
House Shifting becomes inevitable many a time!
House shifting is a dreaded job for many husbands, right? We all have encountered this problem. Unless we stay in our place called home, we are never satisfied with it! Thus, shifting houses becomes inevitable. I mentioned previously that I moved to Kadapa last year.
Since my daughter became of school-going age, the sole priority of renting a home has been to be as close as possible to my daughter’s school. My daughter is in the tenth grade. And still has not found a perfect school!
And so, we have been shifting homes time and again. Of course, that is just the tip of the iceberg! As you read on, you will understand what are some other issues/problems that force one to shift houses.
Property prices are increasing everywhere except my place (Renigunta, Andhra Pradesh, India)!
I own two properties, and both have low rentals. This is because even though Renigunta boasts a prominent railway junction. And an international airport, it is still a Village Panchayat! Most importantly, the mentality of the people living there. Is that of getting the maximum for the minimum. The situation is such that the locals influence the mentalities of outsiders arriving and settling here for ages. I will talk about this in another article.
Coming to the issue of renting out properties
So, coming to our main point, today, everything has become a business. Real estate, too, is no exception. People who have surplus money are investing in real estate and earning through rent. But like in any other business, there is nearly always a huge mismatch. Between what the owner (seller) says and what the tenant (customer) gets. And therein lies the crux of the problem.
Rents are always on the rise worldwide. They rarely decrease unless it is a pandemic like COVID-19. I am writing from an Indian perspective, but this applies everywhere. Rents depend on several factors, including proximity to the bus stand, railway station, central business district, educational institutions, hospitals, etc. These are all external factors.
The most important amenities necessary in a house
Water
This is nearly elementary for everybody, I guess. But let me reiterate. I think the most important amenity is access to clean water. Most Indians, especially middle- and lower-class people depend upon the water supply provided by the local administration (Panchayats in the case of villages, Municipalities in the case of towns, and Corporations in the case of cities).
This water supply is okay during the non-summer seasons. But even during these times, the water supply is usually once in two days. The water supply is at odd times according to the whims and fancies of the person who turns the water valves.
For example, in the area I used to stay in previously in Kadapa (Akkayapalli), the water supply was at 3.30 am on one day and 6 am the day after the next. However, come summer when water becomes scarce, especially in a hot, dry, and arid place like Kadapa, water is supplied once every four, five, six, or even seven days. Depending on water availability.
Thus, water availability 24x7x365 becomes the numero uno priority for any house. So, for a house owner to rely on just the government water supply becomes troublesome and unreliable.
So, what is/are the solution/s? Traditionally, people depend upon bore wells. For safe, reliable, and potable water. But this source has been under severe threat. With global warming, indiscriminate water usage, prolonged periods of drought with virtually no rains at all, etc. Taking a severe toll on the water table!
Other water sources are atmospheric water generators, water-air extraction systems using dehumidifiers to remove moisture from the air, seawater desalination, etc.
Car parking
Yes, car parking is essential. Nearly everyone owns a car nowadays. Not just cars, but many households have a minimum of two to three motorbikes. Most homeowners are so greedy. They build a house even on the ground floor!
And where do the tenants park their vehicles? Well, the government provides roads not just for transport, right? It does this for people to park their wheels with impunity! I am just kidding. But some city corporations like Chennai want to penalize people if they park their cars outside on the streets.
Come on, have some heart on the poor pedestrians! Governments should enact a rule. Any house owner who wishes to build an extra floor should leave the entire ground floor for parking. It goes without saying that whoever wishes to build a house on the ground floor. Should leave sufficient space for parking within his/her property.
Lift and Security
A lift is very essential if a building is a multi-storied one. Or at least the stairs should be such that. They are easy to walk upon if it is a house with just one floor. But nothing can replace a lift if the tenants are old people. And if there is power backup via a generator, it will be like an icing on the cake.
Security, at least via Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) is essential today. If there is a watchman, it is better if it is a housing complex with several houses. These amenities are the bare minimum.
Of course, many people emphasize sustainability. Also, it would be great if the home had facilities. Like rainwater harvesting, solar panels/wind power generators, vertical gardens, etc. Several people are conscious of the environment.
I know this is asking for too much but when owners charge houses at a steep premium, then there is nothing wrong for tenants to expect better amenities. That will help them live a self-sustainable and healthy life.