From searches to showings to a sense of community, luxury renters are coming out of the pandemic with new priorities, and developers have an opportunity to meet the needs of the new luxury renter. One of the rising stars of this calibre in Sri Lanka, Iconic Galaxy, is preparing to unveil its premium Prive penthouse apartments. Danu Innasithamby of Hi Online recently conducted a virtual interview with Rohan Parikh, the Managing Director of Iconic Developments, to discuss how Iconic Galaxy incorporated luxury to comfort to make sure their consumers get the best outcome for luxury living during a pandemic.

Rohan Parikh highlighted that the pandemic has made the majority rethink about what they really want from their homes. Since our homes have turned into workplaces, schools and meeting rooms ever since the pandemic started, people have started to pay attention to how they live, where they live and who they live with. They have also started to realize and appreciate their home space.

"As the pandemic is an accelerant to smart working, people have realized that their homes require the same level of smart technology. The difference that Iconic Galaxy makes in its design and architecture is that it delivers luxury, convenience and self-containment, to ensure that you have everything you need within your home, at an arm's reach," said Rohan Parikh.

At the end of the day, home is what you want it to be. Therefore, luxury is what you want it to be. Parikh emphasized that Iconic Galaxy has identified that as the core to constructing its Prive apartments, with luxury finishes, over 45,000 sq. ft. of amenities – more than any comparable residence, including a 7-level club, rooftop gardens, pool & spa complex and more. Apart from that, Iconic Galaxy is riveting because it captures the aesthetics and styles of modern living, combined with the homely feeling of Sri Lanka's authenticity.

"Sri Lanka does understated elegance very well," commented Parikh. "I was inspired by the colonial buildings by their architecture and design and wanted to integrate that into Iconic Galaxy as well, so that Sri Lankans know that this is a different building, with a difference, built in Sri Lanka, by someone who understands Lankan architecture. There are so many ways that you can integrate culture and heritage into a concrete block, which is essentially what a building is, and the way you make it more authentic is what attracts more people to Iconic."

He further explained that Iconic, because of smart design, architecture, efficient management and costing, is a gamechanger in the real estate industry. Constructed in line with international standards, Iconic Galaxy is equipped with world class amenities, offering views and multiple conveniences at affordable rates. Overall, the pandemic could prove to be an optimal time for smart buyers as developers offer discounted prices to buyers. Those choosing the right project to invest in could see a strong return on their investment in the long run.

He also stated that there is an opportunity in every crisis. Prudent developers who have chosen the right segment and are conservatively capitalised will be able to see themselves through to project completion. There will be reduced competition as weaker developers and inviable projects will be forced out, and a lack of new projects starting, owing to capital scarcity caused by the global economic slowdown. This would make apartments an excellent investment at this time.  

Among the many features drawing buyers to Iconic Galaxy is the state-of-the-art seven-level private club, serviced guest suites, concierge service, and on-site conveniences that include a mini supermarket, business centre, banquet hall, rooftop cafe, beauty salon, spa complex, laundromat, and electric car charging facilities.