Pros and Cons of Living in a Housing Society

Over the last few decades, living in a housing society has become the first priority for people. The reasons are quite obvious as most of the housing societies are well-organized and planned, providing amenities and facilities that cater to the modern lifestyle, and addressing the increasing demand for housing in urban areas. Basically, a housing society is a registered organization, whose main functions are the development of housing for its members and the promotion of housing programs. A successful housing society is formed after planning, development, management, and social aspects of communities.

HOUSING SOCIETY IN PAKISTAN:

Like other countries of the world, the trend of living and investing in a housing society in Pakistan is increasing day by day. The result is housing societies are growing like mushrooms not only in big cities but also in small cities of Pakistan also. The government’s support to the real estate sector and huge incentives to builders and developers and the preferences of the people to live in a peaceful environment with a sense of security amongst all the elements of modern living have boosted the growth of housing society.

IDEAL HOUSING SOCIETY:

Have you ever wondered why certain real states gain more publicity than others? Housing society should possess certain characteristics for which it became more attractive and money friendly. A few qualities of good housing societies tend to be in demand among both buyers and investors. It’s challenging to find the best place to reside. The ideal housing society must possess :

· Underground Electricity

· Security

· Suitable Sewage System

· 150 to 300 feet of street lighting

· Green Belt 35 to 40 feet

· Wide lane Streets

· Parks

· Main Road 10 feet

· Medical Centres and Educational Facilities

· Pools, spas, and exercise facilities.

In order to make an informed decision about whether living in a housing society is a good idea or not, one must go through the pros and cons of living in a housing society. So, let’s discuss them in detail.

PROS OF HOUSING SOCIETY:

Housing societies are often known as Residential Communities or Gated Communities. They are planned developments that offer various benefits and conveniences to its member community. They are designed to provide a sense of community and a range of shared facilities. However, like any other concept, housing societies have their own set of merits and demerits. In this article, we will explore the pros and cons of housing societies, considering various aspects such as community living, amenities, security, management, and potential drawbacks.

1-SENSE OF COMMUNITY HOUSING SOCIETY:

One of the significant advantages of a housing society is the sense of community, which it brings up very effectively. Members have the opportunity to interact with their neighbors, participate in social events, and build long-lasting relationships. This creates a supportive and friendly environment, enhancing the overall quality of life. Living close to your neighbours allows you more social engagement, which strengthens your sense of community and provides support.

2- AMENITIES AND FACILITIES:

Housing societies frequently offer a variety of shared amenities. These may include parks, swimming pools, gyms, sports facilities, children’s play areas, and community centres. These amenities support their resident, overall well-being by encouraging a better lifestyle and offering recreational opportunities. Such amenities provide convenience, entertainment, and recreational opportunities for community members.

3-MAINTENANCE AND INFRASTRUCTURE:

Additionally, the Housing Society is also responsible for house maintenance. Housing Society uses Modern-day technology, which helps in the modification of housing society. Housing societies typically have dedicated maintenance staff and management committees, responsible for the outlay of the common areas, landscaping, and infrastructure. It maintains that society will always be aesthetically beautiful, clean, and well-maintained. Housing societies often attract investment and attention from local authorities and developers, leading to improved infrastructure in the area. This includes better roads, street lighting, water supply, sewage systems, and public transportation options, benefiting both members and the surrounding locality.

4-UTILITIES AND SERVICES:

Members of housing societies often benefit from shared utilities such as water supply, electricity, security fees, utility bills, and waste management services. These services are typically managed by society, ensuring reliability and efficient management. This distribution of expenses often reduces individual financial burden compared to living in own private properties.

5-ENHANCED PROPERTY VALUE:

Well-maintained housing societies with good amenities tend to have higher property values compared to private property. This can be advantageous for homeowners looking to sell their property or secure loans against their homes. Investing in such housing societies is a secure and reliable choice. By making a relatively small investment, you can get a lot of benefits and profits. Additionally, you can still profit from the benefits by renting out your house to any tenant and earning a consistent income even if you do not live in the society.

6-OPPORTUNITIES FOR ACTIVE PARTICIPATION:

Housing societies often provide platforms for people, where they can actively participate in decision-making processes through resident associations or management committees. This makes a sense of ownership and empowerment among residents. Furthermore, living in a housing society can give members, a strong sense of belonging and identity. They become part of a larger community with shared values and interests.

7-CONVINIENCE AND ACCESIBILITY:

It is a fact that parents want their children to attend the best education with ease. This problem is also solved by the housing society. Housing societies frequently provide important facilities including schools, hospitals, shopping malls, and transportation hubs. This ensures simple access to essential services and saves their time and effort when traveling or using basic facilities.

CONS OF HOUSING SOCIETY:

We all know that everything has its own merits and demerits. It is all up to you how you get benefit from it. Let us talk about some of its disadvantages.

1-MEMBERSHIP FEES:

Housing societies typically require residents to pay monthly or annual association fees to cover maintenance and management expenses which include parking and service fees, regular electricity rates, water charges, and so on. These fees can vary significantly and may sometimes become a financial burden for people, especially if mismanaged or misused. Before you purchase an apartment, you should know the precise maintenance charge calculations to avoid this issue. Before you sign the contract, be sure you understand exactly which thing is covered by the maintenance charge.

2-RESTRICTED INDEPENDENCE:

Living in a housing society may come with certain rules and regulations that limit personal freedoms. These could include restrictions on noise levels, pet ownership, and alterations to the property modification to maintain uniformity and architectural integrity. There are even limitations on parking spaces. This can limit members’ ability to personalize their living spaces according to their preferences or needs.

3-LACK OF PRIVACY:

In the housing community, daily life is not always easy. Apartments can occasionally get too disturbing with kids running up the stairs, bachelor parties, and loud music at late night. Neighbors who are not cooperative, fight with security guards in this condition. In housing societies, living close to neighbors can result in reduced privacy. Noise from adjoining properties shared walls, and common areas can sometimes compromise an individual’s life. It can be sometimes challenging for individuals seeking privacy. Living in a community can sometimes lead to interpersonal conflicts or disputes between residents. People have different lifestyle choices, which requires conflict resolution mechanisms to address and resolve such issues.

4-POTENTIAL FOR CONFLICT:

Living close to others can increase the likelihood of conflicts or disputes with neighbors. Differences in opinions, lifestyle choices, or conflicts over shared resources can lead to tension within the community. Community members may have limited autonomy in decision-making processes within the housing society. Management committees or resident associations make decisions on behalf of the community, which may not always align with individual preferences or priorities.

5-MANAGEMENT AND ACCOUNTABILITY:

The efficient management of housing societies is crucial for their success. However, poor management or lack of accountability can lead to mismanagement of funds, delays in repairs and maintenance, and inadequate provision of services. This may be a great downfall in a housing society.

6- DEPENDENCY ON MANAGEMENT:

Housing societies often rely on the efficiency and effectiveness of management committees or third-party property management companies. If the management is inefficient or lacks transparency, it can lead to delays in addressing issues or concerns raised by community members. In some housing societies, certain groups or cliques may form, leading to differences and a lack of inclusiveness. This can result in social divisions and isolation for some members.

7-RISK OF CONFORMITY:

Living in a housing society may sometimes lead to a conformity mindset, where people may feel pressured to conform to certain societal norms or expectations. This can limit individuality and expression. Housing societies often have a set of rules and regulations that people must adhere to. While these rules aim to maintain order and harmony, some individuals may find them restrictive or intrusive, particularly if they have different lifestyles or preferences.

8-Possibility of Disputes:

Disagreements between residents, management committees, or neighboring societies can lead to legal disputes or prolonged conflicts. Resolving these disputes can be time-consuming, costly, and emotionally draining for all parties involved. Other neighbours may become frustrated by all of this, especially if they continue to receive no response despite repeated complaints. The housing society rules should be highlighted on the notice board by the Secretary. Their community has the power to punish, admonish, or even evict the person who breaks the rule.

CONCLUSION:

Housing societies offer numerous benefits such as a sense of community, shared amenities, security, and improved property values. It’s important to note that the pros and cons mentioned above are general observations and may vary from one housing society to another. Additionally, individual preferences and circumstances play a significant role in determining whether living in a housing society is suitable or not. It’s always advisable to consult with the managing committee or seek legal advice to ensure a smooth and lawful conclusion for the housing society.