The Oxford of the East, Pune is the place to go for young people. So, whether it’s for study, research, or work, it makes sense that you’re moving here. But when it comes to finding a good place to stay, Pune might make you face the problem of plenty. Since there’s a huge number of young migrants coming into the city every year, you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to accommodation options.
From a hostel in Kharadi to a flat in Viman Nagar, the options are truly endless. So, how can you ensure you find the housing choice that’s value-for-money and the best for you? We’ve got you covered. Our five easy steps will help you make a foolproof decision. Let’s dive in.
Start early
The early bird gets the best housing. In a city as fast-paced as Pune, listings for flats and PGs can come on and off the market with every hour. That’s why it’s important to get a headstart on your apartment search at least a month or two in advance. You’ll have a good amount of time to search through properties based on location, amenities, size etc. before you fix on a particular one.
Starting early also ensures that you have enough time to find backups in case your first choice falls through. So, don’t procrastinate on this one.
Think twice before opting for a broker
If you’re new to Pune, you might think a broker will be your best guide to finding good accommodation. But that’s not always the case. If you don’t have a clear idea of what you want, you could end up paying thousands in brokerage for a residence you don’t even like. That’s why we recommend doing a few initial searches yourself first.
Shortlist a few properties that you like and go and check them out yourself. If you’re able to negotiate a good deal with the owner, there’s nothing like it. If you’ve seen a few places but you’re unsure of how to get a lower rent, you could approach a broker to help you seal the deal. This way you’ve saved yourself from getting swindled out of your savings and landed the flat or PG that you really wanted.
Visit the property before you sign anything
Virtual tours are well and good for getting the vibe of your future home, but they’re not enough to make a commitment on. Because there’s a lot you can get to know about a hostel or PG only when you see it for yourself. If there are any issues with peeling paint, dampness on the walls or rotting floorboards, you want to know about this before you sign a rent agreement.
So, make sure you visit the property and check for these potential problems. Remember that you can negotiate with your landlord about whose responsibility it is to make repairs to the hostel room or flat and insist on a fresh coat of paint and thorough cleaning before you move in.
Check the building norms
Sometimes you might really like the flat or hostel room that’s listed, but there are additional conditions that the building or society imposes on residents. It’s important to have all the facts in place before you decide to go with a particular place. The building rules may be as simple as an interview with the managing committee, or even a blanket ban on pets (which could be a negative if you’ve got some furry friends). Make sure you’re checking out all these additional factors with your landlord or warden before you move in.
Go with your gut
It’s important to trust your instincts when it comes to choosing a property and landlord. If you feel at home just entering a PG in Pune, it’s probably going to be a good bet for you. If you get some strange vibes from an apartment landlord, it’s better to give their flat a miss. Choosing a place that you instinctively gel with will help you feel more comfortable and settle down quicker than if you’re uneasy about the hygiene or quality of a place.
With these five easy steps, you’re equipped to make smart decisions about your accommodation in Pune. Make sure you vet all your housing options well before you sign any rental agreements. There’s definitely a place in Pune that’s perfect for you.