Author: waterscapeadm

Why Investing in Real Estate is Better than Investing in Fixed Deposits

The current pandemic has thrown life out of gear in a massive way. Almost every sector has been affected along with a slow down in economic growth. All this and more raise the question of where to invest your hard-earned money safely.

Experts advise that you should have a varied portfolio of investments with both short-term and long-term gains. This should also include a healthy mix of low-risk and medium-risk investments. While low-risk investments provide greater stability and lower returns, higher risk investments provide higher returns too. Safe and risk-free investment choices include Fixed deposits (FD) and Real Estate. Here is an insight into what makes a better investment choice:

1. Investing in real estate has been the safest investment choice since ages and is still considered the most risk-free form of investment today. And with the real estate sector undergoing recent reforms and coming under the aegis of RERA regulations, it is even more safe to invest in now.

2. With banks further slashing interest rates on home loans of recent, investing in real estate has become more lucrative. Current home loan interest rates of around 7% make this the best time to invest in real estate.

3. The uncertainty brought on by the pandemic has lead to builders offering more exciting and lucrative deals like never seen before. This is an opportune time to make a profitable investment in real estate.

4. With a large bank of ready-to-move-in apartments being available, your investment in an apartment would result in receiving monthly rentals from the beginning itself; this secondary income earned can be used to pay your home loan EMIs, such that your real estate purchase becomes virtually free!

5. Over the years, there will be appreciation in the cost of your real estate too. This doesn’t happen with FDs.

6. Comparatively, investing in an FD will continue to give you a steady low income that’s liable for tax deductions too. The returns aren’t much either.

Hence, its more profitable to invest in real estate. Fortius Infra offers you delightful ready-to-move-in Fortius Waterscape apartments in Krishnarajapuram, Bangalore. Visit https://www.fortiuswaterscape.com/ to get a better look at these dream apartments in Bangalore!

Tips to Make a Small Bathroom Look Bigger

tips to make small bathroom look bigger

Just because your bathroom is on the smaller side, doesn’t mean it has to look small too. With some clever interior decor ideas, you can create a bathroom that looks spacious and airy. Here are some tips to get you started:

Go big on Lighting

Look for ways to increase natural lighting. Use frosted glass in bathroom windows so that your privacy is maintained while increasing natural light. You could also use bright artificial lighting to make the bathroom appear larger.

Mirrors help

Placing a large frame-less mirror opposite a light source will brighten up the small bathroom, making it appear larger. Go with tarnish-resistant mirrors in this high moisture area.

Colors matter

Light colors always create an impression of space. With white and off-white colors never going out of fashion on bathroom walls, use them seamlessly across the ceiling and walls. This will create an impression of unending space.

Tile size

Using larger tiles on the walls and on the floor of smaller bathrooms creates an impression of space. Apply the wall tiles all the way to the top, creating an impression of greater height. And when the ceiling is painted the same color as the walls, you automatically improve the visuals into a bigger bathroom look-alike!

Reduce visual Clutter

Small patterned tiles, different colored fittings as well as an oddment of décor accessories can make your bathroom appear cluttered by dividing up the space. Maintain uniformity of color to open up the same and appear bigger.

Seamless Shower

To open up space, go with a frame-less, plain glass wall for your shower. This allows for seamless visual flow of light and makes the bathroom look more spacious than it actually is.

Recessed Shelves

Another idea is to build clear glass shelves recessed inside the wall so that there is nothing protruding outwards. Aside from looking aesthetic, it also creates unbroken visuals, making your bathroom appear larger.

For those on the lookout for apartments, have a look at the exclusive ready-to-move-in Fortius Waterscape apartments in Krishnarajapuram, Bangalore. And one thing is for sure, you wont have to worry about small bathrooms here! Click here for more information: https://www.fortiuswaterscape.com/.

How to Make Your Home More Valuable

make home more valuable

If you are interested in selling your home one day, a little effort taken in upgrading your home will go a long way in increasing its resale value. Not only will you enjoy a more efficient and lovely home, but also build on wealth through home appreciation and equity.

Here is a look at some ways to improve your home’s value:

Exterior painting

There is nothing like a lick of fresh paint to ramp up your Home’s value and curb appeal. Even if you are on a budget and don’t want to repaint the whole house’s exterior, you could still touch up on any flaking or chipped away patches. Regular maintenance goes a long way in sustaining your home’s structure and appearance.

Interior painting – Sticking to a subtle neutral palette works well with potential buyers. They wont have to invest much on wall paint after buying as its easy to work with light, neutral colors.

Fixtures

Simple changes made without too much investment can have a great impact on increasing the value of your home. Think about changing your door knobs and pulls into gleaming chrome handles which immediately add a new sheen to a room. Additionally, invest in new kitchen and bathroom taps and faucets to give your home an attractive upgrade, without spending too much.

Remodeling

Sprucing up rooms such as the kitchen, master bedroom and living room go a long way in home staging and increasing the value of your home. This could include changing scratched floor tiles or countertops or even updating kitchen and bathroom cabinets with a new veneer. It will be money well-spent on home makeover.

Technology update

Adding gadgets like smart locks, smart cameras, smart smoke detectors, smart lighting system, etc, all serve to ramp up your home’s value. Smart homes are still a new concept in India and serve as wise investments.

Other ways to improve your home’s equity is servicing the roofing, piping and plumbing systems, installing solar panels and energy-efficient lighting, etc.

And if you are looking to buy a new ready-to-move-in apartment in Bangalore, why not checkout the magnificent Fortius Waterscape apartments located in the Krishnarajapuram area. Have a look at them here: https://www.fortiuswaterscape.com/.

Verify Your Property Documents Without a Lawyer

verify property documents without a lawyer

So, after months of research and site visits, you have finally decided on a property to invest in. However, it brings you to a new, tedious process. The documentation and legal verifications form one of the most tricky parts of your home buying journey. The simple and the most professional way is to hire a lawyer to go through the documentation. While we advise that you get a professional to go through the documentation, there are some simple tips to watch out for if you want to do it yourself.

KYC details

Know the parties involved in the sale process. Do a thorough check. If you are buying from an individual, ensure that you double-check and keep the documentation relating to identity, address, and PAN copy of the individual. It is slightly easier when it comes to a builder. Always go in for a reputed builder. This will ensure that the process is hassle-free for both the buyer and the seller.

Title deeds

The most important paperwork when it comes to real estate transactions is the title documents. Ensure that you get enough time to go through the records and double-check the documents. You will have to get the documents cross-verified with the sub-registrar’s office and this will be a time-consuming process. A genuine and reputed seller/ builder like Fortius Infra provides you with all the required documents.

Encumbrance documents

A lot of paperwork goes into the registration of a property in your name. You will have to get encumbrance documents from the sub registrar’s office. While a title or a registration document gives you the title to the property, an encumbrance certificate shows if the property in question is free from lien and encumbrance of any sort. The encumbrance certificate offers you a log of all the transactions that have happened with the said property before it has been handed over to you. If the earlier owner had taken a loan and not cleared it, the same will be shown in the encumbrance certificate. This makes encumbrance certificates important documentation to possess.

Property tax details

The Property tax documentation is another check to verify the authenticity of the property. This document allows you to verify if the taxes are paid up in full and there are no irregularities.

Approved plan vs the actual property

At times, a builder may have made some additions to the elevation that would not have been approved in the initial plan. If there are variations, ensure that the authorities regularise them and do not pose any difficulties later.

The approvals

There are different approvals on construction and occupation that are essential to ensure that a building is fit for living. However, this does not become one of your worry spots when you invest with Fortius Infra.

Contact our panel of experts at Fortius Infra and we will guide you so that the process is hassle-free.

How to Boost Your Credit Score for Easy Home Loan Approval

Cibil Score for Home Loan

According to a recent report by Home Credit India, two out of three borrowers in the country are unaware of their Credit Score. The credit score is an indicator of a person’s creditworthiness. The banks across the country consider the credit score as a parameter that helps in understanding borrowers’ eligibility for repaying loans. This makes it absolutely important that you work on your credit score long before you consider investing in a home.

Here are some tips on improving your credit score

Your credit score

If you have not checked your credit score, do it right now. See what your scores are. A credit score is a magic number between 300 and 900. The higher the value, the more your creditworthiness. If you are planning on a loan sometime soon, ensure you keep your scores high.

Repayment of loans

Paying EMIs on time is the best way to maintain a good credit score. This includes paying credit card bills on time too. Work with your bank if your scores are not up to the mark.

Credit card dues

Do you max out your credit card often? It could spell trouble and ruin your score. Pay up the entire amount on time.

Your loan mix

Are you in the habit of taking personal loans at the drop of the hat? Hold on, it does not help your credit score. A car loan adds to your credibility, home loan does too. So stick to a fair mix when it comes to borrowing.

Your co-applicants status

Your credit score will get affected if you are a joint applicant for a loan taken by someone else. The repayment of these loans will affect your credit score as well.

Don’t ‘settle’

Do not enter into an agreement with the bank for settling credit cards or loans. What could be a boon now will affect your credit score in the long run.

A high credit score is ideal for easy processing of loans. If you score is low, you do not have to worry about it, work with your bank and get the numbers higher before investing in your home. At Fortius Infra, we help you with the process. Contact us.

Fire Safety Precautions for Homebuyers

Home Fire Prevention

Every year house fires claim the lives of many and inflict damage to property. When it comes to household fires, heroics do not start with firefighters, it begins with you, your awareness, and quick response. Here are tips that you need to remember to protect yourself, your home, and your loved ones in case of an unexpected mishap.

What to do in a fire?

A fire can break out due to various reasons, even if you are careful. So, it is of vital importance to plan an escape route. If you are living in an apartment complex, make sure you know the easiest way out of the complex. If the fire is just starting, try to extinguish it if you know how to. It is nice to know what materials you should use to put out differing kinds of fires. When it comes to rescuing, humans and pets take priority, your belongings come in second. The most important tip that you have to remember in case of fire, is to stop drop and crawl. This is because the smoke tends to rise and more breathable air remains closer to the ground. Never take the elevator if there is a fire in your building. And it is of absolute importance that you do not panic.

So, what can developers do to avoid mishaps?

The National Building Code 2005 sets down a list of mandates that every building in India has to follow. NBC contains comprehensive information about various norms that must be followed while a building is being constructed. A builder is expected to comply with these norms that say that :

  • The number of exits and their locations.
  • The distance a person has to travel to reach the nearest fire exit.
  • A plan for the exit at night
  • Install automatic fire alarm systems and automatic sprinkler systems in high rise buildings
  • Ensure easy access to fire exits
  • Conduct regular fire drills.

What can homebuyers do?

  • Before finalizing a project, talk to your developer about the security features in the building. When you go on a site visit ask specific questions and check out the fire safety measures. It is also mandatory for you to check whether the project has a NOC from the fire department.
  • Be aware of the location and proximity to the fire exits if you are investing in a high rise project.
  • Check if there are enough sprinklers in the basement, parking, and other areas where highly combustible things are stored.
  • All the fire alarms, smoke detectors, water sprinklers, and fire extinguishers are in working condition.
  • If you doubt your building’s level of fire safety, you can get it independently assessed by the fire department for a nominal fee.

Helpful fire safety products

When you are moving into an apartment complex ensure that these products are available and in working condition.

  • Fire Extinguishers.
  • Fire Blanket – A piece of handy equipment, a fire-retardant blanket helps extinguish a small fire before it gets bigger.
  •  Smoke Detectors & Heat detectors
  • Home Fire Sprinklers. Most apartment complexes are by the NBC mandated to have a sprinkler system.
  • A Fire Escape

At Fortius Infra, your safety is our primary concern. We have made use of the best equipment and provide guidance and fire safety drills often. Contact us for more details.

Numerology in Real Estate – What Numbers Mean for Your House?

numerology in real estate

Are you someone who gets spooked about the number 13? Yes? Then this article is for you. Just like location, budget, connectivity, and urban conveniences, Vastu, and numerology play a very important role in influencing your behavior -especially when it comes to real estate. We take a look at how these numbers play such a huge role in your life.

Numbers from 1 to 9 are assigned properties while 11 and 22 are considered the Master numbers. Whether to believe in numerology or not, that’s a choice. According to Numerology, each number has a quality associated with it.

Number One
Houses with number 1 promote independence, ambition, innovation, and leadership.

Number Two
Houses with number 2 promote creativity, patience, love, family, and comfort.

Number Three
Houses with number 3. A lucky number, indicate visitors, creativity, communication, and growth of a family.

Number Four
Houses with number 4 offer solidity and security and relates to the earth and real estate.

Number Five
Houses with number 5 are a great place for entertaining friends and family

Number Six
Houses with the number 6 are good for families and artists and provide beauty, nurturing and love.

Number Seven
Houses with the number 7 are good for solitary people; people who are writers, researchers, nature lovers as such homes inspire deep thoughts and insights. Adding a water element to such homes will promote tranquillity.

Number Eight
Houses with the number 8 promote prosperity as this is the number of money and is good for entrepreneurs or those with ambitions.

Number Nine
Houses with the number 9 promote compassion, acceptance and creativity. 9 is the universal number of loving energy and travel. These homes make everyone feel welcome and help in healing.

So how do you find the house number best suited for you?

Adding together birth date numerals to arrive at a number between 1 and 9 can give the life path number. Alphabets in a person’s name have a numeric value which can be added together to arrive at a single digit which is called the destiny number. According to numerologists, matching these with the house number can result in buying a home that has harmony, and helps you live a peaceful and purposeful life.

You can either consult a numerologist or check on one of the free online tools if you believe in numerology. At Fortius Infra, we have attempted to make the property stick to the rules stipulated by Vastushastra and numerology to make your lives simpler.

No Possession Date in Sale Agreement? Here Are Your Options

sales agreement possession date

When it comes to investing in real estate, you have to be very careful. It can get tricky at times, and you need to get assistance from a legal consultant before you sign across the dotted line. Especially, if you are a first-time investor and not familiar with many real estate terms.
The Sale Agreement is one such document that has to be thoroughly scrutinized.

What are the key elements in a sale agreement?

In India, the ‘Property Sale Agreement’ comes under the Indian Contract Act,1872, the Registration Act,1908, and the Transfer of Property Act.

The sale agreement is a technical document that will have a series of terms that you need to understand thoroughly. Sale, for example, is a transaction where the money is exchanged, in part or in whole, for the transferring of ownership of a particular piece of property in whole.

Here is what should be included in your sale agreement:

Payment terms including clear guidelines on the dates.
Transferring of property title
Stamp duty
Sale deed.

What is the importance of the possession date?

In simple terms, possession date is that date on which the builder or the seller of the property has agreed to hand over the said property to the buyer. The new set of stipulations that have come into effect post introducing RERA stresses that the possession date has to be mentioned in the sale agreement. Possession date can also mean completion date in some cases.

How does it help homebuyers?

Before RERA was set up, a builder could delay the project endlessly causing the investor huge losses. In order to help the homebuyer, RERA stipulates the date to be set in black and white before the buyer makes his decision. If the waiting period is prolonged, the buyer would have to spend on pre-EMI. This also gives the home buyer the provision of redressing their grievances to an appellate body.

The agreement of sale, according to the new RERA stipulations, shall specify particular details of the project including the construction of buildings and apartments, along with specifications, internal development works and external development works, the date on which the possession of the apartment, plot or building is to be handed over, etc.

Fortius Infra is one of the first companies that has registered and sanctioned RERA stipulations. To know more call us.

New GST Structure on Real Estate

gst structure real estate

The last few years have been disruptive for the real estate sector. RERA coming into effect, demonetization and the new GST rules have changed how people invested drastically. As of 1, April 2019, the GST council has brought about a sea of change in their norms for real estate investment.

The developers have two options for their ongoing projects, where construction has started before April 1, 2019. They can either go ahead with the old tax rate of 12% with the credit or with a new 5% rate without credit.

For affordable projects, the new rate is 8% with credit and 1% without credit. For affordable housing, the cap on the price of the property is Rs 45 Lakh for both metro and non-metro cities. However, the project will have to meet the carpet area requirements of 60 sq. mt. in metros and 90 sq. mt. in non-metros to be eligible for the 1% rate. The new rates will be applicable from April 1, 2019.

Salient features of decisions taken by the GST Council in the 34th meeting held on 19th March, 2019

Option for under-construction projects

Under Construction projects as on 31st March, 2019 shall have an option to choose old rates (effective rate of 8% or 12% with ITC) with input tax credit or new rates without input tax credit.

If the option is not exercised within the prescribed time limit then new rates shall apply.

Conditions for the new tax rates:

Atleast 80% of the material to be procured from registered dealers. Further, on shortfall of purchases from 80%, tax shall be paid by the builder @ 18% on RCM basis.

However, Tax on cement purchased from an unregistered person shall be paid @ 28% under RCM, and on capital goods under RCM at applicable rates.

Input tax credit shall not be available.

Applicability of new tax rates:

The new tax rates which shall be applicable as follows:

1% without input tax credit (ITC) on the construction of affordable houses shall be available for:

Houses having area of 60 sqm in non- metros / 90 sqm in metros and value upto RS. 45 lakhs

Under construction affordable houses presently eligible for concessional rate of 8% GST (after 1/3rdland abatement)
5% without input tax credit shall be applicable on the construction of:

Under construction houses other than affordable houses presently booked prior to or after 01.04.2019. For houses booked prior to 01.04.2019, new rate shall be available on installments payable on or after 01.04.2019.

Commercial apartments having a carpet area of not more than 15% of the total carpet area of all apartments.

The transition for ongoing projects opting for the new tax rate:

Ongoing projects not been completed by 31.03.2019 shall transition the ITC in proportion to the booking of the flat and invoicing done for the booked flat is available subject to a few safeguards.

For mixed project transition of ITC shall be allowed on a pro-rata basis in proportion to the carpet area of the commercial portion.

Treatment of TDR/ FSI and Long term lease for projects commencing after 01.04.2019

Supply of TDR, FSI, long term lease (premium) of land by a landowner to a developer shall be exempted with the condition constructed flats are sold before issuance of completion certificate and tax is paid on them.

The exemption can be withdrawn (limited to 1% of value in case of affordable houses and 5% of value in case of other than affordable houses) if flats sold after the issue of completion certificate.

The builder shall be liable to pay tax on TDR, FSI, long term lease (premium) on the date of issue of completion certificate.

All these are subject to change as per the new council meeting reports.

What does it mean for you and me?

Beyond the technical and financial jargon, what it means for a homebuyer can be summed up in one word. Benefits. First and foremost, it will reduce the pricing disparity between under-construction and completed projects. The guarantees that RERA offers when coupled with a reduction in price will dispel hesitation associated with investing in under-construction properties. This will incentivize sales of under-construction properties and spur demand for new projects which will bring you competitive rates.

At Fortius Infra, we are GST compliant making it easier for you to take your decision.

Things to Do Before Closing Your Home Loan

home loan tips

So, we take it that you are all set to pay up the last installment of your home loan EMI. We understand you will be experiencing a unique mix of relief and pleasure while doing it. While you celebrate the achievement of owning a debt-free house, you need to complete certain tasks that have a direct impact on your credit score and property records. After settling your housing loan, you need to ensure that you do these tasks with due diligence.

Your documents

Checklists are a way of life now. Remember the list of documents that you had to present to the bank when you took the loan? Refer to that and ensure that you make it a point to collect all the documents presented to the lender at the time of availing the loan. Some of these documents include the sale deed, title deed, loan agreement, and power of attorney. You also need to ensure that the documents are in good condition, with all the pages intact before you sign the acknowledgment.

The no dues certificate

One of the most important documents which should be collected after the repayment of the loan is the No Dues Certificate (NDC). The NDC ensures that all the dues have been settled and the lender does not have any rights or claim on the property. Double-check the NDC from the lender and make sure that it specifies the address of the property against which the loan was taken, the name of the borrower, and the loan account number.

Lien status

There are times when the lender may put a lien on the property. This prevents you from selling the property. In such cases, the lien should be removed after the repayment of the loan. The procedure will require a visit to the Registrar’s Office along with an official from the lender’s side.

CIBIL Score

Request the lender to inform CIBIL regarding the closure of the loan account. The process should take about 30 days from the date of loan closure.