Promised a walk to work project? Check out what these overlook

Vinod Baluja, a prospective buyer, is juggling with project brochures from different developer firms. All these seem to be marketing their newly launched complexes that ensure you can literally ‘walk to work’. While we understand why this concept has gained such unparalleled attention, Magicbricks tried to analyse what exactly is being promised to the buyer.

Magicbricks conducted a poll wherein 46 per cent participants wished to purchase a property that would allow them to walk to work. Yet another 36 per cent felt they wouldn’t mind living in an area that wouldn’t take them more than half an hour. Of the remaining, many felt that walk to work is impractical and they would settle for a convenient public transport.

Raghuvansh Bhandari, owner, Vaastav Realty says, “If an apartment is coming up near a commercial area with a few offices and malls around, the basic understanding is that residents would be able to walk to their work areas, to avoid the hassle of taking out their vehicles, avoid traffic and thus, they should pay for this convenience.”

Why are buyers skeptical when it comes to a walk to work project? Hari Bindasariya of Mithila Real Estate and Consulting says, “There is a premium that such projects command. Over time, there is an increasing chance of excessive commercialisation around the areas. Once the area becomes fully commercial and still has buyers, even the resale properties would be expensive. Ultimately, buyers weigh the pros and cons. Is buying a home close to work beneficial? It may be, but most still prefer driving to work.”

Raj Mathew who works with IBM in Silokhera, Sector 41 says, “I was living on rent in South City 1 and although it is merely a kilometre and a half from my workplace, I had to take a diversion which meant I had to cross Sector 30 before I reached my workspace, an additional 1.5 km because of traffic. How useful does the walk to work project is in this case, considering you have to pay a premium?”

Rupak Guha Roy, a local broker says, “Some developers plan their projects as per the buyers convenience in the true spirit and highlighting the walk to work. They ensure skywalks and walkways which will facilitate walking and these buyers wouldn’t have to face traffic.”

Retired town planner, AK Jain who was Commissioner of Planning, Delhi Master Plan 2021 says, “Residential developments should come closer to job drivers to cut down unnecessary travel and the government should monitor affordability. Plans should be framed in such a way that every prospective buyer is given the choice of owning a house close to his work area and within his budget range.”

What it means is that while development of residential areas depend upon connectivity, we should opt for alternatives that can preserve transport channels rather than exploit it. Therefore, ‘walk to work’ is a strategic concept. The aim should be to encourage this concept but this is possible only if such conveniences do not command a premium.


Sneha is a real estate market research enthusiast and is currently part of the content and research team of Times of India’s property wing- Magicbricks.

Source:http://content.magicbricks.com/industry-news/delhi-ncr-real-estate-news/promised-a-walk-to-work-project-check-out-what-these-overlook/79766.html