Buying a house is a milestone. A house can be a step to secure your family’s future or can be an investment that you are purely looking at for good future returns. Whatever the purpose, when you are buying a home, the most important thing is – to think futuristic!

Remember, a house is not just about today or in the present. It is at least 10 years into the future; in fact, even more. It will be a place that you will use, nurture and invest in for many years. Thus, when you are choosing a property, think futuristic. It is important to strike a balance between the present needs, age, likings, preferences of the dwellers and usage of the home space, and also the likely needs and use type in the future.

FUTURE NEEDS

At present, the house you are impressed with might be an ideal fit for you, your spouse, and your parents. However, 5 or 10 years down the lane, you might want to extend the family and have a child or your elderly parents might need a wheelchair to move around. In either of this situation, your house should be ready to accommodate the changes in its limited size. Imagine another situation – a house you are finalizing presently has no common areas or amenities. This might sound practical right now because you and your spouse have extremely busy schedules and no spare time. But, what about a future situation, when you cannot step out from the project premise for whatever reason or face a health issue that requires you to walk, jog or swim? Consequently, it is necessary to ensure that your present house is prepared to support your future lifestyle too.

BENEFITS OFFERED

Invest in a property that offers you more than just one benefit. Finalizing a house today on a single determining factor can be vexing in the future. Say you might invest in a house today for the green quotient it offers – the natural views, ample sunlight and the breezy mornings. But think some years into the future and determine the possibility of the house being surrounded by a concrete jungle with no green benefits. To predict the impending changes, evaluate the existing infrastructure, the neighbourhood and the proposed developments in the vicinity. If the only benefit you invest for today doesn’t exist in the future, the house will feel more like a liability then than an asset.

SITE VISIT

Liked the absolutely extraordinary brochure or emailer? The proposed elevation images in the brochure and the project marketing materials are meant to impress you on the first glance. Do not just go by the larger-than-life pictures that are edited and handpicked for making the first right impressions. Always ensure that you go visit the sample flat or the mock-up to understand how the project will actually look when ready. If the sample flat or mock-up isn’t available, get imaginative. Think into the future and imagine how the pictures will translate into reality.

DEVELOPER BRAND

Once a particular project is in your consideration set, it is really important to check the track record of the developer. Understand how the earlier developments or structures for the particular developer have aged through the years. Talk to the residents in the existing projects, if possible, and get an honest review of the nitty-gritties. While the present project design may be great and may satisfy most of your requirements, aging is a factor that needs attention. Check if the amenities in the 5 or 10-year old projects are in great shape. Check the external elevation as well as internal finishing. Understanding how the buildings have aged, will give you a sneak peek into the future of your house.

Many such examples bring home the point. Reflect into the future and choose a house that is presently lifestyle-accommodating and also future-ready. Think ahead and invest smart! When buying a house, it is important to think objectively today for a happy tomorrow.