Track2Realty: Office markets in India registered a downward trend in absorption in the first half of the year (Jan–June 2013), according to the latest report by Cushman & Wakefield. The total net absorption across top eight cities in H1 2013 was noted at 10.9 million square feet (msf) which denoted a decline of 15% compared to the same period last year.
Track2Realty: India Ratings & Research (Ind-Ra) has maintained a negative outlook on the Indian construction sector for the second half of 2013 (H213). This is in view of the continued execution and liquidity challenges facing the sector, identified as major constraints in the beginning of the year. The impact of these challenges is likely to intensify in the near term.
Track2Realty: The prime office space segment across key cities in India witnessed a supply infusion of more than 20 million sqft in the first six months of 2013.
Track2Realty Exclusive: Green building is something that is being over marketed in the Indian real estate. However, while the serious developers have realized its benefits, including fast return on investments, consumers’ literacy on the benefits of paying extra for long term low-maintenance is relatively low.
Track2Realty Exclusive: The problem remains that many SEZs are seen as real estate scams. Lack of clarity on the country’s land acquisition policy is also a major stumbling block for SEZ projects. EAS Sarma, former Secretary to the Government of India has alleged that most of the SEZs in the country have become real estate ventures lined to money laundering.
Track2Realty Exclusive: Signs of consumer activism backfiring have already started appearing. For instance, visibly upset with the increasing instances of protests by Noida Extension home buyers, which often obstruct traffic and law and order arrangements in the city, the district administration in November, 2012, asked the buyers’ association to not to protest in groups.
Track2Realty Exclusive: When the issue of Maharashtra Government levying 5 per cent Value-Added Tax (VAT) surfaced and the MCHI-CREDAI and a couple of other developers’ and trade associations moved to the court, a consumer group called FORAM–Flat Owners’ Rights protection Action committee in Maharashtra – was formed with consumer interest groups coming together and seeking to fight the vexed VAT issue on flats in Maharashtra.
Track2Realty-Agencies: Supporting Union Urban Development Minister Kamal Nath’s push for vertical growth in the city, the Delhi government has said the Centre will have to give adequate funds to it for enhancing existing infrastructure if such a policy is finalised.
Track2Realty Exclusive: In China, SEZs were developed along its southern coast in the areas of Shenzhen, Shantou, Zhuhai, Hainan and Xiamen which were backward small villages lacking in basic infrastructure and industrial resources. These zones were developed as manufacturing hubs and the open access to international trade sea lanes led to their success.
Track2Realty Exclusive: In Noida Extension buyers took to streets against the developers for allegedly using all available options to ensure that the original set of buyers were divested of their flats, which could then be resold at a higher rate. In a majority of the cases, the consumers were faced with a Hobson’s choice.