Discovering your perfect home is akin to realising a long-awaited dream. It is vital, therefore, to select a home design that not only fulfils your current needs but also accommodates your future requirements. Prospective home buyers have a wide range of property options, from bungalows, and villas, to localities or gated societies. Given all the alternatives available in the real estate market, prospective house buyers may feel overwhelmed. Before buying a new house, most purchasers are presented with the option of a gated community or a locality.
While it is customary to prioritise certain aspects, it is also reasonable to have some reservations.
This buyer’s guide aims to help you make a well-informed decision when choosing between a gated community and a specific neighbourhood. It will provide an overview of the essential factors to consider.
Locality & Gated Community – Which one is it?
A locality and a gated society have distinct characteristics that set them apart. Here are key points highlighting their differences:
- Locality
- Diversity of Residents – A locality typically encompasses a diverse mix of residents from various backgrounds and walks of life. It represents a broader community where people with different lifestyles and preferences coexist.
- Open Accessibility – Localities are usually accessible to the public, allowing unrestricted entry and movement. There are no specific security measures or controlled access points in place.
- Gated Society
- Controlled Access – Gated societies are characterised by controlled access points, often handled by security personnel or equipped with electronic systems. This measure ensures that only authorised individuals can enter the premises, offering extra security and privacy.
- Shared Amenities – Gated societies often offer shared amenities and facilities exclusively for the residents’ use, such as parks, swimming pools, gyms, or community centres. These amenities contribute to a more cohesive and close-knit community within the society.
Locality or Gated Community – A Comparison
Choosing between a locality or a gated community is difficult as both have benefits and drawbacks. However, it is up to you and your preference whether you want a home in a locality or a gated community. Isn’t it?
| Comparison | Locality | Gated Society |
| Return on Investment | Due to its safety measures and amenities, the return on investment of the locality is less than gated society. | The gated society offers great security and amenities to the residents, resulting in higher ROI. |
| Security | It is never acceptable for someone to risk safety. While an independent home offers its owners great privacy, it is more prone to theft and other criminal activity due to its isolation. | Gated communities are well-protected with cutting-edge technology and 24-hour security devoted to the residents’ protection. Additionally, living near your neighbours guarantees that someone will always be ready to assist you in crises. |
| Amenities | The locality has all the essential utilities needed, including constant access to water, electricity, backup power, and more. However, depending on their requirements, one can have a swimming pool, play area, and more. No commercial establishments are nearby because of the social infrastructure’s proximity to the locality. |
Gated Societies are equipped with jogging parks, swimming pools, clubhouses, and other amenities. Some gated communities offer extra services like power backup, broadband connections, concierge, etc. The gated society offers various shops and stores to serve the huge communities. |
| Location | Localities are found in densely populated, ideal areas adjacent to important or strategic points. | Gated communities are frequently far from important destinations and take longer to get to or commute to. |
| Maintenance | Due to the availability of basic amenities, localities have low maintenance cost compared to the gated Society. | The gated communities provide inhabitants with exclusivity by keeping all the best amenities inside a secure area that is off-limits to outsiders. As a result, the gated community has greater maintenance costs. |
| Lifestyle | Some localities lack properly maintained roads and don’t have beautiful surroundings. | The gated community has well-maintained roads, vehicle speed limits, and business. |
Locality or a Gated Community – How to Choose?
- Purpose of Buying
It’s critical to ascertain whether you plan to live in the house you purchase or if it’s merely an investment. If you intend to live there, you should select a residence based on its neighbourhood and amenities. Choose a residence that will be cosy for both you and the people you live with. Ensure the home is near reputable schools, hospitals, parks, and more, with decent transportation options. To determine whether the area you invest in will succeed or fail, you should also look at the real estate projection for the following five years.
- Protection and Safety
Everyone needs a roof over their heads to protect themselves from potential dangers. The value of homes that do not meet security regulations is useless for those residing there. Real estate buyers should prioritise their safety when selecting apartments in private gated communities or localities. It’s important to look for a place with a low crime rate to ensure maximum safety for yourself and your loved ones.
- Location
Some would live in a more rural place, while others prefer to live in cities with skyscrapers and other infrastructure. The location’s accessibility, particularly from your place of employment, is one of the most important variables to consider when purchasing a home. Verify the property’s accessibility to and closeness to major traffic intersections, such as highways, bus stops, and railway stations. Also, the property you plan to purchase should have access to a good road and interstate connectivity.
- Expert consultation
Buying a home in a locality or a gated community is tough. Expert consultation can provide you with valuable insight that can make your buying decision a smooth one. They can provide a thorough breakdown of the features, location, cost, and other advantages and disadvantages of the property you’re searching for, helping you decide if you need to go for a locality or a gated community.
Examples of Well-Designed Locality and Gated Community in India
With the help of examples, let’s understand a locality and gated society in India –
Locality Example:
Consider a regular locality like Koramangala in Bengaluru. It offers a mixed community with a range of residential options. While it has good connectivity and proximity to major commercial areas, security measures and amenities vary between different areas within Koramangala.
Gated Society Example:
Explore a gated society like Prestige Shantiniketan in Whitefield, Bengaluru. It provides a secure environment with round-the-clock security, gated access points, and CCTV surveillance.
The community provides a variety of facilities, such as a clubhouse, swimming pool, gym, and beautifully designed gardens, to meet the recreational requirements of its residents.
Summing it up!
The fact that each member has varied needs and different demands, priorities, and financial constraints affects the buying decision. Between the two options, a “gated society” and a “locality”, a final decision must be taken. Since both alternatives will serve as the buyer’s primary place of residence, they are both fantastic in their way! You can choose the perfect area to begin a new chapter of your life by considering these things while selecting a desirable neighbourhood.
However, the buyer must decide whether to acquire a locality or a gated residential property after carefully evaluating their budget, current and future priorities, and trustworthiness.
What's the point of residing in a gated society?
One of the primary reasons individuals choose to live in gated communities is safety and security. The guard only gives residents and guests access, ensuring safety, accountability, and privacy. Gated Society ensures the residents’ safety by providing around-the-clock security, camera surveillance, track records of every entry and exit, and more. Also, because they do not have to leave the community to play or take a walk, youngsters and the elderly feel safer in the gated setting.
What to consider when buying a new home?
The most valuable asset we own is our home. We invested the majority of our income into making it. Therefore, make your investment wisely. Don’t be afraid to investigate and compare different properties, especially if they are close. Ensure the neighbourhood has appealing amenities, secure roads, and decent schools before you leave to look for a new property. These qualities are going to ensure that your investment will increase over time.
Where to look for properties in localities or a gated society?
You can explore a wide range of properties in localities or a gated society in Square Yards. From studio apartments, 1BHK, to 5 or 6 BHK apartments, villas and bungalows for sale or rent in India are available on Square Yards. It will give you a clear idea of what properties you are looking for, helping you decide.
