As Central Business Districts (CBD) begin to gradually lose their sheen against alternative locations because of their inability to offer Grade A buildings at competitive rates, retrofitting emerges as a preferred option (as compared with redevelopment) for quality improvement to increase the attractiveness and economic life of existing old buildings.
Global companies said their real estate portfolios will grow most in Asia by 2013, boosted by the powerhouse economies of China and India, with those in more mature markets trading sideways, a survey said.
The vision of owning a house is slowly getting clearer for buyers as residential real estate prices are beginning to see the promised correction on the back of hardening interest rates and poor transaction volumes.
The budget speech indicated further progress on the Direct Tax Code (DTC) as well as the GST – both critical measures, which is a welcome move. Though, I feel that it would have been better for the industry if GST was also rolled out along with the DTC.
The Finance Minister seems to be getting more appreciation than brickbats for renewing focus on the housing needs of Aam Aadmi. Even the real estate sector is divided and while the long awaited demands have not been fulfilled, a section of the realtors with affordable housing projects have appreciated the efforts.
The limit of funds to be invested by foreign investors in the Indian infrastructure sector has been raised with Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee also allowing mutual funds to accept foreign funds in the national budget presented on Monday.
With the reasonable expectation of a roof over the head not very long ago, the real estate boom in the last decade has scaled up the liberty of choice for the average home buyers. While the aspirations of even the middle and lower middle income with moderate budgets have gone up, there are very many residential projects launched in recent times that seem to fill the gap with the promise of faster deliveries, hi-tech amenities, luxurious lifestyle, lush green surroundings within the affordable range of 20-40 lakhs.
Realty firm Ansal API is looking at a fund infusion of about Rs 500 crore from a host of private equity investors, including IL&FS Investment Managers and Red Fort Capital, for its ongoing construction work in north India.
Italian fashion brand Alcott that had inked a franchise agreement with DLF Brands to enter India in 2008, is mulling to convert their partnership into a joint venture.
Sunil Mantri Group, a developer of residential and commercial spaces across 14 cities in India, has announced the launch of its landmark residential project Mantri Serene, nestled against the backdrop of the Aarey hills in Goregoan (East), Mumbai.