Track2Realty Exclusive: What is the level of understanding and willingness among the Indian developers to create smart cities in a country which has been branded as a ‘reluctant urbaniser’ by many international experts?
Track2Realty Exclusive: The spin in the century has brought a series of transformations for the Indian economy and influenced by this change, cities have become the focal point for future developments. As a result, the real estate sector is constantly transforming to meet the developing requirements. Even cities such as Bangalore, Chennai and Hyderabad in South India have acquired a place on the global real estate map – a standing that was restricted just to Mumbai and Delhi in the past.
Track2Realty Exclusive: The debate over promoter driven versus professional driven also brings to the table the fundamental question as to whether the entry of corporates into the business has changed the outlook of real estate in India. Have they brought about transparency and corporate governance?
Track2Realty Exclusive: Realty is predominantly a regional business, primarily on account of land being a state subject. Therefore it is a tough task for one single body or association to represent the views and opinions of all stakeholders in the sector.
Track2Realty: Tata Housing has made it to the Limca Book of Records 2013 for ‘Mumbai Wallbook’, the lengthiest wall painting activity held in Mumbai on May 20th, 2012. This first of its kind initiative on the theme ‘Design Your Dream City’ witnessed 556 artists coming together, on one platform, to design their dream for the city. Over 15,000 likes and conversations were generated on Tata Housing’s Facebook page a week prior to the event, and other social media platforms successfully engaged enthusiasts that ensured high footfalls at the venue.
Track2Realty Exclusive: Puniet Singh, CEO, Sherwoods Independent Property Consultants says the latest trend of moving to the outskirts in the vicinity of IT companies benefits individual and professionals to have their comfort nearby with office and home in the same areas. This will expand the horizon of modern living as well. Further the distance from the city allows its residents to stay away from traffic, pollution and congestion.
Gaurav Gupta: I think you will have to take into account the historical background of real estate industry. All of us know historically real estate was never a professional industry in the country before FDI came in 2005. The industry was really fragmented and the industry was with small developers and it was more like a family business.
Track2Realty: The 3C Company has partnered with Indo Canadian Cancer Research Foundation (ICCRF), who host the Terry Fox Runs in Dehradun, Delhi and Kashipur for cancer research in India. A marathon was organized in Dehradun as the first drive for the cause.
Track2Realty: The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), the world’s leading professional qualification and standard setting body in land, property and construction sector and Amity University have established the RICS School of Built Environment, Amity University at Noida campus, to address the shortage of skilled professionals in the sector.
Track2Realty Exclusive: Direct investment in case of leveraged returns has to take into account carrying cost (interest cost) and in case of non leveraged returns should consider opportunity cost.