What is Service Apartment?

A service apartment is a type of furnished, self-contained apartment designed for short-term stays, which provides amenities for daily use.

This is a new concept in India but the western countries have already welcomed it. Five Star Hotels brought this style to clients who would stay for a long period. They realised in the beginning clients loved the luxurious service but after a month they longed for their home. Thus a serviced apartment would offer most of the aspects of your home. Making you feel at ease, as though you were at home.

Many corporates who travel to other states or countries find it difficult to adjust to the new culture and setting. For sometime the hotel service is welcome but later you long to dwell your own style.

Reason why service apartments were brought into being. You cook and eat and live the style you want. You are even provided with a maid/manservant who will get you groceries or any other requirement. Making it just the way it would be at home.

Nowadays Indian immigrants coming to India to settle opt for this type of apartments. As they hunt for a new house they accommodate themselves in comfort in a service apartment. So they do not have to compromise on their lifestyle or go through the hassles of shifting in a rented home with zilch amenities then shifting out.

The service apartment is made to look and feel exactly like a home. Every room is furnished with a television & music set, microwave and other electronic goods. Moreover some hotels also provide you with magazine and shoe racks. Cleaning is done everyday. However a senior hotel manager mostly accompanies the cleaning staff so that they are never alone in the room.

The tariff charge depends on how long is the stay. It is less expensive if the person has a prolonged stay. It can be bargained if the stay is for a month or even more for a year. A service apartment generally provides you with an AC furnished flat, equipped kitchen, TV, fridge, washing machine, landline, internet, power back-up, fire safety & security and some even provide you with a locker. However before booking the apartment always make sure what is inclusive and what is exclusive. For instance who will pay the electricity, maintenance. Hence make sure what are you paying for.

By Priti Shah

How to buy a flat? – Introduction

For most people, buying a flat is one of the biggest buys they make in their life. It involves a huge amount of money. When you put in so much money, you want to be sure that you are making the right decisions and not doing anything wrong. That is exactly what this article will help you with.

The actual process of buying a flat is not very complicated. Even if you do not understand it, your seller will be more than happy to explain each and every thing to you. The difficult part is, knowing that you are not being "fooled" or "conned" by someone. This guide will give you all the possible tips and tricks you should keep in mind so that you can make your decision wisely. We hope you find it helpful.

Choosing the location of your flat, you must consider these questions:

· Is there a “daily market” from which you can buy fruits and vegetables near-by?

· Is there a doctor’s clinic or hospital nearby?

· If you and your family relies on public transport, is there a buss stop, railway station etc. close-by?

· If you have small children, is there a playground, park, garden etc. close-by?

· What about post offices, banks etc.?

· Does the area have proper drainage, sewage and water supply?

· Is there a regular system for garbage disposal in your area?

· What about schools, collages, offices? How far are they from the location?

· What will the daily transport cost be?

· What is the pollution and noise situation in the area?

· How is the neighborhood? Is it a safe place to raise children?

By Chetna Desai