Renting out your home in Kochi

Our advice for Kochi

Kochi works on two levels. There is the historic port, with Fort Kochi, Mattancherry and their Chinese fishing nets, churches and spice warehouses, which attracts travellers from India and abroad. And there is the modern commercial city, around Kakkanad, Edappally and the Marine Drive area, which receives business visitors, IT staff and families of Keralites working in the Gulf.

Two different products

In Fort Kochi and Mattancherry, guests want atmosphere: heritage houses, courtyards, walking distance to cafés and galleries. The Kochi-Muziris Biennale, when it takes place, brings a cultural crowd. In Kakkanad near Infopark, the requirement is a clean apartment with a desk, fast broadband and parking. Edappally and Kaloor suit families who come for shopping, weddings or medical appointments, as the city has several large hospitals.

The NRI owner's situation

Many Kochi properties belong to families living in the Gulf, Europe or North America. A house that stays empty eleven months a year deteriorates quickly in this climate. Renting it in the short or mid term, with a local team handling cleaning, repairs and guest contact, keeps it aired, maintained and earning. Block the dates when the family returns; the rest can work.

Living with the monsoon

• The southwest monsoon usually reaches Kerala around June; the building must be ready before that.
• Check the roof, gutters and wall cracks every year.
• Protect furniture from mould with ventilation and dehumidifiers.
• Low-lying streets can flood: tell guests in advance and choose ground-floor furnishings accordingly.

Infrastructure

Power backup, a water purifier and air-conditioning in the bedrooms are expected. The metro and water metro help guests move around; mention the nearest stations.

Regulation

Kerala's tourism department runs a classification scheme for homestays, which gives guests a recognised label; the conditions depend on whether the owner lives on site. Heritage areas in Fort Kochi can carry building restrictions. Confirm your position with the department and the corporation before listing, and use Form C (now called Form III) for foreign guests.

Our view: in Kochi, the right formula depends on your street. Decide first whether you sell heritage or practicality, then equip accordingly.