Jodi Flats: Understanding Their Rising Popularity in the Housing Market

We live in a world where everyone is looking for efficiency and quick solutions to problems, a habit that has spread across industries, and real estate is not far behind. With homebuyers looking for more space, privacy and cost efficiency while looking for a house, an interesting trend has made its way to the top: Jodi Flats.

Also known as a combined flat, Jodi flats are a unique real estate concept prevalent in the Indian housing market, particularly in cities such as Mumbai.

A Jodi flat comprises two adjacent apartments that have been merged into a single, larger living space. This combination is typically done to create a more spacious flat or residence, providing the benefits of increased living areas and a better utilization of space. There are three key features of a Jodi flat:

• Enhanced living space: By combining two flats, residents enjoy a more expansive living area, often resulting in additional or larger common rooms.
• Increased value: Combining two smaller flats can increase the property’s overall market value, making it an attractive investment.

However, a Jodi flat is not a new concept; while it has emerged as a trend in recent years, the idea has existed for a long time, perhaps since the early 20^th Century. During this time, the need for larger living spaces in urban areas led to combining adjacent flats, particularly in cities like Mumbai, where joint families required more space.

Due to rapid urbanization and the subsequent housing boom in post-independent India, there was a rise in the construction of apartment complexes. During this time, the demand for large living spaces grew, leading to the popularity of Jodi flats. In recent decades, this trend has continued to evolve, with developers offering pre-designed Jodi flat options in upcoming residential projects. This caters to the growing demand for luxurious and spacious living spaces in urban areas.

Benefits of Jodi Flats:

Space Optimisation:

• Maximised living area: Combining two smaller flats into a Jodi flat significantly increases the total living space, offering more room for various activities and reducing the feeling of confinement often associated with smaller apartments.
• Enhanced layout options: With the additional space, homeowners have the flexibility to create a layout that best suits their lifestyle. This could include larger living rooms, additional bedrooms, home offices or recreational areas.
• Better utilisation of space: Merging two units allows for the elimination of redundant areas such as two separate kitchens or multiple small bathrooms, thereby optimising the available space for more practical uses.
• Improved flow and functionality: Larger combined space can lead to a more open and flowing layout, which is not only aesthetically pleasing but also improves the functionality and convenience of the home.

Cost Efficiency

• Lower cost per square foot: Jodi flats may have a lower cost per square foot, making it a cost-effective option, although it is subject to negotiation.
• Potential for negotiation: Buyers can negotiate better deals with the seller or developer.
• Jodi flat owners can also avail certain tax benefits on their home:
• Stamp duty savings: The stamp duty payable on the two flats being combined is the same as paying for a single large unit of the same size, which means that you won’t be paying any extra money.
• Home loan benefits: Homeowners can get tax deductions on the interest paid on home loans for both units if they have been financed separately, doubling the tax benefits.

Customisation and Flexibility

• Flexible room configuration: A larger space leads to flexible room configurations, meaning homeowners can combine bedrooms to create master suites or partition rooms for separate living areas. Make sure to check the apartment’s floor layout so you know which rooms can be combined and plan accordingly.
• Enhanced comfort: Customisation ensures that the living space meets the residents’ specific needs and comfort levels, improving the overall living experience.

Investment Potential:

• Appreciation in value: Jodi flats in high-demand areas tend to appreciate faster than single small units, due to larger size and greater appeal of spacious homes.
• Higher rental income: A Jodi flat has the potential for higher rent than individual smaller units. This provides a better ROI for property owners.
• High demand: Large living spaces are always in demand, especially in metropolitan areas where families and professionals seek comfortable and spacious apartments. This means that Jodi flats remain attractive in the real estate market.
• Resale potential: Jodi flats offer a unique advantage that makes them more desirable; buyers prefer readymade combined apartments rather than combining two units by themselves, hence giving Jodi flats greater resale potential.

Why Jodi flats are in demand in Mumbai:

Land Scarcity and space constraints:

• Limited land: Mumbai’s dense population and limited land make it challenging to find large apartments and independent houses. Jodi Flats offer a practical solution to this problem. are
• On the flip side, it also means that there is one less habitable apartment, which could have been used by another individual to create a larger living space. 

Changing Lifestyles:

• Need for larger houses: With evolving lifestyles, there has been an increasing preference for larger homes.

Practical Considerations

Legal and Regulatory Aspects

• Agreement between owners:
  • Mutual consent: In case two homes owned by people of the same family are being combined, there should be a legally binding agreement that details the terms and conditions of the merger. This should be drafted by legal professionals so that all aspects are covered.

• Title Clearance and Due Diligence:
  • Clear Title: Ensuring that both flats are clear and free of any obstacles is essential for a smooth combination process, as well as any future sale or mortgage of the property.
  • Due Diligence: Conducting thorough due diligence to check for any restrictions or covenants that might prevent the combing of the flats is important.

• Transfer of ownership
  • Single title deed: Post-merger, it’s advisable to consolidate the ownership of the combined property under a single title deed. This makes it simple for any future transactions and legal processes.
  • Stamp duty and registration: The combined property will most likely require re-registration, and this may involve paying additional stamp duty, depending on the local regulations.

Required Permission and Documentation:

• Municipal Approval:
  • Approval from local authorities: Combining flats usually requires approval from the local municipal corporation or planning authority. This includes submitting architectural plans and ensuring that they comply with local building codes and regulations.
  • No-Objection-Certificate: Obtaining a NOC from the cooperative housing society, and if applicable, the local fire and safety authorities.

• Updated building plans:
  • Revised architectural plans: Submitting the revised architectural plans to the local authorities for approval. These should reflect the new layout and structural changes.
  • Occupancy Certificate: Post completion, an updated occupancy certification may be required to validate the new configuration of the property.

• Property Tax Adjustment:
  • Revised Tax Assessment: After the combining of both flats, it is important to apply for reassessment of property taxes, which will be calculated based on the new combined area.

Structural and Architectural factors

• Structural integrity:
  • Load-bearing walls: It is important to identify load-bearing walls that cannot be removed without ruining the building’s structural integrity. It is best to work with a structural engineer to ensure this.
  • Structural reinforcement: If walls are removed or significant alterations are made, reinforcement of the remaining structure may be necessary for safety and stability.
• Seamless Integration:
  • Harmonised design: Ensure that the design of the combined flat integrates seamlessly with the existing structure; matching floors, ceiling heights and finishes across merged spaces should look smooth.
  • Optimal Layout: Design the layout to maximise the benefits of the larger space. Consider the placement of rooms, circulation areas and flow of natural light and ventilation.

Common structural challenges and solutions

• Mismatched floor levels:
  Solution: Address differences in floor levels by levelling or incorporating steps and platforms.
• Rerouting plumbing and electrical systems:
  Solution: Engage expert contractors to ensure that plumbing and electrical work meets all the safety standards, and is efficiently integrated into the new layout.
• Adequate Ventilation and Lighting
  Solution: Add windows, skylights or ventilation systems to approve air circulation and light distribution.

Innovative Angles and Gaps

Jodi Flats V/S Modular apartments:

Future of Jodi Flats:

• Increased Demand: With populations growing, the need for larger, more flexible living spaces intensifies. Homes in L&T Realty Crescent Bay, Parel, or Jodi Flats are two options that will be popular in cities like Mumbai.
• Integration into new projects: In the future, developers might cater to the demand for larger homes without the need for post-purchase modifications.
• Sustainability focus: Future Jodi flats may incorporate eco-friendly practices and energy-efficient retrofitting, which appeals to environmentally conscious buyers.

Environmental factors:

• Energy Efficiency: To tackle the challenge of old buildings with Jodi flats that could be less energy efficient, it is best to implement energy-efficient upgrades during conversion, such as improved insulation, energy-efficient windows and LED lighting.
• Waste Reduction: Since combining flats often involves significant renovation work, there is a lot of construction waste generated. As a solution, adopt sustainable construction practices such as recycling materials and minimising waste during the renovation process.
• Water Conservation: Large living spaces may lead to increased water usage, so it is best to install water-saving fixtures and appliances to reduce water consumption in the Jodi Flat.

Technology Integration:

• Smart home automation: Equip Jodi flats with smart home technology, automated lighting, climate control and security systems to enhance convenience and energy efficiency.
• Voice Controlled devices: Smart speakers to control various aspects of the home providing a modern and seamless living experience.
• Energy Management system: Smart thermostats to regulate temperature efficiently and lower energy consumption and costs. Adding solar panels and a smart energy management system is also advised.
• Security enhancements: Smart locks and cameras to improve the safety of the combined property, with remote monitoring and control of security systems via smartphones for the resident’s peace of mind.

Conclusion:

Jodi flats have many advantages; they are customisable. These combined flats also have great investment and resale potential. With more people moving to high-rise buildings and looking for spacious apartments at a reasonable price, Jodi flats are soon going to dominate the real estate market. Luxury real-estate developers are offering pre-made Jodi flats as part of their ongoing projects in various parts of the city.

In the future, Jodi flats are going to remain in demand as a viable housing option in premium areas. This trend might also spread across the country, with residents in other metropolitan cities like Bangalore and Delhi looking to combine two flats for extra residential spaces. Jodi Flats will also be more refined to integrate more energy-efficient and smart technological practices, thus remaining more relevant in the market.