For many NRIs, buying a home in Kerala represents far more than the opportunity to purchase real estate – it is a way to create a homecoming destination for holidays, a comfortable retirement nest for parents and the possibility to settle into a lifestyle when abroad work is no longer a priority. The Indian city of Calicut, also known as Kozhikode, is currently seeing increased interest from Malayalis living overseas who are considering investing in a property in order to maintain a connection to their home state.
An Established Comfort with Added Modernity
Calicut offers familiar comfort with new horizons. For returning NRIs, the prospect of living in a city that boasts well-established educational, healthcare, shopping and culinary infrastructure is highly appealing, as well as the availability of day-to-day services and amenities.
Apartments Provide Added Security Features and Simpler Maintenance
The responsibility of an independent house can be overwhelming to many overseas buyers, who would struggle with upkeep, security and general maintenance when away from their primary residence.
This is why many buyers from abroad are showing greater interest for apartments – many of the newer residential projects offer a range of security features and a maintenance charge covers the cost of upkeep, which is handled by a professional team and not by the owner.
For those only visiting Calicut a couple of times a year, maintenance can become a complicated task. It is best for overseas buyers to ask specific questions on what services are covered by the maintenance fee and how the management company can handle any repairs when the owner is away.
Close Proximity to Airports
The Calicut International Airport has become crucial in facilitating greater connectivity between Kerala and the Gulf states. For NRIs, who often like to keep close links with their families in India, accessibility and ease of airport transfer are important considerations when buying a home.
As with any other investment, the location is paramount and buyers are advised to research transport links to and from the regional airport.
Builders in Calicut Offer Wide Range of Options To Suit Different Budgets and Household Sizes
While some overseas Malayalis look to buy a smaller flat for their parents, others still intend to make Calicut their primary residence once their career abroad allows them to do so. The real estate sector in Kozhikode has an abundance of residential properties, spanning a range of budgets and household sizes.
When comparing flats in Calicut it is essential for buyers to take a realistic view of the local housing market and what they can afford within their allocated budget. Carpet area, build quality, proximity to transport links and other key facilities should always be taken into account, as well as the reputation of the builder and the completion status of the project. Current residents of completed projects can often provide invaluable insight.
Settle Into a Lifestyle That Goes Beyond Overseeing an Overseas Assignment
The working life of an NRI can often be a dual one, juggling professional commitments with caring for elderly parents – or considering their own retirement plans. A home in Calicut can serve as the perfect solution for creating a retirement haven or acting as the base for family members who wish to move to Kerala but cannot afford to buy a home outright.
The commercial and technology boom in Calicut means that there are job opportunities for some specialists in select industries upon returning to India.
Before making any large financial commitment, buyers are advised to conduct due diligence into the standard of living in different areas of Calicut, as well as the credibility of any given builders in Calicut. Registration with K-RERA and other local authority approvals should always be verified by NRIs considering purchasing a property in Kerala.
For many NRIs, Calicut represents the ultimate opportunity to balance familial commitment with a practical approach to future financial security. The right investment can provide the ideal nest for returning migrants while also offering potentially rewarding financial benefits.