Things to consider when investing in a residential project with clubhouse

For modern homebuyers, property purchases are driven by a growing desire to fulfil financial and aspirational goals. Evolving lifestyle preferences make gated communities with amenities such as a clubhouse a popular choice among home seekers. From a luxury facility to a necessity, the concept of a clubhouse in residential real estate projects has shifted gradually over the years. This can be attributed to the changing lifestyle of people. In this guide, we delve into the many advantages a clubhouse offers and the things new homebuyers should consider when investing in a project with a clubhouse facility.

What is a clubhouse in a residential project?

A clubhouse in a housing society or an apartment complex often comes with several amenities and provides a shared space where residents can engage in numerous activities. It often comes with amenities such as:

• Fitness and recreational spaces: Gymnasium, health club, indoor games facilities like table tennis and billiards and children’s play area are popular amenities developers offer in their projects. 
• Outdoor features: Most housing project clubhouses come with outdoor facilities such as swimming pools, splash pools for kids and pool decks, jogging tracks, etc., allowing families to spend time in outdoor activities.
• Relaxation and wellness facilities: Facilities for relaxation and recreation are provided in some projects. These may include yoga and meditation zones, salon and spa facilities with steam rooms and saunas. 
• Leisure and social amenities: Nowadays, developers focus on promoting comfort and social interaction for residents by providing plush lounges, café-style spaces, libraries, party halls, etc. 
• Premium facilities: Some luxury housing projects also offer premium facilities such as co-working space and multipurpose rooms for classes, workshops, etc.

How is a clubhouse beneficial for homebuyers?

• Encourages a healthy lifestyle: Easy access to fitness centres and sports facilities in a gated community allows residents to lead an active lifestyle and maintain health. Wellness facilities promote a stress-free lifestyle. 
• Ensures convenience: Having such lifestyle and recreational amenities close to one’s home reduces time and money for residents. Clubhouses provide an all-weather, secure space for leisure activities, making them best suited for families, children, and senior citizens.  
• Promotes a children-and-elderly friendly environment: The major reason why more homebuyers prefer clubhouse facilities is the safety aspect. Moreover, shared spaces and areas for organising parties, workshops, classes, etc. help strengthen a sense of community. 
• Increases property’s resale value: Owing a house in a gated housing project that is equipped with a clubhouse straight away boosts the property’s resale or rental value potential. It also speeds up the resale process as it attracts genuine home seekers. 
• Enhances quality of life: Access to premium amenities such as swimming pool, gymnasium, spa, party halls, etc., within a gated society allows residents to maintain a quality lifestyle and work-life balance.

Things to check when investing in a project with clubhouse

Range of facilities

Most residential projects nowadays, come with a wide range of facilities so that everyone has something to look forward to when buying a house. When investing in a project with a clubhouse, buyers should check what are included in it. It is also crucial to verify if the clubhouse is operational and the facilities are functional. Merely going by what the brochure says may not be a good idea. It is better to ask the developer key questions about the clubhouse.

Personal needs

Before buying a house in a gated community, potential buyers need to assess their family’s needs and ensure the clubhouse provides facilities catering to them. Seek family-friendly features such as children’s play area, yoga rooms or senior-friendly areas, wellness spaces, etc. One must carefully choose between essential facilities and those that may not add significant value to one’s lifestyle.

Developer’s track record

Researching the builder’s track record when buying a property is necessary to ensure the investment is secure and prevent potential hassles or disputes later. It can be done by viewing online reviews about the developer, approaching other buyers who have invested in the project and visiting the completed projects. Prospective buyers must look for the past projects developed by the builder to ascertain if clubhouse facilities were delivered on time and whether there were any major issues faced by residents.

Membership and access 

At the time of house purchase, buyers must check the rules of access to the clubhouse, whether it is meant only for the residents. They can find out if guests will be allowed access and if any charges are applicable. Moreover, some societies may levy additional charges on some amenities. It is better to confirm such charges and check what may be included in the maintenance fee. To avoid any inconvenience, checking the timings and booking policies for facilities such as sports courts, swimming pools, banquet halls, etc. is recommended.

Upkeep and maintenance costs

When investing in a project with clubhouse, buyers should get clarity on the monthly or annual maintenance charges to be paid. This should be done at the time of calculating one’s budget for home purchase, to avoid any challenges later. One must check how the costs will be shared among residents and ask for a possible hike over time. Buyers can also check if the society will have a facility management team to look after the clubhouse facilities, equipment and security.

Safety and security

Most developers install advanced security systems, including 24/7 security and CCTV surveillance, to ensure the safety of their residents. Some features to look for include proper supervision in children’s play area and swimming pools and controlled access to society to avoid unauthorised entry. 

Housing.com News Viewpoint

The trend of gated community projects offering a resort-like experience for homebuyers is increasingly growing in top cities. A clubhouse promises to fulfil this lifestyle demand while also increasing the property’s value for the buyer. However, proper research and evaluation based on factors such as personal needs, maintenance charges and accessibility can help buyers make a well-informed decision.

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