If you live in a country like India, you will
know that not everyone can afford luxurious or mid-range houses. But, everyone
is entitled to own a house of their own. If you fall under this category, and
you are not willing to take a home loan, there are still ways in which you can
buy a low-cost property. This article gives you some tips on owning property
under 5 lakhs in India.
Invest in Property Through Fractional Ownership
Fractional ownership is a process by which you
can invest in a high-end property with several other investors. The primary
intention is to share the cost of the property, and then divide the returns
from investment.
If you are expecting capital appreciation,
investing in residential properties is the best option for you. However, if you
invest in commercial properties, you can expect a rental yield of 7 to 10
percent. Over the past 3 decades, rental yields from residential properties
have remained stagnant at 3 percent. According to real estate experts, a
minimum amount of Rs 2 to 3 crore is needed to buy commercial and retail
spaces.
Contrary to commercial assets, you can invest in
residential properties with a few lakhs. According to commonfloor.com, you can buy properties in the price range of
Rs.40 to 60 lakhs in cities like Bangalore, Chennai, and Mumbai. In a city like
Bangalore, you can easily expect a capital appreciation of 15 percent in prime
locations such as Sarjapur Road and Whitefield.
Some real estate companies can help you in investing
through this platform. These companies will help you find tenants, negotiate
rents, and also take responsibility for the sale of your property.
Own Property Through Organised Co-Ownership
Organised co-ownership is a platform that lets
you invest in the real estate market directly with other co-investors. Through
this arrangement, you will either get joint-ownership or a stake in a company
that owns the particular property you are interested in. It all depends on the
number of investors.
If the number of investors in a co-ownership is
too less, then the company may make special arrangements. You will be an
investor as well as a shareholder. In such cases, you have to sign an agreement
that states your investment amount and the fragment of ownership.
You will only account for the capital invested by
you. This type of investment is different from investing in real estate
investment trusts, where you invest in a wide range of properties. Here, you
can choose a residential property, visit the site, and then make payments. The
best part, is you also get to know your investors. But, remember that if you
are investing as partner in a company, you are not eligible for a home loan.
Hire Good Architects and Contractors
If you are not willing to invest in fractional or
co-ownership, but prefer having a house of your own, there are some options
still open for you. Search for architects and builders who have a reputation of
constructing houses fewer than 5 lakhs. Ask the builders to use interlocking
bricks as they are cheap and keep the interiors of the house cool. You can also
opt for terracotta roof tiles.
The success for this kind of project depends on
the meticulous planning and selection of construction materials. You can use
ceramic tiles and recycled windows and doors. The recycled items can be
polished and used in your house. This way you will save a lot of money.
Remember, to chalk out a detailed plan so that you don’t have to undertake
extra costs at the end of the project.
Now that you have learned about the various
options available to you, invest in a property of your choice. You will not
have full ownership of the property immediately, but when you earn high
investment after selling the property, you can definitely purchase another
property and call it home.