Life Stages and Living Spaces – A Guide to Selecting Your Ideal Home

– by Akash Pharande, Managing Director – Pharande Spaces

Choosing a home is a significant decision that varies greatly depending on the stage of life you’re in. Whether you’re in your younger years, at the peak of your professional life, or nearing retirement, each phase brings unique considerations and priorities. Let’s delve into these differences and identify key factors such as home size, family needs, and facilities and amenities that are most relevant at every life stage, from starting out to peak professional years, and eventually retirement.

Younger Years: Starting Out and Building Up

Affordability and Growth Potential: In the early stages, the focus is often on affordability and the potential for property appreciation. Before Covid-19, young professionals tended to prefer smaller, more affordable homes in upcoming areas with good growth prospects. This outlook changed after the pandemic – more on this further on.

Proximity/Accessibility to Work and Social Life: Being near the workplace or vibrant social scenes is often a priority. Urban locations with easy access to nightlife, dining, and cultural events tend to be popular choices. Alternatively, young home buyers now choose homes in large, well-connected integrated townships where all these facilities are available within the project’s perimeters.

Future Plans & WFH Potential: Young buyers often consider the potential for starting a family and enough space to accommodate a home office to allow them to work from home without disrupting the rest of the household.

Midlife: Settling Down

Family Size and Space Requirements: As families grow, the need for space increases. Midlife homebuyers often look for larger homes, with extra bedrooms and a space for a home office being more or less mandatory.

Education and Community: Proximity to reputable schools, healthcare, and a family-friendly community becomes crucial. Residential areas and townships with parks, playgrounds, and community centers are preferred.

Stability and Long-Term Investment: This stage often involves looking for a home that can be a long-term investment. Buyers will prioritize well-established neighborhoods and large residential townships by reputed developers to secure stable or growing property values.

Approaching Retirement: Comfort and Convenience

Downsizing and Maintenance: Old age brings its own limitations and a rationalization of requirements and expectations. An elderly married couple with an empty nest – grown-up children and working abroad or in other cities – buying a home at this life stage may opt for a smaller home that is easier to manage and maintain. Some will favour dedicated senior living projects or large townships which have a senior living component baked in.

Health Facilities and Accessibility: Proximity to healthcare facilities becomes a significant factor. The availability of a good hospital near or within the project’s premises becomes a priority. Projects with superior accessibility features like wheelchair ramps become more sought after. Elderly home buyers will also priority a serene, green environment which nevertheless doesn’t cut them off from mainstream society.

Leisure and Community Activities: Locations close to leisure activities like golf courses, clubhouses, and facilities for senior-friendly sports activities become important. Additionally, seniors look for a strong sense of community and the availability of peer groups for social engagement.

Common Considerations at All Life Stages

Budget and Financial Planning: Regardless of life stage, the budget remains a critical factor. It’s important to balance the cost of the home with other financial goals and responsibilities.

Location and Infrastructure: Good connectivity, transportation links, and infrastructure are universally important. These factors significantly impact the quality of life and property value.

Safety and Security: Safe neighborhoods are a top priority for homebuyers at any age, especially for families with children or elderly members.

Data from leading Indian real estate consultancies highlight regional trends and preferences. For instance, metropolitan areas like Pune, Mumbai, and Bangalore see a high demand for apartments close to tech parks among younger professionals.

In cities like Pune and Chennai, midlife buyers also tend to look for family-centric communities. Retirement homes in Pune, Goa, and parts of Kerala are gaining popularity among the older demographic.

Most experts also confirm that property appreciation is crucial for young buyers focused on investment potential. For midlife buyers, neighborhoods with the best schools and family amenities. For those nearing retirement, areas with good healthcare facilities and a peaceful environment are vital.

Post Covid-19 Scenario

In earlier years, young home buyers tended to prefer cheaper, smaller homes before the pandemic. However, this preference changed significantly after Covid-19. In the space of just 12 months – between late 2020 and late 2021 – millennials began looking for bigger ‘forever’ homes from which they would not have to upgrade later on.

Their previous focus on proximity to happening leisure and entertainment also changed to some extent. Due to the prolonged confinement of the lockdowns, a new appreciation for togetherness and safety took hold. The focus on smaller homes in city centers gave way to larger homes in suburban locations which could be purchased within the same budget.

As a result, 2022 quite literally became the Year of The Township, due to the superior conveniences and assurances that township living delivers. Moreover, integrated townships also provide access to entertainment and lifestyle options. As of late 2023, millennials’ preference for township living continues unabated.

Conclusion

Choosing a home varies significantly with life stages. Younger buyers prioritize lifestyle features, relative affordability, and investment growth potential, while midlife homebuyers focus on family needs and community. Those nearing retirement look for comfort, convenience, and accessibility. Common considerations like budget, location, safety, and infrastructure remain important throughout.

About the Author:

Akash Pharande is Managing Director – Pharande Spaces, a leading real estate construction and development firm famous for its township projects in West Pune and beyond. Pharande Promoters & Builders, the flagship company of Pharande Spaces and an ISO 9001-2000 certified company, is a pioneer of townships in West Pune.

DSP Mutual Fund launches DSP Banking & Financial Services Fund

Mumbai, November 21, 2023: The Banking and Financial Services sector has been a structural growth story in India, which is evident in its outperformance over the broader Nifty 50 Index on all 10-year periods. The returns from the sector have also been more consistent across time periods compared to the broader Nifty 50 Index. However, the sector has been underperforming the Nifty 50 Index since September 2019. Hence, the possibility of a reversal in underperformance combined with reasonable valuations for the Banking and Financial Services sector along with their strong balance sheets present an interesting opportunity to investors.

DSP Mutual Fund announced the launch of the DSP Banking & Financial Services Fund (DSP BFSF), an open-ended scheme that offers investors an opportunity to partake in the long-term structural opportunity in the banking and financial services space. Apart from banks, the sector also encompasses major areas like NBFCs including Housing Finance Companies, Life Insurance, Non-Life Insurance, AMC, Exchanges, and depositories, which have all grown at a faster rate than the nominal GDP of India in the last 15 years. All these combined make up a profit opportunity of over $ 4 Trillion.

The Nifty Financial Services TRI has also delivered over 12% returns in 90% of time over a 7+ year timeframe compared to 52% for Nifty 50 TRI. Banking, Financial Services, and Insurance (BFSI) forms 38% of the profit pool of the Top 500 companies in India but is just 26% of the market cap. The last 10-year profit growth for BFSI was 17% compared to 10% among Top 500 companies excluding BFSI. Bank balance sheets have also grown stronger with lower NPAs. This could aid a sustained pick up in credit growth.

DSP BFSF follows a stock-specific approach that favors business fundamentals over market outlook and attempts to have a high active share compared to the benchmark. It also has the flexibility for Global Investments where the Fund Manager can invest in selective fundamentally sound businesses internationally which is not available in India.

Under normal circumstances, the asset allocation of DSP BFSF would be between a minimum of 80% to a maximum of 100% in equity and equity-related securities of companies in the Banking and Financial services sector, up to 20% in equity and equity-related securities of other companies, up to 20% in debt and money market instruments and up to 10% in units issued by REITs and InvITs.

The New Fund Offer for DSP BFSF will open for subscription on November 20 th, 2023, and will close on December 4 th, 2023.

 “Companies in the BFSI sector have large profits compared to other sectors. The profit pool is also growing due to the addition of diverse businesses across insurance companies, mutual funds, wealth management firms, tech platforms supporting the industry, payments, and fintech. We prefer to raise money in such sectors with long-lasting growth when their prices are falling or consolidating. Lenders also have leverage as raw material and hence go through cycles of volatility. In recent years, stocks in the BFSI space have corrected, thus increasing the margin of safety for an investor. We are happy to launch the NFO when valuations are reasonable,” says Kalpen Parekh, MD & CEO, of DSP Mutual Fund.

Meet India’s top 5 sharp-witted women entrepreneurs driving excellent outcomes!

In the vibrant landscape of India’s entrepreneurial sphere, a formidable force of sharp-witted women has emerged, steering innovation, driving change, and achieving remarkable outcomes. This select group of visionary individuals stands out not only for their business acumen but also for their resilience and determination to break barriers in traditionally male-dominated industries. At the forefront of this dynamic cohort is a collective of ten extraordinary women who have not only shattered glass ceilings but have also become trailblazers in their respective fields. These entrepreneurs embody the spirit of tenacity and brilliance, navigating the intricate web of challenges with unparalleled grace and strategic prowess. Let’s dive in deeper to know a little more about how these emerging women entrepreneurs became the founding face of their business model.

 Kajal Malik

Kajal Malik is the Co-founder and CBO at PickMyWork. It’s a gig platform that helps digital companies acquire end customers including shops for their products through a Pay-per-task model at a very low CAC. She takes care of Business development and Marketing. In 2012, Kajal graduated from NIT Kurukshetra with a B.Tech in Electronics and Communications Engineering. In 2013, she earned her MBA – Marketing, and Strategy from FMS- Delhi University. Right out of college, Kajal joined Samsung R&D, Noida as a Software Engineer and also worked as a Sales Manager for Mahindra Holidays where she was awarded, CSO (Chief Sales Officer) Club – R&R for commendable business contribution. PickMyWork was founded in 2019 by her and one other friend of hers, Vidyarthi Badireddy. PickMyWork is India’s largest gig platform, assisting Internet companies in acquiring customers at a low CAC through a digitally equipped distributor network.

 Richa Kar

 Richa Kar, a trailblazing entrepreneur, co-founded Zivame in 2011, alongside her husband Kapil Karekar, establishing a transformative online platform for women’s lingerie. With a bold and innovative vision, Richa has shattered societal taboos surrounding lingerie shopping in India. Zivame, under her leadership, has been a catalyst for change, revolutionizing the lingerie industry by empowering women to embrace and understand their bodies while facilitating the discovery of their ideal fit. Richa Kar’s pioneering spirit has not only elevated Zivame to a prominent position in the market but has also played a pivotal role in reshaping the cultural narrative around intimate apparel. Her commitment to fostering body positivity and creating a safe space for women to explore and celebrate their individuality marks Richa Kar as a visionary leader in the realm of online lingerie retail.

 Chetana C

 Ms. Chetana C is the director at Quantum Energy. She has been a leader at the Kusalava Group for the last 17 years and has undertaken projects in various capacities. Prior to Kusalava, she has also worked with Wipro. She is a Computer Science Engineer from the Gayatri Engineering College and has fortunately attended the prestigious ISB PGPMax program.

 Tanya Swetta

Tanya Swetta is a global entrepreneur and the Co-Founder and CEO of id8 Media Solutions, a prominent integrated marketing firm recognized for its innovative solutions. With a career spanning over 800+ brands and companies, Tanya is a seasoned business consultant, strategist, and thought leader with a dynamic vision. She co-founded id8 in 2001, initially as a PR and Marketing company specializing in bespoke strategic solutions. Under Tanya’s leadership, id8 has evolved into a strategic integrated marketing company with expertise in Visual thinking and design, Digital and Performance Marketing, Public Relations, Influencer Marketing, and Intellectual Property Creation and Execution.

 Aditi Avasthi

 Aditi Avasthi is an Indian businesswoman renowned for her role as the Founder and CEO of Embibe, an innovative educational technology company based in Bangalore. Recognized for her outstanding contributions, she earned a spot among the BBC’s top 100 women in 2017 and was named “Woman of the Year” by Vogue in 2018. Avasthi launched Embibe in 2012, securing an initial investment of $700,000 from family and friends. Subsequent funding from Kalaari Capital and Lightbox Ventures further fueled the company’s growth. Specializing in personalized education through a knowledge graph connecting various grade curricula, Embibe assists students in achieving targeted learning outcomes. Avasthi’s strategic prowess was evident in 2018 when she orchestrated a successful corporate round with Reliance Industries, resulting in a substantial $180 million investment in Embibe. Her visionary leadership continues to drive the company’s success in revolutionizing education.

Bollywood Star Shilpa Shetty Ranks Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives as the Best in Class for Family Holidays

After the grand Diwali celebrations, Shilpa Shetty, accompanied by her husband Raj Kundra, her two children Viaan Raj Kundra and Samisha Shetty Kundra, close friend Akanksha Malhotra Aggarwal and her family embarked on an enchanting post-Diwali retreat at Kuda Villingili.

Nestled amidst the luxurious backdrop of pristine beaches and turquoise waters, Kuda Villingili offered Shilpa and her family an unparalleled retreat that felt like a home away from home. The resort’s idyllic setting and top-notch amenities allowed the family to unwind and indulge in the lap of luxury.

“I have to say, Kuda Villingili Resort truly stands out as one of the best resorts in the Maldives. The impeccable staff and the luxurious yet genuinely comfortable ambiance made us feel right at home on this beautiful island. Every moment of our holiday was truly enjoyable. What pleasantly surprised me the most was the exceptional culinary experience at Kuda Villingili. I tasted over 12 diverse types of cuisines, and among them, Spice, the fantastic Indian restaurant, became an absolute favorite. Starting our days with healthy breakfast options at The Restaurant added a delightful touch to our mornings. The resort’s massive swimming pool quickly became our go-to hangout spot; it’s perfect for families. Kuda Villingili wasn’t just a place to stay; it became the backdrop for lasting memories of an ideal family holiday filled with love and laughter, and we can’t wait to come back soon,” she said.

Documenting her blissful experience on Instagram, Shilpa Shetty expressed her appreciation for the warm reception, diverse breakfast choices, and her newfound love for mango sticky rice. The resort’s staff, known for their discreet hospitality, played a crucial role in ensuring a serene and secluded stay tailored for high-profile guests.

Shilpa, renowned for her iconic roles and impeccable style, showcased her beach glam in a stunning Shivan and Narresh halter midi dress, leaving her Instagram followers in awe with the hashtag #beachvibes.

Embracing the Maldivian ambience, Shilpa Shetty created enduring memories, from watching breathtaking sunsets on a cruise to indulging in the thrill of fishing. She expressed her love for fishing trips in the Maldives, deeming it an experience not to be missed.

Kuda Villingili Resort’s family-friendly atmosphere resonated with Shilpa, who shared heartwarming moments of her son Viaan radiating joy while enjoying ice cream.

Viaan’s participation in a cooking class, where he made fried rice under the guidance of the hotel’s chefs, added to the family’s delightful experience.

The family spent quality time by the resort’s pool, the largest in the Maldives, and stayed in the three-bedroom residence – an ideal accommodation for families or large groups of friends.

The Maldives, renowned for its crystal-clear waters, white sand beaches, and unparalleled privacy, continues to be Bollywood’s preferred holiday destination. Kuda Villingili Resort’s unique combination of warm hospitality, breathtaking natural beauty, and exclusivity solidifies its status as the best-in-class retreat for high-profile family holidays.

For more information and reservations, visit www.kudavillingili.com or contact reservations@kudavillingili.com

Pikachu Comes to Delhi NCR for Pokémon Mela

Noida, November 21, 2023 – DLF Malls and The Pokémon Company have joined hands to hold the first-ever Pokémon Mela in Delhi NCR. Scheduled over three weekends in November and December, the event will provide a fun weekend experience for people of all ages. In this unprecedented Pokémon celebration, fans will be able to meet Pikachu and enjoy participating in interactive activities, with a chance to take exclusive Pokémon goodies back home with them.

The first Pokémon Mela is being held at DLF Mall of India, Noida, on November 17, 18, and 19, followed by DLF Avenue, Saket, on December 2 and 3, and DLF Promenade, Vasant Kunj, on December 9 and 10. Visitors can enjoy a variety of differing attractions at each venue offering a unique experience for those visiting the mall.

The biggest attractions in store include dance performances and parades by Pikachu, for the first time in India. Fans will also have the opportunity to meet Pikachu and create special memories together. Visitors will get to participate in exciting quiz contests to display their Pokémon knowledge and win prizes. Kids can also enjoy watching Pokémon animation videos and coloring their favorite Pokémon, while social media lovers can click fun pictures at the Pokémon photo booth and take part in a post-and-win campaign to become the lucky winners of Pokémon plush toys. Pokémon GO fans can enjoy special Pokéstops in the Pokémon GO app. There is something for everyone at the event including exciting gifts for all Pokémon fans visiting such as free sun visors, booklets, and stickers.

Ms. Pushpa Bector, Senior Executive Director, DLF Retail, expressed her enthusiasm about this unprecedented event hosted at DLF Mall of India, stating, “We are absolutely thrilled to introduce the first-ever Pokémon Mela in India at DLF Mall of India. It’s an exceptional event that promises to bring joy and excitement to our patrons. We are committed to providing such unparalleled innovative shopping and entertainment experiences, and this one-of-a-kind initiative underscores our dedication to creating unforgettable moments for all our patrons”.

Mr. Susumu Fukunaga, Corporate Officer at The Pokémon Company, also shared his excitement for Pokémon’s advent into India’s event landscape, saying, “We are delighted to partner with DLF Malls as our co-host for the very first Pokémon Mela. Pokémon is here to stay. We want to create more and more opportunities to reach out to audiences in India and find a place in their everyday life. We believe that on-ground events are key to fostering meaningful interactions with existing Pokémon fans while carving a way to connect with new ones. We invite people in Delhi NCR to join the fun at the venues and experience the enchanting world of Pokémon”.

Pokémon Mela in Delhi NCR marks the beginning of a series of initiatives planned by The Pokémon Company to enhance the presence of Pokémon in India and create opportunities for people to interact with Pokémon in real life. DLF Malls and Pokémon hope that these events will spread joy and attract more people to the malls to enjoy a fun and interactive weekend.

AICTE and Industry Giants Ignite Innovation Ecosystem with The Inventors Challenge 2023

21th Nov,2023:

All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) announced the finale of The Inventors Challenge 2023 in collaboration with Arm® Education and STMicroelectronics. The program was held at Noida’s Engineering Institute of Technology.

The Government of India has been focused on developing the country’s semiconductor ecosystem and catalyzing India’s rapidly expanding electronics manufacturing industry. These efforts will enable innovation and India’s emergence as a global hub for electronics manufacturing and design. The Inventors Challenge contest is an effort towards nurturing faculty and students’ capabilities in semiconductor and technology innovation.

The Inventors Challenge 2023 was a team event that saw 1,370 ideas submitted based on the United Nations Global Goals, with over 80 teams receiving developer boards from ST Microelectronics for prototyping their ideas.

8 teams were announced as winners of the The Inventors Challenge 2023 on 20th November,2023. Each team won 50,000 each. Ideas like Satvagni -Smart Bio Gas Generator, GREEN RESOURCES ENERGY BASED SMART HOME AUTOMATION USING IOT, Low-Cost 3D Printed Prosthetic Arm for Medical Rehabilitation, Domestic Emotion Monitoring System, Design and Development of Data Acquisition and Recovery System for Sounding Rockets, Design And Development Of Wearable Device For Patients With Multiple Sclerosis Using Soft Robotics, Crop-Smart Analyzer, Holesols were the winners.

The Inventors Challenge -2023 reiterated our belief in the importance of industry-academia knowledge sharing. The initiative was well received and the feedback from participants has further strengthened our belief to continue such interactions, these interactions with Industry expose the academic ecosystem to technological innovations.
Prof. T.G. Sitharam, Chairman, AICTE

“At Arm, we believe in the power of technology to build a better world for everyone. Higher and further education institutions have a pivotal role to play in enabling technology innovation in the semiconductor ecosystem, and we work closely with academic, industry, and government partners to drive technological advancements that will have a positive impact. Huge congratulations to this year’s winners and we look forward to seeing how their innovations will help progress toward the United Nations’ Global Goals.” Guru Ganesan, President, Arm India

‘We’re not dependent on the film and TV industry to tell our stories now,’ says Naman Rajendra on OTT providing a platform for writers

In the world of storytelling, writers have often found themselves on the sidelines, but that narrative is changing, and it’s changing fast. Initially, they used to rely solely on the silver screen and TV for stories, but now, with the rise of OTT platforms, the game is different. It’s like a breath of fresh air for new talents, and Naman Rajendra, the writer of Pocket FM’s audio series Insta Empire is a shining
example of it.

 Spilling the beans on the shift in the writer’s landscape, Naman revealed, “Writing used to feel like knocking on the film industry’s door, hoping they’d let us in. Now, with OTT platforms both video and audio; it’s like finding the key to our own door. We’re not dependent on the film and TV industry or anyone else to tell our stories; we’re the architects of our narratives. It’s a game-changer, a storyteller’s dream come true. Especially with platforms like Pocket FM, where new talents are encouraged and writers are celebrated, we’ve broken free from the traditional path. We’ve got our own stage to showcase our skills, and the audience is ready and waiting. It’s not just a career; it’s a revolution in storytelling, and I’m grateful to be a part of it.”

Hailing from the heart of Rajasthan, Pali, Naman, at the youthful age of 29, is rewriting the script for writers. Armed with a Bachelor’s in Mass Media and Communication and a Diploma in Screenwriting, he started his journey at 18 as a crime journalist. From the airwaves of a Radio Station in Jaipur to scripting for Prithvi Theatres, Naman’s journey is nothing short of a rollercoaster ride.

 When asked about his writing inspiration, Naman shared, “Anurag Kashyap has been a consistent source of inspiration for my writing. His unique storytelling and unconventional approach have always fascinated me.” And when asked what fuels his pen? “Real-life experiences and the stories I come across,” he added.

Looking ahead, Naman’s dreams are as practical as they are emotional. Opening up about his future plans he said, “I’m eager to explore crime thriller writing. It’s a genre that has always intrigued me, and I look forward to creating gripping stories in that space. I believe there’s a lot of untapped potential in this genre.”

Insta Empire revolves around Naksh, once the heir to Surat’s wealthiest family. Abandoned by his own kin and despised by his in-laws due to a perilous decision that led to losing everything, Naksh faced harsh repercussions. However, as fate takes an unexpected turn, Naksh’s gamble is on the brink of paying off, and he stands at the precipice, ready to roll the dice once more. The audio series
unfolds as Naksh navigates a journey of redemption, resilience, and the unpredictable twists of life.