December - 2009

Retail realty yet to recover fully

Thu, Dec 31 2009

Global realty consultant C B Richard Ellis has stated that though Indian realty has shown better selling during October-December festive season, but recovery in the sector still seeking come back through selling at competitive rates.

Of affordable housing and low-interest home loans

Thu, Dec 31 2009

In order to deal with the last year’s free-fall, the Indian realty firms sought assistance of bank for their ‘affordable housing’ dictum. As can be palpably seen that a number of banks have lowered down the interest rates on home loans.

Realty sector seeing signs of revival: Experts

Thu, Dec 31 2009

If given a sight to experts’ opinion, the Indian real estate sector has been showing comeback after its worst nightmare in the last few months. A host of factors like capital raising, regulatory approvals for new projects, convincing of investors to the sector etc. are now having better prospects than 6 months ago.

New Year may ring in big business for retail realty cos

Wed, Dec 30 2009

The Indian realty sector had unpleasantly faced the year 2009. However, during the past two quarter bullishness had been noticed in the residential real estate, whereas retail has been seeing very low demand.

More cos converting realty into revenue

Wed, Dec 30 2009

A number of companies are moving towards generating revenue through the sale or lease of real assets. Latest instance can be seen with the entry of Golden Tobacco and Hindustan Composites.

Unitech's $700 mn FCCB plan hits regulatory wall

Tue, Dec 29 2009

With the objections of RBI and the Finance Ministry, Unitech's fund raising plane of $700 through foreign currency convertible bonds (FCCBs) has run into trouble. The regulatory authorities have objected to the request to exempt it from a three-year lock-in clause.

What drives real estate prices in India ?

Tue, Dec 29 2009

If we believe what is expected by Gulam Zia, national director—research and advisory services, the real estate prices from Vashi to Panvel are likely to be increased due to the Mumbai’s second airport coming up near Khargar.

Plama Developers to expand in South

Mon, Dec 28 2009

In its latest strategy, Plama Developers Ltd (Mangalore-based real estate developer) is focusing on the South India real estate market in the residential segment. Initially, the company will launch it residential project at places such as Bangalore, Kozhikode and Aluva.

AP realty sector at a standstill

Mon, Dec 28 2009

The issue of Telangana statehood has adversely affected the transactions in the real-estate sector, as the standstill can be clearly seen in the sector. Now, the real estate buyers are left with the only option of wait and watch.

Supertech to invest Rs 2,500 cr to develop ongoing projects

Sun, Dec 27 2009

Various ongoing projects of Supertech, a leading realty firm, will draw a whopping investment of Rs. 2500 crore, form the company over the next four years. It is noticeable that Group has been working on Group Housing, Integrated Townships, Hotels and Shopping Malls in Uttar Pradesh and Uttaranchal.

Time for a realty check

Sat, Dec 26 2009

Despite a nationwide slowdown in the realty sector, Bangalore has been able to secure 3rd ranking, which comes after Mumbai and Delhi. To drag the country from financial crunch, a many of foreign builders put their entry into India or expansion plans on hold.

Happy days will come for realty

Fri, Dec 25 2009

The sale figures of affordable house within the price range of Rs. 7 Lakh to Rs. 30 Lakh, which had shown slump during previous quarter that further leaded inventory pile-up. According to experts, the reason which is impacting the sale is a hike in home prices by developers

Demand for office space may rise in second half of 2010

Thu, Dec 24 2009

With a positive outlook for the coming year, commercial real estate has build high hopes as the economy is recovering slowly and the demand for office space is likely to increase by the second half of 2010

Need for change in land acquisition model stressed

Thu, Dec 24 2009

The need to change the prevalent land acquisition model has been felt that too at the earliest. Mr Arun Maira (Member of the Planning Commission) has stated that we are still following the model set under the British rule.

Now, buy prime office space for just Rs 5 lakh

Wed, Dec 23 2009

You can now own an office property at Mumbai’s posh location, Nariman Point by investing only a sum of 5 lakh. The real estate is witnessing a decline of 30-40% coupled with firming rate of interests that has resulted in more private equity funds investing in real estate spaces out for rent.

Lancor eyes affordable housing

Wed, Dec 23 2009

The Chennai-based Lancor Holdings is eyeing at affordable housing segment and planning to invest capital raised through equity shares. At the same time company is also expecting revenues from the lease of its IT Space.

Wadhwa buys Mumbai land for Rs 570cr

Tue, Dec 22 2009

It is believed that Mumbai-based Wadhwa Group has bagged 2009’s biggest realty deal. It had recently concluded negotiations to obtain the 18-acre Hindustan Composites land in Ghatkopar for Rs 570 crore.

Tata Realty to develop Rs 3,500-crore IT city in Chennai

Tue, Dec 22 2009

Tata Realty and Infrastructure Limited has decided to build an IT Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Chennai with a whopping outlay of Rs 3,500 crore. The 'Ramanujan IT City 'project will be inclusive of commercial and residential properties.

It's time for you to do a reality check

Mon, Dec 21 2009

The time has finally come for the buyers who are expecting a decline in the real estate prices. An analysis done by ET revealed that most of the Affordable Houses in major cities of India have shown considerable price hike within past 6 months

HUDCO lowers interest rates

Mon, Dec 21 2009

As per a press release, the Housing and Urban Development Corporation Ltd. has announced an interest rate cut for its lending portfolios of housing and urban infrastructure development. The scheme would affect the floating rate loans by 50 basis points.

Going for a home loan? Negotiate for best terms

Sun, Dec 20 2009

A senior banker has suggested consumers if they are going to opt for any home loan scheme, which is currently offered by various banks within 8% range - for a limited period of two to three years, not to take decisions in hurry

Amrapali to invest Rs 400 cr in housing project in Noida

Sat, Dec 19 2009

Amrapali Group, one of the leading Indian realty firms, has announced on Thursday an investment of Rs. 400 crore in developing a housing project in Noida in the next three years.

Realty boom in city: One-kanal plot fetches Rs 4 cr in auction

Thu, Dec 17 2009

Chandigarh the prices of real estate have risen considerably across all categories. If glanced at figures, a steep price rise can be observed in 4-marla, 5-marla plot, 10-marla plot and 1 kanal plot

Cut ceiling on priority home loans to Rs 5L

Thu, Dec 17 2009

A proposal has been put forth by Urban Development Ministry which entails setting ceiling up to Rs. 5 lakh for priority sector status housing loans. The proposal is expected to encourage banks to support low-cost housing

India Top of Asia 2010 Real Estate Investment Trends

Wed, Dec 16 2009

The real estate market of India has been given lead, amid a host of other Asian countries, for the best investment prospects in 2010, as per reports released by PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) and India’s Urban Land Institute.

IDBI Bank takes a cue from SBI, to offer home loan at 8.25 pc

Wed, Dec 16 2009

By announcing a fixed rate of 8.25 per cent, IDBI Bank has also taken a foray in home-loan war. The customers applying before March 31, 2010 can enjoy the benefits of reduced interest rates.

RBI to allow realty cos to take ECB route for integrated townships

Tue, Dec 15 2009

The apex bank of India has been working on a proposal which entail to provide clean chit to real estate companies to approach external commercial borrowings (ECBs) for integrated townships. If the proposal would come in effect, the real estate players may obtain ECBs even if they deal with other types of real estate projects.

DLF board to meet today to consider integration of DAL

Tue, Dec 15 2009

On this Tuesday, the board of directors of Dlf Ltd. will meet to reach any decision for the integration of DLF Assets Ltd (DAL) with DLF Cyber City Developers (a wholly-owned subsidiary of DLF that holds various commercial assets).

Beware of teaser home loans

Mon, Dec 14 2009

A many of home loan firms & banks, who were previously unwilling to provide loans to home loan customers, are now more interested in catching home loan customers because they are flush with money due to lack of demand from companies for funds

Pvt developers may get stake in housing scheme

Sun, Dec 13 2009

The development of Commercial building on surplus land in housing projects may be given Green signal by the central government, said Mr. Sougata Roy, the Union Minister of State for Urban Development. However, the proposal has already been provided clean chit by planning commission.

ICICI Bank to focus on home-loans as real estate picks up

Sat, Dec 12 2009

Sensing a real-time come back in real estate sector, ICICI Bank has announced to lay greater emphasis on the home loan segment. Chanda Kochhar, the Managing Director & CEO, has stated the buyers who stopped buying a few months ago, are back again,

Parsvnath raises Rs75cr by stake sale in housing project

Sat, Dec 12 2009

Country’s one of the leading realty firm, Parsvnath Developers has raised a sum of Rs. 75 crore by disposing off 50% stake in a housing project to global private equity firm Sun Apollo.

Home loan rates to remain easy

Fri, Dec 11 2009

The Managing Director of HDFC Ltd. has stated that the interest rates for home loan will be unaffected for the coming three-four quarters due to the increased liquidity in the financial system

DE Shaw sells 36% stake in DLF Asset for $500 mn

Fri, Dec 11 2009

Hedge Fund DE Shaw has sold its whopping stake of 36% in DLF Asset (DAL) to its promoters itself. The deal has been finalized at $500 million. However, DE Shaw still keeping four per cent stake which is expected to exposed off when the firm lists in Singapore

Impact of Dubai debt restructuring in Indian realty mkt

Thu, Dec 10 2009

A host of the realty gurus have claimed that the Impact of Dubai debt restructuring would not been significantly seen on the Indian real estate market. This crisis is only restricted to realty market; the govt. of Dubai has not defaulted

Real estate cos downgraded

Thu, Dec 10 2009

The domestic real estate sector has to again face the lower rating. The rating agencies like Crisil and Fitch have lowered their rating outlooks for two infrastructure sector projects

Expected Regulation Would Encourage Foreign Investment In India

Wed, Dec 9 2009

The Indian government has taken initiative to ease foreign investors. A proposal has been submitted by the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion and the Ministry of Commerce and Industry which emphasize on removing statutory condition

ICICI joins home loan war offers 8.25% for two years

Wed, Dec 9 2009

Making the prevailing competition of Home Loan more competitive, the private sector lenders ICICI Bank and Kotak Mahindra have lowered down their home loan interest rates. The sanctions given between 1, 2009 and January 31, 2010 to home loan application would enjoy the benefits

Residential sector back on track

Tue, Dec 8 2009

Seeing a better growth potential in residential segment, Ansal Properties and Infrastructure Ltd. has speeded the launch of various projects. Additionally, it has also embarked on launching industrial SEZ in Murthal.

Govt meet to help NRIs resolve real estate woes with developers

Tue, Dec 8 2009

In order to extend helping hand to the Indians living abroad vis-à-vis to resolve their property disputes, the ministry of overseas Indian affairs has taken initiative by bringing Real Estate Developers, Government Officials (both from the Centre and the states) together.

Godrej Properties plans residential project near Chennai

Tue, Dec 8 2009

Godrej Properties will launch a mid-market residential project in near Chennai. The project will be initiated in the joint effort with the city-based cutting manufacturer Addison.

Property guidance values hiked

Tue, Dec 8 2009

The Government will give steep rise to the revision of guidance value of property across the State. Till the April 1st this year, this revision has already taken effect in 9 districts which is further expected to expand minimum of 10 more districts by March 2010.

Unitech to invest Rs 4,000 cr to develop 30 mn-sq-ft

Mon, Dec 7 2009

Unitech has embarked on investing Rs 4,000 cr in a residential and commercial project that will be launched by next year. It will construct up to 30 million sq ft of residential and commercial spaces out of which almost 90% of space will be dedicated to residential developments

Mahindra World City to expand presence in Tamil Nadu

Sun, Dec 6 2009

Mahindra World City has made a plan to spread its reach to Tamil Nadu for the development of an 'Integrated Business City'. The project will comprise of a total of 1,550 acres land whereas 300 acres of land has been reserved for residential and commercial projects.

Realty demand seen picking up in Jan-Sept

Sat, Dec 5 2009

The real estate sector in Mumbai will soon move to face a surge in demand as the global investors are pretty bullish about it and seeing it as a perfect destination

Mumbai slips to 7th spot in most expensive office market list

Sat, Dec 5 2009

As per the report released by Global Office Rents survey, Mumbai has came down in the ranking of world’s most expensive office markets. However, Delhi has improved in the same ranking are compared to past surveys.

DAX launches Golf Retreat

Wed, Dec 2 2009

The DAX Properties will build a whopping Rs 500 crore lifestyle project, Golf Retreat in Hyderabad. The project will redefine the standards of luxury with 1100 villas and a 18-hole PGA standard championship golf course.

High debt, poor cash flows spell trouble for realty IPOs

Tue, Dec 1 2009

Some of the leading realty developers are looking to raise funds from the primary market, especially to pay off a substantial amount of debts. Realty market has already been cynical for investors.

Usha Breco Realty to enter affordable housing with 4 projects

Tue, Dec 1 2009

The lucrative 'affordable housing' segment has lured Usha Breco Realty which is planning to invest Rs. 400 crores in four project. The topmost official said, the company will accomplish the project to meet the demand for 26-27 million units in the affordable housing segment.

Tata Realty plans high-end homes in Kochi

Tue, Dec 1 2009

Tata Realty and Infrastructure is planning to build a Rs 625-crore residential project over the 8.44 acres area at Kochi, Kerala. The project will be comprising of Two, Three and Four BHK in addition to row houses

70,000 affordable houses to come up in Gurgaon

Mon, Nov 30 2009

The Government of Haryana has made a decision to introduce a 1,400-acre mega housing project that will serve almost 70,000 families. Gurgaon's Sector 58 to 115 have been chosen for this dream project

Dubai storm: Realty IPOs to feel the heat

Sun, Nov 29 2009

The realty gurus are assuming that Dubai crisis is likely to affect Indian realty company who are planning to target on primary markets.