From spacious bungalows to efficient apartments, there has been a major shift in home-buying patterns in India. Since both these styles of living co-exist within a city fabric, there is much debate about the practicality of living in an independent house verses the convenience of living in an apartment. This article will tell you about the pros and cons of these two styles of living so that you can decide which is right for you.

INDEPENDENT HOUSES

Advantages of living in an independent house
 

• The homeowner can plan and design an independent house as per their choice if the building is in design or construction phase.
• Another plus is that the homeowner has ownership of the constructed property and the plot of land on which it is built.
• The front and rear setbacks of the building can be used to accommodate a lawn and private parking.
• This type of home can be expanded horizontally or vertically if the local building by-laws permit. Also one can upgrade the facade of the building without taking permission from the local authority.
• These homes are comparatively larger, more spacious and have more privacy than conventional apartments.
• The best part about living in an independent house is that it gives you a greater sense of ownership.

Disadvantages
 

• The cost of purchase or construction is very high as it includes the cost of land, construction cost, stamp duty, clearances and the architect’s consultation fees.
• When staying in an independent house, homeowners might not get the opportunity to interact and socialise with a big community of neighbours.
• Senior citizens or people with mobility issues may find it difficult to climb up and down the stairs because of the absence of a lift.
• Another major drawback is that the safety and security of the independent house is solely the homeowner’s responsibility. Very few homes incorporate a full-fledged surveillance system or appoint private security guards.
• Daily activities like cleaning, maintaining the lawn and periodic repairing require sustained effort from the homeowner, along with dedicated staff for various activities.

APARTMENTS

Advantages of living in an apartment
 

• Whether it is a standalone building or a large gated community, living in an apartment encourages close-knit community living and mutual care between neighbours. Activities like festivals, get-togethers and fun events keep the families engaged with each other.
• When buying an apartment, the homeowner only has to pay the cost of the apartment as per the agreement while the builder takes care of all the other technical formalities.
• The flats of large gated communities come with additional facilities such as a club, swimming pool, outdoor courts for different sports facilities, walking pathways, grocery shops and plenty of open areas. A luxurious complex may even include a golf course
• The biggest advantage of staying in a flat is good security. Most societies are well-guarded round the clock by security guards and a good surveillance system.
• When a family is out of station or on vacation it is easy to lock the house and go without any added responsibility.
• Apartment complexes include amenities like fire fighting systems, power back up and water back up. They also appoint full-time carpenters, plumbers and electricians who are available on call.

Disadvantages
 

• Each apartment has to pay maintenance charges to the RWA. This includes the cost of security, cost of running the lift, maintenance of gardens and electricity charges of the common areas.
• Since apartment complexes have a high density, the community lawn and other recreational facilities may become crowded during the evenings and weekends.
• In an apartment, the homeowner does not have the privilege to design the layout of their home or make any changes in the building facade.
• There may be lack of privacy in apartments as some balconies and windows can open into views of neighbouring homes. Also, the common walls and slabs between two apartments, transmit noise easily.

Is it better to invest in an independent house or an apartment?
 

• An independent house results in a higher appreciation value because the value of the land appreciates over time.
• An apartment is comparatively affordable and easier to sell or rent because of its small ticket size.
• It is quite simple to get a home loan for apartments as the project is usually approved by some banks and the process is hassle-free. On the contrary, it is not as easy to get a loan on a vacant plot of land.

Note: Luxurious apartments are very expensive and are available in the form of duplex homes, penthouses and spacious apartments with 5-star facilities.

What factors should be taken into consideration when buying an independent house or an apartment ?

• Firstly your budget helps you to decide between an independent house or an apartment which is available as LIG, MIG and HIG (low-, middle- and high-income group) units. An independent house within the city limits can be a costly affair but moving towards the outskirts of the city, it becomes relatively more affordable.
• The next factor is the size of the family and age of the family members. Apartments are best suited for nuclear families while one can consider an independent house if it is a joint family.
• Other factors such as location, accessibility to school and the work place have to be kept in mind when deciding between an apartment and an independent home.

Verdict
 

• Independent houses and apartments come with their own sets of advantages and disadvantages that suit different lifestyles.
• However, if one desires to have the spaciousness of an independent house but the amenities of a large gated society then one can opt for a gated villa community, which gives you the best of both. In this form of living, a series of differently-sized independent houses are grouped together with a clubhouse and other amenities.