Track2Realty: Describing the National Green Tribunal (NGT) populist ban in sand mining as arbitrary and anti growth , developer’s apex body CREDAI Chairman Lalit Kumar Jain has threatened that the developer community is considering appropriate legal options to challenge the order. The nationwide stay on sand mining from river beds by the NGT adds to the ever increasing burden on the real estate industry.
Track2Realty: Retail leasing activity continued to be subdued in Q2 2013, as most retailers remained cautious due to the weak economic conditions that are currently prevailing in India. Several retailers started to employ new service delivery models by closing down loss making stores, especially in non-core markets.
Track2Realty: In a major setback to attempts of Maharashtra government to improve infrastructure in the Mumbai, none of the five shortlisted firms put in tender for the ambitious Mumbai TransHarbour Link (MTHL) project, the bids for which opened on Tuesday, Aug 6. It is also seen as a major blow for the Mumbai real estate market which was expecting a turnaround post this Rs. 10,000 crore ambitious project.
Track2Realty Agencies: Expressing hope that Parliament will pass the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Bill in its Monsoon Session, Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation (HUPA) Minister Girija Vyas said that the legislation aims to protect consumer interest but was not against the industry.
Track2Realty: The real estate sector has been hoping against hope that the rates will be marginally cut in order to keep the sentiments bullish. Reports of foreign funds warming up and the substantial contribution of the sector, 6 plus to the Indian GDP was also being seen as an indication of why the policies would be eased.
Track2Realty Exclusive: The multiplier effect of real estate sector and its capacity for generating employment is well recognized. It is estimated that the sector contributes close to 6 per cent to the gross domestic product (GDP) of India and is estimated to be growing at 20 per cent per annum.
Track2Realty Exclusive: Real estate continues to be the best investment instrument of the Indians and it does not seem to be changing in the year ahead. Despite of cribbing, Indians’ investment portfolio will comprise of a house for emotional connect. Return on investments (ROI) also suggests there is no alternative (TINA) to it. However, over reliance on TINA factor may disappoint them in future as it works best in the bull run but is worst indicator of future as well.
Track2Realty: The government is all set to introduce a buyer-friendly real estate legislation which aims to protect consumers and bring transparency in the sector in the monsoon session of Parliament.
Track2Realty Exclusive: There are analysts who believe the retail investors need to be exposed to this asset class through an institutionalized vehicle, which would be regulated. REITS is the ideal solution.
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.