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Introduction to Smart Home Design

Top Smart Home Design Ideas You Should Look To Integrate

Smart home design is the integration of technology into the design of a home and one’s lifestyle to create a more convenient, efficient, and comfortable living space. Smart home solutions use connected devices, sensors, and automated systems to control and monitor various aspects of the home, such as lighting, heating and cooling, security, and entertainment. With the rise of smart home technology, homeowners can create a personalised smart home system tailored to their unique needs and preferences. A smart home design offers greater energy efficiency, cost savings, and increased security. In this modern age, designing a house with smart home solutions has become increasingly popular and is quickly becoming a standard feature included by developers and builders in many new homes.

Benefits Of A Smart Home System

A smart home system offers a range of benefits unique to its homeowner. Here are some key benefits of home automation products and how smart homes are making a way into the future.

  1. Convenience

Smart home interiors allow homeowners to control various aspects of their homes anywhere, anytime. For example, a smart home system can help homeowners reduce their energy consumption and utility bills and create personalised and comfortable living spaces. You can program your thermostat to adjust the temperature based on your schedule or preferences, ensuring your home is always at the perfect temperature.

  1. Accessibility

Smart home solutions can also make homes more accessible for individuals with disabilities or mobility issues. For example, voice-activated devices can allow individuals to control various aspects of their homes without interacting with them physically. These technologies offer a range of security features, such as security cameras, smart locks, and motion sensors. You can monitor your home remotely and receive alerts if there is any unusual activity through smart home technologies.

  1. Cost Savings

While the initial cost of installing smart home automation products can be high, they can result in long-term cost savings. By reducing energy consumption, homeowners can lower their utility bills, and by increasing the security of their homes, they can reduce the likelihood of costly break-ins or thefts.

Add Smart Home Solutions To Your Existing House Plan

Adding smart home technology to an existing home can definitely help in enhancing your lifestyle. Here are some steps you can follow to integrate these tech solutions to your home:

  1. Determine Your Needs

Before you start adding smart home interiors, it’s essential to determine what you want to achieve with it. Do you want to save energy? Improve home security? Make your home entertainment system more convenient. Once you know your goal, you can start looking for the right smart home solutions.

  1. Choose a Smart Home Hub

A smart home hub is a device that connects all your smart home devices and allows you to control them through a single app. Nowadays, many smart home hubs are on the market. Make sure you choose a hub compatible with the smart home devices you want to add.

  1. Add Smart Appliances

If you want to incorporate some new appliances in your house, consider adding smart appliances. Smart refrigerators, ovens, and washing machines can be controlled through your smart home hub or smartphone app and can even be programmed to perform specific tasks automatically.

How Can You Include Home Automation Products Into Your Home Design?

Integrating a smart home floor plan can make your life more convenient, efficient, and comfortable. There are many ways to upgrade your home with the latest technology, from smart lighting to smart appliances. Whether you want to save money on energy bills, enhance your home security, or simply enjoy a better home entertainment experience, there is a smart home solution. Let’s know more about the key factors to consider when accessing a smart home.

  1. Consider the Automation You Need

If you plan to implement smart home design, it’s important to consider the devices required to meet your smart home interior needs. For example, if you’re interested in energy efficiency, you may want to consider installing smart thermostats and energy-efficient appliances. If you’re interested in home security, you may want to consider installing security cameras and smart locks. Make a list of the home automation products that will be necessary for your lifestyle and design your home accordingly.

  1. Plan for Wiring and Networking

Smart home devices require a strong network connection to function correctly, so it’s important to plan for wiring and networking when designing the floor plan for your smart home. Consider the location of your wireless router and plan to install structured wiring throughout your home to ensure a strong connection. If you’re building a new home, the following are a few smart home automation you can consider wiring for: 

  • Smart lighting systems can be controlled remotely and set on a schedule, which saves energy and enhances security. While designing your smart home layout, plan to install smart light switches, bulbs, and motion sensors to ensure that you can control your lighting from anywhere.
  • A smart home system can include a home entertainment system, including a home theatre, smart speakers, and smart TVs. When designing your home, consider the placement of these devices and the wiring needed to connect them to a centralised control system.
  1. Centralise Control

Centralised control is essential to a smart home design which allows you to control all your smart devices from a single interface. Several options are available for centralised control, including voice assistants, smartphone apps, and wall-mounted control panels. Choose the option that best suits your lifestyle and ensure all your home automation products are compatible with your chosen control system. While you design the smart home floor plan, consider the placement of security systems that include security cameras, smart locks, and motion sensors. Consider the placement of these devices and ensure that they can be integrated into a centralised control system which will allow you to monitor your home from anywhere, at any time.

In conclusion, a smart home requires careful planning and consideration of the devices and appliances that will be installed. If you consider opting for smart home technology, consider all the above points. By planning, you can ensure that your home is equipped with the latest and greatest smart home technology, providing you with the ultimate futuristic experience.

When it comes to mingling technology with modernity, Assetz Property has served many years of experience. Now, a smart home system is no longer a distant dream with our lakeside apartments at Canvas and Cove that caters to your technological needs with the perfect smart home design that has all the benefits covered above. 

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What is the Power of Attorney in India?

Purchasing a property is quite a lengthy  process. Besides  knowing the elaborate process involved in purchasing  and registering a property, it is also essential to keep in mind the documents required. One of the essential documents needed as a property owner  is the power of attorney (PoA). PoA is essential when you are unavailable and want a trusted party to make decisions on your behalf on financial and legal affairs. In general, signing a PoA document with a trusted party helps a great deal. Read on to know more about the Power of Attorney in India, the types of Power of Attorney and the latest rules for PoA in India. 

What is the Power of Attorney for Property? 

Power of attorney is one of the comprehensive legal property documents, that allows the property owner  to appoint another individual to manage the property in the absence of the property owner.The designated person is referred to as a Power of Attorney holder, and the property owner  is referred to as the principal or donor. Power of Attorney is one of the notable legal documents required for purchase of property. 

Types of Power of Attorney

1. General Power of Attorney 

General Power of Attorney, also called the conventional Power of Attorney, is the most common type of Power of attorney in India. This is signed to give the power of attorney holder the right to make decisions on behalf of the principal in numerous affairs. This can be legal affairs, business transactions or even medical decisions. It is essential to sign a general power of attorney for all purposes, with a trusted party. 

2. Special Power of Attorney

The special Power of Attorney is also called a limited Power of Attorney. As the name itself suggests, in this type of power of attorney, the PoA holder gets to exercise only limited powers. The PoA holder can exercise  the right to make decisions for a specific time period and for certain responsibilities assigned by the principal, like signing a specific deal. 

3. Durable Power of Attorne

The durable Power of Attorney comes into effect from the time it was signed till the principal’s death or till the principal decides to cancel it. This is the kind of Power of Attorney in India, in which the Power of Attorney holder gets to make decisions on behalf of the principal when they are indisposed or  unable to make decisions for themselves. 

4. Financial Power of Attorney 

The financial PoA is the practice of appointing a person to make financial decisions with regard to your business and property. This Power of Attorney in India is divided into categories like general PoA, limited PoA and durable PoA, where the rights and responsibilities are exercised accordingly. In the financial PoA, the holder gets to practise various financial activities like making deposits, signing checks, making withdrawals, etc. 

How to choose a PoA?

  • The PoA holder has to be a minimum of 18 years. 
  • Appoint a trustworthy person who does not misuse the power for personal benefits. 
  • The PoA should have the capacity to function rationally with regards to matters of finance and property management. 

How to revoke a PoA? 

  • A PoA can be revoked by the principal whenever they wish to. 
  • It can be revoked by signing a revocation letter in the notary public or the recorder’s office. 

PoA in Real Estate Industry 

In real estate transactions, PoA is a crucial document crafted to appoint a trusted person to manage the property on behalf of the principal. Especially for NRIs who would like to purchase a property in India, signing a PoA can greatly aid in making informed decisions on behalf of the principal who is not available in the country. 

Power of Attorney Sample Format: Below is a Power of attorney Sample format where all the details regarding the principal and the PoA holder are mentioned. The agreement also contains the rights that the designated person can practise. 

KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS THAT I, __________ S/o. / W/o. aged ______ about years, residing at No.___________ do hereby nominate, appoint constitute and appoint Sri./Smt______________________ S/o. /W/o. aged about _____ years residing at ______________________as my true and lawful power of attorney holder to do the following acts, deeds and things on my behalf and in my name in respect of the schedule property. 

Source: https://igr.karnataka.gov.in/storage/pdf-files/Power%20of%20Attorney.pdf 

Power of Attorney Registration Fee 

PoA TypeStamp Duty Registration fee 
PoA for one or two documents Rs.100Rs.100
Signing one or more PoA for single transaction Rs.100Rs.100
Signing less than 5 people to indulge in more than one transaction Rs.100Rs.100
Signing less than 10 people in more than one transaction Rs.200Rs.100
PoA given to a promoter 1% of the market value of the property 1%
Assigning a non-relative to sell the immovable property situated in Karnataka state5% on the market value of the property1%
In other cases Rs.200Rs.100

The above registration charges and stamp duty are updated as per the Karnataka Department of Stamps and Registration. 

Also read : All About Property Registration Charges in Bangalore

Hope this blog has helped you understand what power of attorney for property is in India and what other entities’ responsibilities are in relation to it. Make use of the above information when you are getting a PoA registered for your property. Visit our website if you need more guidance on purchasing a property.

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Top Minimalist Living Room Ideas for an Aesthetic Look

The minimalist design approach continues to gain popularity as one of the most preferred interior designs. So, what is minimalist design? A minimalist design circles around utilising only the utmost essentials and eliminating excess use of objects. A minimalist living room guarantees a clutter-free space and is exactly what you need to have a simple and aesthetically pleasing living space. 

After all, a living room represents you and your house, and a modern minimalist house looks effortless, subtle and calming. In this space, we have listed a few minimalist living room ideas that you can make use of and will be discussing different entities of a minimalist living room, like wall paint, furniture, home decor, etc.

1. Warm and Subtle Wall Paints 

Wall paint determines the vibe of any space and is on our list of top ideas for a minimalist living room. Pick a warm and low-key colour that blends with the tone and mood of your living room. Half-white, faded cream, and pastel shades of blues and greens make the most trending choices. Also, make use of furniture which would complement the shades of wall paint, a perfect way to keep the living room warm and simple yet inviting.

2. Capture with Art

One of the easiest ways to elevate your minimalist home decor can be art pieces. A simple wall art would enhance the look of your living room. You can search for minimalist art which resonates with your likes and interests. You can also look for 3D wall art, which magnifies the living room’s look and adds depth without taking up much space. Hang them over the furniture for a posh minimalist look. 

3. Use Houseplants 

Houseplants are a safe option to accentuate any minimalist home decor. Houseplants also help to refresh your surroundings and improve the air quality. Orchids, succulents, and monstera are a few varieties of houseplants you can set up for a minimalist living room. Setting up a combination of small cactus plants over the table can also enhance the look and feel of your living space. 

4. Cosy Setup 

A cosy setup is yet another comforting and minimalist living room design you can try. Add warm-coloured or neutral carpets and rugs to suit the wall paint and the flooring. Install a recliner sofa setup for utmost comfort. Adding lamps next to the furniture can give a visually appealing look. 

5. Serene and Earthy Touch

One of the crucial motives for minimalist design is sustainability and eco-friendliness. You can always opt for an eco-friendly home and give your living room an earthy touch. Let the natural light flow through the windows to keep the room vibrant, bright, and well-ventilated. 

You can also use indoor plants, houseplants and simple handicrafts to enhance this minimalist style interior design. 

6. Add a Mirror 

You can reflect on the minimalist tagline, ‘Less is more’ with the help of a mirror. Mirrors can work well if you have a compact living room space, as mirrors help make rooms appear bigger since they reflect light around the room. Adding a stylised mirror in the living room can easily enhance the look of your space and is definitely one of the best minimalist home decor ideas to try out. 

7. Go Rustic 

If you have a liking for a natural and rustic look, then you can easily set up your living room with just a few entities like antique wood finish floors and furniture, stone handicrafts for decors, and a warm-toned wall clock. These are the most simple yet effective minimalist style interior design ideas for your living room. You can also consider using shades of brown, beige, and olive green wall paints if you wish to keep the aesthetic simple and subtle. 

8. Tranquil and Simple

Along with keeping the living room minimalist and pleasing with just a piece of furniture and a simple floating TV attached to the wall or home theatre, you can also explore the different types of wall textures. Experiment with textured and satin-finish paints to enhance the look of your minimalist living room. Add monochrome artwork to the wall, as it is known for its simplicity and aesthetic appeal. 

9. The Classic White 

Design the house with different shades of white and half-white. A classic white setup is a clear example of a modern minimalist home. You can add medium to large furniture pieces which are simple, contrasting, and appealing. Pick a few chic indoor decors, like a wall clock and lamp, that go along with the shade and overall tone of the living room. 

10. Bring in the Metallics 

Using metallics is yet another minimalist living room design idea that creates an attractive look with fewer entities. Pick a solid and subtle metallic wall paint for your living and ensure it goes well with the furniture. You can also add appealing metal wall hangings, mirrors, or modern showpieces to create the perfect aesthetic. 

A minimalist living room will undoubtedly ensure a soothing, clutter-free as well as peaceful living experience. 

We hope this blog has enlightened you on the concept of minimalist design and the several minimalist living room ideas that you can take inspiration from for a simple and pleasing finish to your space. So, get creative and design your living room as comforting and lively as you like. 

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All About Property Registration Charges in Bangalore

Getting a property in Bangalore is one of the most gratifying experiences. When you purchase a property, it is essential to be aware of numerous things like property value, resources, connectivity, the reputation of the sellers, property registration charges in Bangalore, and much more. 

Property registration is required to indicate the transfer of ownership. The property has to be registered under the buyer’s name in the government records to establish the final agreement between the buyer and the seller. It is carried out by the sub-registrar’s office and can be done both online and offline. 

The blog contains the revised stamp duty and registration charges as per the Karnataka Stamp Act of 1957. Knowing the property registration process and the charges involved is pivotal for a smooth property buying experience, and we will discuss the same in this space. 

Stamp duty and registration charges in Bangalore 

Property and house registration charges in Bangalore are fixed to be 1% of the property value. The property registration can be carried out in about 250 sub-registrar offices in 

Bangalore, and the same can be accessed online through the online portal by the Government of Karnataka. 

What is stamp duty in India? 

Stamp duty is the legal tax paid to the government in the evidence of the sale or purchase of a property. Stamp duty rates differ for each state across the country and are defined by the government. Stamp duty in Bangalore is defined by the  Karnataka Government,payable under Section 3 of the Indian Stamp Act of 1899.

What are the rates of stamp duty in Bangalore? 

Property Amount Stamp Duty Charge 
Lesser than ₹ 20 lakhs 2%
Between ₹21-45  lakhs 3%
Above ₹ 45 lakhs 5%

How to calculate stamp duty and property registration charges in Bangalore?

To get ownership of the property, the total cost is = 

Guidance value of the property × Area of the property + Percentage cost of property registration + Percentage cost of stamp duty 

You can also easily calculate the stamp duty and registration charges by visiting the Kaveri Online services portal stamp duty calculator page. 

Fill in the required details like property types, market value, region types, and much more. Then click calculate, after which the stamp duty will be displayed on the screen. 

Surcharge – Stamp duty in Bangalore 

Apart from the stamp duty cost, a surcharge is levied. A 2% surcharge and 10% on the stamp are levied for properties priced above ₹ 35 lakhs. For properties in rural areas, the surcharge is 3%.

Property Areas Calculated for Stamp Duty 

  • In an independent house, the total area is calculated for stamp duty 
  • The super built-up area is calculated in a multi-storey building. 
  • The sq. ft area of the plot is considered for plots.

The difference in registration charges for men and women 

The difference in stamp duty and property registration charges in Bangalore for men and women is nil. In states like Bihar, Haryana, Punjab etc., there is a difference in stamp duty and property for men and women. There is no difference in stamp duty for properties and house registration charges in places such as Bangalore. However, the stamp duty is rebated for female owners. 

Some of the documents required for property registration in Bangalore are the Khata certificate, affidavit, conversion certificate, title deed, PAN, and declaration form 1. 

The above are the stamp duty and property registration charges in Bangalore as per the revised norms. Stamp duty charges are subject to change and are not fixed. They can be revised annually or whenever the Karnataka government sees the potential to revise them as per the market rate, property market performance, and expansion of the city limits.

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How to Decorate a House for Christmas: Top 6 Holiday Decor Ideas

The best thing about the winter season is the gathering of family and friends and the warmth you get to share with them. And for a time like this, classic holiday decor sets the perfect ambiance for that comfortable get-together.

To decorate a house for Christmas, there are multiple areas you can focus your ideas on. From the living room furnishings to the kitchen and dining rooms – you can utilize every space and bring in the essence of the holiday spirit. Let’s dive into the different Christmas house decoration ideas for 2022.

  1. Frame the Archway with Pine Garlands

Easy to get your hands on during the holiday season, consider decorating each doorway with garlands. It’s one quick way to ensure every room looks decked up for the festivities. You can use pine garlands or cedar garlands for decorating them with all greens.

  1. Decorate your Walls

The walls are always a great place to add garlands, bells, and other decor items. This brightens up the home without wasting space – making it one of the best living room Christmas decor ideas for an impactful yet efficient output. You can try out red and white bells or plain green garlands with small golden bells and glitter for a classic finish.

  1. Kitchen Counters need Colours

While starting with Christmas house decorations, the kitchen space should never be overlooked. You can get creative by placing colourful hand towels on the oven door handle or near your sink. Flower vases are another element you can add; this creates a nice contrast effect as you set them at the corners of your kitchen counter. Decorating a round eco-friendly tray can also be another idea; you can add numerous items to the tray – a scented candle, a tiny potpourri bowl, bottles of your favourite drink, some quick bites, etc. And the round green garlands will suit your kitchen cabinet doors to add to the aesthetic while complementing the overall theme.

  1. Use a Planter For your Christmas Tree

Christmas house decorations are incomplete without the main attraction – the Christmas tree. But there’s always scope to experiment with it. For example, instead of going the traditional way for your Christmas living room decor, you can multiply the elegance of your Christmas tree using a big planter with beautiful prints. Try choosing one with a light colour, preferably white, to make it stand out in the living room. Also, try placing a small electric lantern behind the tree that will exude a yellowish glow, thereby making the tree the principal focus.

  1. Decorating Tabletops

When it comes to Christmas living room decor, even the storage cabinets are worth your attention. To begin with, try adding candles with glass boundaries to avoid blowing out. You can also add elegant decor showpieces like a crystal star, reindeer figurines, small faux trees made of wood, a white vase in the middle of your coffee table, and much more. The dining room table can do well with red and white napkins or small green garlands running through the middle of the table.

  1. DIY Display of Cards & Christmas Wishes

One way to decorate a house for Christmas is by adding holiday greetings and wishes in your common space for a personal touch. Using banners that say “Merry Christmas” can easily make the space light up! Also, displaying numerous colourful Christmas cards on side tables adds to the details. Better yet, you can also feature Christmas wishes as a wall hanging with family photographs and other colourful decorations.

There are several other Christmas room decor ideas that you can try to enhance your home perfectly! From uplifting small details to a complete revamp, you can be as creative as you want to make your home more inviting.

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Land investment: Everything you need to know

Land Investment: Everything you need to know

In India, land investment has always been prevalent. Real estate has undoubtedly become one of the most popular long-term investment options. When done correctly, real estate investing will always be a tried-and-true method of increasing your wealth and income flow. Plot land investments are also getting increasingly popular as the preferred choice for High-Net-Worth Individuals alongside residences.

Is land investment really one of the best investments for the long term?

Bangalore offers investors numerous plot investment options in various price ranges. Due to the high returns and manageable investment expenses, owning a property continues to be one of the most dependable ways to create wealth and assets. Owing to the purchasers’ preferences, several reputable developers have acquired land lots across cities. Plot land investment has the potential for faster monetization if you look at solutions matching your long-term investment goals.

Let’s go through some of the additional main factors that make a land investment or plot investment the fastest-growing form of investment:

Low Initial Investment 

Purchasing a piece of land is often less expensive than purchasing a ready-to-move-in property. Most plotted developments are tucked away from the city hustle and bustle but without interfering with the connectivity, which accounts for the low cost. They can be purchased without much financial strain, even by new investors.

Freedom To Create Your Own Space

With a plot or land investment, you get the complete freedom to construct your dream home as per your preference of style, layout, interiors, etc. If the planned community is gated, then even better because you will also have access to the upscale amenities and common areas. 

Appreciating Asset

Plots have the potential to appreciate much faster than residential properties as the surrounding infrastructure impacts the value of the land. So, when we see the expenditure required for plot investment and the return on that, there is a significant margin for you to reap.

A Finite Resource

One thing about land investment is that it makes you keep a finite asset. While many high-rise developments will continue to emerge with additional luxury living styles, the land is limited for ownership. So, in the long run, there is a high probability that the value of the land will rise exponentially.

Less Maintenance

Owning land not only saves you from paying hefty maintenance costs but also the literal practice of repair and revamp. Apart from fencing the plot, mowing, or general security, plot investments usually don’t involve many maintenance aspects.

Easy Handover

There is almost zero gap between a land purchase and its possession. An empty plot of land takes significantly less time for handover after purchase as opposed to buying a home. They need no strenuous construction completion time that you – as an owner – have to wait for its complete handover and possession. Hence, yet another reason to indulge in land investments.

Without a doubt, land investment is a smart move for your future as it is regarded as one of the best investments yielding substantial results in the long term. It is far preferable to other short-term investment options in terms of security and earnings. However, it is of utmost importance to conduct an extensive study about the area, its potential development, and the community before making your purchase decision.