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hat is the biggest dream of citizens of the metropolis? Having a place to live that is close to the workplace, schools and shopping centers. Moving back into the city is the most realistic and logical answer.

Amid the limitations of urban land, expensive land prices, and the degradation in environmental quality, an integrated area development of “green” apartments are a fresh breakthrough in urban development.

Living in an apartment has become a trend among young executives in big cities like Jakarta. Many upscale young families also prefer to live in an apartment because it is part of a lifestyle that offers prestige, comfort and luxury. It is no wonder many families furnish their apartments with prestigious branded items like sofas, home theaters and other kinds of premium appliances, like a top-of-the-range stove and vacuum cleaner.

The growing trend in apartment living among affluent families is also seen by many as providing an alternative investment opportunity. Therefore, it is not surprising that apartment buyers include investors who purchase an apartment for investment purposes.

Some factors to consider in choosing an apartment. What did you buy the apartment for? Are you planning to stay a while or settle in for a longer period or forever? The apartment must be strategically located near offices, schools, or shopping centers, and be supported by access to public transport and road infrastructure (toll roads). The size and number of rooms will be according to the needs of singles, young couples, or complete families. Other factors to consider are completeness of facilities provided as well as pricing, billing and payment systems.

Choose the apartment that fits the character of your soul. For reasons of convenience and practicality, apartment units that are ready for habitation are a logical choice. Buying an apartment unit is a long term investment because the price of apartments will continue to rise.

You should seek information on market prices as a comparison and investigate the type of interest (reasonable purchase price), the credibility of the developer, understand the legal status of land and building (project license, certificate status), ability of the developer to fulfill obligations (the completeness of the promised facilities), and payment system offered (hard cash, gradual cash payment or credit). Make sure the apartment is handed over on time, and if not, what compensation is provided by the developer and make sure this is written in the purchase agreement.

Constraints are that apartments are relatively expensive per unit. As a solution, relevant government policies such as low interest loans and an installment payment system would help. Government assistance in providing subsidies, tax incentives, or other facilities will greatly assist the development of the construction of residential apartments to meet the needs of citizens.

Prospective residents need to know the water management system, power capacity per unit, garbage disposal system, and the availability of parking to calculate the regular monthly expenses. A good apartment building provides a variety of equipment and is built with fire safety and prevention in mind as well as to withstand disasters such as floods and earthquakes.

Apartments in an integrated area development in urban centers will cut time, costs, and energy wasted due to traffic congestion. The higher concentration of population in an area with diverse and integrated facilities and efficient infrastructure will result in ease of accessibility including to public transport.

There is a high demand for construction of apartments in urban areas because it has many advantages. In terms of marketing, the concept is proven to boost property sales. While for consumers, this is an investment, the value of which continues to grow.

Ideally apartments are developed in an integrated area (one stop living), with the concept of multi-function consisting of residences, shopping centers, offices, schools and recreational parks.

All activities can be done in one convenient location. The presence of various functions in one area reduces the need for mobility, therefore traffic is reduced and the air is cleaner. Developers build pedestrian and bicycle paths which are wide and shady encouraging residents to walk or cycle to various destinations in the residential area.

Construction of apartments in an integrated area should be supported by a network of integrated mass transit (bus, rail). Each train station or bus stop can be brought closer to the area so that it easier for people who need to come and go from the area. The integrated area can be built near mass transit stations or bus stops can be developed (transit oriented development - TOD).

The building sector contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions and therefore developers must introduce the green residential concept to assist in curbing global warming. The concept of green building has become a global trend in apartment development (read: Green Apartment).

There are three words that can describe the prospects for the development of an apartment building today, i.e. great view, green lifestyle, and golden opportunity. The personal touch and premium services include area and building security, private parking in the basement and a secure elevator that takes you directly to your apartment door.

Standard apartment facilities with the concept of one stop living include swimming pool and Jacuzzi, tennis court, fitness center and/or club house, sauna, spa, salon, medical clinic, pedestrian walk such as a jogging track, function room, coffee shop and restaurant, mini market (includes post office, day care for children, laundry, ATM), It would also include a school and children’s playground, putting green and golf course, barbeque area, courtyard, parks, and parking areas.

The opportunity to gather with the family in a clean and fresh environment where you can exercise, enjoy recreation and leisure activities to release work or school related stress and fatigue, is a luxury that can only be realized if you live in a downtown apartment.

Apartment buildings that are creative, innovative, and environmentally friendly will become the
new global standard, including in Indonesia, as a concrete action to reduce global warming and counteract the effects of climate change, guaranteeing a better life for future generations.

So ultimately the decision to live in an apartment is not about prestige or lifestyle trends, but a necessity due to the demands of life in a metropolitan city where city dwellers long for freedom from traffic congestion and look for guaranteed security and the freedom to live quietly and comfortably.

The writer is a specialist in architectural issues.