– Over 75% of respondents’ ‘Trust Circle’ now includes people from the neighbourhood as well;

– 81% of respondents claim that they would be more likely to depend on their neighbours as compared to pre-Covid-19 times;

– Nearly 90%of respondents felt the need to create a ‘Trust Circle’ that is focused on real relationships to combat the stress and loneliness resulting from isolation in the pandemic

Click to download the report

National, 8^th July, 2021: The manner in which communities are formed and sustained have been dramatically altered by major advances in communication technology, and the advent of social media. For close to two decades, they have helped people overcome great distances by offering a digital proximity, via likes, shares, comments or chats. Simultaneously, though, they have frequently been cited as a reason for a deterioration in neighbourhood relations, as the easy availability of information and ability to connect with friends and relatives online have left fewer opportunities and reasons to form relationships locally.

The events of the pandemic, however — the scrambling for essential items in the early part of lockdown and the organisation of local vaccination drives, to name two examples — have re-established the importance of proximity and, therefore, brought about strong changes in the neighbourhood. To understand the impact of the pandemic on people’s attitude towards their immediate surroundings, MyGate, India’s largest community application, commissioned a report, now titled ‘Trust Circle’. 

The study witnessed participation from over 2,867 Indians of all ages across Tier-1 and Tier -2 cities, namely Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chandigarh, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Indore, Jaipur, Kochi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Pune. According to the report, while the degree or depth may differ, the emergence of neighbourhoods as a pillar of the ‘Trust Circle’ has become a national phenomenon, cutting across age groups, regions and nature of dwelling. Around 80% of respondents living in gated communities and 71% in the non-gated communities are in agreement with the statement, “My ‘Trust Circle’ has shifted to include people in my neighbourhood whom I am likely to interact with every day”. 

Elaborating on the report’s findings, Mr. Vijay Arisetty, CEO & Co-founder, MyGate said, “It has been heartening to hear the many stories of neighbours coming closer together to tackle this unprecedented situation for over a year now. From this research, we can infer that these stories are not mere anomalies but the real expansion of our ‘Trust Circle’. The pandemic has re-infused the need to be-connected with one’s neighbours, with all demographics showing greater trust in members of the neighbourhood than before, be it the family next door, the local chemist or the apartment security guard.

“Through this endeavour we hope to understand the trust deficits that exist in communities and work to build bridges that can overcome these challenges.”

Illustrating the emergence of the neighbourhood as part of the ‘Trust Circle’, 81% of respondents said that they are more likely to depend on their neighbours in case they needed any urgent help as compared to pre-covid levels where their dependency was much higher on close friends and relatives. It is heartening to note that the trust and relationship built with neighbours was not just limited to the health crisis, but also reached new heights when it came to social engagement, and other regular interactions such as those related to electricity, water, maid, etc. 

The emergence of Neighbourhood in the ‘Trust Circle’

Nearly 90% of all respondents agree that they needed to create a ‘Trust Circle’ that focused on real relationships to combat the stress and loneliness resulting from the isolation.

– Nearly 38% of the respondents are confident in leaving their keys with their neighbours while going out, indicating the emergence of neighbourhoods as a strong pillar that Indians trust.   

– Though Gen Z (18 to 24 years of age) and millennials (25 to 34 years of age) do rely extensively on technology, it is the neighborhood that they often rely on in their daily life for any help or information. Even amongst Gen Z, the dependence on the neighbourhood (28%) for information or help on a daily basis is higher than the dependence on close relatives (22%) and friends (25%).

– 88% respondents mentioned that their relationship and dependence on neighbours, the local vendors and support staff (watchman, delivery boy, and maids) improved during the pandemic. Over 75% of respondents helped their support staff (security guard maid, plumber etc) with grocery, food or salary. Furthermore, nearly 73% of respondents engage with their maids beyond work, offering tea, coffee, food or even a salary of 3 months or more as loan if required.

– From a city perspective, the data suggests that ‘Trust Circle’ does not remain uniform across the different cities in our country. More than two thirds of respondents in Ahmedabad (68%) would leave their key with their neighbours compared to only 18% of the respondents in Kolkata. 39% of respondents in Hyderabad would trust their security guard compared to only 1% respondents in Kochi. 44% respondents in Kolkata would trust a friend close by compared to only 13% respondents in Ahmedabad.

Technology further enlarges the ‘Trust Circle’

WhatsApp video, FaceTime, Skype, Zoom and Google Meet added a new meaning to staying connected and combating pandemic-induced loneliness.

– Nearly 90% of all generations claim that technology has made it easier for them to address community issues in a seamless way, cutting down time and effort while bringing communities together.

– 44% of respondents would turn to technology to verify/validate the credibility of service providers such as an electrician, plumber, etc.

– 43% Gen Z claimed that even if they moved into a new neighbourhood, it would be technology that would make them feel most comfortable as compared to 40% Gen Z and 38% millennials

– Nearly the same proportion of the respondents over 45 yrs of age  (28%) as millennials (27%) and Gen Z (27%) admit that after the Covid-19 pandemic, they would continue to use technology to stay connected with their ecosystem showcasing the acceptance of technology usage across generations.

Men, Women & trust circle

62% of men often rely on technology and their neighbourhood for any help or information they need (compared to 40% women), while 60% of women rely on their close friends and family (compared to 38% of men).

– Interestingly, contrary to the popular belief it is men who have formed a deeper bond with the neighbourhood than women. While only 25% of the women surveyed relied on the neighbourhood for any help or information, the men’s ratio was close to 35%.

– When looking for information and guidance regarding emergencies like Covid-19, 43% men would turn to close friends and family (compared to 39% women), while women (28%) would turn to internet based information like social media handles and reputed agencies like World Health Organisation (compared to 18% men)

– Close to 49% of the men who had participated in the survey mentioned that they are ‘highly likely’ to work with neighbours to set up a joint representation to authorities in matters like water supply, waste management, sewage disposal, etc.

– When it comes to relationship with house help, 30% of men claim they have minimal contact with their maid (compared to 20% women), in contrast, 38% of women always provide extra food for the maid and her family compared to only 30% men

The report establishes the fact that the pandemic has brought to the forefront the compassionate nature of human beings. Relationships amongst community members (gated and non-gated neighbourhoods) have strengthened significantly, with people realising or appreciating the value and importance of their support system, such as their domestic help, security guards, plumbers, electricians, and household personnel. For now, it is clear that these bonds have deepened, but as individuals and communities prepare for the resumption of normal life after the second wave, it will be interesting to see what shape this new dynamic takes.

Click to download the report

About MyGate

Founded in 2016, MyGate is the largest community app in the country, simplifying urban living of over 4 million homes in 20,000+ housing societies. It was ranked #4 on YourStory’s list of India’s Most Disruptive Start-ups in December 2019 and one of India’s coolest start-ups by Business Today in 2019. MyGate was founded by Vijay Arisetty, an ex- IAF pilot (Shaurya Chakra awardee), Abhishek K, former VP at Goldman Sachs, and Shreyans Daga, former project head at Oracle and Digit. For more information, please see https://mygate.com/

COVID

Dengue, Malaria, and Chickengunia are infections caused by mosquito bites, which are widely and extensively found in almost all of India and are a major public health concern for the government and a risk that residents of gated communities face commonly. In 2020, 228 malaria, 1,072 dengue, and 111 chikungunya cases were reported in India. Even though there has been a drastic decline in the last few years, there is always a chance that there can be a random outbreak, especially from April through November in the North and all year round in the southern regions. The Indian subcontinent is globally at a high risk of Dengue and Malaria which are serious diseases and should not be taken lightly.

Common Symptoms of Dengue and Malaria

• General discomfort
• Headache
• Pain behind the eyes
• Rashes
• Fever
• Swollen glands
• Chills
• Backache, lower body pain
• Easy bruising, light nose or gum bleeding, pale, clammy Skin

What is Malaria Symptoms?

• Nausea
• Vomit
• Joint pain
• Abdominal pain and diarrhea

Note: Fever may or may not be accompanied by bouts of sweating. 

What is the difference between Malaria and Dengue? 

Dengue and Malaria are caused by two different breeds of mosquitoes. 

What causes Malaria?

The transmission of a parasite called Plasmodium causes Malaria when a person is bitten by a female Anopheles mosquito while

What causes Dengue?

Dengue is caused when a person gets bitten by an already infected Aedes aegypti mosquito’s bite.

Tips for prevention of Community-wide spread of malaria and dengue

• Organize a volunteer team to spread awareness and education about the causes, symptoms, prevention, and cure of Malaria and Dengue at least once before each mosquito season (whenever it falls in your region).

• If there are any wastewater bodies in your society premises, such as stagnating water pools, residual grey water collected from apartments (that might be left untreated), filthy stormwater, should be either completely cleaned and dried out or be treated as per the society’s waste management rules. 

• If your society has open composting pits or gardening mulch laying around, it may attract mosquitoes. Keep the composting drums closed and avoid putting meat, fish, poultry, and bones in them. Gardening mulch should be disposed of immediately or recycled in composting drums. 

• Another measure is to remove weeds, shrubs, and dead leaves from the society’s landscaping and to regularly throw out the dry and wet waste post segregation and not let it accumulate in individual homes and collectively at society levels. 

• Vector-borne diseases thrive in monsoons. Make sure you don’t let water pools gather in the parking lots, basement, streets and storm drains throughout the monsoon season.

• Advice residents, maintenance/domestic staff to use natural and organic insecticides in and around the house as well as plants. Organic antiseptic and antiviral plants such as lemongrass/lemon oil, eucalyptus oil, thyme oil, and Citronella, one of the most popular mosquito repellants and pyrethrum which is derived from the crushed flowers of a type of chrysanthemum species.

• In case of community-wide infection in nearby areas, you could spread professional chemical insecticide spray services to prevent infections from spreading in your own society, however, make sure you use certified chemicals and use them cautiously as the last resort. 

• Malaria can be prevented by mosquito bite prevention and Chemoprophylaxis, however, Dengue can be prevented by bite prevention alone. Dengue fever, if severe, can cause internal bleeding and damage the organs in worse-case scenarios. Hence, it’s vital that the managing committee and the residents take necessary actions to spread awareness so that a couple of cases don’t turn into an outbreak.

How to Prevent Malaria and Dengue at home?

Ensure mosquitoes don’t breed and form a habitat – Your surroundings and living space should be kept pristine for mosquitoes to keep away. Vector-borne diseases are particularly intense in monsoon and if the surroundings are unclean/filthy, they find it easy pickings to breed. Make sure that there is no stagnant water inside or around the house. Keep your potted plants clean and dry. Keep food items, lids and containers covered as well as the trash cans and garbage bags. Clean overhead water tankers, clogged gutters, and clear out water pools and old tyres, cardboard, and other junk from homes and society premises. 

Use mosquito repelling products – A good quality mosquito net is a great way to sleep safely at night since that’s when the mosquito attacks cannot be physically stopped. However, some people may feel claustrophobic sleeping under a net, in which case, it can be raised higher but make sure there are no holes and it’s tightly tucked in. Insect-killing products (sprays, creams, etc.) that contain an active ingredient called DEET are safe for use, however, they’re not safe to inhale. Mosquito coils are generally safe to use, however they should not be used in closed rooms. The residue left after the burn should be disposed of safely without touching the skin as it may cause an allergic reaction. 

Keep yourself covered – An outbreak of mosquitoes is quite common during spring, summers, and monsoons throughout India. Wear light-colored full-sleeved cotton clothing to avoid mosquito bites. In case of a bite, wash the bitten part with baking soda and warm water. Avoid traveling to places in which there may be outbreaks of any of these diseases. 

Don’t let them in Come evening, keep your windows and doors closed or you can install mosquito screens and check them periodically for holes and breakage. A well-screened house is your safest bet towards cutting the problem in half. You can purchase insect screens or door/window mesh online and install it yourself as well. 

Isolation in case of infection – These are highly infectious diseases and spread rapidly from one person to another. If anyone in your family or among the neighbors has contracted either Dengue or Malaria, you must prevent further infection by following the isolation, personal protection equipment, and distancing protocols (same as a Covid positive person). 

WHO Awareness regarding Dengue and Malaria

The WHO (World Health Organization) has published an ‘ABCD’  to spread awareness regarding Dengue and Malaria. It goes like this:

Awareness: Find out if you’re at the risk of Malaria (or Dengue) within your neighborhood and educate the residents about the risks of not taking preventive measures. 

Bite prevention: Make sure you take all the aforementioned preventive measures to prevent mosquito bites. Additionally, you can insecticide-treat your bed, furniture, and home surroundings. 

Chemoprophylaxis means that you take antimalarial medication to prevent any infections.

Diagnosis means that as soon as you notice symptoms, you seek prompt diagnosis and treatment to cure the infection at the right time. 

Technically, a Homeowners Association, according to Investopedia, homeowner’s association (HOA) is an organization in a subdivision, planned community, or condominium building that makes and enforces rules for the properties and its residents. Those who purchase property within an HOA’s jurisdiction automatically become members”. In the Indian context, it’s like an Apartment Owners Association that is formed and operated by volunteers of a residential complex.

Features of an HOA/AOA

AOA/HOA is a team of seven members, required to form an Apartment Owners Association.

It is an arbitrator for disputes and has the right to collect the maintenance and other dues. 

The Apartment Ownership Act 1989 as well as state pertinent AOA Acts apply. 

It includes a general body, associate member, and a management committee that includes a president, vice president, secretary, and treasurer.

What are the documents required for an AOA?

• Society name and address
• A signed and stamped proposal letter by the executive committee/MC/RWA addressed to the Registrar of Societies requesting registration 
• Associations memorandum
• Proceedings (MOM) of the first general body meeting
• A standard fee which may vary according to districts and states

Pros of Homeowners Associations

1. Maintenance and management

Having an official body of officers in charge of running simple and complex affairs is necessary for a gated community for a good and comfortable standard of living. This includes landscaping, security, financial administration, maintenance collection, repair and restoration, and other maintenance activities. HOA/AOA or a Resident Welfare Association are also responsible for the apartment complex/housing society’s bye-laws which have to be registered through the Cooperative Societies Act or the registration rules of the city /state government.

2. Arbitration and dispute resolution

Any apartment complex needs to create an HOA/AOA/RWA sooner rather than later as it’s important to resolve conflicts, complaints, and oversights in a lawful manner. If there are problems or disputes arising between neighbors, the HOA Committee has the right to intervene and mediate to arrive at a mutually agreeable resolution.

3. Access to amenities and common spaces

Members of HOA are responsible for appointing caretakers and managers for the clubhouse, gym pool, and other facilities as well as a service staff/waste management vendor, paying common utility bills, maintenance of financial records, statements, and legal documents, builder handover documents for the society and information of the members, government departments, and manage water supply issues, appoint reliable security services or fulfill any other administrative need of the residents.

4. For security and privacy

HOA members are the point of contact for overall safety concerns that the residents have. Apart from individual security measures, an apartment complex must have responsible security guards who should be trained in fire safety protocols and basic equipment handling such as LPG/Electrical meters, etc.

5. Legal and operational needs

In matters of grievances against the builder or legal disputes arising due to construction or ownership issues, an AOA can be the reliable source to figure out lawful solutions by approaching the right authorities, National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC), or any other local authority concerning with the nature of the disputes. Also, AOA is required to keep immaculate records including banking account management for the apartment and property taxes, applicable GST, etc. Coordinating with different outside service vendors like waste management, electrical boards, composting vendors, etc., is also a task that befalls the HOA.

Cons of an HOA/AOA

1. A standard fee

Every apartment owner has to pay a predetermined monthly fee to the homeowners association as it’s necessary to have finances in order to maintain and run the complex efficiently. The monthly maintenance fee depends on the sq feet rate (based on the size of the flat), flat rate (for all apartments), or hybrid rates (a combination of both charged for the type of service). The more the amenities and services under possession, the more the fees.

2. Abiding by the rules

An HOA is responsible for forming all rules and regulations regarding monthly payments, code of conduct, waste disposal, and other society-specific rules. These bye-laws are formed in accordance with the government laws (central and state), and contain Do’s and Don’ts with respect to community etiquette and regulations that need to be followed.

3. Liable to pay fines

The HOA has the right to charge penalties to the apartment owners if they default on payments, ignore rules repeatedly and create any kind of nuisance or conduct unlawful activities within the complex premises. In cases of extreme non-compliance, the HOA can even take legal action against the members.

Although listed as cons, the aforementioned rules are necessary to keep the apartment complex safe, secure, and disciplined so that community living becomes delightful.

In summary, an HOA is a necessary official body for any society, with its pros far outweighing the cons. However, the HOA members should be picked wisely and have the necessary expertise and wherewithal to operate the society.

Maintaining a home is a daily job that befalls everyone, however, common house maintenance is not just limited to vacuuming and mopping. There are several minor cleaning tasks that we may forget and major home maintenance duties that we may ignore due to lack of time. 

The main pitfall would be not having a maintenance checklist of repair and replacement tasks so it’s always advisable to not make mental notes but have a proper list of items to check, inspect and replace.

Let’s take a look at house maintenance pitfalls:

Not having a toolkit

It’s only natural you’ll need to repair and restore little things here and there. You must have a basic toolbox which should include different sized hammers, nails, screwdrivers (Phillips, spotted, square drive assortments) drill (for bigger DIY projects), tape measure, scissors, power glue, utility knife, woodworking tools like saws, adjustable squares, clamps, etc. for advanced users. You can assemble it on your own or simply order a kit online.

Not checking infrequently used faucets for leaks

Sometimes we overlook this seemingly minor detail but leaky faucets cause wastage of water and can leave marks on the tiles which lead to more expenses in repairs. Other plumbing defects include slow drain flow over time, faulty water heaters due to operating roughly, rattling pipes due to imbalanced water pressure. 

Avoiding clogged gutters

If you don’t clear out the regular and storm drain pipes, overflowing water/filthy mulch could lead to erosion of the foundation, and waterlogging could lead to flooding in basements, parking lots, and society pathways. You can hire professional services for cleaning the gutters twice a year at least.

Appliance maintenance not done

Refrigerators, ACs, fans, air filters, and other appliances in your kitchen and home should be serviced regularly including the refrigerator coils and exhaust fans/chimneys, or else they will break down and lead to replacement expenses.

Leaky roofs and ill-maintained overhead tanks

Old pipes, water damage to the foundation of the roof, damaged shingles, and incorrect flashing can cause the roof to leak in different places. Faulty roofing material or storm, wind damage can also cause leaky roofs. These should be examined especially before monsoons. Overhead tanks should be cleaned regularly so that they don’t collect rust, dead bugs, dirt, and algae. Make sure there are no broken tiles or snags in the drain pipes. 

Faulty electrical wiring

Signs of broken wiring are too many extension cords, burning smell or blackouts. This could happen due to frayed wires, poor quality switches, or even dead bugs inside the switchboards. Examine circuit breakers, if rats have chewed off wires, and always buy a trusted brand of electrical wires and switches. 

Skipping exterior care of the property

The exterior conditions of the house can worsen rapidly than the interiors due to weather conditions and lack of weatherproof paint, and poor caulking. If you fail to give a good inspection to drain pipes, siding mildewing/weather damage, can lead to rot and pests. Another thing to check is the exterior of the air-conditioning system installed outside to see if it holds strongly and get it bolstered before monsoons or storm predictions. Inspect the exterior walls for chipping or cracks and seal them and touch them up with rainproof paint or else water may seep in through the walls. 

Neglecting windows and doors

Creaky, loose windows and doors are often ignored as they don’t pose an immediate threat, yet you must tighten up the hinges, oil them to prevent termite damage at the very first instance of creaking, or if you notice termite dust on the floor. Exterior shutters and mesh installed in balconies should be cleaned and inspected as well or else rodents and birds may fly in.

Maintaining lofts, attics, and basements

Clean out the debris from different unattended parts of the home since the dirt (or mold) accumulated in the corners, crevices, and walls can pile up and breed insects, reptiles, rodents. 

Seasonal maintenance

Other than daily cleaning, it’s imperative that you take preventive maintenance care before each season like spring cleaning, cleaning vents, servicing washing machines as per the manual, unclogging tiny drain outlets in the pantry, bathrooms, storage room, etc every month or two, check and clean the kitchen sink fixtures underneath for rust, dirt and debris. 

Not choosing the right cleaning agents

Soap and water alone won’t do.

You must keep in stock the right tools and supplies for daily or monthly maintenance, such as rubber gloves, squeegees for countertops, microfiber cloth for glass surfaces, along with the right mix of acids (to remove hard water deposits and rust), soft and hard fabric detergents, abrasives for excessive debris, sanitizers, and mild alkalies like baking soda for oil and other sticky residues. 

If any of the above are ignored, it defeats the entire purpose of comprehensive home maintenance. 

As society approaches an age of progressive thinking with increased emphasis on individual freedom, more single parents are considering being homeowners and fortunately enough, it’s become easier than before for working parents to buy a property whether they’re a single mother or a father. According to a report by the UN, roughly “4.5% of all Indian households are run by single mothers.” A single parent buying a house has to be extra cautious as the entire responsibility of the home buying process (no matter with help from family and friends), is still befalling a lone pair of shoulders. 

Let’s explore some critical perspectives. 

Get your finances in order

If you have the following, you can be an eligible single parent candidate for a home loan: 

• A regular source of income upon which a loan can be granted along with good credit ratings.
• (Or a stable business/self-employment).
• Single mothers qualify if their age at the time of sanction is between 18-70. 
• Possess the required documents such as –
  • PAN CARD, AADHAR Card, completed loan application
  • Govt issued ID proofs such as driver’s license, voter ID, passport
  • Residential proof like electricity and utilities bills, bank account statements, other relevant documents like birth certificates, etc.
  • Declaration and proof of personal assets, collateral 

However, you’d have to create savings to make the down payment. 

Financial tips for single parents before buying a home

Invest in a child education plan (with professional consulting) so that the child’s educational benefits are guaranteed even during potential unstable financial conditions. Make sure the insurance cover increases over years based on the number of children you have. 

Consider investing in security and wealth baskets monitored by professionals and choosing to spread your investments in different SIPs/equity funds. If your savings are limited, you can try different low-yield insurance policies as well. 

Figuring out the priorities of what you need from the property

As a parent, you’d need to live where your child has access to good schools, public transport, cultural spots, and other factors according to your lifestyle. You’d also need to consider the apartment’s location (which floor, how many bedrooms, bathrooms, and other amenities that you might expect in the housing societies like a nursery, gym, swimming pool, tennis courtyard, and others). 

Other points to consider are the distance from home to school, especially when residing in urban cities where the commute is a factor and the availability of immediate medical care/clinics around the house. 

If you’re taking a home loan, it’s wise to keep the installment at around 30% of your total salary so that you can live comfortably with the remaining amount and be able to save. 

Learn – How Home loans help you save on income tax

Look for a stable and welcoming community

Whether you’re widowed, divorced, or separated, you’d need to surround yourself with a support system that not just includes family and friends, but also neighbors and community. As the adage goes, ‘it takes a village to raise a child’. The housing community where you decide to live should have supportive and understanding neighbors. If a society has an end to end security and society management app like MyGate, it’s great news for single parents as it works on a passcode verification system of gatekeeping so that the premises are completely safe and child safety protocol, where a child is not allowed to leave the premises unaccompanied without prior permission from the parent. 

Does the house have a good resale value?

As a single parent, do not be pressured to buy a property without a future potential even though it may come cheap. You need to factor in the market value of the property, its location, its size, proximity to public utilities, shopping malls, etc, and get a professional appraisal done in case you’re not buying a brand new home.

Look for grants and aids

As a single mother, you can avail the benefits of low-interest rates on home loans from nationalised banks like SBI and others. Some states may even provide exemption on stamp duty and registration charges, sale deeds, conveyance deeds if the buyer is a woman. Under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, if you’re a (single parent included) household with an annual income between Rs 6 lakh and Rs 12 lakh fall under MIG (middle income groups) I while households with an annual income between Rs 12 lakh and Rs 18 lakh fall under MIG II category hence you’re eligible for interest subsidies of 4% and 3% on loan amount up to Rs 9 lakh and Rs 12 lakh (MIG I and MIG II categories only). More details.

It is recommended that as a single parent without prior experience in property purchase, you should hire a reliable estate agent who can help you navigate through the entire proceedings with expert guidance. 

India’s elderly citizen population is growing at 3% annually and is estimated to reach around 319 million in 2050. With a shift towards nuclear family and dismantling of the traditional joint family system, more senior citizens are considering living independently post-retirement. Age is not a factor when it comes to buying property even nearing retirement, however, it’s always wise to know the implications and technicalities of property purchase in any case so that you’re aware of what applies to senior citizens specifically. 

What are the features of senior citizen /retirement community living?

• The concept has now taken off in India as we see many retirement community homes being launched by a handful of builders who are the first movers. 
• Senior living means living in a community of residents above the age of 55 who may or may not be still actively working. 
• The establishment has senior-citizen-friendly features like safe premises, housekeeping services, emergency health care services, and medical assistance. 
• The design features that make living easier also include wide hallways with flat passageways to accommodate wheelchair access, skid-free floors, continuous grab rails, etc.
• There are amenities and facilities for recreational and group activities, along with concierge services that assist with paperwork, bill payments, hiring on-demand services, lounges, clubhouse, laundry, and cafe services.

What is the price range? 

Usually, retirement homes are available in low income (Rs 10-20 lakh), middle-income range (Rs 25-50 lakh), and above. The top cities to look for a retirement home are Lavasa near Pune, Bhiwandi on NH8 in Rajasthan, Jaipur, Chennai, Delhi/NCR, Goa, Puducherry, and Coimbatore. 

Factors to consider before buying property as a senior citizen

1. How old is the buyer?

If you already post 70 years of age or younger but are not in the prime of your health, you might want to choose a retirement home that can take care of you 24/7. However, if you are independent enough and can take care of your basic needs, you can own property in regular housing societies as well. Senior citizens are usually well taken care of by friendly neighbors and good samaritans if you scout the community beforehand to make sure that the neighbours are congenial. 

2. Availability of healthcare & infrastructure

It’s the age of telemedicine consultation and on-demand medical services (like blood test, thyroid test) delivery reports which can be received at home. It’s also preferable to look for property that is located close to clinics and hospitals in case of emergency health services. There should be access to roads and cabs. 

3. Peaceful surroundings

Elderly citizens like to enjoy their peace and quiet and may not enjoy living in a community with hyperactive kids and loud get-togethers occurring frequently. In such cases, you can opt for a property situated on the outskirts of the city or an apartment location that can provide heightened privacy. 

4. Complex amenities

It’s always a preferred option for senior citizens to occupy a home on the lower floors, or else the apartment complex should have elevators, along with CCTV surveillance with security guards trained in fire safety and first aid. Another feature to seek is safety handlebars installed in bathrooms, balconies and no unnecessary complicated furniture/application customisation inside the apartment should be allowed. Many retirement communities have tie-ups with nearby health facilities, ambulances for cashless treatments. 

5. Financial planning

It’s commonly known that senior citizens above 50 may not get a housing loan from a lending bank as easily as a working professional, however, with proper financial planning, owning a property in your golden years is achievable.

If you’re receiving a regular pension, getting a home loan is easier. In most cases, banks offer home loans to senior citizens for maximum repayment duration of 15-20 years or up until they turn 70-75 years of age, whichever comes first and the EMI is set accordingly. Banks like SBI, PNB, LIC (and other leading national banks) offer home loans to senior citizens starting from Rs 5 lakh to Rs 25 lakh (others can go even higher). 

Senior citizens can even choose to invest in a property and rent it out to earn 5-10% of the total price. 

An important factor to consider is Loan To Value Ratio. For instance, if the total price of the house is Rs 10 lakh and you’re making a down payment of Rs 1 lakh, you’re actually borrowing Rs 9 lakh, so the LTV is 90%. Choose a loan with a low LTV ratio so that the EMI is not too high every month. 

6. Cultural phenomenon

Retirement Community Living is a growing trend among city dwellers and it reduces the impact of loneliness among elderly residents as they are well occupied throughout the day. Premium retirement homes in urban areas provide acres of land for leisurely lifestyle and pursuit of hobbies among various high-end amenities like mini-golf courses and outpatient clinics. 

All in all, investing in a property in your elder years is a step in the right direction if planned correctly in advance with the help of family, friends, or even professional realtors.