Second home amidst nature: Why you must invest in second homes?

When we read terms like “Holiday home” and “weekend getaway”, we usually associate them with rich families and crowds that have ample money to spend on such things. But do you know, a growing number of first- or second-generation families are choosing to put more money and savings into a weekend or second home that is close to the city but in the middle of the wilderness, amidst nature? The term second home has changed from being seen as a luxury to an essential purchase. It is now more than simply a status symbol; it’s a chance to build a family legacy and a long-term asset which offers holistic wellness, community building and calm away from the constant hustle and bustle. 

Second Home Meaning

Many families left the city and settled in their second homes during the pandemic. These were usually larger, standalone homes with lots of green space surrounding them. It was simpler to protect oneself from the COVID outbreak in a secluded, self-contained residence surrounded by nature. Families who choose to buy a second home typically choose a larger one that gives children, the elderly, and even pets more space to move around and socialise.

These days, with mixed study and employment arrangements, these second homes essentially act as homes away from homes. Many real estate developers care to include more open areas in the construction of such properties, such as gardens, terraces, large family rooms, and wider windows that let in more light, air, and freshness. This is the reason why second homes offer warmth, seclusion, tranquillity and greenery—all of which are incredibly rejuvenating and beneficial to both physical and mental well-being—even while one is away from home. It is a pleasant change from the cramped, smaller apartments seen in cities.

Space amidst nature

We all need a short vacation from our everyday life from time to time. While a lot of individuals accomplish this by travelling to farmhouses or hotels, a lot of other people just drive to their second home without worrying about reservations or room availability. The perfect weekend escape is a second home that is only a few hours’ drive away. Furthermore, you can get there faster, need less preparation, and have a less taxing trip if your vacation house is close to the city. A second home location becomes more appealing when it’s close to the city and has easy access to highways and motorways, among other roads such as Jim Corbett.

Asset and Investment

India’s urban population is becoming more economically mobile due to improved job and educational opportunities. A growing number of families consist of two income-earning spouses who are better able to afford a second home outside of the city in addition to a city residence. Families’ aspirations to invest in and buy a second home are further supported by current interest rates and financial planning resources.

Land is a resource worth investing in due to its inherent scarcity. The construction of an asset and financial security are ensured by a home’s worth increasing over time. Families eagerly anticipate caring for this priceless possession and ultimately leaving it as a legacy for their kids and grandkids.

Reasons why you must invest in Uttarakhand real estate

Investing in real estate in Uttarakhand offers ample benefits, especially for those seeking a harmonious blend of natural beauty and wellness-focused living. Uttarakhand, also known as”Dev Bhoomi” or the Land of Gods, is renowned for its pristine landscapes, spiritual sanctuaries, and rich tapestry of cultural heritage. Nestled in the foothills of the majestic Himalayas, this region beckons with its tranquil environment and promises a lifestyle that prioritizes well-being and connectivity with nature.

One of the primary reasons to invest in real estate in Uttarakhand is the unimaginable access to nature’s bounty. Surrounded by lush greenery, majestic mountains, and glistening rivers, living here offers a chance to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and embrace a more serene and balanced lifestyle. The air is fresh, free from pollution, and filled with the soothing sounds of nature, making it an ideal environment for those looking to rejuvenate their body, mind, and soul.

Stress-free environment for holistic wellness

Additionally, Uttarakhand boasts a plethora of wellness-focused activities and amenities that cater to every individual’s needs. From yoga retreats to meditation centres, spa resorts, and organic farms, there are ample opportunities to indulge in activities that promote holistic well-being. The region’s clean and pure environment also encourages outdoor activities such as trekking, camping, and nature walks, providing residents with ample opportunities to stay active and healthy.

Community Building

Investing in real estate in Uttarakhand also offers a unique opportunity to be part of a close-knit and welcoming community. The region’s rich cultural heritage and strong sense of community ensure that residents are always surrounded by warmth and camaraderie. This sense of belonging and connection is invaluable, especially in today’s fast-paced world where genuine human connections are often overlooked.

Connected to urban cities

Furthermore, Uttarakhand’s strategic location and well-developed infrastructure make it a smart investment choice. The state is well-connected to major cities via road, rail, and air, making travel convenient and hassle-free. The region’s growing popularity as a tourist destination also bodes well for real estate investors, promising good returns on investment in the long run.

Investing in real estate in Uttarakhand is not just a financial decision but a lifestyle choice. It offers a chance to live in harmony with nature, prioritize wellness, and be part of a vibrant and inclusive community. Whether you are looking for a peaceful retreat or a smart investment opportunity, Uttarakhand has something to offer for everyone.

Registration and stamp duty charges in Uttarakhand: Tips for real estate investment

If you are buying a property in Uttarakhand, then stamp duty and registration charges are a major factor that form a pivotal stepping stone while doing real estate transactions in Uttarakhand.  The payment of stamp duty and registration charges is very important in Uttarakhand as it ensures that the property is duly registered in the government records. 

Stamp duty and registration charges in Uttarakhand are imposed by the Stamp and Registration Department Uttarakhand in order to authorise and regulate property transactions. The real estate transactions of Uttarakhand have been significantly benefited by the continuous flow of tourists because Uttarakhand is a religious and tourist hotspot. 

When the property is bought or sold in Uttarakhand, a fixed amount is paid as a stamp duty and registration charges with the Uttarakhand government. This ensures that the property transaction is registered with the government in the official government records. 

In Uttarakhand, the stamp duty and registration charges are not same for the male and female property buyers. Additionally, the property registration charges in Uttarakhand have a bar of 2% or 25000 ( whichever is less). 

APPLICANTSSTAMP DUTY CHARGESREGISTRATION CHARGES
MALE5%2%
FEMALE3.75%2%
JOINT (male +female)4.37%2%
JOINT (male +male )5%2%
JOINT (male+female)3.75%2%

Process and ways to pay stamp duty and registration charges in Uttarakhand 

Stamp Duty and registration charges in Uttarakhand can be paid in different ways. Once the property deal is finalised, the buyer must pay the stamp duty and the registration charges in different ways which are mentioned below- 

Online payment

Online and digital payment in every aspect saves a lot of time and hassle. If you wish to pay the stamp duty and registration charges in Uttarakhand online, then you have to click on the site https://registration.uk.gov.in/ . After you log in to the stamp and registration portal, click on the “E payment” of the registration charges tab on the left side. 

Franking

Franking is the process of paying the stamp duty and the registration charges via authorised centres which are designated by the Uttarakhand state government. The franking machine collects and verifies the stamp duty collected through certain designated centres such as e-stamp vendors, banking institutions, post office branches and citizen service centres. These centres are designated by the Uttarakhand state government itself. 

Physically Payment

When the property and real estate transaction is finalised in Uttarakhand, the buyer can physically visit the Local sub registrar’s office (SRO) and deposit the applicable stamp duty and registration charges in Uttarakhand. 

10 most important real estate terms you must know before investing in a property

At some point in your life, you may consider investing in a real estate development in India. You can become overwhelmed by the complexity of the industry’s many elements and property terms. In particular, there may be misunderstandings and problems while agreeing on a deal with a seller due to the numerous foreign and confusing terms used in the real estate industry. It’s unfortunate that some sellers or agents could take advantage of your ignorance, so before making any purchases, make sure you do your homework. 

To make the best decision and prevent yourself from getting fooled by the agents and dealers, you need to have a proper knowledge of these legal terms related to real estate in India. If you are a first-time investor in India, then these legal terms are very important for you as they are related to real estate investment and property transactions. 

Here are the top 10 important real estate terms that you must know of-

Carpet Area

You might hear the term “carpet area” a lot when looking for real estate. The actual usable area of a property that a carpet can cover is known as Carpet Area real estate. This means that it is the space on the land that is available for use, minus the wall thickness. It’s important to know a property’s carpet area since it can help you gauge how much space is suitable for your requirements. It is also a key component in figuring out how much the property is worth and is frequently used to figure out how much it will cost to rent or sell.

Built-Up Area

The term “built-up area” should also be understood after comprehending carpet area, as it is an essential component in property evaluation. Despite their occasional confusion, these real estate terms have different meanings. The carpeted area and the space occupied by walls, including the wall’s thickness, are included in the built-up area of the property. This indicates that the built-up area includes all of the property’s interior space, including any walls, balconies, and other projections. Determining the truly usable space within a property and computing its worth and possible return on investment requires an understanding of the built-up area.

Stamp Duty

Stamp duty, a levy that the government collects on real estate, is another word that is used a lot. You’ll discover that state-by-state variations exist for this tax. It is 3% in certain areas and may reach 8% in others. This is an important term to grasp because it is one of the key phrases in real estate. For example, compared to male owners, female owners pay substantially less in stamp duty. Therefore, you can save a lot of money on stamp duty if you register a property in the name of a female family member.

Floor Area Ratio

The link between the land on which a building is built and the floor area that is either usable or permitted for use is known as the Floor Area Ratio, or FAR. Municipalities set the FAR guidelines, which vary widely from one locality to the next. The ratio will change based on changes in growth patterns, population density variations, construction-related activities, and the characteristics of the building’s space or land.

Ground Coverage

The built-up area at ground level, or the ground level directly above the plinth, is known as the ground coverage area. The ground coverage area is calculated in percentage terms. How is the area of ground coverage calculated? The following is the formula for ground coverage: (Maximum built-up area at any floor / Plot area) X 100 = Ground Coverage Area

Title Deed

One of the most important property terminology you need to understand is this one from real estate. A title deed is a legal document proving who owns the property. The owner’s name must match the name on the original title deed paperwork, thus you must carefully review the document. You need to look into the full chain of title deeds, from the point of allocation to the final owner, just to be sure.

Adjustable Rate Mortgage

An adjustable-rate mortgage is a type of loan in which the interest rate fluctuates following an initial fixed-rate period. As a result, your interest rate may rise or fall by the market. It is one of the more well-known and frequently used terminology in the real estate industry, so if you want to go with it, make sure you thoroughly read the terms and circumstances.

Fixed Rate Mortgage

Borrowers also have access to fixed-rate mortgages in addition to adjustable-rate mortgages. The primary distinction between the two is that, in the case of a fixed-rate mortgage, the interest rate does not fluctuate over the course of the loan in response to changes in the market, because they will always be aware of their monthly payments, this gives borrowers security and predictability in their mortgage payments.

Due to this, fixed-rate mortgages are preferred by people who place a high value on financial planning and budgeting. On the other hand, an adjustable-rate mortgage may have interest rates that change in response to market conditions, which could eventually result in greater payments and uncertainty. It is essential for everyone working in the real estate industry to comprehend these property phrases.

General Power Of Attorney

The General power of attorney (PoA) enables an individual or organisation to act on your behalf. These abilities include managing financial and commercial transactions, purchasing life insurance, resolving disputes, managing company ventures, donating, and hiring experts. If you are physically or psychologically incapable of handling your affairs, or if you will be out of the country and require someone to handle specific concerns, a general power of attorney (rather than a special PoA) is a useful tool. An estate plan generally includes a general power of attorney (PoA) to ensure that someone can manage finances. An agent must accurately document every transaction they complete on your behalf and give you information on a regular basis to ensure you are aware.