Magicbricks, India’s No 1 real estate portal, conducted a survey on “Are you safe in your locality?’. According to the survey, over 85% respondents consider their current locality and house safe. The survey reveals that over 57% of the respondents are willing to pay more to buy a house in a safe locality. This clearly states the direct relation of property buyers with living not only in a safe house but in a safe society.
Today most of us are concerned about living in a safe environment. Irrespective of whether one lives in a gated community, in a sector or in an authority flat, safety and security are the prime concerns. Considering the importance of safety and security in today’s world, it is extremely important to ensure that not only one lives in a safe house but in a safe locality.
Kalpana Viswanath, CEO & founder, Safetipin told Magicbricks on a Webinar that “Safety is to feel comfortable on the streets and while walking around, without fear.” Community participation is the term coined by Viswanath which can to a sizeable extent resolve the problem. “Apart from the efforts the city authorities should take up, residents should also participate in community activities. The hectic schedule of city dwellers has channelled them into living solitary lives. Barring a few, it will be safe to say that the interaction and community spirit which were evident a decade ago is missing today.”
Safety does not limit to a gender, rather it stretches to children, senior citizens and even men. Of the respondents, 88% prefer living in the neighbourhood of families. So, if you are planning to invest in a property or have already done so, make sure you zero down your search to the right property, right neighbourhood and right location.
Things to check before finalising a property
When asked about the safety elements which are non-negotiable, 65% respondents rated watchman.
- Though other safety services such as CCTV cameras, gated society, police patrolling, good lighting and proper roads are as important to having round-the-clock security
- Before finalising a property, along with giving attention to the location and its connectivity with social infrastructure such as banks, hospitals, schools, etc, its proximity to a police station should also be considered
- Good lighting within the society/sector and locality is important as dim light may be an invitation to unsavoury instances
- CCTV cameras are another level of check for safety. Such cameras should be installed within the societies, sectors and roads of the locality
- Gunjan, a single mother living in a gated community in Sector 74, Noida, says “Today, the developers offer various security facilities such as 24/7 security, fire stations, police station in the vicinity and even dog squads. Such facilities boost the confidence of residents.”
It is extremely imperative to understand the importance of safe neighbourhoods and how deeply it impacts the life of the people. Therefore, without compromising the safety of yourself and your family, always checkout the neighbourhood before investing.