Re: Acron Homes
 

My husband and I are considering buying an Acron Home off-plan. We met John Britto in London and saw the plans. The property is in Asagao, in the northern part of Goa, not too far away from Mapusa.

We would like to hear from anybody who (i) has bought via Acron, and (ii) has bought or is buying at Villa Violeta in Asagao.

More specifically, what are Acron like to do business with--honest, good reputation, fulfill promises, etc... What is the quality of the construction? What are they like with changes to standard specifications. Is it possible to change flooring, tiles, paint finishes? Do they rip you off (like most builders) when you change standard specifications?

Walter and Betty

Buying in Goa
 

One more question. If you bought through Acron Homes, did you engage your own solicitors to review the documents. We were told by Acron that there is no need and 85% of their clients buy without going through a solicitor to represent them.

Re: Acron Homes
 

Hi Keith,we are in D5 and have asked for Acron to change the position of one of the doorways into the bathroom, if they have got as far as building the interior wall i would be greatful if you could check it out. Have a great holiday.
bill & jackie

Re: Acron Homes
 

Hi Betty

We have bought an apartment at villa violeta from Acron and we have so far enjoyed a good relationship with the developer. With regard to the legal aspects the two main issues are, firstly satisfy yourselves that there is a clear title to the property for sale and secondly the lease is legal and secure. We actually consulted an india law firm in Chancery Lane but in hindsight I would use a Goan advocate to who is familiar with this type of purchase. I can supply you with his name and address should you proceed further. I would also say that Acron are most likely to be attempting to save you money rather than trying to avoid their leases being legally scrutinised.

With regard to your question about changes to the specifications. We decided to change the floor tile from Jalsamer Sandstone to more expensive vitreous tiles and we were quoted £300.00 and for over 1600sq ft I think that this is good value.

We are heading to Goa in April to take possession of our property so should you decide to take this further I can happlily provide photos while I am there.

Regards

Martin

Re: Acron Homes
 

Dear Martin:
Thanks very much for your prompt response. Acron gave us a good "gut feeling" too. We are buying one of the semi-detached homes and have been told hand-over will be sometime in June 2007. Several questions:

Yes we would love to know the name of the solicitor you used in London (Chancery lane). You mentioned an Advocat in Goa. Can you recommend anyone?

Have you been to the area before? Do you know the village well? Is it kind of in the middle of nowhere? We are buying it sight unseen and are slightly nervous and a quick trip would help but I just cannot take time off at the moment.

What about things like airconditioning, water, gas etc...I know water can be a problem in Goa but John Britto said it is not an issue although I do not believe we asked him how they were going to make sure we will not be stuck without water for several hours a day.

Is there a gas connection? From the mains?

If you are going in April, would greatly appreciate your taking pictures for us--if we have not made it there by then. Will keep you posted if we go before April.

What about furnishing your apartment?

Thanks very much and look forward to hearing from you.

Betty

Re: Acron Homes
 

Hi Betty

First thing I would say is that I would not want to say anthing that may or may not influence your decision to buy at Villa Violeta as the decision is a very individual one based on many factors. You did not mention either whether you are familiar with Goa and its geography.

Assagao is quite a large "village" of approx 3500 people, however the spread its inhabitants is over quite a long distance and follows the road through the Assagao vally, therefore it always seems rather quiet. I am aware from converstions with our taxi driver in Goa that there have been number of people been to see the development who regarded its position as a little too remote.

It is easy to reach the beachs within a very short time and distance but you will need some form of transport. For us the beauty of assagao and it's peacefulness was a selling point. It really depends what you like. There are no restaurants / bars within close walking distance which I believe is a bit of a drawback, but Goa is changing all the time so I doubt that this will remain forever. A bus service from Mapusa runs regularly to take you to Vagator/Chapora and it stops on the main road a short hop from the property which is handy.

With regard to the advocate his name is Sanjay Shirodkar 0832 2713755 use a international charge card and it works out a lot cheaper to call India. I wouldn't bother using the UK law firm as they will only refer to an Indian advocate and of course charge a whole lot more.

Air conditioning and furniture you will have to buy yourself however it is very popular to have furniture built and designed to your own specification, we are using a carpenter who is based in the south but there are many. There are also a good deal of furniture shops in Panjima and more seem to open every season.

The water issue I am not sure but I believe that there is a well on site as well as a holding tank which can be filled by a mobile water truck so I wouldn't worry about that too much. There is no piped gas in goa therefore you will need to buy bottles which last for a long time.

I really think that you should try to see the property before committing. Acron are not the cheapest developer but they are highly regarded. They are very transparent in their dealings and I believe that alone is worth the premium. The main decision is whether the site is right for you. It may be worth emailing Acron to ask them for a Google Earth reference so you can see the area aerially.

Hope some of this helps.

Regards

Martin

Re: Acron Homes
 

Thanks Chandu, this time we are going to Naama Bay, we did the Nile cruise a few years ago and had a fab time but this trip is sun, sea, sand and a few beers, Sue

Re: Acron Homes
 

Dear Martin:
We've been away and have only just logged on to e-mail. Your response is very useful and thanks for that information on the lawyer in Goa. I just received the documents from Acron last night and will be speaking with him.
I'm embarrassed to say this! My family is of Goan-Portuguese origin . In fact, my grandmother's childhood home is in Khorlim, the village just before Assagao if you're coming from Mapuca and I spent many happy summers there as a child in the early 1960s when it was still a peaceful backwater. The family home is still there. My mother's family roots are in Siolim. So, in theory, I should be guiding you! The reality is that I was an expat child and then became an expat adult and after having lived in the Middle East, America and Australia, we came to live in London a few years ago. And visits to Goa have been four holidays in the past 15 years. So, my current knowledge is weak.
We are looking for peace and quiet and don't want to be in a touristy area full of bars and restaurants. And I like the beaches in that far north area of Goa. So this place appealed to us. I have a cousin who lives in Parra, the village to the west, and he is going to visit the place today and will report back to me. And I have a business trip to Bahrain next week for a couple of weeks and plan to hop off to Goa for a long weekend to take a look at it myself. Its closer from there. Acron, however, have been very decent with e-mailing me many pictures and maps. And they have been good so far with my constant requests for information. Thanks for your help.
Betty

Re: Villa Maria
 

Just posted 5 new photo's of Villa Maria in the members gallery :thumbsup:

Re: Villa Maria
 

Hi dribyar the photos are great we were there in January and it looks different again. Are you buying on Villa Maria? there`s so many people on here now I`m loosing track of who is who but then I`m getting old. Has anyone seen the tile choices yet I`ve emailed Acron but had no response as yet. Rose & Mick

Re: Acron Homes
 

Yes i'm buying B5. Acron e mailed me the standard spec tile choice and shower fittings etc although i saw them when i went in feb. I will forward the e mails if you leave your e mail address. (40s not old!!)

Re: Acron Homes
 

Thanks, I`ve sent you a private message I think? with my email address it would be great to see what they have sent you they didn`t have them when we visited in January. I`ll write you on my list of owners thats the only way I can keep track. It will be good when we can put faces to names it will be easier then. Not long now!
Thanks again Rose & Mick

Re: Acron Homes
 

e mails on the way, hope you get them ok.
Ray.

Re: Acron Homes
 

Got your emails fine just been looking at them I think we wll just go with the standard fittings as they seem neutral and I think it would be quite difficult picking colours etc without seeing them. Are you the Ray who has bought with Billy and Jackie if so I reckon our numbers are 8 if not 9.
Rose and Mick

Re: Acron Homes
 

No I've bought on my own. Perhaps you could do a bit of a plan for me so I'll know who's going to be there!