Uttar Pradesh may be a state with a high crime rate, but even in other parts of the country incidents of crime are on the rise. Given the backdrop, safety is becoming an increasingly important factor when buying a home.
Consider these real-life situations: An old couple lives alone in a home. A child comes back from school to an empty house because the parents are at work. A woman lives alone because she is unmarried and working, or is married but her husband travels extensively. All of these are common situations of high risk.
What can make a big difference is the neighbourhood. Some localities are considered far safer than others because of the kind of people living in the vicinity. Some neighbourhoods are also more safety-conscious with neighbourhood watch schemes and other programmes being voluntarily implemented by resident associations. Such localities will likely have homes fetch a better price than nearby, less safety conscious ones.
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Developers today are also pulling out all stops on the safety front through several initiatives. While a security detail on premises is a done thing for multiplexes and managed residential developments, security cameras spanning the entire complex, stringent entry restrictions, intercoms with cameras for identifying guests seeking entry, biometric entry into lifts and ‘certain residents only’ areas are other measures being adopted.
Access cards for entry and exit are the other introduction in certain residential complexes. Such measures not only ensure greater safety for residents, they also add snoot value. All this adds to the premium attached to residences in such developments.
Badges and ID cards for all maintenance staff and household help, following police verification, are other security protocols that are fast becoming commonplace. These are being supplemented by security alarm systems within each housing unit. Hotlines to the nearest police station and other such measures are likely to further enhance the safety quotient of residential complexes.
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But safety extends beyond just crime. Fire hazard and other natural disaster management systems are being put in place in modern developments to keep the residents safe and comfortable.
Are all these frills worth it? Should you pay a hefty premium for such safety features? The answer lies in your own assessment of how much protection you require for you and your loved ones. For most, though, our recommendation would be: Better safe than sorry!
Former Editor, Outlook Business and Executive Editor, NDTV Profit, the writer is a personal finance expert. Mail him at propertyplus@thehindu.co.in