The Indian Sub-Continent is divided on the grounds of distinct geographical, cultural and political identities. Seven countries falling under its umbrella are as follows; Pakistan, Bangladesh, India, Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal and Sri Lanka.
Historically speaking, this landscape has remained relevant throughout the course of time. Countless civilizations have passed through this region and/or settled homes here due of its mild climate, fertile soil, rich spices and an abundance of natural resources. Hence, it won’t be an exaggeration to call the Indian Sub-Continent, the eastern hub of ethnical diversity, culture, art, music and spirituality.
The changing urban culture of the Sub-Continent
At present, the countries in sub-continent are rapidly changing, because of the industrial and technological revolution. The urban areas are getting more densely populated, which has created a limitation of housing space and has given rise to the apartment-housing trend.
Pakistan and India are one of the two most populated countries in this part of the world. The economic conditions in both countries are progressing, but not rapidly enough to meet the demands of its people. More people are moving to the metropolises with hopes to improve their livelihood. In 2018, the urban population of Pakistan stood at 73.6 million approx. Major urban centers are facing an influx of businessmen, students and 9 to 5’ers who are seeking affordable housing solutions. Consider the case of Karachi, Pakistan’s financial hub, where Karachi flats are in high demand.
The stats for India are much more intense, as India stands to surpass the population of China in a decade or two. The veritable country is presently the center of attention of the world, with its growing IT industry and colorful cultural atmosphere. Every day more people are moving to the Indian cities to make homes and start businesses. Mumbai, the biggest city in India is home to approximately 12 million people. The rural areas are also getting attention to enhance country-living prospects.
The metropolitan cities in the remaining countries like Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Nepal, Maldives and Bangladesh are going through a similar transition, albeit to a lesser degree.
The rise of apartment and condo housing trend
Traditionally, the residents of the sub-continent cohabit with their parents, even when they have secure careers and families of their own (joint-family system). However, this trend is declining in recent years as more youngsters are moving to big cities for studies and finding an occupation. Even the city residents are moving out of family homes with dreams of finding their own two feet and have the freedom to find and mold their personalities, in the fast-paced world of today. For better or worse, this international trend of having a private living space for newly-turned-adults is here to stay.
Needless to say that this trend has also created a high demand for housing spaces (particularly, apartment and condos). As they are more convenient and well-suited for the needs of the people living alone, or in pairs. They are easier to afford and have a feeling of community, despite being private. As a result, new residential apartment buildings are being built every day in every major sub-continental city.
The advantages of living in apartments, condos or flats
Before we explain, why these properties make ideal housing spaces, let us elaborate on the classic definition of these residential units. Often they are used interchangeably, but there are few subtle differences between the apartments, condos and flats:
- Apartment: Self-contained, private residences that are contained in a larger building, all owned by a landlord.
- Flat: Smaller than an apartment, flats are apartments with all the rooms on the same floor.
- Condo: Short for the condominium. A condo is an apartment that is owned by an individual rather than the building’s landlord.
There are one-bedroom, multi-bedroom, loft/ basement, garden, penthouse and duplex apartments to cater to the needs of the potential residents.
As for the upside of living in these residential units;
They are low maintenance and low-costing.
They come with certain amenities like gym, swimming pool, roof-top, BBQ area, laundry etc.
They are certainly more secure with emergency exits, smoke alarms, secured ins-and-outs.
These units require low commitment in terms of rental agreements or rules.
These are but few of the standard benefits of living in flats, but you can certainly see the appeal. Separate from the influence of one’s family, these smaller residences are ideal to get acquainted with one’s self and help them create a space that’s exclusively yours. Not to mention that the real estate market in sub-continent is quite expensive and is moving beyond the reach of the purses of the struggling youth with every passing hour.
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