The Locked Doors of Kerala: A Secret Gold Mine for Young Entrepreneurs

Lakhs of houses lying locked in Kerala: A way for youth to make money if they set their minds to it! The idea becomes a hit

· A business opportunity focusing on the lakhs of uninhabited houses in Kerala is currently gaining attention.

· Young people don't need to leave their hometowns in search of jobs; there is an increasing demand for services like elderly care and the maintenance of locked houses and properties. One can earn a significant income through this.

According to data from a few years ago, more than 1.3 million houses in Kerala remain closed and uninhabited. If a fresh count were taken today, that number might nearly double. Several factors contribute to this increase:

• Migration for Better Opportunities: The younger generation is moving abroad in search of "greener pastures.
• Property Ownership Abroad: Many are now able to purchase homes in Gulf countries.
• Family Relocation: Those who have obtained citizenship in European countries are increasingly taking their parents to live with them abroad.

A majority of these locked houses were once well-maintained and equipped with modern amenities. However, staying closed for long periods without proper upkeep causes their condition to deteriorate rapidly.

It is becoming a common sight in Kerala to see houses, which have no structural issues, plumbing leaks or electrical faults, falling into ruin simply because there is no one there to look after them.

There are houses that are cleaned only occasionally, considering that the owners might visit only once every year or two. Some people seek the help of deep cleaning services just before they arrive, temporarily cleaning the house so they can stay for a week, two, or even a few months.

However, this cannot be called 'proper maintenance.' As soon as the owners leave, the house becomes dusty again, and the courtyard becomes overgrown with weeds.

But what if a house could be maintained cleanly, fully habitable and without any damage even when the owners are away? A business potential centered around the lakhs of uninhabited houses in Kerala is now gaining attention.

Home and Estate Management services are a new emerging opportunity in Kerala. These are organizations that take over the full responsibility of maintaining houses in the absence of their owners. Instead of hiring cleaning services or individuals and paying them separately each time, these companies take complete charge of the house on a contract basis. This allows owners living abroad to stay there peacefully, without worrying about the house, its surroundings, or the belongings inside deteriorating.

Key Features of the Service:

·         Customizable Plans: Companies offer various plans that owners can choose from based on their needs.

·         Long-term Maintenance: These agencies maintain the house under long-term contracts.

·         Comprehensive Care: In addition to keeping the interior and exterior of the house clean, owners can seek the help of property managers to periodically inspect furniture and household appliances for damage.

·         Technical Support: Electronic appliances can become useless if left unused or damaged for months. Instead of waiting until the owners return home to fix them, these issues can be resolved promptly with the help of managers.

In the future, even if issues like house leaks are discovered, they can be resolved with the help of these managers. This facility is beneficial for cleaning water tanks that have remained unused for long periods and for avoiding situations where the property becomes overgrown with weeds or infested with reptiles and insects due to lack of occupancy.

Property management services would be a great blessing for expatriates if they offer various plans based on factors such as how often the owners return home, what their specific needs are when they arrive, and the available facilities and total area of the property.

Many people face significant difficulties when planning for temporary accommodation upon returning to their hometown. If a home can be "warmed up" and made ready for living with the help of a property manager, these hassles can be avoided, allowing one to spend their few days of vacation peacefully in their own home.

Those who hesitate to build a house in their hometown solely due to concerns about its maintenance and upkeep can make the most of these possibilities.

When considering the damages caused to a house and property by lying idle for long periods, the loss incurred through the deterioration of household appliances, and the opportunity to maintain a home in a condition ready to be rented out or used as a summer villa, the fee paid to property managers should not be viewed as a loss.

In short, for young people planning to leave the country due to a lack of jobs, closed houses and the concept of Home Management open up a massive business opportunity.