Tuesday 6 June 2017

Urbanization of Delhi NCR and Affordable Houses

As per 2011 census, the urban population in India is increasing at a rate of 2.8% per year. The increasing concentration of people in urban areas has led to the problems of land shortage, housing shortfall, congested transit and has also severely stressed the existing basic amenities such as water, power and open spaces of the towns and cities. Haphazard urbanization has forced people in Middle Income Group to live in slums for years. Housing companies were mostly involved in luxurious housing for better premiums and profits and government was providing affordable housing for only economically weaker sections of the society till now.
But recently, the scenario is changing. With the advent of innovative ideas and newer technology, developers are changing the definition of affordable housing in Gurgaon. “Affordable” is a relative concept with several implications in different income groups. Whereas, previously it was associated with economically weaker sections in want of roof and security. Today, it’s a whole new segment in the real estate industry catering to needs of several income groups. With the government providing subsidies for Middle-Income Groups, the dream of a home for the fence-sitters is becoming a reality.
Also, in a step to fulfill the Prime Minister’s vision to provide “Housing for All” by 2022 the private players are now becoming active to provide residential houses in Gurgaon for office goers in Delhi NCR. The people who were paying heavy rents in Delhi NCR can opt for a house which is affordable according to their pocket with a convenient EMI.
Affordable Housing – a key growth driver in realty sector of Delhi NCR can be broadly defined on four parameters:
The minimum volume of the habitation: As architecture is moving vertically due to increasing in population density and shortage of land. Instead of area standard, affordable housing takes in purview volume standard and how to minimize it with expertise in architecture.
Provision of basic amenities: Provision of basic amenities such as sanitation, adequate water supply, and power to the dwelling unit is crucial while defining affordable housing. Maybe, the housing society doesn’t have a swimming pool or a gym but it is mandatory for the society to be accessible from a different part of the city especially if we talk about flats in Gurgaon. Delhi NCR being a cosmopolitan area calls for easy access and prime addresses. Also, provision of community spaces and amenities such as parks, schools, and healthcare facilities, either within the project or in the neighborhood, are desirable depending on the size and location of the housing project.
The cost of the house: While accessing the cost of a house it is always important to consider the buying cost as well as the maintenance cost. Affordable housing in India has become more desirable after the advent of Real Estate Act as it makes first five years of possession maintenance free. A thought should also be given to the kind of vehicle which is necessary for the accessibility. If the society is too remote higher transportation cost will lead to migration again.
Location of the House: Entailing from the points already made above residential projects in Delhi NCR should be well connected to the workplaces, marketplaces and fun centers. The lower land cost may provide cheaper housing possibilities but if housing and transportation costs burn a hole in the pocket of the resident, the possibility to regulate slums and residential colonies to decongest the national capital won’t be possible.
Affordable houses in Gurgaon can change the way people looked at townships and residential projects towards a cumulative growth of Delhi NCR. This is a systematic approach which will not only ease the tight realty markets but will also curb the problem of congestion by decentralizing things. The Middle-Income Groups who were forced to compete with each other for renting scarce homes in the national capital can have an affordable nest of their own.

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