The Apartment Design Checklist

An increasing number of people are opting to live in apartments because compared to independent houses, they are relatively easier to maintain and are more secure.
However, there are a few factors to keep in mind when choosing an apartment with regard to structure and design, especially if you intend to sell it a later stage. Good infrastructure for the entire complex and a well planned architectural layout increases value, while substandard construction, poor architectural design and finish decrease the value by five to 15%
Here are a few things to look out for when purchasing an apartment:

• Facades should be completed using high quality material such as stone or brick. Not only are these materials aesthetically pleasing, they require less maintenance.
• Parking space much be allocated to each apartment within the complex; parking space should ideally be covered. There should also be provisions to accommodate additional cars for guests.
• Separate entry and exit gates should be in place to manage traffic flow and keep the complex uncongested.
• Avoid apartment complexes built parallel to each other; this will compromise your privacy. Opt for complexes built in a circular or oval shape; they provide more privacy.
• Staircases should face the east to allow maximum sunlight; they should be at least three feet wide, separate service/ emergency staircases are ideal
• Windows, especially those in bathrooms and kitchens, should allow maximum sunlight and ventilation.
• Balconies and terraces should be strategically positioned; large balconies near living areas can extend entertainment space, while those near the kitchen can be used as laundry space or for growing plants.
• Interior spaces should provide space saving, built-in-storage space
• Fixtures and fittings should of good quality.

A House For Mother: Best Real Estate Investment in Post Modernist Approach

Out of all the movements in architecture, the post modernist movement specially in real estate investment could arguably, be the most exciting. And on Mother's Day, it is appropriate to mention the Vanna Venturi House, designed by the renowned architect Robert Venturi for his mother, in the 1960s. The house is now considered to be the symbol of post modernist architecture.
At the time , the most pervasive form of architecture was modernist - a product of industrialization, governed by rigid and structured rules such as strictly functional columns and block-shaped building.
Venturi was critical of these rigid rules, going so far as to mock the "less is bore" modernist maxim (coined by Mies Van Der Rohe), by saying "less is bore". It was a rebellion he detailed in his book, Complexity and Contradiction in Architecture.
The Vanna Venturi House was an attempt to defeat modernism's idea that the scale of a house reflects its size. Venturi's design manipulated that the sight lines by guiding them along a would-be chimney and stretching the front facade of the house horizontally. What resulted was a house that looked bigger than it actually was, causing it to become known as "The biggest small building of the second half of the 20th century."
Post modernist architecture has also enjoyed fame in our part of the world and architects continue to experiment with the concept. For example, the 27-storey Antila Tower in Mumbai, India, considered the world's most expensive residence, looks like a house made by Ikea with its vertical, open box design. In Pakistan too, the design for the Centaurus Tower carries elements of deconstructivist design - an idea which comes from the 'anything goes' attitude of post-modernism.
Evidence for the acceptance of post-modernism in the Subcontinent can also be seen in growing number of architects working on projects such as Rashid Latif Medical College, as well as the many new houses that carry elements of post-modernist architecture.
As a concept which stems from the rebellion against what is traditional, the emergence of post modernist architecture in the Subcontinent might be a sign of the coming times.

Buying and Selling Real Estate at the same time

Selling an existing property and buying another one immediately afterwards involves a few inevitable risk factors, especially if funds are limited. A major concern for most homeowners who are doing this real estate investment, this is whether or not they will be able to find the right property ti buy immediately after selling the one they are residing in.
Here are few tips to making the process of real estate investment easier:
1. Sell first and then buy. Put all your energy and resources towards selling your existing property first; getting the right price can take months of negotiation. As soon as you have a couple of offers from potential buyers, start searching for a new property. Don't be procrastinate, because time is money when the property market is in flux.
2. Add the following points to the sales deed after your existing property has been sold:

• A grace period that allows you to stay in your current property for at least three to six months before you have to hand over the property.
• Agree on a payment schedule which allows you to receive 98% of the payment at least 10 days prior to the handover. This will give you the funds to purchase the new property and in this way you things will be easier for you in doing real estate investment.

3. Prepare to rent. If you can't find the right property to buy during the specified grace period, be prepared to live in a rental property. This is better then rushing into a deal. You can even ask your buyer if he/she will allow you to rent the current property for a few months.
4. Be Prepared. The new property that you buy may require renovations. In this case, ask the seller for permission to begin renovations before the full payment is made. In most cases this requires a 25% down payment.

Best Real Estate Investment opportunity in Lahore, Pakistan

Over the last decade, the trend of upscale, gated residential communities has emerged in Lahore, Pakistan. Some of which are comparable to international projects in terms of planning, infrastructure and real estate investment opportunities as well as the amenities they provide.
Khayaban-e-Amin is one such project attracting real estate investment from across Pakistan primarily due to the fact that it is envisioned to be an upscale, well planned and secure neighborhood.
It is located opposite Valencia Town, a posh and well-known residential area, on Defence Road, minutes from Shaukat Khanum Hospital and Thokar Niaz Baig. Spread over approximately, 1,400 acres, Khayaba-e-Amin comprises 16 blocks.
Although it was established in 2005, so far only two block (E and G) have been completed. Two blocks are under development: Block L and a block which will only cater to Pakistanis living overseas.
Development work on these two blocks is expected to be completed within two years. Pre-constructed houses (built on plots measuring 125, 250 and 500 square yards) as well as vacant plots are available.
Proposed amenities include a small commercial area, community center, hospital, mosque, several parks, school, internal shuttle service, round-the-clock security in the form of manned gates and surveillance cameras and an independent water filter plant.
The pricing structure (in rupees) of property in Khayaban-e-Amin is as follows:
Plot Size                                 Purchase price range
125 sq yds                                   1-1.2 million
250 sq yds                                   1.8-1.9 million
500 sq yds                                    2.8-3 million

Houses Size                           Purchase price range
125 sq yds                                   2.3-3.5 million
250 sq yds                                   5.6-6 million
500 sq yds                                    8-8.5 million
                           

How you can do real estate investment for less than Rs. 10 million in Peshawar, Pakistan

Peshawar is one of the oldest cities in Asia and has been the political and commercial hub of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa for decades. Peshawar could be the best place for real estate investment as it is the most developed urban center in the province, Peshawar attracts a large population comprising migrants from the surrounding rural and semi-rural areas. This has resulted in increased demand for residential property.
Here is a look at residential areas in Peshawar where houses you can do real estate investment for less than Rs. 10 million
Askari and Falcon Societies: Developed by Army Welfare Trust, these small residential societies are located near the Peshawar Airport. Although they do not have a lot of commercial activity, they are popular because they are extremely secure.

Plot Size (sq yds)                                Purchase price range (Rs)
125                                                         5.7-6.8 million
175                                                         6.8-8.3 million
250                                                         8.4-10 million

Cantonment: Located in proximity to Peshawar Airport, Cantonment is an upmarket area and best for real estate investment. It is along with Saddar, Peshawar's busy commercial zone, three historical Mughal gardens are located there, as well as Deans Trade Center, Edward's College, the Governor's House and Peshawar Museum.

Plot Size (sq yds)                                Purchase price range (Rs)
125                                                         6.9-8 million
175                                                         8.5-9.5 million

Hayatabad: An upmarket residential neighborhood, Hayatabad was established in the 1970s by the Peshawar Development Authority, without any doubt an ideal place for real estate investment. Several prestigious educational institutions, parks, a community center and a sports complex are located there as well as numerous banks and government institutions such as FIA, NAB, NADRA and the Passport Office.



Plot Size (sq yds)                                Purchase price range (Rs)
125                                                         5.9-7 million
175                                                         7-9 million
250                                                         8.6-10 million

University Town: University town is another perfect site for real estate investment. It is located about five kilometers from the city center, this is a rapidly developing area. Several international aid agencies, foreign consulates and guesthouses are located there as well a some of Peshawar's best educational institutions.


Plot Size (sq yds)                                Purchase price range (Rs)
125                                                         6.5-7.8 million
175                                                         8.2-9.3 million
250                                                         9-13 million