A GUIDE TO FINDING THE PERFECT HOME FOR EXPATS IN INDIA
If figures are to be believed, the number of expats in India is growing at a steady pace. It is estimated that an average of 30,000–35,000 expatriates (expats for short, meaning a person who resides outside their native country) are hired by Indian organisations for niche profiles.
This number is expected to grow by at least 10% in the coming year. This steady rise means that a small percentage of the expat population now calls India home (albeit temporarily).
Taking in the sights and sounds, once in India, can take some getting used to. Add to that the pressure of finding a suitable accommodation and you have your work cut out for you.There were times when expats would live in close knit communities comprising of fellow countrymen, special security arrangements in areas frequented by foreigners. Over the years housing options for expats have definitely changed for the better
Here’s your definitive guide to house hunting and settling down in India:
What to Expect:Do your home work. Familiarize yourself with property jargon prevalent in India and set your expectations accordingly.Due to language issues, it is recommended that you get an estate agent, who will help you sail through the ifs and buts with ease. Rents vary from city to city, within different areas in a city, based on various amenities available.
You may check out online portals such as https://redgirraffe.com. Only RedGirraffe assigns a qualified relationship manager on signing up, the RG RM will help you find the perfect place.
Location is Key: It is challenging as the supply of low cost, good quality accommodation does not often match the demand. The cost and quality varies significantly from area to area and the amenities available within the residence/society. Although by Western standards, the rent in India is considered to be relatively reasonable, the initial outlay in the form of a security deposit (which varies from city to city) may set you back.
Wondering where to start, log on to https://redgirraffe.com and search through listings which detail the rent, deposit and amenities available.
Types of Accommodation: Many organizations make it easier for expats to move to a different country by arranging for accommodation while some don’t. The different options available are independent houses,studio apartments,multi or single bedroom bedroom flats,luxury condominium,serviced apartments and paying guest accommodations.
While serviced apartments and PG accommodations are suited for short term stints within the country, for a longer stay semi/fully furnished apartments and independent houses are available for rent. The term apartment is used quite flexibly in India, some may be luxurious and equipped with modern amenities such as centralized heating/air conditioning and some may be bare. The luxurious ones aren’t cheap and the cheap ones lack a few luxuries but there is more scope to customize your space. Majority of the apartments in India fall between the two extremes.
Discuss your requirements in details with the RG relationship manager so that he can suggest properties suited to your needs.
Rent, Rental Agreement,Lease and Regulations : The rent comprises of 2 main components, the actual rent and maintenance. The deposit amount varies and usually depends of the landlord, you should be prepared to pay at least 3 months rent in advance.
Most landlords choose the 11 months lease although the 12 month lease is also an option. Lease agreements are often tricky , ensure that you never accept and informal verbal agreement. Phones and internet connections are not included in most homes and landlords may at times include certain lifestyle restrictions in the lease e.g. consumption of non veg may be restricted by a vegetarian landlord.Rent control laws do not cover license agreements and lease
