Hyderabad: Buying a flat is no longer limited to basic features like a living room, bedroom and kitchen. There’s much more to consider now, as developers go the extra mile to attract buyers with a host of amenities, turning gated communities into something like self-contained mini-cities in Hyderabad, particularly in the western corridor.From co-working spaces and rooftop swimming pools to sports clubs, cafes, pharmacies, ATMs, in-house supermarkets, aqua areas, screening theatres, amphitheatres, conference rooms and business centres, modern residential projects now offer a wide range of lifestyle amenities. Facilities such as gyms, meditation rooms, jogging tracks, children and toddler play areas, party areas and even temples have become standard, allowing residents to meet most of their daily needs within the community.In some premium projects in Narsingi, Gachibowli and Kokapet, developers are offering 50 to 100 amenities, including a helipad, temperature-controlled pool on the club terrace, yoga and aerobics deck, mini golf putting and soccer lawn, skating rink, forest zone, rain shower, spa, clinic, open-air theatre, library and music studio.Several upcoming projects are pushing the envelope further with 100-plus amenities, while some are even planning skyways connecting residential blocks in Miyapur. In one case, a developer has sought permission to link a gated community in LB Nagar directly to a metro station through a skywalk.Spread beyond IT corridorAmenities are no longer limited to residents alone. Many projects now include pet parks and grooming centres. This trend, once concentrated in IT hubs such as Nanakramguda, Kokapet, Tellapur and Nallagandla, is now spreading to areas like Shamshabad, Kompally and Gundlapochampally.Residents say these features are increasingly influencing buying decisions. “Earlier, we looked at just the size of the flat. Now, we compare projects based on amenities, open spaces and facilities for children. It feels like living in a complete ecosystem. My office work, gym, swimming pool, banquet halls, pharmacy stores and even grocery shops are all within the community. It saves a lot of time,” said Navya Rao, an IT professional living in Gachibowli.Echoing similar views, Rajeev Krishna, a resident of a gated community in Kukatpally, said, “Traffic is a big problem. Inside the community, we have walking tracks, a small supermarket and play areas. It makes daily life much easier.”Up to 10% project cost on amenitiesDevelopers say that while land and construction account for the bulk of project costs, around 5%-10% of the budget is now allocated to amenities, with an average spend of Rs 500 per sq ft in major projects.Industry experts attribute this shift to evolving urban lifestyles. With longer working hours and increasing traffic congestion, homebuyers are prioritising convenience, accessibility and integrated living. As a result, large gated communities are increasingly designed as all-in-one ecosystems, where work, leisure and social life coexist within walking distance.Convenience driving buying decisions“Today’s homebuyers are no longer limiting their choices to the size or layout of a home, but are emphasising the overall lifestyle a residential project offers. Amenities have become a key factor in influencing purchase decisions, with projects offering a wider range of facilities attracting more interest from buyers,” said N Jaideep Reddy, president, CREDAI Hyderabad.What’s more interesting is that large gated communities are now even incorporating dedicated spaces such as mortuary rooms, allowing families and relatives to gather during difficult times without having to look for external venues, Jaideep added.Developers also say that amenities and sports facilities within residential communities are playing a key role in shaping children’s overall development, especially at a time when many schools may lack adequate infrastructure for extracurricular activities.“Access to playgrounds, sports courts and activity zones within the community allows children to learn new skills, stay active and build confidence. For residents as well, these facilities promote a healthier lifestyle, making it easier to stay fit and engage in recreational activities without having to travel outside,” said GV Rao, president, Telangana Developers Association.Buyers bear the cost of unused featuresOn the other hand, realtors have expressed displeasure over the rising costs associated with amenities. They argue that while facilities such as swimming pools and gyms are included in residential projects, they are used by only a small section of residents.“Despite limited usage, homebuyers are compelled to pay a hefty price for these features at the time of purchase. Additionally, many residents find little time to make use of such amenities. In the name of providing these facilities, buyers also face a financial burden, often paying maintenance charges of around Rs 10,000 per month,” said N Praveen, president, Telangana realtors association.
