Are you eccentric? Do you value art and design? Are you worried that gated estates are stiff and soulless and too “matchy matchy” with their aesthetic? We hear you. Home Owner Associations (HOA) get a bad rap. What do you mean I can’t put that pink flamingo pinwheel on my lawn??? But with the bad comes the good too as sometimes too much creativity can cause upset in a neighborhood. As with any neighborhood governed by an HOA, gated estates bring several rules and regulations which is often subjective. For instance, HOAs often enforce standards regarding home exteriors; and where one resident might enjoy a neighborhood with a cohesive aesthetic and no chipping paint, another resident might feel that such regulations stifle their individuality. It’s also worth mentioning that enforcement of these rules by the HOA – who may issue warnings, charge fines, or put a lien on your house as penalties – may be a relief to some, and irksome to others.
While HOAs in non-gated communities may not provide any amenities at all, members of a gated estates can more likely expect certain shared resources. In addition to basic services like trash removal, these communities might include a fitness center, park, landscaped grounds, swimming pool, and more; The Four Seasons in Koh Samui, includes a rum vault and a private beach. On top of the amenities themselves, common spaces and shared resources in these neighborhoods will typically be held to high standards and maintenance, just like the actual homes are – all of which can have the significant advantage of stabilizing or increasing home property values over time. As with so many decisions facing potential homebuyers, the question of whether to consider a gated estate largely comes down to personal preference. And if you get to the point of evaluating a particular estate, it’s imperative to research specifics. Just remember that choosing a new home isn’t just about choosing a new space, but a new way of life – and that for some, life inside a gated estate may be well worth exploring.
The villa designs in some of our gated estates are perfectly customizable with little to no regulations. Other estates have more stringent approaches to ensure the overall aesthetic of the estate. Deciding where your priority lies on this topic will help up plan you in the right estate for your values.
For a free consultation to find the right estate for you, contact us at: info@gatedestates.asia
