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Life in villas is distinctively different

Of late, the fortunes of Kochi have undergone a total transformation. And, in the process, with a number of favourable factors to its credit, the realty sector is reaping rich dividends and their business growth is taking off with remarkable success. Today, as Kochi has huge potential growth in its cards and also because of the fact that it is increasingly being referred to as a destination with a positive attitude, the builders and developers, having operations in the cit y, are working overtime to deliver their best. And believably, they are enjoying all the attention coming their way.

Many of the builders are also of the opinion that whether it’s boom or recession, the demand for villa projects are always there. And the clientele of villas also belong to a different class. It’s true that the lifestyle changes and affordability factor have compelled many to live in the confinement of apartments but if given a chance most would prefer to reside in a villa, be it within or in the fringes of the city. Those who have experienced a life in both an apartment and a villa are of the opinion that when apartments provide convenience of a different kind, the life in a villa has a character of its own and is definitely a cut above the rest. Says Sasikumar Menon, "As a bachelor I lived in an apartment for several years and when I decided to settle down, after marriage, I went for a villa in the suburbs of Kochi. Life in a villa is distinctively different from that of an apartment".

Sani Francis, Managing Director of HOLY FAITH CONSTRUCTIONS and Vice President of Kerala Builders Association also endorse this statement, "The attitude of Malayalis towards owning a home is quite different. More often, their desires are driven by conventional thinking and values. And owning a piece of land is considered to be more valuable than most other things in life". It’s true that the concept of villas caught the fancy of Malayalis more faster than anywhere in the country only because it blends two important factors - firstly, owning a piece of earth and secondly, the joy of community living, he adds.

Holy Faith, a predominant player in the realty scene in Kochi has a number of ongoing villa projects. The one at Kakkanad close to Infopark is named Holy Nest and has 21 units with all world-class amenities. Modeled on the lines of European villa enclaves, Holy Faith Nest will be bordered only by a single outer boundary wall to avoid a compartmentalized feeling for the dwellers. A retirement village along the river banks in Thodupuzha and another one called Tharavadu near Kothamangalam are the other soon to be launched villa projects from the house of Holy Faith. Yet another villa cum apartment project is also coming up at Vaduthala adjacent to the much publicised LNG and Vallarpadom Container Transshipment Terminal projects.

RELCON BUILDERS is one such builder who gives much emphasis on the construction of villas rather than apartments. What prompts them to formulate such a strategy? "Only because the villa segment is not catered enough here in Kochi and the fact that the villa projects are getting sold even at the time of its launch underlines the demand for villas when put in comparison with apartments and high rises", observes Raju Raghavan, Deputy General Manager (Marketing) of Relcon Properties. Relcon villas is known for their trendy designs and timely completion and handing over of the projects. Till date, Relcon has to their credit as many as 12 completed villa projects in and around Kochi. "Most of our units are owned by professionals as we offer modern kind of living in an affordable manner. Moreover, we provide provision for two car parks in our villas unlike many such projects. And more importantly, we hand over the key within 15 months of commencement of the project", adds he. Relcon has just started the work on their latest project titled Relcon Ashiyana near Cyber City at Kalamassery. The Ashiyana project has 16 exotically designed units and comes with all standard amenities.

Finding ready takers for villas, several nationally renowned realtors have already come up with numerous villa projects in and around Kochi. With the in-flow of corporate clientele growing by the day, the demand for villas is on the rise in Kochi as most senior officials and technocrats prefer villas rather than apartments. The employers are also keen on providing villas as company accommodation for their high ranking personnel. And as such, the city and its suburbs are witnessing frantic activities in the field of construction.

Finding a very prospective market, in the wake of several industrial projects being announced, in rather quick succession, the real estate sector in Kochi is basking in glory. And numerous gated colonies are on the anvil. Finding it difficult to locate within the city, many realtors have moved towards the suburbs, even some 50 to 60 km away from the heart of the city with villa projects.

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