Gated Community vs Single Private Homes: Which Do You Fancy?

Introduction

When one embarks on the journey of home ownership, one of the first key questions they will ask themselves, is whether they want to embrace this home ownership journey the gated community way or go in the direction of owning a single private home.
This question right there sets the theme for this article as it sets to compare gated community and standalone (single-family) homes.

Definitions

Gated community is a type of residential living that is controlled from its access and exit points, has shared amenities that is enjoyed amongst its residents and has similar layout and house plan in each typology. An example of a gated community in Kenya would be Impala Gardens Townhouses which is a mix of 3 & 4 bedroom townhouses located along Gataka Road in Rongai.
A single-family private home on the other hand is a freestanding house set in its own private piece of land.
Here’s a detailed look at the pros and cons of each which will in turn help clarify which might be the best fit for your needs:

Advantages:

• Cost Efficiency: Generally less expensive than standalone homes, this can be beneficial for those on a tighter budget.
• Lower Maintenance: Exterior maintenance, including landscaping and sometimes even roof repairs, is often managed by a Property Manager, reducing the burden on residents.
• Community Amenities: Many gated communities offer shared amenities like pools, gyms, and parks, which can enhance your living experience.
• Less Property Management: With a smaller yard or patio, there’s less outdoor space to manage compared to a standalone home.
• Efficiency in Urban Areas: Gated Communities are often located in urban or suburban areas where land is at a premium, providing proximity to city amenities and work.
• Security: This might be considered the greatest benefit of owning a home within a gated community. Security is enhanced in a gated community by having a manned gate, controlled entrance and exit points, CCTV surveillance coupled with the presence of an electric fence, and of course let’s not forget the advantage that comes with having a next-door neighbor who inadvertently acts as an extra pair of eyes for you.
• Children Social Development: For parents with young children who are still in their formative developmental years, raising children within a gated community where they will get to interact and play with other kids, could be the prime reason for opting to purchase a home within a gated community. This interaction and exposure greatly impacts the child’s neurobiological development which will in turn foster their physical and mental well-being.
• Easier access to Emergency Assistance: It goes without saying getting help, any sort of help, is easier in a gated community than it is whilst living in a private house. Having access to the contact details of the property manager, security guards, and your neighbors and in most cases being part of the gated community’s WhatsApp group, could come in handy in times of emergency.
• A wider network: There is a sense of community that comes with living within a gated community plus let’s not forget how you get to add onto your network by attending community events such as goat eating parties, birthday celebrations, community clean-up days, and other such events that place you in a position to network and gain a sense of family and community.

Disadvantages:

• Property Management Fees: Monthly management fees can add to the overall cost of living and might increase over time.
• Limited Yard Space: Private outdoor space is typically smaller than that of standalone homes, which might be a downside for those who enjoy gardening or outdoor activities.
• Privacy: Sharing walls with neighbors can lead to less privacy and potential noise issues.
• Resale Value: Depending on the market, selling a house in a gated community might have lower resale value compared to a standalone house.

Advantages:

• More Private: As the name states, these types of homes are set in their own piece of private land, so they don’t have shared walls with neighbors.
• More Yard Space: More chances of having bigger exclusive open spaces such as gardens and backyards that can be great for families and outdoor lovers.
• No Property Management Dues: In most cases, there are no management fees payable, although home rules or local laws may still apply.
• Flexibility: Easier to remodel or add structures to the home and land because there are fewer restrictions compared to gated communities.
• Possibility to Increase the Value: Owning a single-family residence has better appreciation value.

Disadvantages:

• Costs More: More expensive than owning a house in a gated community due to land purchase price, construction costs, maintenance, and taxes.
• More Work: Homeowners are responsible for everything that needs to be done on the outside of the house, including gardening, maintenance, repairs, and general cleaning.
• Distance: Single stand-alone houses might be located farther from the city, which means longer commuting distances or fewer city amenities.
• Utility Bills: Bigger houses might have increased utility expenses because there is more area to cool, heat, and maintain.

Conclusion

Which one is better – owning a home within a gated community or a single private home – will depend primarily on your choice of lifestyle, available cash, and other future plans.
If you are more inclined towards lesser upkeep and would like a few facilities that come with the neighborhood then a house within a gated community seems appropriate. Reach out to Impala Developers on 0782 467 252/ 0746 934 124 and they will connect you with your dream home within Impala Gardens Townhouses.
If you appreciate privacy, larger outdoor spaces, and potential customization, a single private home could be the better option.