Flats or Home: In today's world, location and price aren't the only considerations for homebuyers; security has become a top priority. With nuclear families, the question of where your life, money, and jewelry are safe is paramount. This is why builders are highlighting security as a key feature of their projects. Developers offer features like CCTV, face recognition systems, 24x7 security guards, and controlled entry and exit in flats in gated societies.

Some gated societies offer houses (villas/row houses) instead of flats, and these too are proving to be better in terms of security. However, there is still an age-old belief that a home is the safest, from ground to roof. This is why elders still advise the younger generation not to store jewelry, money, or other valuables in flats, preferring to keep their homes. Let's find out from surveys conducted among people and experts which of the two is safer?

What does the survey report say?

According to a survey report by Housing.com, 64% of potential homebuyers prefer flats in gated societies because they feel they are more secure and affordable compared to a house. An ANAROCK FICCI survey found that 92% of buyers consider security, along with location and amenities, as an important factor in their decision. However, whether it's a house or a flat, they choose based on their budget.

CREDAI Western UP President Dinesh Gupta says that today, security is every buyer's top priority. This is why developers are prioritizing modern security features in both flats and villas. The trend suggests that people feel more secure in gated society flats.

These are the security measures you'll find in societies:

– 24x7 security guards – deployed at every gate and tower
– CCTV cameras – from parking to elevator lobbies and common areas
– Face recognition and biometric entry – only for registered people
– Boom barriers and controlled entry-exit – vehicle tracking and records
– Intercom and SOS alarms – direct connectivity from the flat to the security team
– Smart locking systems – mobile/card-operated door locks
– Training and monitoring of guards – immediate action in case of any emergency

Security in homes is difficult.
KW Group Director Pankaj Kumar Jain said, "Face recognition technology is being used in flats these days. It is very effective for the safety of children and women." Gaurav Sobti, founder of property consultant Homegram, says, "Buyers no longer want to compromise on security. This is why all developers prioritize security over other amenities." Most developers are building multi-layer security systems in their projects, ranging from guards in each tower to high-quality CCTV and intercoms. While you can hire a guard in your home, he or she won't provide round-the-clock security like a society. Consequently, people are turning to societies.

Five-layer security is available in societies
Ashwani Nagpal (retd.), COO of Diligent Builders said, "Projects are being equipped with smart locks and control systems. Homebuyers can open doors through smart touch panels, and can switch on the AC and lights with voice commands before entering the house. Even switches inside the house can be controlled with a smart touch. Compared to the past, societies today offer five-layer security, starting from the society gate, continuing through the parking lot, elevators, tower lobby, and then the apartment door. RG Group Director Himanshu Garg said, "We consider security a part of our lifestyle." Features like smart locking systems, biometric entry, and SOS alarms provide additional confidence to buyers.

There's no denying that gated societies are proving more reliable in terms of security, especially in larger cities. However, families who still live in their homes aren't necessarily safe there; rather, maintaining a strong environment and security system can help ensure safety within their homes.

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