Rich and vibrant India represents a sixth of the world’s total population. And although historically millions of people moved away from India for better job opportunities, the reverse trend is taking shape slowly and surely. A growing number of people are moving to India from across the world to excel professionally and to enjoy a fulfilling expat life. Some figures suggest that 30,000-35,000 expats move to India each year. These are top professionals with niche profiles. Given the rate of growth of India’s economy, this number is expected to grow by at least 10% each year in the coming years. But there’s no need to tell you this -your organization is probably one of those making the most of the expat wave already.

You expat employees will probably find themselves in a completely new and unfamiliar environment when they move to India. India is a land of diversities – from different languages, religions, cultures, foods, and ethnicities, it offers a dynamic mix of everything. The cultural differences can be overwhelming, but over time, most acknowledge and appreciate the magic of India’s ancient heritage, its multi-layered life, and its overly populated, yet pulsating cities.

Things to Consider While Finding Home

Living in India can offer your expat employees a zest for life, but for that to happen, it is essential to find the right place for them that they can call home! When looking for a place for your expat employees, several factors are important. Let’s look at the top 5 things to consider while house hunting for your expat employees:

1. Location is key:

The rate at which Indian cities are growing has caused the real estate market to boom. But considering the vast distances and the traffic situation, you should make sure that the accommodation you find for your expat employees is close enough to their workplace to make the commute bearable, but in an area that suits their status and lifestyle.

Is the pin code prestigious? What is the typical profile of neighbors? Are there other expats living in the same society or close by? How is the power situation? The water situation? Does the society have full power back-up? These are the kind of considerations that go into defining a location as worthy of your most valuable employees. This may push the rent up a bit, but you know that the health and happiness of your expat employees and their families is worth that extra rent.

2. Healthcare proximity

Although living in India is pleasurable and an adventure in its own way, it takes time for anyone to get used to India’s way of life. A sudden change in weather, climate, water, and food can have an adverse effect on expats coming from different climates and situations. Hence, proximity to a high-quality hospital or a clinic is essential in case of an emergency. In many societies today, facilities like an on-call doctor for quick diagnosis and treatment are also available.

3. Security

Even though most modern societies and communities in India have security personnel, thefts and robberies are, unfortunately, not uncommon. Since the safety and security of your expat employees is your highest priority, it is crucial for you to look for houses that have good security measures in place – watchmen manning entry and exit gates, CCTV cameras that monitor important locations such as receptions, elevators and lobbies, and video intercom systems that ensure only people known to your expat employees can enter the premises.

4. Transparent and ethical outlook

It is an unfortunate fact of the real estate sector that there is no dearth of people looking to earn a quick buck. This means that in the process of finding and finalizing a house for your expat employee, there will likely be a slew of shady people you will encounter. Inducements will be hinted at, promises will be made with no intention of honouring them, and the property will be aggressively oversold. You must ignore these for the sake of your expat employee who has to make a home there. What’s most important is for you to ensure the whole renting process and everyone in it including the landlord, broker, agent, and registering authority must be honest, transparent, and should follow the law of the land at every instance. Ensuring your expat employees live an untroubled life in India should be your main priority. Hence it is essential you look for listings that are verified, ensure that all the paperwork is done in accordance with the law, and only choose to work with ethical parties to avoid any possible issues in the future.

5. Spirited locality

They say home is where the heart is & for expats coming to India, it is your responsibility to make sure they feel at home. Expats, especially those that shift with their families, usually value work-life balance. This means they are most like to prefer a spirited and friendly locality with welcoming neighbours, helpful staff, and fine dining and entertainment close by. For your expat employees with children, a well-maintained park in the society and an appropriate school in the vicinity is also essential to ensure the children are just as comfortable and happy in their new home.

Home away from Home

For the thousands of expats coming to India, each day is a new learning experience. While some might get overwhelmed by the complexity of the Indian way of living, many take to it like a fish takes to water. However, for all of them, finding the right house for them is an essential first step. When they do move back to their home country -more than their workplace, they will tell tales of their home. Don’t you want those tales to be happy stories?