Where do expats love to live in Delhi?

Delhi being a business, educational and political capital, you wouldn’t be too surprised to see an expat or a foreign national on tour or research. HSBC’s Expat Explorer Survey 2013, indicates that multinational companies eager to expand their operations are identifying economically viable grounds beyond their headquarters. Consequently, the expat population in India is increasing. Almost 73 per cent of this expat population has indicated that the country is improving as a place for expats to live and work.

Looking for a house on rent? Click to know your options!

There are many factors that determine a foreign national zeroing on a place. Much deeper than the business factor is a person’s willingness to live in a conducive environment – safety, hangouts, finance, economy and avenues for small business opportunities. For example, 51 per cent of expats report spending less on housing in India than they did previously!

Magicbricks attempted to explore the areas in Delhi that are popular among expats for rental accommodations. The popular places by and large remain concentrated in South Delhi and Gurgaon. Closer to North Campus and the university area, there are hotspots like Hudson Lane, Mukherjee Nagar and Kamla Nagar adjacent to Roop Nagar. However, even those studying in any of the colleges herein prefer to travel to South Delhi where the expat population is concentrated.

The quieter, greener and more organised residential areas of Gulmohar Park, Panchsheel, Hauz Khas,  Defence Colony, Green Park, Greater Kailash, Vasant Kunj, Safdarjung Enclave, Panchsheel Park and Gulmohar Park are considered safer and upmarket.

Depending on the budget and the amenities, the locations are many – Jor Bagh with a large expat population and a main market gets you like minded company and imported products. Vasant Vihar, by and large where most of the embassies and work areas are located, is also preferred. South Extension for an upmarket feel, accessibility to reputed medical facilities, dine-outs at multi-cuisine restaurants and branded stores is also a choicest pick. Golf Links for its fortified homes and safety is popular among diplomats. South Delhi seems to be the hottest destination for its good transport and connectivity to Noida, Gurgaon and Connaught Place.

Sunil Bam, realtor at South Delhi Associates talks of his experience as he deals regularly with expatriate population. “Cleanliness is one of the main factors that expats demand in India. On the whole, quieter locations are preferred and female expats are insistent that they have a well guarded neighbourhood as safety is a big concern. Men are usually carefree to an extent.”

Other than minor grievances, most expats find living in Delhi comfortable. The houses they pick are usually in the range of Rs 20,000 to even Rs 4 lakh monthly. Among interns and college students sharing a flat is a popular practice while, the working lot prefer high-end flats in Gurgaon or South Delhi at a starting value of Rs 80,000 per month. Among those looking for modestly priced short term accommodations, Paharganj, close to New Delhi railway station, is known for affordable rooms on rent.

For Madeline Max who worked with an expat management company in Delhi, the metro rail has been a great boon. “I have been to Delhi even before the metro was announced, but now the scenario is good because of the metro connectivity. There is much less dependency on people and safety is a given,” says Max, who is happy that despite language problems, she is able to manage her stay in Delhi.

On a discussion forum that focuses on expat concerns and experiences, most expats found Gurgaon and Noida as favourable areas, due to proximity to high-tech offices and shopping malls. For female students, paying guest accommodations is also an option.

If you are an expat on a house hunt, try Magicbricks to check out the best options across the city!

Source:http://content.magicbricks.com/industry-news/delhi-ncr-real-estate-news/where-do-expats-love-to-live-in-delhi/76958.html