Track2Realty Exclusive: In the pre-2008 era, print spends were high. Since then the global economic recession and resultant decline in sales have compelled marketers to explore alternative channels. Subsequently, internet marketing which up till then meant having a website, morphed into a lead-generation and branding tool.
Browsing: Interviews
Track2Realty: The much debated Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Bill, 2012 (LARR Bill) was cleared by the lower house of parliament in the first half of the Budget session. This crucial Bill that seeks to replace the antediluvian Land Acquisition Act, 1894 with a fresh legislation wherein the component of compensation for resettlement and rehabilitation of the project affected families is added.The Bill covers land acquisition including for infrastructure and industrial developments bringing in government, quasi- government and other.
Track2Realty Exclusive: The opening up of retail in multi-brand and single brand is likely to push up the demand for more space throughout the country. On a rough estimate, this sub-segment needs, over the next few years, close to 20 million sq feet of space, which have to be built in accordance with the international standards.
Track2Realty Exclusive: There are few developers who build integrated townships 100 km away in the outskirts of the city which is acceptable worldwide. For example, the city of Milton Keynes which is beautifully crafted township built 100 km far wide from the city of London.
Track2Realty Exclusive: Subvention schemes have gained popularity with developers in the North India, particularly after the economic slowdown. The scheme conceived by developers in conjunction with banks, allows the home loan applicant to defer EMIs and interest payments, on a property under construction, for the first two years of the loan period.
Track2Realty Exclusive: In India the regulation bill has been contemplated for a few years, but it is only now being actively pursued through multiple rounds of industry consultation. As a tool to drive this initiative, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation (HUPA), has drafted a regulation bill laying down the necessary provisions to set up a regulatory body, defining its powers and functions, responsibilities of the developers and penalties for violations and RICS appreciates the initiative to further improve upon and facilitate a smoother introduction of the regulatory authority within the purview of the revised regulation bill.
Track2Realty Exclusive: There is no clear-cut definition of the term ‘affordable’, as it is a relative concept and could have several indirect meanings in different contexts. In India, private developers primarily target luxury, high-end and upper-mid housing segment, since it fetches a premium over low income housing. This leads to a sustained supply for this segment, increasing market competitiveness for developers.
Track2Realty Exclusive: The current environment necessitates greater discipline in marketing, steered by a well-conceived strategy. Absorption levels in many cities, both in the residential and commercial segments would indicate that developers are carrying surplus inventory on their balance-sheets.
Track2Realty Exclusive: Some of the companies are using online media for generating sales lead; while others are focused on customer relations. With the medium new and realty more or less reluctant in the initial stages, there are very few who are actually understanding the medium and adapting themselves to what others think as a necessary evil. Tata Housing believes in using the medium for engaging with the customers more than just generating sales leads. Brotin Banerjee, MD & CEO of Tata Housing shares with Track2Realty how they strategise their social media usage. Excerpts of the interview:
Track2Realty Exclusive: Sachin Sandhir, Managing Director-South Asia of RICS and a vocal spokesperson of the realty reforms agrees there is an element of subjectivity and a fine line, when industry stakeholders organise awards – as it can lead to a conflict of interest. He, however, defends awards that are based on actual performance indicators and tangible evidence. Track2Realty probes for an insight—