Home sweet home across the Yamuna

Once upon a time, there was a trans-yamuna area which was looked down upon by true blue Delhiites. Anyone who mentioned that they were living across the river was given a look of pity. But now over the years, the story has changed to one of a happy ending.

Over the last seven years, as the trans-Yamuna area developed in a big way, a very large number of mainly middle class people working in the capital have made the once down market place their home.

Once seen as a pariah in the Delhi real estate market, the very same place is now giving several areas of the capital a run for their money. So much so that Ansals are opening another shopping plaza here like the Shoppers Stop.

However, one area in the trans-Yamuna area that has still not got its due is Dilshad garden. This huge DDA residential colony is an ideal place for those who wants good accommodation at a reasonable price.

Full of greenery and virtually free of pollution, Dilshad garden has more than five thousand DDA flats of different categories. It is well suited for lower and middle class people who want to buy a house of their own but are on a tight budget. Prices of flats in Dilshad Garden are cheaper than similar flats in other parts of the capital.

Here, an MIG flat on the top floor is available between Rs800,000-900,000. The same flat would be available for not less than Rs1.7 million-2 million in south and west Delhi. Prices for ground to second floor are Rs200,000-300,000 more than for the top floor. Moreover, it is a safe place to live in.

The major reason for this being that educated, and professional people live here which keeps the crime graph low. So one has the advantage of having neighbours who are educated and non-interfering and good to socialise with when you want to.

Though everywhere else the real estate market is witnessing depressing times, Dilshad Garden is an exception. Real estate agents here still get a lot of queries from serious customers.

The 140-square yard HIG flats in Dilshad Garden cost just Rs1.7 million. These big and prestigious flats are available on the ground and first floors. It goes without saying that such a commodious flat can't be purchased for less than Rs 2.2-2.5 million in other parts of the city. The second and third floors of these buildings house the LIG flats.

While all over Delhi the thought of LIG flats makes people shudder at the thought of small dingy houses, the LIG flats here are almost as big as MIG flats found all over the Capital. And the best part is that they cost just Rs800,000.

Then there are the Janta Flats in GTB Enclave which is near Dilshad Garden. This is an ideal place for young couples who want to buy a house sooner than later.

These flats cost between Rs300,000-800,000. However, prices of the single storied Janta Flats are on the higher side. As many of the original allottes have converted their flats into freehold those who wants to purchase these flats can also get loans on easy terms from banks and home loans institutions.

So next time round you are in the country and want to buy a house for yourself or for your loved ones at home try to look up Dilshad garden. Who knows you might just find a bargain here.

R. Dyes is a journalist based in New Delhi.