Setting the Trend for Modern, Luxurious and Convenient Living

Well-constructed, luxurious homes with efficient and comfortable modern amenities in prime s - what more would you ask for? This and more is offered by the Amrapali Platinum Group, one of the fastest growing real estate development firms in the Delhi region.

Focusing on Greater Noida, Indirapuram and other East Delhi s, the Amrapali Group has completed projects spread over more than 100 acres. What makes the Amrapali group stand out form the myriad other developers in the region is its steadfast dedication to quality and service. Founded by an engineer and run by a group of engineers, the firm understands the importance of A-grade planning, design of construction and gives its all to the projects it undertakes. Mr. Anil Sharma, founder and managing director of the firm, a civil engineer form IIT Kharagpur and a former government employee, tightly controls his team of experienced, top-notch engineers, and the support of over 50 professionals and 150 supervisory-grade employee.

Blurbs

The best modern amenities for comfort living are included in the Group's projects- splash pools modern club facilities, designer baths, modular kitchens, superior fittings and specification, landscaped open areas, round-the-clock fresh water supply, 100% power backup for essential services, fire fighting arrangements and 24x7 security are all catered for, which means that residents can lead a tension-free life.

The Amrapali Platinum Group cuts down on installation errors and enforce quality through its alert and highly qualified site supervisory force. Professional project management, a delicate site supervision team and a high regard for punctuality mean that buyers and investors are never kept waiting unduly for their property.

After the grand success of Exotica Apartments at E-08, Sector 50, Noida and Amrapali Green at Indrapuram, we have been endeavoring our best to give luxurious living through our opulent apartment with a relaxing  environment and exclusive specifications and of course for the best reasonable price.

Amrapali Group presents Amrapali Platinum( One of the best project of Amrapali Group)

Faced with shortage of residential properties in India, government is contemplating to take private developers and builders on board to meet the constant demand of residential properties in cities and towns. In fact government is planning, in consultation with industry leaders and civil society organizations to form a public-private partnership (PPP) platform.

As per ministry's estimate total shortage of residential properties in India is to the tune of 24.71 million units. Out of this, 17.9 million units are required for the EWS and 6.29 million in the low income group (LIG) whereas middle income group (MIG), it falls short by 0.45 million.

Now question arises, what has constrained the government to make a PPP platform? The reply is quite simple that the demand for residential property is constantly increasing whereas the supply ratio of residential properties in India is very low which resulted sky-rocketing of price of the same. Moreover, the builders and financers were hand-in-glove which added fuel to the fire and this resulted formation of PPP platform. Apart from it, the government increased the home loan interest rates as well as imposed certain restrictions on realty IPOs and pre-launching etc. to come over the spiraling prices of residential properties in India.

Growing the fastest in the world, real estate prices in India are well on their way to leave every other country behind, says the data revealed by Knight Frank and Citi Private Bank.

The real estate India, along with those in Russia and China has increased 40 to 50 per cent in the past few years. In comparison to this, London, witness a price growth of 30 per cent in the high end segment.

Residential real estate prices in India are estimated to be going through the roof. Mumbai is known to have the most expensive residential properties in India, where an average per sq ft will cost Rs 50,000. This includes properties like the Chattan Bungalow on Malabar Hill or Sunita Apartments on Napean Sea Road, says Pranay Vakil, chairman of Knight Frank India.

Other peripheral s include St. Petersburg and Moscow in Russia, Delhi and Mumbai real estate India, as well as Guangzhou and Beijing in China, says Liam Bailey, head of residential research at Knight Frank.

The prices of the most expensive real estate in India see a sharp appreciation of more than 14 per cent in 2006 as compared to a 9 per cent increase in the mainstream market.

In the next five years, the real estate India will continue to grow along with an imbalance between supply and demand in the best prime market s. Though, prime markets will perform better than mainstream markets but the growth in 2007 will still be lower than the previous year, says Bailey.

Residential properties in London are believed to be the most prohibitive in the world. Prime property in the British Capital is anywhere around $4,590 (Rs 1.87 lakh) per sq ft. Hyde Park, one of the largest green spaces in Central London is fetching $8,000-$10,000 (Rs 3.26 lakh to Rs 4 lakh) per sq ft.

Nowadays, no smart homebuyer wants to be a part of any pre-launch  real estate India project. And, sky hitting borrowing costs is not allowing the real estate developers to have solace anywhere.

Adding to their woes are higher home loan rates and the prospects of a market correction that have made it difficult for them to woo buyers for their pre launch residential projects. Those who actually want to buy an apartment are waiting for the apartment building to be constructed completely.

Pre-launches are generally looked upon as the builder's scheme to raise capital for the projects as it allows him to take advance bookings for a project after getting the required building permits, but much before beginning construction, providing them virtually free cash.

Indeed, many builders are largely dependent on the money from a pre-launch to fund their real estate India projects. Some of them may use the cash to complete another project or acquire land as per their business models.

Consequently, a majority of developers prefer launching projects while raising funds through debt and private placements.

Due to declining demand for real estate India, a Delhi based real estate developer has put off the launch of two residential projects and a commercial complex in the National Capital Region.

Realistically, such a phase comes when the developers are hit by cash flow problems after a two year high.  Domestic banks will not lend to them for less than 14-15 per cent.

The Hibiscus provides a peaceful, sheltered community for the like-minded to create "families" out of a circle of friends. A unique response to extensive research into Indian cultural and architectural traditions, The Hibiscus has been given shape to by the gifted duo of Architect  Ramesh Khosla and Landscape Architect paul Friedberg.

It takes forward the experience Silverglades has gained co-promoting premium projects like The laburnum and The Ivy, to culminate in a fusion that completely does away with today's unhealthy trend for environmentally unsuitable architecture

It is an endeavor that seamlessly integrates the modern technology and material with tradition

Builders and Background

Silverglades co-promoted the Classic Golf Resort and The Laburnum, one of Gurgaon's most well established and sought after residential complexes. The Ivy is a sister complex near The Laburnum. The Ivy made improvements on the successful design of its predecessor. Now, The Hibiscus brings you further improvements using architectural styles that are practical and unique to India and floor plans that maximise sunlight and open spaces. Although the actual dimensions have not been made available yet, The Hibiscus will be as spacious as both The Ivy and The Laburnum. More details coming soon on their website

Complete description

The proposed layout and floor plans are now available but the website and further details on amenities are yet to be released. This complex will house just fewer than 300 homes and will remain small and exclusive. Green areas are in abundance and a clubhouse; pool and party lawns are central in the complex's design. Two tennis courts have also been included in the design. Villas and pool homes line the periphery with three ground + 18 floor towers housing the three bedroom apartments. The remaining 9 buildings house the 4 bedroom apartments and are comprised of the ground + 11 floors.

Sales of The Hibiscus are in the pre-launch phase and further details will be available soon.

What sets it apart:

The incredible success of Laburnum and its continued high demand as one of the most sought after residential communities in the NCR led to not just The Ivy but The Hibiscus as well. The phrase ‘if it aint broke, don't fix it' does not apply here! Rather, the new proposed design has made further improvements on The Ivy, maximising even the balcony space offered with each apartment. The Villa's are well laid out and designed and the introduction of the new concept Pool Homes makes one wonder why they have not been introduced sooner. Dream Home? The Pool Homes certainly look like they might be!

Project Specifications:

• Earthquake resistant structure
• 24 Hour water supply
• 100% Electricity back up
• Concealed split air conditioners
• Imported marble and tiles in living, dining, foyer and some bedrooms
• Laminate wooden flooring in master bedrooms
• Ceramic tiles on balconies, terraces and utility areas
• External landscapes with trellises, water bodies, stone seats, games courts and walk ways
• Luxury club house
• 2 level basement with parking bays

of the property plays a pivotal role which is affected by various factors. An NRI will always prefer to buy property in India in or around his home-town because his property can be looked after by his near and dear ones. On the other side, a resident Indian, other things being equal, would prefer to buy property in India either near to his work place or near to his home town or in the vicinity of his nearest friend or business or working group in which he is involved.

However, above all these factors and aspects, price factor of the land also plays an important role to buy property in India at a better . If one's budget allows, he can buy a property in India after satisfying himself in all matters.

After growing by leaps and bounds, real estate India is witnessing a downfall. Coupled with soaring interest rates on home loans and unaffordable property prices, potential buyers and investors are putting themselves off the market.

Real estate India has gone into deep freeze with more than a 50% drop in actual property deals in the past two months, as watched by real estate developers and industry connoisseurs.

And, all this has forced the developers to bring a significant drop in rates to give a push to demand and woo more property buyers. The property prices in India has fallen by 5 to 10% across edge suburbs like Kharghar, in Navi Mumbai, Greater Noida in the National Capital Region and Bangalore's Hosur Road.

As the real estate India is sliding and property rates are stagnate, it has sent shivers among developers who are finding it difficult to hold the price line. Cheaper land also allows them freedom in fixing more profit margins. However, they are now focusing to withstand prevailing real estate trends in metros. Indeed, they have succeeded in their efforts to an extent. In prime s, exclusive buildings, the price spiral remains unharmed.

Major players in Indian real estate like Parsvnath Developers and MGF have cut rates by 15-20% in Greater Noida. On the other end are small developers who found it hard to survive have cut the property rates by 8 to 10% to attract the attention of customers, says Vijay Wadhwa, chief promoter of the Mumbai based Wadhwa Group.

Property prices in Navi Mumbai have slipped by 20% but there have been no cuts on prime land such as the eight lane coastal promenade of Palm Beach Road and the road going towards the proposed new international airport.

Confusion over zoning norms and FAR (the floor area ratio or FSI) mentioned in the Delhi's Master Plan and higher interest rates for home loans have emerged as prime factors depressing the property buyers.

After the two years long Bull Run, real estate India has set for slowdown. And coupled with soaring home loan rates, the residential property has turned the home dream sour. As the Indian real estate prices are slipping fast, the situation has sent shudders through property developers, investors as well as end users.

Adding to the woes of builders is a regulatory/capital market squeeze along with an impending demand, says Citigroup. However, there still are growth prospects for the developers and capital providers if certain entities such as potential and size of real estate India are taken into view.

Experts see economic growth, demographics, and rising household aspirations to drive the demand in future. They indeed foresee large development volumes, inversely related to price.

Falling property prices are believed to be bringing the affordability levels of consumers back and reviving demand as well. However, it may hurt real estate stocks in the whole procedure. The direction of interest rates remains crucial to the Indian real estate development cycle, says the report revealed by Citigroup.

Real estate India stocks may stay unstable for sometime. They are newly listed and are highly sensitive to interest rates. Incomes are rising firstly on sale of old land banks and the industry is still evolving and under control.

Citigroup expects an unparallel property build in India's history with the real estate prices playing a critical role. Lower prices will give birth to larger opportunities whereas higher prices will lessen the development.

Whether it's a condo, a bungalow, or an apartment, the old saying "A house always gives a sense of belonging" seems true for all. Your home is a valuable possession and can be the reward of year's efforts which makes it more precious. The article sheds considerable light over the tips that you must not forget while you buy property in India or your sweet residential property in India.

Here, we are talking about residential property or flat (as commonly referred) buying tips as they have become a distinguished form of residential properties in virtually most major areas in India. Featuring technical and economic advantages, high rise residential properties have undoubtedly become more popular again.

Book the residential property in India during the best time which is when a project is announced. Most bookings are done on the basis of "first come first serve" basis. The first ones have the option to choose the floor, the size, the , and the design of a residential property/flat. Also, the builder offers the most cost effective rates for initial bookings of residential property to beat their risks. To buy property in India a building that is about to be completed also stands for a nice option. This curtails expenditure on both the rent and interest.

If the NRI wants to buy property in India, it will make a dent in his cash flow, as he will have to transfer many more dollars for the same property price. He would have been better off if he had bought his property in India five years ago when the prices were not so astronomical and the dollar was at a peak versus the rupee.

But in the present state of affairs when the Indian Real Estate market is showing little down-ward trend due to increase in interest rates of home loans, the NRIs have equal opportunity to buy property in India to offset the higher cash flow of their dollars. In other words we may say that weakness of dollar has been compensated by the present fall in property prices and hence to buy property in India for NRIs stands neutralized.

Impressed by the buoyancy of Indian real estate, Singapore property firms are seeing to establish their presence in the country with high profile projects.

To name a few, there is RSP Architects, CPG Group and JTC Corp's Jurong International, sitting on projects totaling more than 500 million sq ft of floor space.

Jurong International is coming up with a Mega Township in Amritsar. The project will spread over 80Ha. Close on the heels is RSP Architects with a project concerning development of a 1 million sq ft IT Park in Bangalore.

When the craze of developing Special Economic Zone (SEZs) in India has overpowered the domestic builders, how can the international developers stay behind? Joining the SEZ race is CPG Group, a new player from Singapore, who is all set to build a SEZ over the land of 13,000Ha in Mundra, Gujarat.

To see the involvement of Singapore real estate firms in broader way, picture the available office space in Singapore's Central region, including the shopping malls and corporate towers in its downtown core and Orchard Road. Multiplying the figure by 4 will give the exact sense of business. Entire of which real estate India is solely being handled by a single Singapore design company - RSP Architects.

Even smaller players, such as CPG, are incredibly busy. CPG has at least 30 million sq ft of projects completed or under construction.

Apart from biggies like Jurong which has as much as half of it, other small players, such as CPG, are also busy in pushing their property projects on course.

A number of important real estate projects in Tier II cities like Hyderabad are in hands of Singapore architects. Around some US $45 billion worth of projects are under construction across in India, says the data showcased by real estate India surveys.

EASTERN AND CENTRAL EUROPE OFFER TREMENDOUS OPPORTUNITIES FOR INDIAN REALTY FIRMS WANTING TO EXPLORE THE REAL ESTATE MARKET IN FOREIGN SHORES

Considering the remarkable growth shown by the Indian economy, the massive investments fuelling the property market and the emergence of organized retail, it's time real estate India market found its place in the sun. Providing one such platform will be Expo Real 2007 show to be held in Munich later this year where India will be projected as a real estate destination for the first time.

"India will be the focus country at the show. Indian Real estate infrastructure companies have already achieved quality excellence. It's time for them to show their products to the world. Europe at this juncture does not know much about the infrastructure development taking place in India and this show will provide the right platform for Indian builders to showcase their expertise markets in Europe," says Bjoern Kemps, Project Director for Expo Real Munich and Expo Real Asia, who was in the capital recently.

Expo Real 2007 will be the 10^th International Commercial Property Exposition to be held from October 8-10 in Munich, Germany, this year. It is the biggest B2B-trade fair on property in Europe. The Indo-Germany Chamber of Commerce is organizing an Indian pavilion at Expo Real 2007 for the first time.

"There will be 40 conferences a day devoted to Indian projects. It is a good platform for officials, city planners and for the Ministry of Urban Development. Through the show real estate India companies can form joint venture and scout for funding partners in Europe," Kemps says, pointing out that it could even interest European logistic firms that see India as a distribution hub and are in need for office s.

During his visit to India, Kemps held talks with major construction companies. "We are looking at India as an opportunity to bring in Expo Real to India at the end of 2009 as India is the next, realty hotspot. However, we're not sure of the state we plan to hold the show in," he adds.

Courtesy: H.T. Estate. Dtd: May 12, 2007

In the telecom sector, which too is witnessing double digit growth, the presence of the Telecom Regulatory Authority (TRAI) has ensured fairplay in an overcrowded market.

When disclosure norms for real estate India companies going in for an IPO were tightened to ensure that land banks were valued at current market rates and not future projections, it was widely seen as the first step at putting a regulatory framework in place. On inspection though, it raised more questions than answers.

For instance, it is almost impossible to get genuine valuations of land assets in India. Lack of a scientifically established land database and professional evaluators have ensured that no two valuations will come anywhere close.

While emphasizing the need for a regulatory body in the real estate India sector, there is also necessity to separate spin from fact. Like in cricket where not every batsman walks when ‘nicked', not every real estate developer admits to fudging land valuation records. But with a regulator in place, all players will be assured of fair competition and equitable valuations.

While many would argue against a regulatory authority, likening it with ‘Licence Raj', it would also help to learn from the Stock Exchange that it's better to be safe than sorry. And make no mistake about it: Even with a regulatory body in place, only the reputed developers will be in a position to raise money from the stock exchange. That's because only those with proven track records have the ability to execute projects on time. While small developers spend a bulk of their resources on developing land banks, it is the big developers who structure their funds to complete projects on time. It is this competency that draws the investor to vie for a real estate India stock, ensuring the company's success in the market.

Courtesy: H.T. Business. Dtd: May 12, 2007

Imagine a match without a referee. No rules are followed, Might becomes right. Fair play is abandoned. Star players are deliberately fouled. Pandemonium follows. This scenario is possible in any industry with regulations but no regulators.

Take the case of real estate India - a largely unorganized sector with a liberal sprinkling of small and big developers. While reputed developers have zipped through the learning curve to become professionally competent, many fly-by-night operators draw attention through their lack of transparency and inflated land bank claims. With no authority to put competitive market structures and regulatory frameworks in place, the situation could soon become a free-for-all.

Given the conditions, what the real estate India industry needs is an equivalent of cricket's neutral umpire: An independent regulator with a clear mandate to ensure fair competition and protection of the interest of consumer, investor and the developer. This is necessary considering the real estate's pivotal role in driving our economy by providing infrastructure, commercial, retail and housing facilities.

                                                                        Courtesy: H.T. Business. Dtd: May 12, 2007

Delhities have high hopes with Delhi Master Plan 2021 which envisages turning the histrocal city of Mughals into residential & commercial hub of India. With a complete new and vibrating look, Delhi will be moving up its infrastructure elevator by taking up the development of multi level car parking, underground and metro railways, skyways, special bus corridors, and strict zoning for residential properties in India and commercial properties which will convert Delhi into a world class city.

However, B. Lal Joshi, Lieutenant Governor of Delhi was perhaps unaware of the DDA's (Delhi Development Authority) monopoly hold over the building permit and licensing system will be broken.

Fulfilling the need of 2.4 million residential units by 2021 does not seem to be an easy task for the DDA, says Lalit Maken, Union Minister of State for Urban Development.

Delhi is likely to grow from the present 1,483 sq km to 2,300 sq km by 2021 under the Delhi Master Plan which will further give a boast to the development of residential properties in India and commercial properties in Delhi/NCR (India)

As per a recent property survey, real estate India in Delhi and Mumbai have come up as the second and third fastest growing cities in real estate rentals across the world in 2006.

These metropolitans are just next to Me'ouyan Soreq in Israel, which has witnessed an 87.5% increase. Close by the heels are real estate India in Delhi and Mumbai with appreciations of 50.2% and 33.3% respectively. As far as industrial rentals are concerned, Delhi has moved nine places to 14th position.

Thanks to the fast flourishing manufacturing sector which is growing day by day as the export volumes are rising at a decent pace. This is backed by the huge availability of private capital, strong domestic demand and a large pool of professional and amateur labor.

The world's most expensive industrial is retained by the area around London's Heathrow airport. Staying in step are Israel's Me'ouyan Soreq district and Tokyo.

"The main global ranking is compiled by taking the most expensive in Euro terms in each of these 45 countries monitored," says a spokesperson of the real estate consultancy.

The report was prepared by Cushman & Wakefield after conducting the survey in 45 countries. The main global ranking is compiled by keeping the most expensive into consideration, says an official of the real estate India consultancy.

Residential property in India is a relatively simple investment route for a small individual investors/buyers, who can buy properties both under construction and ready possession for capital appreciation. Returns increase if expected capital appreciation is higher than interest rates on housing loans. In such a scenario, individuals can invest in a residential property in India by borrowing from a housing finance company.

An additional benefit is tax benefits on deduction of interest paid and repayment of loans from gross income. This increases net returns commensurately.

Courtesy: The Times of India. Dtd: May 5, 2007

One question that is particularly agitating the minds of every stakeholder including investors and end users are this: what does future hold for the real estate? A FICCI survey has painted a very rosy picture for the real estate sector. It says that the current correction in property prices will not last more than six months and after that the prices will go upwards because of the buoyant economy generating strong demand. Kunal Banerjee, Vice President, Ansal API and Ambar Maheshwari, Director, Investment Advisory, DTZ endorse FICCI findings, saying that prices will firm up in Tier I, II, III cities. Navin M. Raheja, MD, Raheja Developers expects real estate India market to pick up in the second half of the year. They all maintain that most of the factors responsible for real estate boom like robust economy, increasing urbanization, growing demand and tax benefits still exist. Anand Gupta Chairman, BAI (Mumbai Chapter) is of the opinion that real estate boom is quite sustainable and there is no real danger to long term growth as markets by and large are still dominated by end users.

Real Estate India experts believe that slow-down in property transactions is only a short-term phenomenon. "I don't see a repeat of 1995 scenario when the property market really crashed and created turmoil. Even if there is a minor price correction in overheated markets, it will still climb eventually though not at the same pace as in the past two years. However, in the real estate market there will still be moderate growth" says Hussain Lalani, Director of Mumbai based Lalani Group of Developers and Builders.

Col. R.S. Sodhi, MD, Alpha Corp is upbeat about the long term growth of real estate sector in view of the rise in FDI. The same upbeat mood is reflected in a recent Tramell Crow Meghraj survey of real estate fund houses. Given that there are 100-120 specific real estate India funds (in operation or in pipeline), FDI inflow of $15 billion is expected in the real estate sector. The TCM survey report says that the rapid investment growth is not only poised to increase the depth and size of the sector but also lead to significant process and structural improvements within the real estate sector in the coming years. The report sums it all with a positive outlook that the real estate sector will remain stable in the next two years and it will over-perform even from the present levels.

Obviously all this defies any fears of a real estate bubble in the future.

Courtesy: Realty Plus Magazine.

                April 2007, Vol. 3, Issue 8.

Over the past years, with more investment avenues opening up and offering better returns, investment in Indian real estate had taken a back seat. The reasons- price appreciation in real estate, and markets opening up with more sustainable demand.

Half a decade ago, we did not have a vibrant rental market for retail and commercial space. With increasing demand for retail space and office space, these two segments are witnessing improved rental yields and also attractive price appreciation in the field of Indian real estate.

With increased buoyancy, the Indian real estate market now falls in league with stocks, bonds, mutual funds, gold and commodities, and insurance policies as a viable investment option for investors in all categories- individuals, corporate, and funds.

Courtesy: The Times of India. Dtd: May 5, 2007

Says investment expert  Subhash Lakhotia, "if a person is interested in buying property he should do it now and not wait for the market to further cool off, particularly as 10-15% correction in real estate India prices has already happened in some select overheated markets. High interest rates should not prove a deterrent because the tax benefits amply compensate for that."

For sellers, Lakhotia's advices them are not to do so unless it is necessary. He would like the market to gain ground before one sells his property in India or any other . For those who want to sell property to invest in another one, Lakhotia's advice is to invest in areas where prices have not yet peaked and areas which possess good al advantage enjoy favorable state government policies and potential for industrial and has the institutional development.

What's the expert advice for investment in real estate equities which have got severe beating as a result of which retail investors have sunk in lot of money. Parameswara Krishnan, Fund Manager at DNB Asset Management advises to avoid realty stocks for the time being. Equity experts also agree that currently investment in real estate India is a safer bet as it offers better value than property stocks because Asian stock market, including Indian market, is quite volatile and vulnerable.

But then Prithvi Haldes, MD, Prime Data Base is of the opinion that after though disclosure norms adopted by SEBI about real estate IPO's, the risk related to their over valuation has definitely got minimized especially as SEBI's action will work as a deterrent for real estate India companies adopting fraudulent means to enter the IPO market. Adds consumer activist Nitin Saxena " it will be much safer and meaningful to invest in future real estate IPOs as after the new SEBI norms, the value of these stocks will be much more realistic".

Courtesy: Realty Plus Magazine.

                April 2007, Vol. 3, Issue 8.

A PwC report estimates that demand from the IT / ITEs sector alone is expected to create 150 msf of space by 2010. "As demand for property is still very strong, real estate makes good investment decision" says Vishal Doshi, Senior Manager, Marketing, Kanakia Spaces. According to him, real estate has always been a long-term choice of many intelligent investors. Real estate India and investment experts caution against short-term investments, particularly in inflated markets as the market is still unsettled. It is another matter that prime properties will always fetch good returns. Bank FDs with higher interest rates are good bets for short-term investments.

Some experts call for wait and watch policy and advise property buyers to be on look out for property in India or any other available on good terms. They caution against investing in overheated markets. Harsh Vardhan Roongta of Apna Loan.Com says that it is better to postpone the property in buying by about six months especially for investment as interest rates will further go up, there by dragging property prices down. But there are others who maintain that it is good time to buy property as real estate India sector is expected to remain subdued to stable in next months due to interest rates hikes and fund crunch to developers and end users.

                                                                                    Courtesy: Realty Plus Magazine.

                April 2007, Vol. 3, Issue 8.

Dubai-based realty firm Al Fajer Properties on Wednesday announced its plans to invest up to $1 billion to develop commercial and townships projects in real estate India through joint venture route.

"We have looked at several s-Gurgaon, Gujarat, Hyderabad, Mumbai and Chandigarh - for investments up to $1 billion thorugh a joint venture," Al Fajer CEO Shahram Abdullah Zadeh said. Al Fajer is in talks with two real estate India developers in India and the JV is likely to be finalised soon, he said.

Besides, the firm also plans to create a real estate fund to facilitate investments by small investors in Dubai properties.

The company had received inquiries from small investors from India keen on investing in Dubai projects since it offered an attractive proposition to maximize returns with projected rental yield in excess of 20% per annum.

"Our decision to create an Indian small investor - focused Al Fajer real estate fund is in direct response to this demand." Zadeh added.

Courtesy: The Times of India.

                 May 3, 2007

A watchdog or a monitoring panel has been suggested for regulating the realty sector to check fake advertisements' inserted in leading national newspapers that invite people to invest in dream homes or real estate India. "Budding real estate developers have been flooding national dailies with fake advertisements, luring the aam aadmi's hard - earned money," said the Associated Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Assocham). "The government should set up a watchdog, or else a monitoring committee, to protect sweat incomes of aam aadmi and the upper middle class, including NRIs, as also to monitor actual project costs invest in real estate India, including use of standard building materials," the chamber said in a statement.

Courtesy: The Economics Times.

                 May 3, 2007

So in the backdrop of soaring realty prices high interest rates, stock market volatility and firming up of bank of FD rates, the big question is whether investment in real estate still a lucrative proposition? Also when the real estate markets are in correctional mode and headed for value zone, it is equally important to know whether one should postpone the decision to buy property in India and whether one should hold on to the existing property or sell it off.

Anuj Puri, a strong votary of real estate investment says that even in the present scenario, real estate India is a best bet for long-term investment. It has stable income yields; moderate capital appreciation with tax benefits and security of having a tangible asset. Puri's viewpoint is endorsed by the finding of a latest NSSO survey on asset purchases. It reveals that land occupies 38.5 percent of the total value of assets in India while buildings from 37.8 percent.

Maj. Gen. Jayant Varma, ED, (North) of Knight Frank India says that real estate investment will still be a positive investment particularly as the demand for residential and commercial real estate India is still fuming up with retail and IT triggering residential real estate boom.

One of the main villains in the overvaluing of properties and the resultant slowdown is the all-round land game being played by property developers, investors and government authorities.

Developers have been resorting to large-scale land hoarding in the name of scaling up their operations, resulting in unprecedented hike in the rates of plots and constructed property. Many projects of developers have not even taken off the ground for years. The government has now put brakes on the developers out to play a similar game in SEZ projects.

But what's a matter of concern is that even government's real estate India agencies like Delhi Development Authority, Haryana Urban Development Authority etc have also been encouraging land profiteering. They have joined hands with banks to fund applicants of draw of lots schemes for plots such in turn encouraging land profiteering. Agencies of real estate India have been auctioning plots at unprecedented rates. Recently HUDA set a record of sorts when it auctioned a hotel site in Gurgaon at Rs 1.7 lakh/sqm.

Courtesy: Realty Plus Magazine.

                April 2007, Vol. 3, Issue 8.