If you think prime locations in the NCR have hit the roof and you missed the dream rally in having a reasonably priced home, there is no reason to look at the secondary locations. In an expanding National Capital Region (NCR) while some of the locations deter you due to its less appreciation potential or controversies galore, then probably your property hunt has not led you to the destination next of the region—New Gurgaon.
In the past, Ahmedabad – the largest city of Gujarat – was largely thought of as a trading hub with localized market drivers. Today, we can confidently state that nothing could be more further from the truth. Jones Lang LaSalle India made a well-researched move when it launched operations in Ahmedabad in 2009. The decision to enter the city was based on its unmatched promise as a potential real estate investment destination, which factored in the city’s healthy local demand, as well as its outstanding industrial story.
Growth in the property business in Asia Pacific this year will be driven by many countries and not just China as in the recent past, according to DTZ survey. The region’s solid performance will be supported by strong growth in the use of equity for investment as opposed to debt, intra-regional investment, and increasing willingness of banks to lend, the company says in its research report Money into Property 2012.
Lanco Infratech Ltd, the power producer, is reportedly seeking buyers for a real estate business it values at 27 billion rupees ($483 million). According to the sources close to the development the company has asked investment banks to submit proposals to manage the sale.
Leasing of prime office space across key cities in India witnessed an increase in the second quarter of 2012 with over 7 million sq.ft. of office space being absorbed across key cities.
CBRE has announced that its Western Region would now be headed by Nikhil Bhatia, based out of Mumbai. Nikhil Bhatia currently co-heads the Capital Markets business for CBRE in India, and shall assume the additional responsibility of managing the firm’s operations for the region.
Dewan Architects & Engineers, architecture and engineering consultancy firm, has drawn up an ambitious plan to expand its footprints in the Indian realty business. The company recently announced its venture into the burgeoning Indian real estate market, in a move that comes as part of Dewan’s strategic expansion plans to reach out to more markets in South East Asia.
The first half of 2012 recorded total absorption of approximately 13.4 million sq ft of office space in India registering a decline of 21 percent compared to same period last year which was 16.9 million sq ft.
In India, considerable improvement has definitely taken place over the years with respect to the legal framework which encourages inflow of foreign capital. But, despite significant progress, issues such as liquidity and title ownership continue to act as constraints to cross-border investor activity, along with high transaction costs which have resulted in keeping direct investments at bay.
Real estate-focused Private Equity Funds are looking at investing in pre-leased commercial projects, including IT Parks and Special Economic Zones (SEZs), as they look for assured returns from their investments.