Home Buyers Speak: 'You Can Buy A Flat Anytime'

Sanjay Kumar, 38, Journalist, Noida

Sanjay Kumar argues that there is nothing like a 'dream home', but while describing his home, he insists that it is the essence of his being, of what he stands for. Kumar works for ARD First German TV, the national broadcaster of Germany, in Delhi and covers South Asia for the channel. He travels extensively in the region as part of his work and also writes for The Diplomat magazine and Express Tribune, Pakistan. Born and brought up in Bihar, he loves theatre, badminton, biking and, of course, reading. He bought a 3BHK flat in Noida in 2010. “My home is what I am. Home is the reflection of the individual that I am,” he says in a conversation with PropGuide. 

Here are the excerpts from the interview:

Could you describe your new home?

It's a 1500 sq. ft. home with three bedrooms. We get the Sun in the house in the mornings. I don't have to switch on any bulb during the day. The flat offers a lot of open space and is really airy. It's located in Sector 93, Noida. It was almost fully furnished at the time of purchase.

How did you find this property?

I was looking for a home through a property dealer. Then, I found this place in the Silver City in September 2010. It was bought from the builder by someone else at the time I heard of it, but wasn't offered for possession. I bought it at the ready-to-move-in stage. Everything including the kitchen was set up.

What made you buy this home?

I had been living in rented homes for over 16 years, both as a student and as a professional. In 2010, I started thinking of buying a home. Initially, I was keen on buying a home in Delhi. Noida was still an unfamiliar territory. But, I was not happy with the homes I saw in localities like Patparganj or Mayur Vihar in Delhi. They were old buildings but very expensive. My friends had already bought homes in Noida. Since my home in Sector 93 is on the highway, I don't feel like I am living away from Delhi.

How much money did you spend on the house? How did you manage it?

Around Rs 70 lakh. I used some savings of mine and then, took a loan. My parents also contributed.

Organize the search on the basis of what you actually need (Picture Credit: Sanjay Kumar)

Could you please share with us your home buying experience, especially as yours is a resale home?

You have to have a lot of patience while buying a property. The previous owner had a loan and he had to close it. I could have avoided it if I had bought the property directly from the builder. Also, I had to pay more for it since I didn't buy it from the builder directly. If property dealers are good, sales can be smooth. But, a number of them are chasing money.

Is it your dream home?

There is nothing called a 'dream home'. What I have is nice. I live here with my wife, Anjana. Buying home also means how you prioritize things in your life. If you are ambitious about your career, you will not go after a home. Perhaps, you will focus more on your career. Buying a home is not a big deal these days. You can buy it anytime.

In my case, since my parents also helped me, I didn't have to compromise on my career. Bank loans can pull you back from taking risks in life needed to further your career. You should also understand that owning a home is a matter of prestige in India.

What is your advice to new home buyers?

Whether you like it or not, it's true that a number of home buyers are taken for a ride. So, be cautious while buying property. Choose the good developers over the average ones. Take advice from those who have already bought homes. Make sure that the materials used for construction are good. Ensure that post-purchase services are good. Make sure builders don't mislead you on electricity and maintenance charges. There should be ample space inside the flat you buy. Ensure greenery around - the view should be good.