You have said maintenance fee should be charged on a proportionate basis - the bigger the area of the flat, the higher the charge. This does not clarify how to calculate the charge on areas like the terrace and the lawn belonging to a flat owner.

We live in an old building complex that has more than two dozen flats ranging from one-room to three-room ones. We have decided to raise the maintenance charge and suggested that those who own additional space like a terrace garden or a lawn, or enjoy the benefits of the lift, pay more proportionately.

What is the yardstick or norm to be applied in such cases?

Chhaya Devi

If the terrace, garden or the lawn is part of a flat, the maintenance fee will be charged on the composite area.

You are right in suggesting that whoever owns such an additional space, pay more. But you cannot include the lift while calculating the charge.

I work in a private real estate company, which has recently opened an office in Calcutta. It deals with investments. For instance, the company will put money taken from investors in projects and give a guaranteed return after four-five years with interest.

Another service it offers is that an investor can put in a certain amount for a flat, say Rs 2-3 lakh, and receive a deed certificate instead of a money receipt. After six years, he can return the flat and get 10.5 per cent compound interest plus a share in the increased value of the property.

The other option is that he may retain the flat by giving the remaining amount of price.

The company is saying it has an agreement with certain projects. I want to know if this is possible. How will I know that the company is genuine?

Shibajee Biswas, on email

The products have been created by the company. There are no known comparables in the market to judge the company by. Dealing in real estate is a tricky business. Go by the credentials of the company, which means you have to check its track record.

None of the big real estate companies retails such products for retail investors. Wait for some time when new investment vehicles like REITs are introduced by big funds/companies. You can consider entering the real estate market then.

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Sambit Saha, Business Telegraph, ABP Ltd,
6, Prafulla Sarkar Street, Calcutta — 700001