Getting away to Goa

Most of us want to own a home by the sea where we can enjoy a laid-back lifestyle all year round.

Goa has a 100km coastline with some of the world's most beautiful beaches. That's one of the reasons why Goa is becoming such a favourable destinations for foreign investors and non-resident Indians.

Goa's real estate market has skyrocketed and scores of new projects are being developed by large real estate builders like DLF Group and Parsvnath.

Real estate developers say the market has come of age, flourishing in a wave of new developments. Industry sources say Goa's capital appreciation in the housing market has risen between 15- 25 per cent per annum over the past few years.

Panjim, Mapusa and Calangute Beach have emerged as leading areas to buy property with villas, row houses, lifestyle apartments and shopping arcades mushrooming.

Lots of activity can be seen in North Goa catering to the residential segments the society. Panjim, the capital city of Goa, is the second highest locality with residential capital values.

Local brokers say that having a seaside villa in Goa has become a 'status symbol' with high net worth individuals who live in plush homes in the country's metropolises sloping off to the seaside for weekends.

Known as the 'Jewel of India,' Goa is blessed with its natural scenic views, beautiful beaches, churches and temples, attractive architecture, festivals and above all a famously hospitable environment.

Blue Beach Holiday Homes (BBHH), property experts specialising in overseas properties, have conducted numerous studies into the investment opportunities available in Goa and have come up with a lengthy list of reasons behind its flourishing popularity.

A BBHH representative said: "Goa is becoming more popular due to its good health care, modern facilities, fast transportation, direct airlines, low crime rates, and the government's constant investment in the country's infrastructure.

"It's an ideal location to retire to as well," he added. "Just think, with the cost of living being less than one third of that in countries such as the UK, you can easily understand why some would want to spend the benefits of their retirement pension on a warm and pleasant climate such as Goa's."

Bahrain-based property Star Real Estate is selling properties in three different developments in Goa, all easily accessible and with beautiful landscapes.

Cunchelim Residence is a breathtaking development made up of one- and two-bedroomed apartments in nine blocks, each spread over three floors.

Furniture can be included if needed. The community is securely gated with round the clock surveillance. The two bedroom apartments come with luxury en-suite bathrooms and two balconies each, while the one bedroom apartments benefit from a large single balcony. All apartments are equipped with ceramic tiled flooring and teak wood doors.

The recreational facilities in this development include a communal swimming pool, clubhouse and parking. Location is ideal and it seems that all the developments are linked by one major landmark and that is Dabolim airport. While the development is 50 minutes away from the airport, it's a mere 15 minutes away from the three main beaches: Anjuna, Candolim and Baga.

Greenwood Meadows is another fine resort and is only one mile away from the popular beach Candolim, 10 minutes if you walk.

The resort is made up of a mix of studios, one bedroom apartments and three bedroom villas. It is a gated resort, secured with surrounding boundary walls. All studios and one bedroom apartments have balconies. They are high specification apartments with ceramic tiled and teak flooring and doors.

For fun activities, the resort includes a communal swimming pool and clubhouse. Candolim market is within walking distance from Greenwood Meadows and there is also easy access to local railway stations such as Vasco Da Gama and Mapusa. The resort is 45 minutes from the airport.

Greenwood Meadows is also close to a variety of large religious monuments, temples and churches. There is also an abundance of local markets and acupuncture, yoga and Ayurveda centres and small grocery shops in the area. You can also find all types of restaurants from European cuisine to traditional foods.

The villas also come with car ports. If you fancy a bit of shopping the resort is just minutes away from the shopping centres: Candolim and Calangute.

The last resort is named after the famous Baga beach, Little Baga Resort, which is only 15 minutes walking distance from the beach. The resort features a luxury swimming pool with children's pool and is integrated with a water fountain.

The resort is made up of one- and two-bedroom apartments and studios. The apartments are well proportioned and spacious and have balconies on the first and second floors. This community is like the others in the sense that it is also secure and gated with 24-hour, year round security. All apartments come with ceramic tiled flooring and teakwood panelled doors. On site facilities include a massage parlour and barbeque hut.

Little Baga resort is only minutes away from Baga Beach, Candolim, Calangute and Anjuna. It also has very easy access to local railway stations Vasco Da Gama and Mapusa. Its is also just 45 minutes away from the airport.

Being a top international destination rich with beautiful beaches and spectacular sights, a sea side villa or apartment in any part of Goa is definitely a worthwhile investment.