Category: blog

Perks of Living near KR Puram

While most are aware of major locations like Cubbon Park and Lalbagh in Bangalore, few know that KR Puram or Krishnarajapuram also offers numerous tourist attractions. These places are however well-known to the local residents and long-time Bangaloreans, adding charm to the lives of those living in and around KR Puram.

Aside from that, this suburban area is a commendable choice for accommodation because living costs are much lower here, along with the location having a great social infrastructure. The strategic location of the Outer Ring Road and the Old Madras Road going through KR Puram links this area to other important hubs and makes it an ideal place to set up a home. There is even a sub-railway station in KR Puram, further adding to the ease of commuting, better connectivity, as well as commercial growth. The international airport is also a mere 40kms away, making KR Puram a great place to live in.

KP Puram is historically famous for its market, the ‘Santhe’, located in 4 acres of land and attracting people from all around; this area is also known for its serenity, greenery as well as numerous lakes. The Vengayyana Lake, as well as the Yele Mallappa Shetty Lake, also adds to the beauty of this area.

The latter lake is well known as a birder’s paradise and makes for a great spot to spend the evening.

Other nearby places to keep visitors entertained include the Laser Castle and the Lumbini Gardens. These places attract children and adults alike with a variety of fun activities on offer. The KR Puram Lake Park built around the Vengaihnakere Lake with its artificial island and facilities for fishing and boating offers its own share of attraction to the visitor. The abundance of greenery and wholesome natural scenery offers respite from the city’s rigors.

And if you are the religious type, you could spend some quality time at the Ragigudda Sri Prasanna Anjaneya temple resting atop a rocky hillock. Dedicated to Lord Hanuman, the temple has its share of interesting legends to keep you fascinated. The grand ISCKON temple and cultural centre here is one of the largest in the world, and a sight to behold.

All this and more makes KR Puram a rapidly-growing residential area. You could check out the luxurious Fortius Waterscape apartments located here, just 6km away from the KR Puram Bridge promising easy connectivity to nearby IT Parks, educational establishments & hospitals. Click here for more information: http://www.fortiuswaterscape.com/.

Real Estate Investment Options for NRIs

The Indian realty market holds considerable interest for NRIs willing to invest in their home country. However, a clear understanding of the specific rules, regulations and laws pertaining to buying, selling or renting of property, needs to be given due diligence first.

And thanks to the new real estate rules, buying property in India is now easy and simple. Anyone with an Indian passport or a Person of Indian Origin (P10/OCI) can buy any number of properties in India. But before investing in any property, NRIs should have a clear understanding of the regulatory and financial issues. Here are a few pertinent tips:

Regulatory Act – As long as you hold a valid Indian passport, an NRI doesn’t need permission from any government or any parastatal organization before investing in any property in India. The RBI has further simplified the rules to attract more foreign investments and all real estate transactions by NRIs are governed by the rules under FEMA (Foreign Exchange Management Act).

Types of properties –  NRI can invest in any number of properties. They can also invest in both residential and commercial properties of their choice. However, there are restrictions in place when it comes to investing foreign funds in agricultural land, plantations or farmhouses. An NRI can only own these properties if they have been inherited or gifted to him.

Property transactions – Buying and selling of property can be a time consuming process – something which the NRI doesn’t always have. In such a scenario, it’s better to give Power of Attorney to a trusted person to carry out the transactions for you. Such property purchases are also eligible for home loans of 10-15 years with the amount varying according to the age, income and education of the NRI. Transactions are however best done through an NRE account.

Security for the Future – This is the right time to invest in property for those NRIs on the brink of retirement and aspiring to settle in India. Social infrastructure in large cities like Bangalore has improved tremendously over the years and civic infrastructure has similarly been upgraded. More shopping malls, international standard schools, multi-specialty hospitals as well as an up-to-date transportation system have come up in the country’s metro cities.

Along with this, numerous new apartment and villa projects featuring international-level amenities and facilities are coming up – ideal for the much-traveled NRI. Do check out the luxurious Fortius Waterscape apartments located off the Old Madras Road in Bangalore at: https://www.fortiuswaterscape.com/

Boost the Resale Value of your Apartment

The little things make a big difference when it’s time to sell your home. Whether you bought your apartment for investment purposes or whether you are relocating; at the end of the day when you sell your home, you do want to recover your invested value along with any market-driven profits. After all, who doesn’t love a good bargain?

However, you will need to spruce up your home a little to enhance its resale value – with a little professional help. Spending a little money on maintenance will reflect on the property’s selling price. Here are some simple ideas to get you started on making your home ready for sale and fetch the best price possible:

Clean it up – A thorough cleaning of the house from both inside and outside goes a long way in creating a great impression on the buyer. Clean up all the windows, walls and floors, leaving no shady corners to chance. A clean and spacious looking home sells better any day!.

Coat of Paint – A new shade of paint can do wonders for your home. This type of makeover will make the apartment look like a newly built home and enhance its salability appeal. The aesthetic beauty of the property is one of the main features that buyers look for when assessing its value.

Stage and De-clutter your home – Excellent staging, de-cluttering and de-personalizing can greatly increase your home’s sale value. Get rid of unnecessary furniture and rearrange things to look spacious and trendy. And staging is necessary as the buyer isn’t really interested in your pets, your favorite hobby collection or your religious symbols.

Fix your fixtures – This is the right time to fix up that loose door knob or missing curtain hooks. Ensure that all light fixtures are in working order and all fixtures are tightened.

Renovate the Kitchen and Bathroom – These two rooms undergo a lot of wear-and-tear all through the years, with the fixtures tending to look old and tarnished. Invest in new fixtures and some neutral paint shades to make these important places look fresh and new.

Beautify your surrounding – Increasing your curb appeal helps in creating a good first impression. Clean up the entrance to your apartment and beautify it with some flowerpots.

Remember, it’s the first impression that’s the last, so make it a good one!

For those interested in investing in prestigious apartments in Bangalore, check out Fortius Waterscape at: https://www.fortiuswaterscape.com.

Tips to make your Balcony Kid-safe

Apartments or high rise buildings have become the most practical solution for urban living with the burgeoning population and space constraints in cities.

For inhabitants of high-rise buildings, the balcony is the only ‘outdoor option. This is where you get to enjoy your first cuppa in the morning sun. Most people set up a mini garden in their balconies to satisfy their urge for green spaces. While all this is fine for adults, the balcony is a potential hazard area for your small kid.

Sleek and fancy railings are the current rage in balconies, but these can be dangerous when it comes to the safety of children. While builders are now waking up to the need to incorporate child – safe measures in their projects, there is much that you as a parent can do to child-proof your own balcony without losing out on your open-air privileges. The easiest way to childproof the balcony is to make it inaccessible to the child! But apart from this, here are some doable tips to help you get started:

Transparent plastic shields can also be used to cover your balcony. They create a barrier for your child till the height of the grill, without compromising the space factor.

While Plexiglas can be a bit expensive and need a professional to install, they offer a permanent solution towards making your balcony child-safe. It’s transparent, durable and attractive on any balcony and also provides coverage till the height of the grill.

Another thing to keep in mind is placing all balcony furniture and flowerpots away from the railings as inquisitive children love to look over the balcony.

Whatever method you choose to childproof your balcony, do ensure that all the installments done follow manufacturers guidelines to a T. Safety checks and proper maintenance ought to be done to the materials put in place too. But the best way to keep your child safe is the traditional way – always being vigilant about your little one’s movements! The above tips are just an extra measure…

For those interested in investing in prestigious apartments in Bangalore, check out Fortius Waterscape at: https://www.fortiuswaterscape.com.

Lakefront Living at its Best in Whitefield

An ideal home shouldn’t only be about flawless architecture but should also include lush greenery, ample recreational activities and access to soothing blue water bodies. As being close to Mother Nature is the best way to relax and unwind, homes that offer these features are high in demand. But the sad reality is that only few such projects actually exist. For those residing in Bangalore, Fortius Infra have a remarkable project located in northern Bangalore, called ‘Fortius Waterscape’.

This ready-to-move-in 2 and 3 BHK apartment (Read about: https://www.fortiusinfra.com/fortius-waterscape-now-ready-move-apartments-oc/)is located on 2.3 acres of land, out of which a remarkable 80% is open lung spaces for you to revel in. This idyllic gated-community project offers the natural beauty of verdant tree-lined boulevards that lead you to many spectacular features offering opportunities for leisure and fun. These include swimming pool, gym, indoor games, outdoor basketball court, jogging trail, children’s play area, party lawn, barbeque pit, senior citizens’ court and many other amenities that will keep you active and fit.

It is also popular for those interested in taking up water sports hobbies such as kayaking and canoeing. Fortius Infra is making efforts to ensure that there is no pollution of the lake from their side. As many lakes in Bangalore are slowly being destroyed by having them wantonly turned into sites for dumping waste, Fortius Infra is doing their part for saving the Yele Mallappa Shetty Lake and its surrounding ecosystem.

Other features that add to the charm of living in Fortius Waterscape are the magnificent views of the neighboring Yele Mallappa Shetty Lake. This is one of the largest freshwater lakes in Bangalore and covers an area of around 260 acres. It is also well-known for its large population of migratory birds, offering unique opportunities to birdwatchers and wildlife photographers. The lakeside is also a great place to spend the evening with family as there is plenty to see and do.

This picturesque lake also offers mesmerizing blue vistas and abundant lung space, making it one of the key attractions for Fortius Waterscape. The endless opportunities for sports, leisure and recreation offered by these apartments lead to an idyllic lifestyle resplendent with serenity and well-being for the residents.

Here’s where you can find out more about these exceptional apartments in Whitefield, Bangalore: https://www.fortiuswaterscape.com/

Why Vastu Compliant Apartments are on the Rise

While some believe Vastu is an archaic superstition, others are increasingly being able to identify with this ancient Indian architectural science. Vastu Shastra offers a logical set of principles created by our clever ancestors which enables us build homes in harmony with nature and the climate.

Vastu takes into account natural factors like sunrise, sunset, rainfall and wind and intertwines them with human needs so that positive energies can be harnessed and channelized into daily living. This ancient belief system uses the five elements of nature or ‘Panchtattava’– water, fire, air, earth and sky, to offer guidelines on ways to construct buildings so that they are in harmony with the environment.

People are increasingly realizing that the only reason why Vastu has been practiced continuously over the centuries is because of its positive effects on the life of the buildings’ inhabitants. This is also why application of Vastu Shastra is gaining popularity in the real estate sector today. When buying a home, the first thing you need to check is the main entrance to the building. If it’s an apartment project, then the entrance to the lobby is considered as the main entrance and should ideally face the north.

Other factors to look out for are the location of the various rooms and even numbers for the windows and doors. Vastu Shastra gives a lot of importance to health, wealth, happiness and safety, hence the location of the kitchen, bedrooms, toilets, balconies, building’s height, shafts, slopes and rainwater drainage and water tanks hold a lot of significance.

Vastu also teaches the significance of keeping homes clutter-free so that energy can move around freely and usher in positivity. A clutter-less home will also keep the minds of the inhabitants calm and stress-free. Ventilation and easy movement of air within the home is one of the principles of Vastu and ensures better health and lower chances of spread of communicable diseases. Early morning sunlight is the best for health. In accordance with Vastu, the building should be exposed to maximal natural lighting during the daytime. Apartments with no common walls are the best according to Vastu.

Big cities like Bangalore are increasingly turning to the apartment culture of living as it provides greater security and other benefits for working parents. However not all apartments are able to offer Vastu-compliant features. But if you are looking for 100% Vastu-compliant apartments, then do check out the Fortius Waterscape apartments in northern Bangalore. And what’s more, these apartments have already received their Occupancy certification and are ready-to-move-in now.

How to Create the Ideal Balcony Garden

With dwellings going vertical, having access to your own yard to potter around in is fast receding. That having been said, just because you live in an apartment doesn’t mean you can’t have your own garden. Since all apartments come with balconies, you can easily convert them into stunning mini gardens – with a little thoughtful planning of course.

Balconies are basically extensions of the apartment’s living spaces and can be converted into imaginative gardens. A balcony garden should ideally enhance your lifestyle, offering you great views as well as your own patch of green.

You can grow your own fragrant herbs, organic veggies or ornamental plants. The plus point to balcony gardens is that they are easier to manage and can provide privacy by creating a natural green screen. The greenery in the balcony also protects the apartment interiors from harsh sunlight. Here are some ideas to help you create your own balcony garden:

Make a plan

You need to measure the length, width and height of your balcony. This will help you plan on where to keep various sized planters and flower pots. It will also give you an idea of the space remaining for balcony furniture. Enjoying your early morning coffee or the evening breeze amidst your mini-garden can be immensely satisfying.

The weather

The balcony’s microclimate will influence the kind of plants that will thrive there. So check the direction your balcony is facing and how many hours of direct sunlight it gets. Or is it in a perpetually shady area? These factors influence the types of plants that will thrive there, so check with your gardening shop before buying plants.

Flowerpots and Soil

Flowerpots should be pretty as well as functional with sufficient drainage facility. And do remember to get matching trays to hold drainage water. Free-standing pots should be heavy to prevent tipping over while containers mounted on railings should be light-weight. Go for a mix of hanging pots and regular pots; you can also add interest by creating patterns with varying heights of planters. And finally, remember to feed your plants with potting-mix; they will reward you with healthy greenery!

On smaller balconies, use tall, narrow, pots that need less space. Or one can use vertical gardens that are now easily available in the market.

For herbs and vegetables, use wider pots. You can even unlock the balcony’s vertical wall space by growing climbers. A couple of hanging baskets with cascading flowering plants and your balcony garden should be perfect….

Fortius Waterscape apartments in Bangalore offers large balconies that provide the ideal blank canvas for your balcony garden dreams.

Only a few ready to move in apartments left, do check it out.

Is your Home Monsoon-Ready?

The summer humidity drives most people to wait anxiously for the arrival of the monsoons. The rains bring with them cooler temperatures, soothing weather and lots of water. The rains also bring with them unwanted visitors in the form of disease-spreading mosquitoes as well as frequent cases of water-borne diseases. There is also an increase in growth of mould and fungi in all kinds of unimaginable places!

While it can be pleasant for the humans, the monsoons may not be so kind to your homes – especially if your home isn’t ready for the monsoon. Leaking roofs, wet patches on the walls, damp rooms and musty-smelling clothes and cupboards are common aspects of the monsoon. So what do you do to prepare your home before the thick black clouds come rolling in? Here are a few steps to keep your homes happy this wet season…

Windows – Never shut your windows as this locks the humidity within, encouraging dampness and the growth of mould. Open your windows, even if for a short while and let the daylight in.

Drapes – Heavy drapes and monsoon don’t go well together. Thick damp drapes take forever to dry and create an oppressive, musty atmosphere. Change to cotton or georgette drapes during the monsoons as they breathe, are light and airy and don’t hold on to excessive moisture.

Waterproof – This becomes particularly relevant if there is a terrace above your ceiling or a balcony. Walls and windows exposed to the rain should also be checked for leakages and caulking done accordingly. When water gets in, it can damage the wiring, circuits, and paint. Wires running into your home from outside should be properly encased and in case of excessive lighting, do remember to switch off your electronics. By timely waterproofing your home, you ensure a dry and comfortable home during the monsoons.

Insect-proof – Mosquitoes become a menace during the rainy season and you might want to consider fixing mosquito-nets to your windows. These insects can transfer dangerous vector-borne diseases like malaria and dengue. Stocking up on natural or artificial repellants is also another way of getting rid of them.

Wooden furniture – Wipe your wooden furniture daily to keep the moisture off and prevent fungal growth.

Lastly, the monsoon is a season to be enjoyed with a good book, masala tea and hot fried ‘pakoras’ ensconced within your warm cozy home. And if you are looking for a scenic ready-to-move-in, OC received home to enjoy the panorama of rain falling on serene lake waters, then check out the Fortius Waterscape apartments. These homes offer large green spaces that beckon you to come dance in the rain!

Urban homes Designed around Lifestyle Needs

The residential landscape is evolving to accommodate the current lifestyle trends. The population around urban settings is increasingly focused on living in multi-family options with emphasis on the amenities provided. Such people have an affinity for services and socialization options that go with current lifestyles.

With the concept of live/work/play environment ongoing in urban centers, the residential projects offering this kind of lifestyle are definitely in high demand. The location of the residence is another major concern. With urban centers getting more congested, everyone wants to live close to their workplaces. This helps save time spent on traveling while providing more time for leisure activities.

So, when deciding to invest in a home, one will need to consider one’s lifestyle needs as well. But first, one has to zero in on a location. It should be reasonably close to the workplace – or to areas that offer working opportunities. It should also be in a safe neighborhood that sees less of pollution and more of greenery.

The address of your home should also inspire pride, so you will need to go with well-known builders who offer quality homes. Living in vertical homes in gated communities is one of the best options for the modern family as it provides greater security as well as more options for socialization.

After a long day at work, most people don’t have the urge to drive out again for recreational purposes; this problem can be addressed by buying into a residence that offers sporting and recreational activities for the family to stay healthy, busy and entertained. Such homes should offer activities for elderly people too.

While finding a home that offers all these requirements does seem a little daunting, Fortius Infra has just the right answer for you. Check out the majestic ‘Fortius Waterscape’ apartments. These luxurious homes are embraced by lush greenery, large manicured lawns and the Yele Mallappa Lake to provide an enchanting setting. This gated community project offers amazing amenities that include mini theatres, party lawns, senior’s court, barbeque pit, tree-lined avenues aside from the usual sporting and recreational amenities, gyms and swimming pools.

It is nestled along the Old Madras road with easy connectivity to the IT hub of Whitefield (4.5km away) and KR Puram Bridge just 6km away from where you can easily access the ORR, ITPL, Indiranagar and Koramangala within minutes. What’s more, there are numerous hospitals, malls, educational institutions within its vicinity too.

And the best part is, these apartments are ready-to-move-in and OC received!

Residents of Whitefield and Hoskote Get a New Road to Kempegowda International Airport

[PC: BangaloreMirror]
After waiting for many years, there is finally a reason for residents of Whitefield, Hoskote, K R Puram and Outer Ring Road to smile. A new toll-free alternative road to the airport has been formally launched, making it easier to access the KempeGowda International Airport. Frequent fliers as well as those residing in these areas will now be free of choked roads and traffic snarls. Those using these congested roads regularly will surely be breathing a sigh of relief too.

Though there has been a years’ delay in finally making this road operational, only four lanes are currently available on the last stretch. The remaining two lanes are in the process of completion. Those heading to the airport can now use the 2.1km road from Mylanalli Cross to Begur and from there switch over to the newly completed 450m stretch between Begur and the airport.

This alternative road to the airport has been a major demand for residents of the eastern suburbs which includes ITPL along with Whitefield. Till now, these people have been taking the Outer Ring Road and the Hebbal junction to access the toll road to the airport. But now all that is history and those who want to avoid these congested routes can take the newly inaugurated Hebbal Road to the airport. This is also supposed to reduce traffic pressure on NH7 and Hebbal flyover. K R Puram, Manyata Tech Park, Hebbal Junction and Mekhri Circle are also expected to get decongested in the process.

The new road is expected to enable road-users avoid the 125-rupee return-trip toll fee on the airport road too. The four major roads that have been made into double lanes for this purpose include:

  • Hoskote – Budigere – Mylenahalli – Devanahalli – Airport road (22km)
  • Nelamangala – Madhure – Byatha road (43.5km)
  • Anekal – Attibele – Sarjapur – Vartur – Whitefield – Hoskote road (47.5km)
  • Harohalli – Uruganadoddi – KIADB Industrial Area – Jigani – Anekal road (42km)

The widening of these roads is expected to have an overall impact on the city’s road, reducing congestions in key areas.

With this road being a major boon to the residents of Whitefield and its neighboring areas, this is the ideal time to look for residential homes here. Rates of properties are expected to go up and this is the best time to invest. Do check out the prestigious Fortius Waterscape ready-to-move-in apartments – contemporary homes for the elite members of society.Large open spaces, lush greenery, world-class amenities and of course, a premium location make Fortius Waterscape the best homes!