Here is an interesting fact about the Indian property market: While most people have heard of builder floors, very few know what they are. In general parlance, some brokers toss it around with enthusiasm, while buyers do so with some amount of bewilderment.
So, if you’ve been wondering, “What is a builder floor apartment—and how is it any different from the regular flats everyone talks about?”- this blog is here to set things straight.
We shall explain the meaning of builder floor very lucidly, then take you through the common characteristics of independent builder floor properties, and evaluate the real advantages of owning a builder floor against its disadvantages.
Most importantly, we shall discuss a question that many have: builder floor versus apartment, which makes more sense today?
Table of Contents
Builder Floor Meaning: What is Builder Floor Apartment in India?
A builder floor can be labelled as a single housing unit per floor of a low-rise apartment project. Builder floors are usually constructed by local builders or developers and typically have between 2 and 4 floors. Builder floors are constructed for people to have a private and exclusive feeling, similar to that of an independent house, wherein each occupant can enjoy independence without any shared space.
In simpler words, a builder floor means an entire floor having its independent housing unit in a low-rise building. In high-rise apartments, multiple flats share the same corridor, whereas a builder floor offers an entire floor to one family alone so that it gives the feel of an independent house but is affordable in value.
Independent builder floor is wherein the owner enjoys the whole floor independently, much like an independent house, but in a building with only a limited number of such owners.
Independent Builder Floor Meaning and Key Characteristics
A buyer can make an informed choice if they know the basic features of a builder’s floor. The primary characteristics are:
Limited Number of Floors: These buildings are generally limited to two to four floors.
Single Unit Per Floor: Each floor is an independent residential unit.
Private Entrance: Most builder floors will have a separate entrance for each unit.
Independent Rights: Owners generally have an undivided share in the land along with floor ownership.
Lower Maintenance: Unlike in gated societies, builder floors are more economical in terms of lower maintenance.
Freedom to Refurbish the Home Internally: Buyers have flexibility in home interiors and finishes.
Parking Facility: Most builder floors do have stilt or dedicated parking.
Top Advantages of Builder Floor Living in India
One of the important reasons for the growing demand for builder floors within India is that they offer various benefits. Some of the most important advantages of builder floor apartments are:
Greater Privacy
Since there is only one family on each floor, the residents have more privacy when compared to high-rise apartments, wherein multiple families generally share common facilities on each floor.
Independent Yet Affordable Living
Builder floors offer a blend of independent living at a low price relative to bungalows or villas.
Lower Density
Fewer residents mean less congestion and much less noise, which adds to the comfort of living.
Better Customization Options
Most buyers can design or customize the interiors, especially in under-construction projects.
Low Maintenance Costs
Maintenance is minimal without any shared amenities of gated communities.
Better Appreciation of Land
Builder floors tend to appreciate well in value over a time horizon in good locations, as the land component is shared among a few units only.
Disadvantages of a Builder Floor
While there are many advantages to builder floor apartments, one has to weigh the disadvantages before making any concrete decisions regarding purchase.
Limited Amenities
Unlike new-age gated communities, there may not be any common amenities in builder floors like clubhouses, gyms, swimming pools, or landscaped gardens.
Security Concerns
Most of the builder floors are vulnerable to theft or unauthorized access because they lack a full-fledged security system or guards.
Higher Maintenance Responsibility
The entire floor maintenance is the responsibility of the residents, together with the maintenance of the common areas, which becomes a burden.
Parking Constraints
Apart from some projects that may offer stilt parking, the space can be quite limited, especially in older builder floors.
Disputes Among Owners
Since the building houses very few owners, differences arising out of repairs or maintenance issues occur.
Financing Limitations
In some cases, banks or financial institutions may hesitate in sanctioning a home loan against builder floors, especially if legal documents have not been completed in every way.
Builder Floor vs Apartment: Key Differences
A common question among many home buyers would be: builder floor or apartment, which is better? Here is a proper insight into the comparison to ease the decision-making process further:
| Aspect | Builder Floor | Apartment |
|---|---|---|
| Ownership | Independent floor ownership with land share | Ownership of a unit within a high-rise building |
| Privacy | High, as each floor is independent | Moderate to low, depending on the building’s density |
| Maintenance Costs | Lower but self-managed | Higher, typically managed by the Resident Welfare Association (RWA) |
| Amenities | Minimal or none | A wide range of amenities in most modern projects |
| Security | Basic or owner-dependent | Generally equipped with security personnel and CCTV |
| Resale Value | Generally good, especially in prime areas | Stable, depending on location and society’s reputation |
| Customization | High customization possible | Limited customization, mostly in interiors |
| Community Living | Low, fewer residents | Highly active community living |
Builder Floor in Gurgaon: A Growing Trend
Among various locations in India, builder floors in Gurgaon have gained immense traction in recent years. Given Gurgaon’s expanding corporate hubs and well-developed infrastructure, many homebuyers are shifting their focus toward builder floors for the following reasons:
- Strategic Location: Builder floors are widely available in sectors like Sectors 57, 46, and 51, known for their proximity to commercial zones and arterial roads.
- High Rental Yield: The strong influx of working professionals makes such properties attractive for rental income.
- Appreciation Potential: Gurgaon’s consistent infrastructure development ensures steady property appreciation.
Highly demanded areas where builder floors are available in Gurgaon are South City, Nirvana Country, Sushant Lok and DLF Phase areas.
Is a Builder Floor Right for You?
Builder floor apartments suit an individual based on several core personal factors:
Preferred Lifestyle: Perfect for an individual or a family preferring private, independent living with fewer neighbours.
Investment Purpose: Ideally made for an investor looking for long-term capital appreciation with ownership of land.
Security & Amenities Needs: If you prioritize quality amenities of life and high-end security, a gated apartment community is a better option.
Budget: Like apartments or villas, builder residences usually cost an amount that is mid between the two, making them attractive to the general public.
Conclusion: Should You Choose a Builder Floor Over an Apartment?
Ultimately, the very definition of a builder floor means a concrete step towards making an informed real estate investment. These properties constitute an interesting combination of space, privacy, and affordability, which suits homebuyers who prefer more independence to fewer shared amenities present in apartments. However, it has become obligatory to arrive at a reasonable computation when comparing the benefits of living in a builder-floor space to the disadvantages associated with builder-floor apartments.
An independent builder floor may also serve as a rest house or an asset to appreciate with time. Primarily, emerging towns such as Gurgaon can consider this option. Just make sure the paperwork is correct, the builder is credible, and the prospective buyer has considered the lifestyle requirements.
Comments are closed