LUCKNOW: Until three decades ago, a plot of land was probably the one asset most people saw as a life goal. Apart from being their “permanent address” after construction of a house, it was an investment and a security for their future generations.
The dream was guided by the factors of budget and location—in that order—for most middle-income families.
Indiranagar, Aliganj, Alambagh and Mahanagar were among the sought after residential colonies. Plot sizes ranged from 2,000 sqft to 8,000 sqft and gardens adorned the frontage of houses. The basics of good road, effective drainage and proximity to public transport used to be primary concerns. To have a park in front of the house meant you were lucky!
As the city grew, more residential colonies started to develop and planned housing became affordable in other localities.
With population came the real estate boom and the ‘apartment culture’ seamlessly took over the city. With young professionals settling in the city, it wasn’t a “big house” that they wanted but a manageable and safe one.
“Convenience of a ready-made house, security, affordability, independence and amenities such as sports for children and safe spaces for the elderly gave a boost to community living over single-dwelling,” said Khalid Masood, managing director of Shalimar Corp Ltd.
With that came the “add-ons” which had no limit, said Ashish Singh, a legal expert in property matters.
“Now, apartments offer personal theatres, swimming pools, cafes and a shopping complex all within a minute’s distance from your house,” he said.
While Lucknow Development Authority remains a trusted developer, many private players have made a name for themselves with quality construction.
Societies have come up in Gomtinagar Extension or Shaheed Path, a little away from the main city, but people do not mind as distances are manageable and homes are worth the effort. In fact, the look of large open spaces, wide roads and quaint cafes often elicits the expression, “This doesn’t look like it’s in Lucknow.”
It is because of these varied options which are making Lucknow the preferred choice of young professionals as well as retired couples.
As a centrally located city which has excellent connectivity to Delhi, it is a wise option for home buyers. The city has very good schools, markets and health facilities to offer to residents, said Masood.
“On top of that, the warmth and culture that Lucknow offers is unmatched in north India. That makes it the first choice for settlement of people from other cities too,” he added.
