“There is no alternative to an independent house. It offers privacy, exclusivity, and locational advantage,” Mr. Arora firmly expressed his opinion.
“It was earlier. But today, a villa in a community means higher quality of life with modern amenities, hassle-free repair and maintenance, and ironclad security,” his son politely disagreed.
There are subtle differences between an independent house and a villa.
In this article, we will discuss the difference between the two so that you can make a proper decision.
There are advantages and disadvantages of both, and you must consider your lifestyle before deciding.
Let’s dive in to examine the pros and cons.
Location and Community
Villas are built in a gated community, and they are usually constructed in niche and exclusive areas.
It is commonly built in suburban areas, vacation destinations, and high-end residential zones, and it aims to provide a secure and exclusive living environment by restricting access to outsiders.
This also means a richer, more lively community life shared with people who have similar interests.
An autonomous house, on the other hand, is located at the owner’s discretion and on available land. An independent house can be located anywhere, from cities and towns to villages and the countryside.
An independent residence undoubtedly provides more options in terms of location.
Ownership, Land Use, Customization, and Expansion
The owner of an independent house has complete discretion over the design, alterations, expansions, and land usage because he or she owns both the house and the land outright.
Whether it’s reselling the land, building more levels, or redeveloping the property, the owner can pick what to do based on personal preferences. Not only that, but the entire house can be rebuilt or remodeled to suit individual preferences and budgets.
A villa owner’s property is often limited to the built-up structure and a tiny private garden outside. The design and architecture also follow a standard pattern.
The owner does not have complete control over the land on which the villa is built, as it is shared or leased as part of the community.
No significant customization is possible for villas. Even if interior modifications are possible, structural and exterior changes require approval from the community management.
Amenities
A villa differs significantly from an independent house in terms of the number of amenities accessible. Swimming pools, outdoor sports arenas, gyms, children’s play spaces, jogging tracks, landscaped gardens, residents’ clubs, and other facilities may be included.
You won’t find such amenities in an independent house.
In the absence of shared amenities, the owner of an independent house has to arrange for gardens, pools, and security privately.
Upkeep and Maintenance
In the case of independent homes, the owner has full responsibility for all maintenance and upkeep, including infrastructure upkeep, cleaning, security, plumbing, and electrical services.
On the other hand, the community management is in charge of a villa’s upkeep and associated services. This covers maintenance of the infrastructure, landscaping, security, and rubbish collection, among other things.
Instead of taking on the maintenance themselves, the owners only need to pay a monthly or yearly maintenance charge for the pre-built amenities, which include parks, clubhouses, swimming pools, gyms, and play spaces.
Security Arrangements
In the event of an independent home, the owner bears the entire responsibility for maintaining the house’s security. He must set up things like CCTV cameras, security personnel, and restricted access.
An independent house is more vulnerable to a security breach than a villa because villas are located inside a gated community with smart surveillance facilities. Community-based security ensures a safer environment for residents.
Lifestyle and Luxury
Between an independent house and a villa, there is another major difference.
It is the divergence in lifestyle between the two.
Villas come with metalled sidewalks and manicured hedges, landscaped greenery, and places for a quiet time out or a space for social interaction.
In a gated community, you can enjoy a leisurely walk with your dog without getting pestered by honking cars.
An independent house does not have such facilities.
Additionally, the luxury quotient in a villa is generally high.
Developers typically arrange for all the latest luxury facilities to provide an opulent life.
Community and Neighbours
As villas are constructed within gated communities, there is a populace of like-minded people.
Various opportunities for networking and joining a distinguished social circle are made possible by the common facilities and neighborhood gatherings.
Conversely, this cannot be said in the case of an independent residence.
Cost and Investment
The cost of purchasing an independent home can be higher upfront and is influenced by several variables, including location, land value, building materials, and construction methods.
However, because of the land’s potential for appreciation, it ends up being more economical in the long term. For this reason, an autonomous home has a better resale value.
On the contrary, because of the shared amenities, security, and upscale features, villas might be costly to buy in the long term. Land value, building expenses, and extra community amenities are all included in this pricing.
Loans and Financing
A composite loan, which implies separate financing for land purchase and construction expenditures, is necessary to finance the construction of an independent home. This adds complexity and time to the approval process.
Moreover, banks generally fund only 70–75% of the construction costs and might not finance the land value fully or at all, warranting a higher down payment.
Villas typically have tie-ups with banks or other financial organizations, which facilitates the loan approval procedure. Owners can finance up to 80–90% of the property value with a standard home loan.
The Final Word
Both the independent house and villa have their pros and cons.
You need to understand their difference and your preferences, making a decision will be easier.
For example, if the location is of utmost importance to you above everything else, then an independent house is your preferred option. Making an informed choice would involve carefully weighing the pros and cons with respect to three factors, viz. budget, lifestyle choice, and future plans, and deciding which one better fits your requirements.
