A Fresh Start with a Reflection of the Last Year

The Beginning of the New Year is an occasion for us to reflect upon the passage of time. It is an opportunity for us to sit, reflect and take some firm decisions. The Year 2014 was filled with variety of opportunities, challenges and achievements. It is neither a peekaboo nor a sneak peek but it’s time to reflect and honor the past. Here are some major events listed in chronological order that happened in 2014. Major Indian Events in 2014 8...

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Real estate firms may raise funds via IPO route

After a long time, real estate companies could hit the fund-raising trail. The reason is improvement in investor sentiment. According to Pankaj Jaju, group head, strategic corporate group, Axis Bank, some that wanted to float public issues in 2011-12 but did not proceed might look at tapping the equity markets in six to nine months. The Mumbai-based Lodha group, Delhi-based Emaar MGF, Neptune group and Hindustan Construction’s Lavasa Corp were...

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India a favorite of US firms for investment: Citi

India remains a consensus favourite investment destination for companies in the United States, largely on the back of a 'Modi-Rajan-Commodities trinity', global financial major Citigroup said in a report on Monday. While India is not totally insulated from the adverse global cues emanating from slumping crude oil prices and depreciation in the Russian currency, "it is relatively better-off", economists at Citi said. In its report, the American...

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Cabinet defers approval to real estate bill

The Cabinet on Wednesday deferred the Real Estate (Regulation & Development) Bill, which seeks to ensure consumer protection, establishing regulatory bodies at Centre and states for ethical and transparent business practices in the real estate sector. Sources said the housing ministry has been asked to review the bill to explore how it can be made more consumer-friendly and to have better provisions for promotion of low-cost housing.  Low-cost...

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Real Estate: Why India can build hope

The real estate sector may be hung over from a two-year downturn, but developers say that one thing never changes: The right product at the right ticket size always sells. Real estate developers had hoped that the election of a stable government would boost their fortunes. It’s been six months since the Narendra Modi-led NDA has come to power, but there has been no noticeable change in demand. Unsold inventory continues to pile up across the...

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Global firms in talks to invest in Indian real estate

Property and equity firms from Malaysia, Singapore and other Asian countries are weighing the Indian real estate market, following the Centre’s move to relax foreign investment norms in the sector. Recently, the government had relaxed norms for foreign direct investment (FDI) into the sector, including a cut in the minimum built-up area required to 20,000 sq m from 50,000 sq m; the initial capital required was halved to $5 million....

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Tips to Avoid Real Estate Regrets

There are some very common regrets experienced by real estate buyers and investors; and this is especially true for majority of the first time home buyers. However, the good news is that many of these mistakes are avoidable. The best part is that you don't need to be a real estate expert to avoid these regrets, you just need to plan and prepare in advance and of course avoid common mistakes. In fact, you just need to follow the suggestions and tips...

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Massive real estate boom in AP

Andhra Pradesh is witnessing a real estate boom post bifurcation, with property registrations doubling in the 13 districts during the last few months as compared to the same period last year. Real estate speculation in the hope of capitalizing on the demand for land and frenzy over the construction of the new capital are said to have contributed to the massive spurt in land transactions. Expectedly, Krishna and Guntur districts topped the list....

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Is India’s urban housing a bubble?

India's relaxed rules for foreign direct investment (FDI) in construction will make it easier for foreigners to invest in real estate. While the move has surely been cheered by the real estate sector, for it will bring in much needed capital for those steeped in debt, it could bring more pain for home buyers. Reason: more foreign money in realty means higher property prices. Simple demand-supply logic. Current urban realty prices represent affordability...

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Weeding out black money from real estate

Slew of Reforms Needed State governments have responded by reducing ready reckoner rates to almost the same level as market value but that alone hasn't been enough. If the government is serious about achieving its stated goal of housing for all by 2022, then it will have to make a few systemic changes. One, incentivize first-time buyers. Two, make the process of getting approvals transparent. Make the process automated. Cut off all political...

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India's first international real estate magazine launched

Smek India Group, who pioneered the innovative real estate news portal realtyfact.com in the past, recently launched its exclusive magazine "Realty Fact" on real estate and luxury real estate lifestyle at a grand and scintillating event held recently in New Delhi. This splendid publication was designed to enhance real estate social networking and extend business relations in the real estate industry. According to the Editor-in-Chief Kumar Saurabh,...

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What to look-out for in a property for rent

A lot of investors buy property on the basis of back-of-the-envelope calculations of rental income. Unfortunately, many of the assumptions they use are not realistic. If you are also planning to buy property to rent out, make sure you do not make the same mistakes. The first assumption is that the property will earn rent throughout the year. The calculation can go awry if you are not able to find a tenant. This is especially true if...

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Six Up and Coming Real Estate Design Trends

What home-design trends will likely catch on in new construction? Builder Online recently spoke to Mollie Carmichael, principal at John Burns Real Estate Consulting, and Nick Lehnert, executive director at architecture firm KTGY, about the design trends that are gaining popularity in the new-home market this year:  Private space  Baby boomers, empty nesters, and Gen Yers are showing a preference for homes that have more private...

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PM Modi's 100 days: India is now the world's best growth market - Maplecroft

As top ministers extol the government's 100-day performance, a leading international risk-rating firm has told global investors in a confidential report that India is now the world's best growth-market bet as the risks of doing business in the country have declined with the Narendra Modi government having completed its first quarter. Modi-style governance bodes well for investors who can expect policy clarity and less red tape, said Maplecroft...

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How to invest in property with Rs 2 lakh

If you have Rs2 lakh to invest, your bank may roll out a red carpet, your stock broker may inundate you with hot tips and the neighbourhood jeweller may even offer a discount on making charges. However, you will probably get laughed out of the estate agent's office. Not anymore. With Sebi issuing final guidelines for real estate investment trusts (REITs), you will soon be able to get a piece of the action in the property market with as little...

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Grand Launch of Iconic Project Sikka Kimaya Greens

With the burgeoning demand in Real Estate sector in India, coupled with the rising exposure and aspirations of Indian consumers. On 24 August 2014, Sunday, Sikka Launched another Iconic Project Sikka Kimaya Greens at SIDCUL IT Park, Sahastradhara Road, Dehradun, Uttrakhand, the organization strengthens its footprint in North India having successfully launched another project in its feather.  The Foundation stone was laid by the Honorable Chief...

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