state. This is also what helps its realty sector grow by leaps and
bounds. The multi cultural ambience of the strategically located
place has gained a lot of significance in terms of real estate
developments. Kerala presents enough avenues to create a living
in the very bosom of nature in quite contrast to the dull urbanized
locations elsewhere, where land prices are skyrocketing and land
shortage is acute. A major chunk of today’s Kerala population is
more comfortable with the idea of living in apartments than at
any time in the last 50 years. Demands for quality flats are
growing. Many are ready to pay more for better quality. And most
of them buy apartments only once, so instead of going for second
grade apartments, they want only the best. Preference for flats is
growing especially in the wake of the spurt in nucleus families
even in a state like Kerala which was once known for its well knit
joint family system under which many units of a single family live
in one house under the guidance and leadership of the eldest
member. Interestingly the flat culture in Kerala offers a somewhat
similar ambience with the building society concerned playing the
role of looking after the interests of the entire families living in
respective flat complexes. Flats have also become popular due to
the safety and security available. In addition to security, the tenant
need not worry about payment of electricity, water or other
maintenance bills which are taken care of by the society. All
external maintenance is also done by the society. Many of the
builders provide utilities like centralized gas, health club, waste
chutes and driver’s rooms which are value additions. The paper
work involved during the purchase is also minimal and the biggest
boon is that one need not worry about the problems of
construction-labour, purchase of material, permits and licenses
etc. Independent villas and houses are more expensive but if one
can afford it, there is nothing like it. There are many builders who
carry out construction on contract basis and with totally
transparent terms and conditions.
The Tourism Edge of Kerala
Kerala has rightly earned the sobriquet ‘God’s Own Country’. Over
the last few years, tourism has been peaking in Kerala which has
had a direct bearing on its economy and other related industries
196 dream makers
ANCHOR
INDIA
like the hospitality and real estate sectors. In the past couple of
decades, one of Kerala’s key economic drivers has bee