Bangalore Accommodation

What are the top factors to keep in mind when searching for a place to live in your city?
Keep in mind the driving distance and the commute time from the work place and children's school.
Distance is not the only criteria while considering this but the traffic conditions are! You should also assess what your requirements are. How much space do you require? Do you want to be in the city center or suburbs? Do you prefer a single-family home, gated villa or apartment?

Diligence needs to be exercised in making sure that the proposed housing is sufficient in terms of electricity, water supply and phone connections. Make sure there are facilities for groceries, vegetables, meats and medicines close by. It might sometimes be difficult to find the material comforts that expatriates are generally used to, though you have a variety of domestic help, such as a cook, maid, driver, gardener, nanny, etc., available at a very reasonable cost.
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What are the most popular neighborhoods in your city for expats?
Real estate in Bangalore offers you a wide selection of accommodation, including gated communities with villas, free-standing houses/bungalows and beautiful furnished and unfurnished high-rise apartment complexes that are available close to business and schools.

The most preferred expatriate areas are at Indiranagar, Defence Colony, Koramangala, off M.G. Road, Whitefield and Sadashiv Nagar, largely due to the spacious size of the houses and plots of land and close proximity to the commercial districts of the city. These areas are located near shopping areas, hospitals and movie theaters.
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Do expats tend to buy or rent their homes?
Expatriates generally rent their homes in India
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Typically, will I be required to pay additional money up front (such as a deposit) before moving into leased housing? If so, how much is common?
The real estate norm in the city is generally to pay 10 months' rent as a security deposit. The monthly rents are to be paid by a specific date each month. In some cases, up-front rental for a year is also paid. Maintenance, electricity, water bills and utilities are paid separately.
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Are utilities generally included in the price of rent, or are they extra?
Generally, utilities are a separate cost and usually paid to individual service providers.
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Are there special security concerns I should be aware of in regards to my home or choice of neighborhood?
If a family is considering living in an independent house, it would be advisable to arrange for a security guard (for day and night) from one of the reputable local companies.
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I’m not sure if I should bring my appliances. What is the electric current, Hz and plug shape in your city?
The electric current for India is 220 volts. The electrical Hertz (Hz) is 50 hertz of power. Wall sockets are of the three round-pin variety. UK, US and Australian plugs require adaptors, while continental European round-pin plugs fit the sockets. Two-pin plugs also work fine. Power adaptors are available  electrical shops.

Below are examples of the types of plugs that are used in India.
Type C plugType C plug
Type C plug - Round pin attachment plug

NOTE: Type C plugs can also be used with E and F and some L receptacles. This type of plug is very common in most universal adaptor sets.
(Though the diagram shows a circular plug, quite often Type C plugs have a rectangular shape, as in the photo above.)
Type D plug
Type D plug - Round pins with ground

Not all free-standing houses come equipped with appliances. For an independent house, please note that you would need a generator (at least 1 guard).
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Do you have any other accommodation information that might help me?
The process of searching for suitable accommodation could take time and is sometimes frustrating, depending on what your preferences are. Ideally, the process should be started a few weeks before the start of the assignment.

A preview trip arranged through Crown Bangalore is highly recommended so that you are aware of what is available and what you may expect. It is a common practice for owners to clean, paint and repair after the deal is finalized. If you opt to take a long-term lease (two to four years), you can request what you wish to be worked on. However, this practice often results in delays in moving into the house.

Only the landlord is allowed to do any structural changes; the occupant or the signing corporate is not permitted to make such changes.

There are a few things one must do before taking possession of the premises. Thorough cleaning is a must. It would also be advisable to have the entire premises treated by the pest control company before moving in. All electrical points and appliances should be checked for functionality.
Gas is supplied in cylinders or bottles through a neighborhood dealer; it is advisable that you keep one extra cylinder on hand as backup.

One should be watchful that there are no drains around the house, as they can create a problem with mosquitoes. Also it is suggested to fix the meshed nets on the window panel to keep mosquitoes and other insects away without any interruption to airflow.

A pictorial inventory can be done for you by Crown during the move-in and then filed in the move-in documents.
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IMPORTANT NOTE:
Crown Relocations has made every effort to present accurate information. However, regulations, rates and other variables are subject to change and Crown Relocations cannot accept responsibility for the errors that might result. Should you have any questions or need additional information, please contact your local Crown representative.