it is out of reach for children and pets.
12. Sodium tetraborate (borax)
Borax is another chemical poison that is highly potent against ants. As above, prepare a mixture using half a tablespoon of borax with eight tablespoons of sugar and warm water. Soak it in cotton balls and place it in locations with high ant infestations. Make sure it is out of reach for children and pets. You will find borax at the nearest hardware shop.
13. Bait traps
If all of the above methods fail, a bait trap is your last option before calling in full-fledged pest control experts. It attracts ants to eat the bait and carry it back into their colonies, targeting the root of the entire infestation. Bait traps contain boric acid, borax or hydrmethylnon, which could be dangerous for children and pets.
How to get rid of red ants?
Red ants often become unwanted and painful visitors to our home. Here are ways using which you can specifically kill and prevent red ants from your house.
1. White vinegar
One of the most effective ways to kill and repel red ants is using white vinegar. Here is how you can use it potently against ants:
- Take a spray container and mix equal amounts of white vinegar and water (1:1 ratio),
- Shake it well and use it to clean table-tops, floors, and other hard surfaces.
- Spray the solution over ant infestations and wipe with a paper towel. While humans will not get the smell of the vinegar after it has dried, ants will continue to get it and will not return.
2. Pepper
Red ants hate pepper as much as they love sweetness. Crush the black pepper balls into a powder and sprinkle it in infested areas. You may also prepare a mix of water and pepper powder and spray it. Instead of pepper, cinnamon is also equally effective against red ants in particular.
Frequently asked questions
Why are ants considered unsafe for our homes?
Ants are unhygienic and can leave bacteria on your food, making it harmful for consumption. Some species of ants can destroy your property, such as carpenter ants which can damage your wooden furniture. Moreover, ant bites can be painful, especially if you have infants at home.
What are the common types of ants found in our home?
Black ants are the most commonly found species at homes. Their mouth contains high levels of formic acid, due to which their bite bites can be extremely painful. Also, black ants live the longest – up to 15 years. Red ants are the other commonly seen species inside our houses and can be dangerous for our health. Homes with wooden furniture will see infestations by carpenter ants. They feed on the wood and hence destroy your property. Many houses also see infestation by the dangerous fire ants. They attack humans in clusters if you step on their mounds.
What are the smells that ants like and dislike?
Ants love the smell of sugar. It triggers their mind, and they rush towards it. This also turns out to be their weakness and is often to trap them. They, however, hate the smell of bleach and ammonia. They are repelled by acidic smells.
The availability of parking spaces has become a massive factor in buying and renting commercial or residential properties across India today. The number of properties in the cities is rapidly growing owing to the increasing inflow of people. On the other hand, the rapidly growing purchasing power of urban India has resulted in individuals choosing to buy cars within years of starting to work. Together, these factors have resulted in a severe shortage of parking spaces in cities across India.
For customer-facing commercial businesses, parking has become a must-have feature to succeed. Garment shops, restaurants, coffee shops, fast food stores, and grocery shops are bending backwards to provide parking spaces for their customer vehicles. It has become impossible for large office complexes and malls to operate without sufficient parking space. Similarly, parking has become a must-have for residential real estate projects to find potential buyers and tenants with the right value for money on the property.
Stilt parking is revolutionising the creation of parking spaces for several residential and commercial buildings developed over the last decade.
What is stilt parking?
Some buildings have stilt parking, meaning the entire ground floor is creatively utilised to provide a partially covered parking area for vehicles. It differs from the fully covered basement parking in which one or more floors are built under the ground for parking purposes.
For stilt floor parking, the first floor of the building must stand on eight-foot-tall concrete columns/pillars with open sides. These pillars act as the base of the building. The design enables multiple car parking spaces. Buildings that use stilt car parking are described as G+ structures (G+3, G+4, etc.).
Initially, there were some apprehensions about the impact on building safety as the entire building stands only on pillars erected from the ground. With some effective improvisations in design to balance the weight of the building, today, stilt parking buildings are certified safe worldwide. In fact, in 2011, stilt parking was made mandatory in Delhi for all new societies with areas between 100 and 1000 square meters.
What is a stilt floor?
A typical building has several floors, such as the podium floor and mezzanine floor, to name a few. A stilt floor means the lowermost floor of a building just above the ground. It comprises concrete pillars or columns on which the building stands with all four sides open. Its height should not be more than 2.7 meters as per Real Estate and Regulatory Act (RERA) regulations. Facilities mostly use this floor as designated parking spaces.
However, some mandatory rules need to be followed for stilt floors:
- No separate rooms are allowed to be constructed on the stilt floor.
- Construction of brick walls is not permitted on stilt floors.
- The stilt floor should be earthquake-resistant.
- The parking space on the stilt floor cannot be sold separately by the builder.
Are there any specific rules for stilt floor parking?
Stilt parking considerably enhances the potential to provide housing to more people within the same space available. As a result, cities and city development authorities are making stilt parking mandatory around India. For example, according to the master plan for Delhi released in 2021, buildings offering stilt parking are eligible for an additional plan area.
Stilt floor parking has found its place in the law through various amendments to existing law and court judgments over the last decade. Notable stilt parking rules include:
- Stilt parking is not considered to be part of the floor-space ratio. It implies that the floor that houses the parking is not counted among the permitted floors for the building plan. For instance, if a builder has permission to construct three floors, the builder can build these three floors over and above the ground stilt floor.
- Builders are barred from selling stilt parking spaces independently. The spaces can only be part of the building space sold or bought. The Supreme Court of India, in a landmark judgment in 2010, upheld that all types of parking facilities of a building are counted as common facilities and thus belong to every owner in a residential society. It ensures that all owners/residents in the buildings have access to the stilt car parking. It also considerably reduces the scope for fights for parking spaces. Each parking space is duly marked to avoid confusion. The building’s respective Residents Welfare Association (RWA) manages the parking area. It also keeps few parking spaces as common areas and/or for visitors for their convenience.
- The stilt floor area can only be used for parking and nothing else. The area cannot be used as a storage area for any commercial activities, nor can it be converted into servant quarters or any other such use.
- Buyers are advised to study the building plan approval thoroughly. The document will clearly state the number of approved parking spaces for the building. It will also spell out the safety norms the construction is expected to follow regarding the stilt floor. In case of any discrepancy, the RWA can be approached. If the matter stands unresolved, a complaint can be filed with the District Consumer Dispute Redressal Forum.
How does stilt parking benefit independent homeowners?
Stilt parking house designs are at an advantage. In many cities, the local development authorities restrict the number of floors for independent houses. Mostly it is two floors, but some rules prohibit this to one floor for specific areas. It is mainly done for safety and security purposes. However, if the house owner opts for stilt car parking, they are eligible to build an additional floor over the stilt floor.