Lake View Flats in Kolkata: What to Check Before You Book

Lake view flats draw a lot of interest from home buyers, and for good reason: open water, soft light and a break from the city. But “lake view” in a brochure does not always mean a lake view from your window. This guide explains how to check, so that you pay for what you actually get.

Water bodies around Kolkata

Kolkata has several well-known water bodies that buyers look for. Examples include Rabindra Sarobar in the south, Subhas Sarobar near Narkeldanga, the lake at Eco Park in New Town, and the lake at Central Park in Salt Lake. Farther east lie the East Kolkata Wetlands. Each has a different character, level of upkeep and surrounding development, so a flat near one is not the same as a flat near another.

How to verify a lake view claim

1. See the view from the actual unit. Stand on the balcony or at the main windows of the exact flat, or one on the same floor and side of the building. A view from another tower or a higher floor does not count.
2. Check the floor and side. A lower floor may look at a wall or at trees, while the same flat ten floors up looks at the water. Ask which units have the view and whether the price differs.
3. Ask if the view is permanent. A vacant plot between the building and the water could be built on. Ask what is approved around the project, and look at the surroundings yourself.
4. Visit at different times. Look in the morning, in the evening and, if you can, after rain.

Practical things to check beyond the view

• Upkeep of the water body: check for odour, floating weeds and mosquitoes, which depend on how well the water is maintained.
• Light and ventilation: a view is nice, but a dark or stuffy flat is not. Check which direction the windows face.
• Drainage and the monsoon: flats near water can be affected by heavy rain, so ask residents how the area copes.
• Safety: if you have children or elderly family members, check balcony railings and how close the water is.
• Noise and traffic: lakeside roads can be busy in the evenings.

Is the premium worth paying?

Flats with a good water view often carry a premium over similar flats without one, though the size varies. Before you pay it, ask for the price of the same type of flat on the other side of the building and work out the difference. Then ask yourself how much you will actually enjoy the view day to day, and how likely it is to last.

Remember too that the resale value of a view depends on whether the next buyer values it and whether it is still there.

Good views beyond lakes

Open-sky, green and terrace views can be just as satisfying and are often easier to verify. At Krishna Kamdhenu in Barowaritala, for example, the rooftop terrace offers a skyline view, and the project has a rooftop garden, a gym and a community hall.

If you are considering Krishna Lakeview at Rabindrapally, Kestopur, ready to move, with 1, 2 and 3 BHK homes, no GST, 24/7 security and power backup, ask our team about the outlook from the units you like and visit at different times of day to see for yourself. For more on choosing a home in the area, read our Kestopur buyer's guide, or see flats in Lake Town and Bangur Avenue for nearby options.

Frequently asked questions