UGANDA, Kampala | Real Muloodi News | Owning a unit in a condominium property is the new trend now because of all the goodies and benefits that come with them. If you do the math, buying a unit in a condo does not seem as expensive as it has been portrayed in the past. Let us break it down and see how safe, convenient and affordable it is to get yourself a unit in a condominium property.
If you were unaware, condominiums have housing units where each resident owns their individual unit space, and all the dwellings share ownership of common-use areas. Common areas and properties in condominiums such as lights and walkways, among others, cannot be divided and are communally owned.
Property developers initiate the development of condominium property by constructing apartments, selling them and giving the buyers units of the property certificates of title.
Condominium property starts with the registration of a condominium plan. Here the registrar closes the part of the parcel described in the plan and opens a separate one for each unit related to the plan. Then each is given a certificate of title.
Condominiums are well-known in areas such as Kira, Naalya, Najjera, Kololo, Muyenga, Namugongo and Bukasa and other areas that are adopting the trend are, Bukoto, Kisasi, Buloba, Entebbe among others.
Mr Abbas Rasheed, a realtor and the general manager, of Universal Multipurpose Enterprises, one of the leading residential housing dealers says people are nowadays opting for condominium property ownership instead of renting an apartment for several reasons.
Why You Should Buy Yourself a Unit in a Condominium Property
Cuts Down the Financial Burden
There are advantages to condominium property which make it more comfortable and affordable for property owners, because of the feature of shared responsibility in repairs, security, and insurance expenses, condominium ownership tones down the standards of living.
“Most condominium communities have associations that are responsible for making repairs and upgrades to the building’s exterior features, such as windows, siding and roofing, which is not the case with renting and single homes,” Mr Abbas Rasheed says.
More so, upon registration of a condominium plan, a corporation is constituted to manage the common property. Necessities such as repairs and upgrades are made to the standards of the people in the association.
This does not only downsize the financial burden but the need to physically get involved in getting tasks done – the corporation handles that duty for your comfort’s sake. Part IV of the Condominium Property Act provides for the management and use of condominium property.
Affordability
It’s not uncommon to find a three-bedroom condominium for thousands less than you would pay for a three-bedroom home. According to Abbas, condominiums are frequently more economical than single-family homes.
Additionally, the apartment may likely appreciate over time, making it a wise investment in the long run. Additionally, it may provide monetary assistance for other costs, whether through refinancing or equity release.
Condominium units are likely to provide competitive equity release interest rates and might be used as leverage to acquire capital. Condos are, therefore, a property to think about investing in, whether the residence is occupied, rented out, or just used as a side investment.
Abbas says, “When you are constructing you need to give your time, check on quality control, and check on labours and material requirement,” he says explaining that “Affordable Housing caters to your need in making of modern design homes at different and friendly price ranges starting from UGX. 90m where you have a sense of security, good neighbourhood, lavish amenities like swimming pool jogging tracks, gym, and club house etc what else one can think of more.”
He adds: “If this is your area and you want to buy a home, but cannot afford a house with a fence and a back yard, condominium living may provide a more budget-friendly option.”
A one-bedroom apartment costs USh96 million, a two-bedroom apartment costs USh172 million, and a three-bedroom apartment costs USh189 million, according to Abbas’ company, Universal Multipurpose Enterprises.
A three-bedroom condominium apartment typically costs between USh250 million and USh300 million in the most affluent neighbourhoods surrounding Kampala.
“Affordability goes with mass production; just like commercial farming versus subsistence where mass production causes the prices to drop; the costs go down when more units are put up at a go, with time, the condos end up becoming cheaper,” Abbas says.
Almost Everything Has Been Done
When you acquire a condominium already built and furnished, the only duty on your part is maintenance.
This is more reason to consider condominiums rather than initiating construction. Although construction gives many people the option to come up with their dream plan and put it into existence, it comes with more demands such as time, quality control, material supply, and miscellaneous expenses.
Even then, condominiums, like any other house, are constructed on a plan. It’s a matter of finding one that suits your taste. Balcony or backyard, condominiums are diverse and can fit almost everyone’s taste.
Patrick Ssemwogere, a client who owns a condominium, admits that it was challenging to persuade him that condos are more convenient than single-family homes or flats, but after doing some research, he felt compelled to buy one.
The ideal option, according to Ssemwogerere, is to purchase a condominium rather than spend money on construction sites and managing the contractors. This eliminates the stress associated with material purchases and other needs for having a structure in place.
Avoid Inconveniences
Considering the rising number of land wrangles acquiring condominium property is safer as it excludes the need to buy land for construction.
Property manager Sheilah Namwanje asserts that due to population growth and rising costs, it will become more challenging to obtain your own land as time goes on.
When you are prepared to adopt the new form of condominium, according to Namwanje, you must abide by the decisions made at governing meetings. You might be able to get a copy of the prior meeting’s minutes, depending on the local regulations that apply to condos.
“This will give you the story on the community like the common complaints, crazy neighbours everyone avoids and how does the association handle disputes,” Namwanje says.
Choice of a Good Neighbourhood
Condominiums have also been known for conducive neighbourhoods. It is also important to note that the association does not only handle expenses but also complaints arising from the neighbourhood. This option, for example, to do away with irritating neighbours is not available in ordinary home settings.
According to Namwanje, condos often provide conducive neighbourhood surroundings.
“Many condominium residents are happy to share their experience with any potential new resident. It is good to introduce yourself to the occupants as a new buyer and their perceptions may help you determine if this is the sort of neighbourhood that is right for you,” Namwanje advises.
When acquiring any condominium or homeowners insurance, Mr Abbas recommends speaking with an independent agent. Agents will assist you in locating the coverage at the most inexpensive cost.
“Whenever you purchase a home as large as a condominium, consulting the experts is a must, especially for first-time buyers. You can look for an agent who has experience in matching sellers and buyers,” he advises.
He stated that condominiums have particular challenges, and purchase agreements might be more difficult since owner’s groups typically have attorneys review their contracts.
Choice of Luxury
Condominium housing also gives one lavish touch since some luxurious amenities, like swimming pools and gyms, are expensive to acquire in an ordinary home yet affordable in condominium living.
Laws and Payments
Most people are not aware of what a condominium is, or even its legal implications. The ownership of condominium property in Uganda is regulated by the Condominium Property Act, Act No. 4 of 2001. While deciding to acquire a condominium, consider the legal implications. A standard condominium agreement should have clauses about the buyer’s obligations and liabilities, among other legal sensitive aspects.
The quotations of condominiums also vary from one agent to another. It is also determined by the kind of neighbourhood in which the condominium is located.
“You can pay cash, use special payment plans with developers or get a mortgage with banks. For arranged payments, you get a unit and clear in a year or two. With banks, you can get a mortgage that can run up to 20 years but you will be paying interest. Mortgage interest rates range between 18 – 21%,” he said.
Abbas says that a buyer can typically deposit USh5,000,000. He or she can pay 20% to 30% cash within three months and the rest over 12 to 18 months.
For instance, if a unit costs USh90 million, a person will make a 20% down payment of USh18 million. The remaining 80% of the purchase price is paid in instalments over a period of up to 12 months.
He highlights that this payment plan is negotiable, especially for those who cannot afford to pay USh7 million every month.
“There is also financial support from the bank to clear the debt which is done within 12 to 15 months. Property developers do not charge interests until the debt is cleared,” Abbas said.
If you find it challenging to have a lump sum of money from your income savings, trying other payment options like getting mortgages with banks can help you own a unit in a condominium.
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