Track2Realty: Investments in real estate total value of announced private equity transactions in the real estate for the first three quarters of 2013 were recorded at INR 4,716 crores (USD 755million), witnessing an increase of 26% compared to the first three quarters of 2012 (INR 3,750 crores / USD 704 million).
Track2Realty Exclusive: If you think buyers’ market is a myth in Indian real estate, probably you have not been exposed to Coimbatore real estate. Furthermore, if you feel buyers’ market is an off shoot of crisis in the property market where the developers have gone belly up to go for distress sale, again experience this as a myth and not reality in Coimbatore property.
Track2Realty Exclusive: It is relatively easier to plan a real estate project’s brand positioning in the high-end category where overboard advertising creates the top-of-the-mind recall value. Though many carry home the perception that branding is about ATL (Above the Line) activities for premium projects; fact of the matter is that branding at the bottom of the pyramid is even more challenging.
Track2Realty: The economic downturn has subdued office and retail markets, resulting in a sales slowdown as well as pressurized capital values across leading cities—according to CBRE Research’s year-to-date coverage of trends in India’s real estate sector.
Track2Realty Exclusive: If you think Coimbatore is a typical Tier II city with no lifestyle that can match a hip and happening city like Bangalore, then probably you have not been to Kalapatti in the city. In over a decade this location has transformed into a property paradise where lifestyle galore and is too cosmopolitan as per the standards of not just Tamil Nadu but entire South India.
Track2Realty Exclusive: So if there is a real estate brand in India that wants to fully realize the benefits of branding to drive its business forward, what is the way forward?
Track2Realty Exclusive: Urbanisation is inevitable but when the very same model of development is rolled out haphazardly it also brings its side effects. Many urban cities across the country are witness to the fact with the loss of its traditional old world charm and eventually the city losing its very identity.
Track2Realty Exclusive: We are the first to accept the influence of branding in our lives. Look at the watches we wear, the T shirts we adorn, and of course the cars we buy. Are our decisions not highly influenced by the ‘ brand name ‘? Indeed, it is. Marketing has begun to play an important role in the decision making process of consumers, especially in urban metropolis areas. Moreover this phenomenon is spreading rapidly to the tier II and tier III cities of India as well.
Track2Realty Exclusive: Indian real estate has tryst with many innovations, both to boost the sale and drive the brand. Various themes have evolved over a period of time; some have worked wonders, while others have failed and the developers have learnt their lessons.
Track2Realty: Dr Kunal Banerji has re-joined M3M and this is his second innings with the company as Marketing Head. Previously, he was responsible for launching M3M’s realty brands like M3M Golf Estate, Polo Suites, URBANA, Cosmopolitan and Merlin.