While the Indian realtors have often cribbed on the issue of under representation of the sector in respective budget, they have seldom admitted the fact that the real estate has been a divided house over their wants and needs. Navin M Raheja, MD, Raheja Developers suggests a way out and asserts that tax sops given to real estate will actually increase the government revenue.
Mumbai witnessed the highest absorption in the year in 4Q10 which was recorded at 1,328,582 sq ft (123,429 sqm) indicating robust demand. Demand for Grade A office space was broad-based and not restricted to the banking, financial services and insurance (BFSI) sectors, which typically dominate Mumbai’s tenant landscape. Domestic and multinational occupiers from the consulting, aviation, IT/ITES and other industries were active in acquiring front-office and back-office space in 4Q10.
Century Real Estate Holdings, the realty development arm of three-decade old Bangalore-based Century Group, is looking to raise Rs 700 crore through private equity players in three tranches. The company during the past four years have been focusing on development of projects, is understood to be effecting this deal at the holding company level.
While some reports have predicted correction in Mumbai realty market, Babulal Varma, Managing Director of Omkar Realtors & Developers assert that rising demand and low availability of ready-inventory will make Mumbai the most sought-after property market in 2011.
The world’s largest and Mumbai’s oldest Red Light District ‘Kamathipura’ known for its kothas that is brothels engaged in flesh trade is now turning golden with the increasing interest of the real estate developers there. Thanks to the Mumbai police that the increasing pressure on brothels under the Immoral Traffic Prevention Act have compelled the operators to shut the brothels and move to suburban area like Navi Mumbai for resettlement; making way for the real estate developers to plan out commercial complexes in the area.
Through a hailstorm of bouquets, brickbats, controversies and triumphs, the Indian real estate sector has always been one of the mainstays of the country’s economy. At some level, every Indian is connected with it; in some way or the other, it affects every citizen of this country.
Baring Private Equity Partners India (BPEP), along with some of its international investors, is likely to invest about $75 million, or approximately Rs 350 crore, in the Bangalore-based Century Real Estate. Baring’s individual commitment to the deal is around $53 million, while overseas investors who are backing the fund may bring in a little over $20 million in additional investment.
The housing and real estate sector in India witnessed foreign direct investment (FDI) of $2.8 billion in the fiscal year (April-March) 2009-10, according to Indian Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion. The statistics made available to the media at the India Home property exhibition, which concluded in Dubai on Sunday, revealed that total NRI FDI inflows through the period April-December 2009-10 stood at $320.05 million.
Real Estate Development, Investment and Advisory firm Netz Realty is launching townships near Mumbai and Bangalore. The Singapore based Netz Capital backed firm Netz Realty is launching Green Township projects on the model of self sustainable living for the 100 acres plus projects being planned near Mumbai and Bangalore.
While there are reports of price correction in Mumbai realty, R Karthik, Chief Marketing Officer of Mumbai based realty firm Lodha Developers believes there will be a positive trend in the year 2011 and the demand will be led by the real buyers.