Agricultural land is not a capital asset, if the land meets the following:-
Agricultural land in India, not being land situated—
(a) in any area which is comprised within the jurisdiction of a municipality (whether known as a municipality, municipal corporation, notified area committee, town area committee, town committee, or by any other name) or a cantonment board and which has a population of not less than ten thousand according to the last preceding census of which the relevant figures have been published before the first day of the previous year; or
(b) in any area within such distance, not being more than eight kilometers, from the local limits of any municipality or cantonment board referred to in item (a), as the Central Government may, having regard to the extent of, and scope for, urbanization of that area and other relevant considerations, specify in this behalf by notification in the Official Gazette;]
Only if the agricultural land does not fall within the above category, the gain there from will be chargeable to tax at 20 per cent (plus education cess), if the asset proposed to be sold is held for more than 36 months. The tax liability will be calculated after taking the benefit of indexation by applying the cost inflation index. However capital gain tax is applicable if land is situated in urban area.
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
For your own patch of green
A Dyuti
All those organic vegetables, fruits and flowers can be home grown. Go natural by building your very own organic garden!
So what exactly is an organic garden? It’s a space where you can grow fruits, vegetables and flowers without the use of chemical fertilisers, pesticides and herbicides. Banishing bugs and weeds, fertilising plants — everything is accomplished through practices in harmony with nature rather than challenging it.
Result? Foods that are superior in quality and rich in nutrition as well as economical. And, you needn’t spend on chemical fertilisers and pesticides. They don’t even need much space at home.
A few square feet of sunny space, a window-box or even some containers will suffice. It’s wise to start the experiment on a small scale. A 4’x4’ garden is usually recommended for beginners. Subsequent expansion is an open option. Determine the dimension based on your requirements. Do you want your garden to be a regular and full-fledged food-provider for your family? Or, will it be an occasional contributor? The most constrictive factor is, of course, the space available. Availability of at least half a day’s sunlight, easy access to water and convenience of draining (particularly for herbs and vegetables) are essential to build an organic garden at home. If it’s a decorative bed, check if it is possible to locate it, so as to be visible from indoors too.
As for the soil, it has to be tested for toxins, especially in urban areas. The soil’s healthy look is often deceptive, more so in areas with an industrial past. Setting out to organically grow vegetables in soil containing lead, mercury, cadmium or zinc could be self-defeating.
A soil test might help
A soil test also reveals mineral deficiencies, if any, besides containing the key to rectify it. Once you’re certain about its suitability, clear the area completely of weeds, grass, gravel, rocks, existing plants, etc. Next, add organic matter to enrich the soil minus the fertiliser use. Compost is your primary assistant in this task. Make a compost pile using organic material like fallen leaves, grass clippings, kitchen waste among other similar materials.
Avoid meat, flesh, bones, faeces, large quantities of watery fruits or vegetables and cooked food. To add to it, oily or greasy matter to your heap.
They are organic, but spell disease and attract pests. Adding compost, bolsters absorption of the soil’s nutrients, strengthens the root system and more evenly distributes air and water.
Now, choose disease-resistant varieties of seeds or saplings that aren’t genetically-modified. Those from nurseries may have been grown by applying conventional fertilisers and pesticides, traces of which will disappear soon. Though they may show signs of stress in the new chemical-free environment, they’ll eventually settle down.
Spacing without rows curbs weed or fungal growth. Dig a hole that’s as deep as the root-ball and at least double the width, for planting. Supply your garden with a three-inch layer of organic mulch to help retain moisture and curb weed-proliferation. Prepare it from hay, chopped leaves or grass clippings. Bark mulch, however, absorbs too much nitrogen and invites termites. Water your plants according to requirements of individual varieties.
De-weeding is important
Eliminate weeds by carefully uprooting them by hand. Also, regular snipping off of weeds’ green portions discourages speedy revival.
When it comes to pests, pick them by hand and kill them. Or, spray them away with water or natural, home-made repellents. The idea should be to create conditions that lure helpful birds and bees.
In addition, remove diseased foliage fallen fruits. Remember, early detection of problems is the key to a healthy organic garden.
All those organic vegetables, fruits and flowers can be home grown. Go natural by building your very own organic garden!
So what exactly is an organic garden? It’s a space where you can grow fruits, vegetables and flowers without the use of chemical fertilisers, pesticides and herbicides. Banishing bugs and weeds, fertilising plants — everything is accomplished through practices in harmony with nature rather than challenging it.
Result? Foods that are superior in quality and rich in nutrition as well as economical. And, you needn’t spend on chemical fertilisers and pesticides. They don’t even need much space at home.
A few square feet of sunny space, a window-box or even some containers will suffice. It’s wise to start the experiment on a small scale. A 4’x4’ garden is usually recommended for beginners. Subsequent expansion is an open option. Determine the dimension based on your requirements. Do you want your garden to be a regular and full-fledged food-provider for your family? Or, will it be an occasional contributor? The most constrictive factor is, of course, the space available. Availability of at least half a day’s sunlight, easy access to water and convenience of draining (particularly for herbs and vegetables) are essential to build an organic garden at home. If it’s a decorative bed, check if it is possible to locate it, so as to be visible from indoors too.
As for the soil, it has to be tested for toxins, especially in urban areas. The soil’s healthy look is often deceptive, more so in areas with an industrial past. Setting out to organically grow vegetables in soil containing lead, mercury, cadmium or zinc could be self-defeating.
A soil test might help
A soil test also reveals mineral deficiencies, if any, besides containing the key to rectify it. Once you’re certain about its suitability, clear the area completely of weeds, grass, gravel, rocks, existing plants, etc. Next, add organic matter to enrich the soil minus the fertiliser use. Compost is your primary assistant in this task. Make a compost pile using organic material like fallen leaves, grass clippings, kitchen waste among other similar materials.
Avoid meat, flesh, bones, faeces, large quantities of watery fruits or vegetables and cooked food. To add to it, oily or greasy matter to your heap.
They are organic, but spell disease and attract pests. Adding compost, bolsters absorption of the soil’s nutrients, strengthens the root system and more evenly distributes air and water.
Now, choose disease-resistant varieties of seeds or saplings that aren’t genetically-modified. Those from nurseries may have been grown by applying conventional fertilisers and pesticides, traces of which will disappear soon. Though they may show signs of stress in the new chemical-free environment, they’ll eventually settle down.
Spacing without rows curbs weed or fungal growth. Dig a hole that’s as deep as the root-ball and at least double the width, for planting. Supply your garden with a three-inch layer of organic mulch to help retain moisture and curb weed-proliferation. Prepare it from hay, chopped leaves or grass clippings. Bark mulch, however, absorbs too much nitrogen and invites termites. Water your plants according to requirements of individual varieties.
De-weeding is important
Eliminate weeds by carefully uprooting them by hand. Also, regular snipping off of weeds’ green portions discourages speedy revival.
When it comes to pests, pick them by hand and kill them. Or, spray them away with water or natural, home-made repellents. The idea should be to create conditions that lure helpful birds and bees.
In addition, remove diseased foliage fallen fruits. Remember, early detection of problems is the key to a healthy organic garden.
A lofty touch to your house
‘Loft’ for Indians 'is the space below the roof of a house.' But, in the West, they translate into spaces like loft apartments and studios, writes Shazman Shariff
Talk about lofts in an Indian household and what comes to mind is an open space, above cupboards or spaces under the ceilings, meant to store suitcases and other junk. The word ‘loft’ according to architects in India “is the space below the roof of a house”. But, it has different connotations in Western architecture. There it is regarded as more than just a storage area.
The wide-ranging concept of a loft is that of a big open space, with a high ceiling of about at least 17 or more feet, most probably of a building, which is converted into units for residential purpose. It can either be an upper storey or a space under the roof, generally with high ceilings and extra large windows.
The spacious floor is often separated into makeshift rooms with walls. Along with other peculiar features like open kitchens, exposed ducts and pipes in the ceiling, it also has a metal staircase.
In the West, lofts are translated into myriad spaces like loft apartments, loft studios, commercial lofts and loft bedrooms. All these are spaces that make use of huge spaces like an industrial building or commercial space, turned into a residential house with the help of walls, room dividers and partitions. However, in India, many of these concepts like a condominium, are unheard of and usually not compatible with the local culture and architecture.
Best for storage
But the importance of a loft in an Indian house cannot be understated. Till date, its sole purpose remains to be a storage area.
Normally, the distance of loft meant for storage should be seven feet from the floor. Its height can be about three feet.
Ideal spot
While planning the house, one should be sure about where a loft should be located. However, it is advisable to have one in each bedroom.
Mattresses, suitcases, which are useful, but not on the daily basis can really eat away floor space. Therefore stacking them away in lofts creates more space within rooms and gives them a neat and uncluttered look.
In the kitchen
A typical Indian kitchen without a loft would leave one craving for more space.
Lofts in the kitchen are much needed to stash away things, needed on special occasions like jumbo sized pressure cookers, dinner sets and other kitchen utensils, which otherwise give a messy look, if kept openly on the counter or shelves.
Showy shutters
Lofts are usually regarded as plain spaces, but they can be made interesting with experiments while designing them. By deviating from usual choice of bland shutters, which can be sliding or hinged, one can use etched mirrors or brightly painted glass framed in solid wood.
If you think glass is fragile and can get damaged easily, you can also opt for wooden polished shutters with Victorian patterns to lend it a grand look. It looks tasteful to conceal a loft with shutters, otherwise, the piled-up stuff can be an eyesore.
Bedroom loft
The concept can lend an impressive touch to the room. Loft bedrooms, with a ladder leading up to it, are meant to be made in houses with high ceilings of at least 12 feet. The height of a loft bedroom has to be at least five feet high to provide enough head room in the sitting position. It should also have proper lighting arrangement.
Since lofts rooms have low ceiling, a floor mattress would be more suitable.
The decor should be created in such a way that it turns out to be an ideal corner for reading and sleeping.
A fancy railing of not more than one feet in height can be put at the edges to complete its look.
The space below a loft bedroom can be used to build wardrobes. Although a loft bedroom may or may not have a window, but it is advisable to have one for the entry of natural light and fresh air.
Talk about lofts in an Indian household and what comes to mind is an open space, above cupboards or spaces under the ceilings, meant to store suitcases and other junk. The word ‘loft’ according to architects in India “is the space below the roof of a house”. But, it has different connotations in Western architecture. There it is regarded as more than just a storage area.
The wide-ranging concept of a loft is that of a big open space, with a high ceiling of about at least 17 or more feet, most probably of a building, which is converted into units for residential purpose. It can either be an upper storey or a space under the roof, generally with high ceilings and extra large windows.
The spacious floor is often separated into makeshift rooms with walls. Along with other peculiar features like open kitchens, exposed ducts and pipes in the ceiling, it also has a metal staircase.
In the West, lofts are translated into myriad spaces like loft apartments, loft studios, commercial lofts and loft bedrooms. All these are spaces that make use of huge spaces like an industrial building or commercial space, turned into a residential house with the help of walls, room dividers and partitions. However, in India, many of these concepts like a condominium, are unheard of and usually not compatible with the local culture and architecture.
Best for storage
But the importance of a loft in an Indian house cannot be understated. Till date, its sole purpose remains to be a storage area.
Normally, the distance of loft meant for storage should be seven feet from the floor. Its height can be about three feet.
Ideal spot
While planning the house, one should be sure about where a loft should be located. However, it is advisable to have one in each bedroom.
Mattresses, suitcases, which are useful, but not on the daily basis can really eat away floor space. Therefore stacking them away in lofts creates more space within rooms and gives them a neat and uncluttered look.
In the kitchen
A typical Indian kitchen without a loft would leave one craving for more space.
Lofts in the kitchen are much needed to stash away things, needed on special occasions like jumbo sized pressure cookers, dinner sets and other kitchen utensils, which otherwise give a messy look, if kept openly on the counter or shelves.
Showy shutters
Lofts are usually regarded as plain spaces, but they can be made interesting with experiments while designing them. By deviating from usual choice of bland shutters, which can be sliding or hinged, one can use etched mirrors or brightly painted glass framed in solid wood.
If you think glass is fragile and can get damaged easily, you can also opt for wooden polished shutters with Victorian patterns to lend it a grand look. It looks tasteful to conceal a loft with shutters, otherwise, the piled-up stuff can be an eyesore.
Bedroom loft
The concept can lend an impressive touch to the room. Loft bedrooms, with a ladder leading up to it, are meant to be made in houses with high ceilings of at least 12 feet. The height of a loft bedroom has to be at least five feet high to provide enough head room in the sitting position. It should also have proper lighting arrangement.
Since lofts rooms have low ceiling, a floor mattress would be more suitable.
The decor should be created in such a way that it turns out to be an ideal corner for reading and sleeping.
A fancy railing of not more than one feet in height can be put at the edges to complete its look.
The space below a loft bedroom can be used to build wardrobes. Although a loft bedroom may or may not have a window, but it is advisable to have one for the entry of natural light and fresh air.
All for a good deal
The Guardian
With some commentators predicting that the housing market will flatline in 2010, Sandra Haurant offers advice on maximising your chance of a sale.
The outlook for house prices may not be quite as gloomy as it was this time last year, but despite several months of increased activity some commentators are predicting the market will flatline in 2010. It is good news for would-be buyers who are trying to save a deposit for a home, but not so great if you are planning to sell your home. So what can you do to maximise your chance of a sale?
Choose your agent well
You don’t have to sell your home through an estate agent, but if you do, choose carefully. This is always important, but even more so in a slow market where your home is not going to sell itself. Ask friends and neighbours for recommendations, look for agents selling properties similar to your own and ask three or four to come and give you a valuation. Choose someone who is enthusiastic about selling your house, and someone who sees, and will sell, the positives. Find out where your house will be marketed.
Websites should be a given, as should local newspaper property pages. Remember, if you opt for an agent that is part of a chain, your house should also show up on the database in other branches. You will be dealing with the agent on a regular basis, so try to find one with whom you get along. Bear in mind that the valuer may not be the person with whom you have regular contact, so check who this would be and meet or speak to them before you decide.
Haggle over fees
Don’t accept the agent’s first quote without seeing if you can get a better deal elsewhere. Ask if your preferred agent can match the percentage charged by the cheapest agent, or meet in the middle. A fraction of a per cent on a house sale could be worth a substantial amount of money.
Get the price right
It is tempting to go with the highest valuation you receive, but be realistic. Check the prices on similar properties to get an idea of what price to expect. While the national house price indices can give you an idea of market trends, some areas have seen things picking up more than others.
Get organised
Put together a file containing all documents to do with the house. Include all the documentation you have. You will also need to provide proof of identity and of address, so dig out your passport and recent utility bills with names of all owners. Do this in advance and you will be ready to leap into action when an offer comes in.
Taking time to collect together the relevant paperwork may make your seller nervous, and at a time when some still feel cautious about the market it is not a good idea to give them anything to worry about.
Clear the clutter
Prepare for a viewing seriously. Keep rooms tidy, stay on top of the vacuuming and clear dishes from the draining board. The idea is to demonstrate that this is an attractive, functional home. Leaving your stuff lying around may create the impression that there is not enough storage. Again, it is always important to do this, but even more so if there are lots of similar properties on the market.
Improve your home
Don’t gut and redecorate the entire property, but do fix what is obviously damaged. “If there has been a leak and there is some staining, I would say pay the money and repair that. If there are some hairline cracks, fill them in.
A first-time buyer may think there is a serious problem, even though this is not the case,” Cushing, manager at a real estate firm says. If you have been letting your home it could be in need of some serious cosmetic repair.
You don’t need to obsess over depersonalising a home, but if rooms are painted bright colours you should consider a quick coat of neutral paint.
But concentrate on first impressions. Paint the front door, tidy the garden and make the entrance area as welcoming as possible. If you live in a flat, do your best to improve the communal areas. If they look shabby it will appear that the building is not well maintained.
But don’t overspend
Buyers often like to make their mark, so don’t waste your money on trying to second guess what they like.
“Everyone is a budding developer, everyone wants to feel they can add value,” Cushing says. If the kitchen is tired, don’t spend money on replacing it – there is little chance you will make your money back. Don’t replace carpets, but do get them cleaned.
Don’t hover over viewers
A good estate agent will show potential buyers around a property as part of the service, so let them. If you need to be at home, be welcoming but discreet. Keep pets and children out of the way, anything to make viewers feel they are not imposing. “The hardest property to sell is the one where the owners loiter in the background,” Cushing says.
“People feel uncomfortable when the owner is around. They don’t want to talk about the property out loud, and more often than not want to leave too quickly.”
Keep tabs on your agent
A good estate agent will give you feedback after each viewing and be frank about anything you should change. Ask yours to be brutal.
Find out what made buyers choose another property over yours and, where possible, make changes.
Step back, and try again
“If a property is still on the market after a long time, the problem is probably down to the price,” Cushing says.
Give yourself a break, take the house off the market. When you feel ready to take the plunge again get a new batch of agents round to give you a valuation and advice on changes you should make.
Go back on the market with new photos, new marketing text, a new agent and, crucially, a new price.
With some commentators predicting that the housing market will flatline in 2010, Sandra Haurant offers advice on maximising your chance of a sale.
The outlook for house prices may not be quite as gloomy as it was this time last year, but despite several months of increased activity some commentators are predicting the market will flatline in 2010. It is good news for would-be buyers who are trying to save a deposit for a home, but not so great if you are planning to sell your home. So what can you do to maximise your chance of a sale?
Choose your agent well
You don’t have to sell your home through an estate agent, but if you do, choose carefully. This is always important, but even more so in a slow market where your home is not going to sell itself. Ask friends and neighbours for recommendations, look for agents selling properties similar to your own and ask three or four to come and give you a valuation. Choose someone who is enthusiastic about selling your house, and someone who sees, and will sell, the positives. Find out where your house will be marketed.
Websites should be a given, as should local newspaper property pages. Remember, if you opt for an agent that is part of a chain, your house should also show up on the database in other branches. You will be dealing with the agent on a regular basis, so try to find one with whom you get along. Bear in mind that the valuer may not be the person with whom you have regular contact, so check who this would be and meet or speak to them before you decide.
Haggle over fees
Don’t accept the agent’s first quote without seeing if you can get a better deal elsewhere. Ask if your preferred agent can match the percentage charged by the cheapest agent, or meet in the middle. A fraction of a per cent on a house sale could be worth a substantial amount of money.
Get the price right
It is tempting to go with the highest valuation you receive, but be realistic. Check the prices on similar properties to get an idea of what price to expect. While the national house price indices can give you an idea of market trends, some areas have seen things picking up more than others.
Get organised
Put together a file containing all documents to do with the house. Include all the documentation you have. You will also need to provide proof of identity and of address, so dig out your passport and recent utility bills with names of all owners. Do this in advance and you will be ready to leap into action when an offer comes in.
Taking time to collect together the relevant paperwork may make your seller nervous, and at a time when some still feel cautious about the market it is not a good idea to give them anything to worry about.
Clear the clutter
Prepare for a viewing seriously. Keep rooms tidy, stay on top of the vacuuming and clear dishes from the draining board. The idea is to demonstrate that this is an attractive, functional home. Leaving your stuff lying around may create the impression that there is not enough storage. Again, it is always important to do this, but even more so if there are lots of similar properties on the market.
Improve your home
Don’t gut and redecorate the entire property, but do fix what is obviously damaged. “If there has been a leak and there is some staining, I would say pay the money and repair that. If there are some hairline cracks, fill them in.
A first-time buyer may think there is a serious problem, even though this is not the case,” Cushing, manager at a real estate firm says. If you have been letting your home it could be in need of some serious cosmetic repair.
You don’t need to obsess over depersonalising a home, but if rooms are painted bright colours you should consider a quick coat of neutral paint.
But concentrate on first impressions. Paint the front door, tidy the garden and make the entrance area as welcoming as possible. If you live in a flat, do your best to improve the communal areas. If they look shabby it will appear that the building is not well maintained.
But don’t overspend
Buyers often like to make their mark, so don’t waste your money on trying to second guess what they like.
“Everyone is a budding developer, everyone wants to feel they can add value,” Cushing says. If the kitchen is tired, don’t spend money on replacing it – there is little chance you will make your money back. Don’t replace carpets, but do get them cleaned.
Don’t hover over viewers
A good estate agent will show potential buyers around a property as part of the service, so let them. If you need to be at home, be welcoming but discreet. Keep pets and children out of the way, anything to make viewers feel they are not imposing. “The hardest property to sell is the one where the owners loiter in the background,” Cushing says.
“People feel uncomfortable when the owner is around. They don’t want to talk about the property out loud, and more often than not want to leave too quickly.”
Keep tabs on your agent
A good estate agent will give you feedback after each viewing and be frank about anything you should change. Ask yours to be brutal.
Find out what made buyers choose another property over yours and, where possible, make changes.
Step back, and try again
“If a property is still on the market after a long time, the problem is probably down to the price,” Cushing says.
Give yourself a break, take the house off the market. When you feel ready to take the plunge again get a new batch of agents round to give you a valuation and advice on changes you should make.
Go back on the market with new photos, new marketing text, a new agent and, crucially, a new price.
Friday, March 12, 2010
Office rentals stable: Report
The rentals in the CBD of National Capital Region, Bangalore, Hyderabad and Kolkata remained constant; whereas in Mumbai and Chennai, the rentals dropped by three per cent and in Pune by five per cent owing to limited leasing activity.
The year 2009 started on a discouraging note for the residential, retail and office segments. Office demand saw a substantial drop which triggered a decline in rentals and postponement and cancellation of projects. Residential sales declined significantly as well. To counter these effects, the government announced a number of stimulus packages to help the economy recover from the global downturn, according to the India Office Market View Report released by CB Ellis, for the fourth quarter of the year 2009.
This coupled with other factors including confidence levels improving amongst the consumers has resulted in some signs of improvement towards the latter part of the year.
8 pc growth by 2010-11
The report points out that the Finance Ministry predicts that the Indian economy will expand by eight per cent in 2010-11, after growing between seven and 7.5 per cent in the current fiscal year. Improving economic sentiment, rising confidence of the corporate sector and lower prices triggered a path towards revival in the commercial office market during the past few months.
The market report also adds that over the past quarter, the office real estate market has shown an uptrend in terms of level of enquiries, which more positively has also resulted in enhanced deal velocity. Whilst the IT/ITeS sector has been slower to get onto the recovery path, corporate office space take-up has been quite encouraging; FIs, FMCG and Telecom sectors have all contributed to the same.
As supply has overtaken demand facilitating increased competition, better quality developments are attracting demand. This is encouraging for the real estate sector as a whole with commitment to quality finally getting its due rewards.
All the seven cities covered as part of the review witnessed improved levels of activity in the office sector. The rentals in the CBD of NCR, Bangalore, Hyderabad and Kolkata remained constant; whereas in Mumbai and Chennai the rentals dropped by three per cent and in Pune by five per cent owing to limited leasing activity. Recessionary times also made most developers shift their focus towards affordable housing, which has received a positive response from the investor and end user market alike.
Market summary of city
Apart from a few mid and small size transactions, no significant activity was observed in the Central Business District (CBD) of MG Road, Richmond Road and Residency Road in the fourth quarter.
Whilst no significant Grade A supply came online, total space absorption has been estimated at approximately 0.146 million sq ft. Rentals seem to have stabilised and developers continue to be flexible with regards to commercial and non commercial terms.
Activity in the non CBD micro market consisting of areas such as Indira Nagar, Koramangala, Old Madras Road and C V Raman Nagar witnessed minimal improvement over the third quarter.
Transaction velocity remained low and isolated. There was no addition of fresh supply; total space absorption has been estimated at 0.02 million sq.ft. and rentals remained stable.
The South Bangalore micro market of Bannerghatta Raod, JP Nagar, Jayanagar and Mysore Road seems to be emerging as a viable destination for companies facing the need to expand but constrained by limited budgets. As observed in the third quarter, space acquisition was largely concentrated in Grade B buildings.
Supply released in this micro market has been negligible; total space absorption has been estimated at approximately 0.16 million sq.ft.
The Peripheral Business District (PBD) of Outer Ring Road (ORR), Whitefield, Electronic City and North Bangalore faced a supply glut, the situation being exacerbated by the deferring or even shelving of long term expansion plans by most companies. The Outer Ring Road (ORR) stretch between KR Puram Junction and Sarjapur Road witnessed absorption of approximately 0.27 million sq.ft.
Rentals in this micro market continue to remain under downward pressure. Office leasing activity picked up marginally in the Whitefield micro market; total absorption was recorded at approximately 0.27 million sq.ft.
Electronic City remained largely inactive and rental values remained stable.
Apart from the closure of a few isolated transactions, the North Bangalore micro market also witnessed commitment for approximately 0.3 million sq.ft. from an existing occupant.
Signs of recovery
Commenting on the findings of the report, Anshuman Magazine, Chairman & MD, CB Richard Ellis, South Asia, said, “Since the third quarter of 2009, the office segment has seen some movement with corporates slowly returning to the market and office space take-up improving. During 2010 demand is expected to improve although the rentals are expected to remain flat in the medium term due to the forecasted large supply of office space.”
The year 2009 started on a discouraging note for the residential, retail and office segments. Office demand saw a substantial drop which triggered a decline in rentals and postponement and cancellation of projects. Residential sales declined significantly as well. To counter these effects, the government announced a number of stimulus packages to help the economy recover from the global downturn, according to the India Office Market View Report released by CB Ellis, for the fourth quarter of the year 2009.
This coupled with other factors including confidence levels improving amongst the consumers has resulted in some signs of improvement towards the latter part of the year.
8 pc growth by 2010-11
The report points out that the Finance Ministry predicts that the Indian economy will expand by eight per cent in 2010-11, after growing between seven and 7.5 per cent in the current fiscal year. Improving economic sentiment, rising confidence of the corporate sector and lower prices triggered a path towards revival in the commercial office market during the past few months.
The market report also adds that over the past quarter, the office real estate market has shown an uptrend in terms of level of enquiries, which more positively has also resulted in enhanced deal velocity. Whilst the IT/ITeS sector has been slower to get onto the recovery path, corporate office space take-up has been quite encouraging; FIs, FMCG and Telecom sectors have all contributed to the same.
As supply has overtaken demand facilitating increased competition, better quality developments are attracting demand. This is encouraging for the real estate sector as a whole with commitment to quality finally getting its due rewards.
All the seven cities covered as part of the review witnessed improved levels of activity in the office sector. The rentals in the CBD of NCR, Bangalore, Hyderabad and Kolkata remained constant; whereas in Mumbai and Chennai the rentals dropped by three per cent and in Pune by five per cent owing to limited leasing activity. Recessionary times also made most developers shift their focus towards affordable housing, which has received a positive response from the investor and end user market alike.
Market summary of city
Apart from a few mid and small size transactions, no significant activity was observed in the Central Business District (CBD) of MG Road, Richmond Road and Residency Road in the fourth quarter.
Whilst no significant Grade A supply came online, total space absorption has been estimated at approximately 0.146 million sq ft. Rentals seem to have stabilised and developers continue to be flexible with regards to commercial and non commercial terms.
Activity in the non CBD micro market consisting of areas such as Indira Nagar, Koramangala, Old Madras Road and C V Raman Nagar witnessed minimal improvement over the third quarter.
Transaction velocity remained low and isolated. There was no addition of fresh supply; total space absorption has been estimated at 0.02 million sq.ft. and rentals remained stable.
The South Bangalore micro market of Bannerghatta Raod, JP Nagar, Jayanagar and Mysore Road seems to be emerging as a viable destination for companies facing the need to expand but constrained by limited budgets. As observed in the third quarter, space acquisition was largely concentrated in Grade B buildings.
Supply released in this micro market has been negligible; total space absorption has been estimated at approximately 0.16 million sq.ft.
The Peripheral Business District (PBD) of Outer Ring Road (ORR), Whitefield, Electronic City and North Bangalore faced a supply glut, the situation being exacerbated by the deferring or even shelving of long term expansion plans by most companies. The Outer Ring Road (ORR) stretch between KR Puram Junction and Sarjapur Road witnessed absorption of approximately 0.27 million sq.ft.
Rentals in this micro market continue to remain under downward pressure. Office leasing activity picked up marginally in the Whitefield micro market; total absorption was recorded at approximately 0.27 million sq.ft.
Electronic City remained largely inactive and rental values remained stable.
Apart from the closure of a few isolated transactions, the North Bangalore micro market also witnessed commitment for approximately 0.3 million sq.ft. from an existing occupant.
Signs of recovery
Commenting on the findings of the report, Anshuman Magazine, Chairman & MD, CB Richard Ellis, South Asia, said, “Since the third quarter of 2009, the office segment has seen some movement with corporates slowly returning to the market and office space take-up improving. During 2010 demand is expected to improve although the rentals are expected to remain flat in the medium term due to the forecasted large supply of office space.”
Breathe life into your home
Who says homes are inanimate structures? Neera Gulati offers suggestions on how to nurture your living space to ensure harmony at home and in your life.
A healthy home begins with a healthy you. It represents your personality, who you are and what your tastes are. Therefore do not consider your home as an inanimate object. It’s only when happiness pervades in your home by way of beautiful objects, colours, furniture, will it reflect in your personal life.
The balancing act
While most of us want homes that are aesthetically done, not many stress on the ‘feel-good factor’. This aspect is integral to the psychological development of people who dwell in the house, and make it inviting.
Myriad aspects need to be considered while planning a balanced home. Primarily, your home ought to smell good. A good cleaning regimen that involves use of environmentally friendly, non-toxic products will help.
Smells within a home, right from cooking aromas to odour, influence moods, emotions and energy levels. For instance, add a dash of fragrance by using flowers, which can elevate moods, improve creativity and enhance sleep.
Energy matters
Objects and surfaces exude varied forms of energy at home. They need to be matched with a suitable environment. For example, soft fabrics work well in the lounge area and the bedroom.
Use smooth, durable surfaces that are easy to clean for the kitchen and bathroom. As for the living room, make it welcoming, comfortable and a visual feast for family and guests.
Do this by selecting warm wall colours, soft curtain fabrics, decorative floor rugs, exotic plants and fresh flowers, family photos and artwork.
All these pieces need to be inspiring which will lend a positive and warm tone to the space. In order to spread positive energy, choose pictures of beautiful landscapes, cascading water, sunrise, which send out positive messages.
Light up spaces
How you arrange your furniture is also important. Choose rounded shapes with smooth edges to ensure balance in design. Position chairs with their backs to solid walls wherever possible, giving a better sense of security.
Keep the seating area well-lit through adjustable lighting. Put a lot of thought into the design of the kitchen. Ensure that the kitchen is well-ventilated and there is no clutter.
Natural materials like wicker baskets, and cotton material will further balance your kitchen environment.
Use plants too as they absorb negative energy and transform it into light. Also, ensure that everything in your kitchen is in working condition, right from light bulbs to food mixers, as broken gadgets sap your energy levels.
Dash of colour
White works well in the kitchen, reflecting natural light, enhancing purity and creating a feeling of space.
Yellow is another option, a warm colour, relaxing in nature. When it comes to the bedroom, use colours that are conducive to sleep, like soft pastel shades. Avoid large mirrors and reflective surfaces as they emit high energy and disrupt sleeping patterns. Try not to have a television or a computer in your bedroom, as they are intrusive.
Liven it up
Like us, our home breathes and moves; it uses and disposes of energy. It also has its own energy centres and personality, depending on a mix of natural elements present.
Living in a home which has an energy field aligned to your own elemental make-up creates a sacred space where you can relax and flourish.
If you feel restless in any space at home, change the colour and see how you feel.
The energy centre at the entrance is particularly important and is regarded as the protector of the house.
Majority of people paint their doors with a psychologically protective colour like black, dark blue, dark green or white. Dark colours absorb harmful energy while the light ones deflect it away, much like a mirror. Another suggestion is to use wood, which has an innate strong element that provides the house with strong protection.
Be in sync
It is the entrance hall that you really begin to adjust according to the atmosphere inside. This area provides the grounding and security. It is therefore a place which benefits from warm earthy colours and materials, such as terracotta and
clay brick.
Taking one’s shoes off at this point will protect the inner sanctuary. Make every corner and room of your home livelier. Have you ever walked into a room and sensed the atmosphere? It might either make or happy or uncomfortable.
Termed as the subtle atmosphere - it gives your a soul and makes you feel comfortable in it. It doesn’t matter how grand and expensive a building is, if the subtle environment is not balanced and harmonious the occupants of the building soon feel uncomfortable.
To accomplish this, all you require are the five elements of earth, fire, metal, wood and water to create that environment. The result is a feeling of peace and connection. Walking barefoot too stimulates and balances the reflexes of your feet, strengthening your ground connection. The staircase, is also an important element and the backbone of your house.
It therefore becomes imperative that staircases are well made and stairs well lit. When you align and harmonise your home with the five elements, you will enjoy the
feeling of well-being and receive the benefits of a healthy home.
A healthy home begins with a healthy you. It represents your personality, who you are and what your tastes are. Therefore do not consider your home as an inanimate object. It’s only when happiness pervades in your home by way of beautiful objects, colours, furniture, will it reflect in your personal life.
The balancing act
While most of us want homes that are aesthetically done, not many stress on the ‘feel-good factor’. This aspect is integral to the psychological development of people who dwell in the house, and make it inviting.
Myriad aspects need to be considered while planning a balanced home. Primarily, your home ought to smell good. A good cleaning regimen that involves use of environmentally friendly, non-toxic products will help.
Smells within a home, right from cooking aromas to odour, influence moods, emotions and energy levels. For instance, add a dash of fragrance by using flowers, which can elevate moods, improve creativity and enhance sleep.
Energy matters
Objects and surfaces exude varied forms of energy at home. They need to be matched with a suitable environment. For example, soft fabrics work well in the lounge area and the bedroom.
Use smooth, durable surfaces that are easy to clean for the kitchen and bathroom. As for the living room, make it welcoming, comfortable and a visual feast for family and guests.
Do this by selecting warm wall colours, soft curtain fabrics, decorative floor rugs, exotic plants and fresh flowers, family photos and artwork.
All these pieces need to be inspiring which will lend a positive and warm tone to the space. In order to spread positive energy, choose pictures of beautiful landscapes, cascading water, sunrise, which send out positive messages.
Light up spaces
How you arrange your furniture is also important. Choose rounded shapes with smooth edges to ensure balance in design. Position chairs with their backs to solid walls wherever possible, giving a better sense of security.
Keep the seating area well-lit through adjustable lighting. Put a lot of thought into the design of the kitchen. Ensure that the kitchen is well-ventilated and there is no clutter.
Natural materials like wicker baskets, and cotton material will further balance your kitchen environment.
Use plants too as they absorb negative energy and transform it into light. Also, ensure that everything in your kitchen is in working condition, right from light bulbs to food mixers, as broken gadgets sap your energy levels.
Dash of colour
White works well in the kitchen, reflecting natural light, enhancing purity and creating a feeling of space.
Yellow is another option, a warm colour, relaxing in nature. When it comes to the bedroom, use colours that are conducive to sleep, like soft pastel shades. Avoid large mirrors and reflective surfaces as they emit high energy and disrupt sleeping patterns. Try not to have a television or a computer in your bedroom, as they are intrusive.
Liven it up
Like us, our home breathes and moves; it uses and disposes of energy. It also has its own energy centres and personality, depending on a mix of natural elements present.
Living in a home which has an energy field aligned to your own elemental make-up creates a sacred space where you can relax and flourish.
If you feel restless in any space at home, change the colour and see how you feel.
The energy centre at the entrance is particularly important and is regarded as the protector of the house.
Majority of people paint their doors with a psychologically protective colour like black, dark blue, dark green or white. Dark colours absorb harmful energy while the light ones deflect it away, much like a mirror. Another suggestion is to use wood, which has an innate strong element that provides the house with strong protection.
Be in sync
It is the entrance hall that you really begin to adjust according to the atmosphere inside. This area provides the grounding and security. It is therefore a place which benefits from warm earthy colours and materials, such as terracotta and
clay brick.
Taking one’s shoes off at this point will protect the inner sanctuary. Make every corner and room of your home livelier. Have you ever walked into a room and sensed the atmosphere? It might either make or happy or uncomfortable.
Termed as the subtle atmosphere - it gives your a soul and makes you feel comfortable in it. It doesn’t matter how grand and expensive a building is, if the subtle environment is not balanced and harmonious the occupants of the building soon feel uncomfortable.
To accomplish this, all you require are the five elements of earth, fire, metal, wood and water to create that environment. The result is a feeling of peace and connection. Walking barefoot too stimulates and balances the reflexes of your feet, strengthening your ground connection. The staircase, is also an important element and the backbone of your house.
It therefore becomes imperative that staircases are well made and stairs well lit. When you align and harmonise your home with the five elements, you will enjoy the
feeling of well-being and receive the benefits of a healthy home.
Leave and licence agreement - Can we ask the licencee to vacate the premises?
We have let out the first floor of our building under a leave and licence agreement. The agreement was for 11 months and renewable for another two cycles of the same duration. After these 33 months the agreement could be renewed but with a 10 per cent increase in the licence fee. Though the licencee increased the rent after 33 months, this time around he is not willing to increase the fee. Can we ask the licencee to vacate the premises? How should we proceed?
A: If the licence tenure of your licencee is over, you could send him a notice to quit the premises. If the tenure is still in existence, you cannot ask him to vacate the premises on the sole ground of his refusal to increase the fee.
A: If the licence tenure of your licencee is over, you could send him a notice to quit the premises. If the tenure is still in existence, you cannot ask him to vacate the premises on the sole ground of his refusal to increase the fee.
Can the board of a housing co-operative society be dissolved?
At the annual general meeting of our co-operative housing society, a majority of members passed a motion of no-confidence against the board, dissolved it and constituted a new board as per its Acts and rules. Since the erstwhile board did not hand over charge, the deputy registrar of co-operative societies has been approached in writing to intervene in this regard. But nothing has been done so far. What should we do now?
A: Members of a co-operative society are neither empowered to dissolve nor reconstitute the board, leave alone pass any verdict on this. Section 29 of the West Bengal Co-operative Societies Act, 1983, empowers the registrar (of co-operative societies) to call a special general meeting to dissolve and reconstitute the board if he is satisfied that the board has mismanaged the society’s affairs. The order shall be in writing, citing the reasons, and shall be made only after the board has been issued a showcause notice and given an opportunity of being heard.
A: Members of a co-operative society are neither empowered to dissolve nor reconstitute the board, leave alone pass any verdict on this. Section 29 of the West Bengal Co-operative Societies Act, 1983, empowers the registrar (of co-operative societies) to call a special general meeting to dissolve and reconstitute the board if he is satisfied that the board has mismanaged the society’s affairs. The order shall be in writing, citing the reasons, and shall be made only after the board has been issued a showcause notice and given an opportunity of being heard.
Friday, March 5, 2010
Wealth Tax on Inherited property
I am a housewife and want to sell the land that I have inherited from my father. The gain from the sale of the property will be more than Rs 15 lakh.
What will be my wealth tax? If I do not reinvest in property, what are the other ways to minimise capital gains tax?
If the gain is more than Rs 15 lakh, you have to pay wealth tax at the rate of 1 per cent. For example, if the gain is Rs 16 lakh, you have to pay 1 per cent on Rs 1 lakh.
If you do not reinvest in property, you can buy capital gains bonds from the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development or the Rural Electrification Corporation.
What will be my wealth tax? If I do not reinvest in property, what are the other ways to minimise capital gains tax?
If the gain is more than Rs 15 lakh, you have to pay wealth tax at the rate of 1 per cent. For example, if the gain is Rs 16 lakh, you have to pay 1 per cent on Rs 1 lakh.
If you do not reinvest in property, you can buy capital gains bonds from the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development or the Rural Electrification Corporation.
Mortgaged Flat Sale
I visited a mortgaged flat, which will be sold by a bank via open auction.
The flat’s original owner had taken loan from the bank under a tripartite agreement involving the person who owned the land, the promoter and the flat owner. But the flat has not been registered yet.
The property was mortgaged to the bank against the loan. If I go for the auction sale and end up the highest bidder, what will be the status of the registration? Is there any need for a title search?
Who is responsible for all the statutory dues pending for a long time?
The bank is now the sole owner of the property. For registration of the property, the bank will do the needful.
You can always carry out a search but chances are it is a clean title as a bank is the seller.
The statutory dues will have to be adjusted with the purchase price. You should discuss the issue with the bank.
The flat’s original owner had taken loan from the bank under a tripartite agreement involving the person who owned the land, the promoter and the flat owner. But the flat has not been registered yet.
The property was mortgaged to the bank against the loan. If I go for the auction sale and end up the highest bidder, what will be the status of the registration? Is there any need for a title search?
Who is responsible for all the statutory dues pending for a long time?
The bank is now the sole owner of the property. For registration of the property, the bank will do the needful.
You can always carry out a search but chances are it is a clean title as a bank is the seller.
The statutory dues will have to be adjusted with the purchase price. You should discuss the issue with the bank.
Developer Problem
Our developer has decided to add residential floors to the clubhouse in violation of the original plan. As the clubhouse is at the south-end of the HIG complex, adding floors to it will affect the southerly breeze and block the view of the south-facing apartments.
It may also be mentioned that the developer charged an extra location-benefit cost for south-facing apartments. Do we have a strong legal case?
Please find out whether the Municipal Corporation has approved the modified plan. If yes, the developer can add floors to the clubhouse. But you have a case if there is a proper document that shows the promoter charged extra for south-facing flats. You should consult a lawyer.
The extra charge should be returned if new construction violates the facilities for which it was paid.
It may also be mentioned that the developer charged an extra location-benefit cost for south-facing apartments. Do we have a strong legal case?
Please find out whether the Municipal Corporation has approved the modified plan. If yes, the developer can add floors to the clubhouse. But you have a case if there is a proper document that shows the promoter charged extra for south-facing flats. You should consult a lawyer.
The extra charge should be returned if new construction violates the facilities for which it was paid.
Budget blow to home buyers
Prospective home buyers must brace for at least a 3.5 per cent rise in prices as the government has slapped a service tax on property sales in the recent budget.
Realty mavens said the tax blow could be a lot worse because of a cascade effect that the proposed tax would have.
Finance minister Pranab Mukherjee also plans to impose the tax on the extra money that buyers pay for a preferential location within a building and other amenities such as club memberships.
Pradeep Sureka, a city-based developer and local head of realty body Credai, said the specific proviso of service tax on under-construction property would translate into a 3.5 per cent rise in overall prices, excluding preferential location or extra facilities.
The thumb rule for the calculation is that in any property transaction, two-thirds of the sale value relate to goods (construction material, land cost etc), while the rest is for services (money paid to contractors etc). Hence, the developer will pay service tax on one-third of the sale value and realise the same from buyers.
Santosh Rungta, president of Credai, said developers wrote to Mukherjee yesterday demanding a rollback of the duty.
Builders say real estate transactions are bound by the Transfer of Property Act, and buyers are paying stamp duty under the act. So, the same transaction cannot be considered as providing service.
However, this is just one part of the story. The devil is in the detail of the Finance Bill and may force developers to change the pricing structure, resulting in the buyer having to pay more.
Here is how it may happen.
Mukherjee plans to tax the charges that a developer seeks for a preferential location within a complex. Buyers pay a premium for a better location (say a flat facing south east) — or elevation (15th floor instead of the first floor). Developers seek a minimum Rs 10 to Rs 25 per square foot extra for every floor rise.
However, the premium is never clarified in as many words in the sale deed.
Kaustav Ray, executive director of Cushman & Wakefield, said the tax authorities might ask why developers were seeking differential rates for flats. “If it is based on the preferential location, buyers may have to pay 10.3 per cent on the entire premium amount over the base price,” he added.
Moreover, charges paid on internal or external developments that come at an extra cost like a club facility will be taxed, too. Mukherjee has, however, left out car parking charge from this ambit.
Realty mavens said the tax blow could be a lot worse because of a cascade effect that the proposed tax would have.
Finance minister Pranab Mukherjee also plans to impose the tax on the extra money that buyers pay for a preferential location within a building and other amenities such as club memberships.
Pradeep Sureka, a city-based developer and local head of realty body Credai, said the specific proviso of service tax on under-construction property would translate into a 3.5 per cent rise in overall prices, excluding preferential location or extra facilities.
The thumb rule for the calculation is that in any property transaction, two-thirds of the sale value relate to goods (construction material, land cost etc), while the rest is for services (money paid to contractors etc). Hence, the developer will pay service tax on one-third of the sale value and realise the same from buyers.
Santosh Rungta, president of Credai, said developers wrote to Mukherjee yesterday demanding a rollback of the duty.
Builders say real estate transactions are bound by the Transfer of Property Act, and buyers are paying stamp duty under the act. So, the same transaction cannot be considered as providing service.
However, this is just one part of the story. The devil is in the detail of the Finance Bill and may force developers to change the pricing structure, resulting in the buyer having to pay more.
Here is how it may happen.
Mukherjee plans to tax the charges that a developer seeks for a preferential location within a complex. Buyers pay a premium for a better location (say a flat facing south east) — or elevation (15th floor instead of the first floor). Developers seek a minimum Rs 10 to Rs 25 per square foot extra for every floor rise.
However, the premium is never clarified in as many words in the sale deed.
Kaustav Ray, executive director of Cushman & Wakefield, said the tax authorities might ask why developers were seeking differential rates for flats. “If it is based on the preferential location, buyers may have to pay 10.3 per cent on the entire premium amount over the base price,” he added.
Moreover, charges paid on internal or external developments that come at an extra cost like a club facility will be taxed, too. Mukherjee has, however, left out car parking charge from this ambit.
No child’s play, this!
Design Planning a room for your wards needs to be a well thought out process. Keeping in mind aspects like safety and comfort can go a long way in creating a space that kids will love to grow in, writes Chethana Dinesh
The decor of a house reflects the personality of the people who share the space. Be it the kitchen, living room, bathroom, bedroom or kids room, every nook and corner, manifests the taste of its owner. While most spaces in a house can be furnished and decorated with admirable ease, designing a room for children is not an easy task. A lot many factors have to be considered before setting out to furnish them.
Changing tastes and preferences
The first and foremost being the aspect of safety, with comfort coming a close second. Kids are all about fun. Always upto some antics. They need spaces that provide them with lots of room to run around and play. To add to it, place to store toys and other articles.
What makes the task of designing more difficult is their constantly changing tastes and preferences, influenced by varied factors including their peers or what they see on their good old telly. If they want a Barbie-style room this week, next in line will be a Kenny Chi room. Such is the swing! While designing a child’s room, all the above aspects have to be borne in mind.
Keep kid’s interest in mind
If you begin from scratch, with just a room, four plain walls and a floor at your disposal, it is advisable to keep the age and the child’s interest in mind. If they are having a room to themselves for the first time, it must be made as attractive as possible to entice them to their private little space. The design should help them get acquainted to the room easily and complement their lifestyle.’
The design shouldn’t hinder but complement the time they spend studying or mere hanging around with friends in the room. The thumb rule is to leave as much leg room as possible for children to run around.
As you begin with the arduous journey of designing your ward’s room, think colours. Not too long ago, girls’ rooms were predictably pink while boys’ rooms were blue. However, this association is passé now. Children, today, irrespective of their gender, think bold. Be it pink, orange, yellow, purple or red, it is their choice that ultimately rules.
So, it pays to learn about your child’s personal preference. And of course, the theme. For instance, walls are not painted very often and a child’s interests keep changing. Therefore the key is to select themes that grow with the child.
Create more room
Once the wall colours and the theme are decided, it’s time for furniture shopping. Be minimilistic, especially when the room has to be shared by siblings.
Today, the market is flooded with a variety of bunk beds that not only save on space, but are practical too. Go for them. Better still, are cots that offer oodles of storage space. Such cots, with built-in storage shelves are a great idea as they stock toys, books, clothes among other articles that a child owns.
When it comes to belongings of children, their room is incomplete without a study table. Nothing is sturdier than a wooden one. Supplement it with a chair, whose height can be adjusted. Placing the study table close to big, airy windows is ideal as the space will have ample natural light, which is imperative for any children’s room. Also, another must-have includes a pin-up board or a chalkboard wall near the study table.
Be practical
Another important aspect while designing children’s room is the flooring. Wood or granite are the best picks. Avoid foot rugs anywhere as the child can slip and fall. Go in for a wall-to-wall carpet if you have an infant at home but otherwise avoid this alternative as carpets tend to to attract dust, mites and other allergens.
Talking of allergens, use allergy-free upholstery and bed linen in the room. While choosing fabrics for the child’s room, keep their sticky fingers and dirty paws in mind and go in for skin-friendly, allergy-proof and easily washable fabrics. Cotton is a safe bet for the same. But, this does not mean that the design should be boring and drab.
Space that exudes energy
Kids love to show-off their spaces and therefore help them infuse colour and creativity into it. Encourage your child to paint or draw, frame the art works, and display them in their room. The practice will help the child relate to their room much better and regard it as their own. To add to it, decorate walls with their favourite cartoon characters to make them look bright and colourful.
Utilise every corner, like having tall racks to display the child’s favourite bunny, teddy or car, for example. Investing on racks will never go waste as they can hold anything from hobby materials to books, according to the child’s changing interests.
Make the right choices
While wardrobes are a must for any room, the ones for a kids room need to be compatible with them. Separate compartments, clearly marked out to maintain order, are a must. Easy-to-operate drawers, which store their knick knacks are a must-have.
To make the otherwise dreary wardrobes interesting, paint them in bright, cheerful colours. Interesting elements such as posters of their favourite cartoon characters or of their role models could be added to make them attractive.
Keep all these elements in mind and viola! The right choices coupled with careful planning will help you gift the dream room your child has always longed for.
Useful tips
Coat walls with lead-free paints as lead paints can be quite harmful for children.
Fibre optic galaxy ceilings and glow-in-the-dark toys must-have accessories
Include a nice and funky night lamp, next to the child’s bed. Safe access to the door is imperative While shopping for furniture, be very careful to check each piece thoroughly. Avoid ones with sharp hinges Steer clear of mattresses that cannot be thoroughly washed.
The decor of a house reflects the personality of the people who share the space. Be it the kitchen, living room, bathroom, bedroom or kids room, every nook and corner, manifests the taste of its owner. While most spaces in a house can be furnished and decorated with admirable ease, designing a room for children is not an easy task. A lot many factors have to be considered before setting out to furnish them.
Changing tastes and preferences
The first and foremost being the aspect of safety, with comfort coming a close second. Kids are all about fun. Always upto some antics. They need spaces that provide them with lots of room to run around and play. To add to it, place to store toys and other articles.
What makes the task of designing more difficult is their constantly changing tastes and preferences, influenced by varied factors including their peers or what they see on their good old telly. If they want a Barbie-style room this week, next in line will be a Kenny Chi room. Such is the swing! While designing a child’s room, all the above aspects have to be borne in mind.
Keep kid’s interest in mind
If you begin from scratch, with just a room, four plain walls and a floor at your disposal, it is advisable to keep the age and the child’s interest in mind. If they are having a room to themselves for the first time, it must be made as attractive as possible to entice them to their private little space. The design should help them get acquainted to the room easily and complement their lifestyle.’
The design shouldn’t hinder but complement the time they spend studying or mere hanging around with friends in the room. The thumb rule is to leave as much leg room as possible for children to run around.
As you begin with the arduous journey of designing your ward’s room, think colours. Not too long ago, girls’ rooms were predictably pink while boys’ rooms were blue. However, this association is passé now. Children, today, irrespective of their gender, think bold. Be it pink, orange, yellow, purple or red, it is their choice that ultimately rules.
So, it pays to learn about your child’s personal preference. And of course, the theme. For instance, walls are not painted very often and a child’s interests keep changing. Therefore the key is to select themes that grow with the child.
Create more room
Once the wall colours and the theme are decided, it’s time for furniture shopping. Be minimilistic, especially when the room has to be shared by siblings.
Today, the market is flooded with a variety of bunk beds that not only save on space, but are practical too. Go for them. Better still, are cots that offer oodles of storage space. Such cots, with built-in storage shelves are a great idea as they stock toys, books, clothes among other articles that a child owns.
When it comes to belongings of children, their room is incomplete without a study table. Nothing is sturdier than a wooden one. Supplement it with a chair, whose height can be adjusted. Placing the study table close to big, airy windows is ideal as the space will have ample natural light, which is imperative for any children’s room. Also, another must-have includes a pin-up board or a chalkboard wall near the study table.
Be practical
Another important aspect while designing children’s room is the flooring. Wood or granite are the best picks. Avoid foot rugs anywhere as the child can slip and fall. Go in for a wall-to-wall carpet if you have an infant at home but otherwise avoid this alternative as carpets tend to to attract dust, mites and other allergens.
Talking of allergens, use allergy-free upholstery and bed linen in the room. While choosing fabrics for the child’s room, keep their sticky fingers and dirty paws in mind and go in for skin-friendly, allergy-proof and easily washable fabrics. Cotton is a safe bet for the same. But, this does not mean that the design should be boring and drab.
Space that exudes energy
Kids love to show-off their spaces and therefore help them infuse colour and creativity into it. Encourage your child to paint or draw, frame the art works, and display them in their room. The practice will help the child relate to their room much better and regard it as their own. To add to it, decorate walls with their favourite cartoon characters to make them look bright and colourful.
Utilise every corner, like having tall racks to display the child’s favourite bunny, teddy or car, for example. Investing on racks will never go waste as they can hold anything from hobby materials to books, according to the child’s changing interests.
Make the right choices
While wardrobes are a must for any room, the ones for a kids room need to be compatible with them. Separate compartments, clearly marked out to maintain order, are a must. Easy-to-operate drawers, which store their knick knacks are a must-have.
To make the otherwise dreary wardrobes interesting, paint them in bright, cheerful colours. Interesting elements such as posters of their favourite cartoon characters or of their role models could be added to make them attractive.
Keep all these elements in mind and viola! The right choices coupled with careful planning will help you gift the dream room your child has always longed for.
Useful tips
Coat walls with lead-free paints as lead paints can be quite harmful for children.
Fibre optic galaxy ceilings and glow-in-the-dark toys must-have accessories
Include a nice and funky night lamp, next to the child’s bed. Safe access to the door is imperative While shopping for furniture, be very careful to check each piece thoroughly. Avoid ones with sharp hinges Steer clear of mattresses that cannot be thoroughly washed.
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
A colourful makeover
DECOR Treat walls at home as a huge canvas. Colour them according to your personal style statement. All this, to transform, liven up and give a unique makeover to your space, writes Chethana Dinesh
How do you want your home to be? Glamourous, modern, traditional or romantic? Well, just painting your walls right can do the trick. It’s the colour of the walls that can bring a sea change to the look of your house and your mood too. An intelligent selection of colours for the walls, coupled with well-though colour co-ordination can make any home gleam with glamour. Furthermore, colours lend an emotional appeal, impact our moods and work wonders for our well-being.
Tastes and preferences
Dressing up homes in the colours of our choice is no mean task. We are always torn between the choices and preferences of our family members. While the younger ones will want a splash of fresh and lively colours, the older ones might prefer pastel shades to go with their mellowed mood and personality. If there is no clear consensus on the choice of colours, the best option will be to select them according to the space, each person of the family occupies. However, when it comes to the living room, go in for something that represents your personal taste.
Fortunately, we no longer need to be limited to colours like black, white, blue, red or yellow. There are myriad shades including blue-violet, green-yellow, red-orange at our disposal. And, every colour has its own natural shine and individual property. These days, the market is flooded with a multitude of options wherein we can opt for an additive colour style where colours are mixed and matched to come up with an entirely an different shade.
Technology aids the decision making process. To make the procedure more efficient and easier for customers, especially those who find it hard to make a choice, colours are mixed on the computer, which showcases the concluding result. If you are still dogged by an indecisive mind, you can opt for the facility of shade tiles where a tile in the shade of your choice is given to take home and co-ordinate it with your furnishings.
Contrast — latest trend
While colours on walls can actually lend a drastic makeover to your home, the role they play in accentuating the general ambience cannot be discounted. Come to think of it, contrast is the style of the season. It draws immediate attention. Since colours of the same hue are believed to spoil the mood, it is best to have furnishings and the wall colours in contrasting shades.
Having three walls of a room in one colour and the fourth one in an entirely different colour is the latest trend of the season. In such cases, colours have to be chosen in such a manner that one colour stands out prominently while the other one adds a dazzling effect to the other.
While dressing up walls, it pays to give due consideration to the home colour scheme. The right blend of warm and cool colours and some co-ordination and balance between the colour themes of different rooms can transform the look of the house. For instance, if yellow is your choice of colour, then you can check out different shades of yellow for each room. While the living and dining rooms can have a lighter shade of yellow, the bedroom can have a brighter hue while the children’s room can have the brightest shade of all.
Fresh approach
Though there are umpteen theories about the choice of wall colours, always remember that your home is only yours and that your choice matters the most. So, check out some new trendy colours and define your uniqueness.
Always opt a fresh approach. However, if you are an artistic person, then the walls of your house can itself be a huge canvas with which you can create magic. Also, you can go in for white, as white walls give space for ample innovation. Most of all, white coincides and adapts well with all types of furnishings. Another most important advantage of using the colour is the feeling of space it lends.
The ancient Indian science of Vaastu too has a few colour suggestions, based on their individual properties.
According to the science, while red is believed to be a very vibrant and energetic colour and hence not suitable for bedrooms, yellow is believed to represent sunlight, which symbolises power, and hence most suitable for prayer rooms. Vaastu offers clear guidelines on colours based on directions represented by various planets too.
Theories and principles apart, colours have always played an integral part in interiors. Just follow your heart, experiment with different colours and give your home just the perfect unique look you always dreamt of.
Harmonious building for harmonious life
Real Estate investment is akin to investing in pure gold — always worth its value, appreciates over a period of time and considered a safe investment. But homes are more than just structures made of bricks and cement. A condominium designed by a builder are also a symbol of his craftsmanship and quality, when well executed.
Global recession has had a cascading effect on many developers and builders, who have faced a setback in terms of unsold stock. The year of the Ox in Chinese astrology and destiny analysis refers to the element earth and during the spring and summer months i.e. February to June, the industry will see good growth.
Also, to ease the situation and ensure better times ahead, a few Vaastu and Feng shui tenets can be adopted. To understand the science better, one needs to understand what a building is all about and how it affects its occupants.
‘Building biology’ or ‘building for life’ specifically refers to the study of the impact of a built environment on human health and the application of this knowledge to the construction or modification of homes and work place. It analyses the interwoven relationships between people and their homes and their homes and the earth.
Business performance can be enhanced by different methods such as unlocking value in the company’s real estate assets and improving corporate performance. The earth, its influence and building biology needs to be considered in selection of building sites and design of buildings.
The fundamentals of physics and chemistry point out that reduction of the geomagnetic background will have an impact on the necessary chemical processes needed for life. Certain locations exhibit relatively permanent magnetic distortions that have an effect on the occupants and surroundings. Therefore, for many builders and developers facing crisis, it’s time for introspection of your own premises.
But, if your home ground is strong and well designed, it can pass through rough weather and business will definitely bounce back soon. To understand and identify whether the design and layout of your office is harmonious or not, consider the following:
Check your entrance, especially the main door and look for afflictions.
Remove clutter and unwanted materials.
Move the furniture and try to open the windows to allow fresh air and light in.
Complete cleaning of the carpet, furniture and light fittings would help.
Bring to life your premises by adding healthy green indoor plants and small water features especially in the north and east sectors of your officer or foyer.
Do not have excessively large and over powering water
features.
Install bright lights in the foyer and have more lights to boost energy and lift up your business prospects.
Try to display information on your projects, which are getting difficult to market, towards the northwest sector of the office.
Re-position key people in the office away from ‘danger nodes’ or bad energy spots, which could distract them.
Building biology may still be a relatively obscure science, but by following these rules, you can help make your office more productive and supportive to your business, especially when the market looks gloomy.
S B S Surendran
(The author is a Feng shui consultant and traditional Vaastu practitioner)
Global recession has had a cascading effect on many developers and builders, who have faced a setback in terms of unsold stock. The year of the Ox in Chinese astrology and destiny analysis refers to the element earth and during the spring and summer months i.e. February to June, the industry will see good growth.
Also, to ease the situation and ensure better times ahead, a few Vaastu and Feng shui tenets can be adopted. To understand the science better, one needs to understand what a building is all about and how it affects its occupants.
‘Building biology’ or ‘building for life’ specifically refers to the study of the impact of a built environment on human health and the application of this knowledge to the construction or modification of homes and work place. It analyses the interwoven relationships between people and their homes and their homes and the earth.
Business performance can be enhanced by different methods such as unlocking value in the company’s real estate assets and improving corporate performance. The earth, its influence and building biology needs to be considered in selection of building sites and design of buildings.
The fundamentals of physics and chemistry point out that reduction of the geomagnetic background will have an impact on the necessary chemical processes needed for life. Certain locations exhibit relatively permanent magnetic distortions that have an effect on the occupants and surroundings. Therefore, for many builders and developers facing crisis, it’s time for introspection of your own premises.
But, if your home ground is strong and well designed, it can pass through rough weather and business will definitely bounce back soon. To understand and identify whether the design and layout of your office is harmonious or not, consider the following:
Check your entrance, especially the main door and look for afflictions.
Remove clutter and unwanted materials.
Move the furniture and try to open the windows to allow fresh air and light in.
Complete cleaning of the carpet, furniture and light fittings would help.
Bring to life your premises by adding healthy green indoor plants and small water features especially in the north and east sectors of your officer or foyer.
Do not have excessively large and over powering water
features.
Install bright lights in the foyer and have more lights to boost energy and lift up your business prospects.
Try to display information on your projects, which are getting difficult to market, towards the northwest sector of the office.
Re-position key people in the office away from ‘danger nodes’ or bad energy spots, which could distract them.
Building biology may still be a relatively obscure science, but by following these rules, you can help make your office more productive and supportive to your business, especially when the market looks gloomy.
S B S Surendran
(The author is a Feng shui consultant and traditional Vaastu practitioner)
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