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Indian Real Estate Performance Q4 2010

by Paul Joseph December 3, 2010 Uncategorized

The India Real Estate Report provides industry professionals and strategists, corporate analysts, real estate associations, government departments and regulatory bodies with independent forecasts and competitive intelligence on India’s Real Estate industry. Of all the countries whose real estate sectors are reviewed by BMI, few are experiencing economic conditions quite as promising for real estate companies as India. Thanks in part to a favourable monsoon, economic growth is accelerating. Lending by banks is increasing. Investment in infrastructure will, or at least should, facilitate urban development. BMI interviewed in-country sources at the beginning of 2010 and again in the middle of the year. In early 2010 in spite of widespread optimism about the prospects for 2011-2012 it was clear that India’s developers faced difficulties. Across the five cities where they interviewed in-country sources Mumbai, Gurgaon, Chennai, Hyderabad and Bangalore rentals slumped in 2009. In some cases this was because of the perceived risk of a recession in India (or, in the case of Bangalore, a real recession in the export markets served by businesses in that city). In other cases, contradictory government policies posed additional problems.

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EmaarMGF Launches Ultra Luxury Project ‘Marbella’ in Gurgaon

by Paul Joseph December 2, 2010 Uncategorized

EmaarMGF Land Ltd., a leading Indian real estate developer, has launched its new ultra luxury project and one of a kind gated community experience – Marbella, in Gurgaon. Strategically located at Golf Course Extension Road, Sector-66, Gurgaon, Marbella is an exclusive, impeccably planned signature Villa Community. Marbella is a splendor of Spanish Architecture – spread majestically over 110 acres of sprawling green with 4/5 BHK luxury Villas in the range of Rs 4.5 crores to 8.5 crores. This villas-only development is amongst the largest in Gurgaon with avant-garde facilities management set-up and a Club House. For the first time facility management of the level of luxury apartments is being provided in a township (villa) format. This would include power back-up, elevation control, exterior maintenance, lawn maintenance, concierge services, central security and monitoring. The Club House on its part will offer facilities matching the stature and lifestyle of the residents including an indoor heated pool/outdoor pool, bowling alley, tennis courts, basketball courts, a high tech gym, a salon/spa, a banquet hall, coffee shop, beautifully landscaped jogging and walking tracks. According to, Mr. Ashish Jerath, Sales Head (North), Emaar MGF said, “Emaar MGF by virtue of its lineage, leverages expertise in developing unparallel luxury housing in India. The launch of Marbella marks the commitment of EmaarMGF to continuously develop properties with modern design concepts of international standards. Our vision has been to provide exclusivity in terms of quality of construction, international design standards and state-of-the-art facilities for our valued customers promising a better quality of life.” With premier design standards, quality amenities and high-end features, Marbella promotes harmonious living within the community that consists of various size options to suit client requirements.

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HC Respite for Sahara Real Estate-SEBI asked to File Response

by Paul Joseph December 2, 2010 Uncategorized

Giving respite to the Sahara Group entities, banned by market regulator from accessing public fund, the Allahabad High Court has asked the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) not to take any “coercive” action against the company and file its response by Saturday. The Lucknow Bench of the Allahabad High Court in its interim order said that the decision on admissibility of the petition and injunction sought by Sahara group firm will be taken after the response from Sebi and Registrar of Companies. The order, passed by a Division Bench comprising Justice Devi Prasad Singh and Justice V K Dixit on the petition filed by the Sahara Real Estate Corporation, asked respondents — Sebi and the Registrar of Companies — to file their responses by December 4 and “till then, no coercive action shall be taken by the respondents”. In its petition filed before the High Court on November 29, the Sahara group firm challenged the order of Sebi restraining two entities and promoters, including Chairman Subrata Roy, from accessing market for non-disclosure of information. The Sahara company has argued that only the central government may pass such an order and not the Sebi. The market regulator, according to the company, had issued the order without providing it an opportunity to put forth its viewpoint. Ahead of moving the court earlier this week, Sahara group had come out with a major advertisement campaign in the national dailies saying it would challenge the November 24 order which was dubbed as “irresponsible” and reflected “malice and bias” on the part of Sebi officials. Apart from banning Sahara India Real Estate Corporation (SIRECA), Sahara Housing Investment Corporation (SHICL) and their promoters — including Roy — from raising money from the public, Sebi said there was a need for lifting the veil on corporate fund raising. It also sent a recommendation to the government for taking appropriate action under the Companies Act. In its campaign the group had said that “Sebi has pushed us against the wall, that is why in the interest, image and goodwill of entire Sahara India Pariwar, we have been forced to come out with all the details… Now we shall soon appeal against Sebi’s action at an appropriate forum. “…Certain individuals occupying their office (Sebi officials) act with malice and biased approach which serve no public good and earn only a bad name.”

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Ketan Parekh’s Name Surfaces in LIC Housing Scam Case

by Paul Joseph December 2, 2010 Uncategorized

The real estate scam busted by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is likely to get murkier with banned stockbroker Ketan Parekh’s name cropping up in the investigations. The scam has led to the arrest of top LIC Housing Finance officials. CBI officials, however, said no such evidence had so far been found. CBI, on receiving a tipoff from its sources, found that a private financial services company, its chairman and managing director, and other associates were allegedly bribing senior officials of public sector banks and financial institutions for facilitating largescale corporate loans. They were also gathering confidential business information from financial institutions. “As of now there is no such evidence to link Ketan Parekh to the LIC case. The investigations are going on. We would be in a better position to conclusively share further details after two weeks because the investigators are still probing the matter,” said a senior CBI officer in Mumbai who is closely monitoring the developments in the case. The agency had arrested eight officials in this regard, which included senior employees of Bank of India, Punjab National Bank and a chartered accountant of Central Bank of India, beside the CMD and two other officials of the Mumbai-based financial advisory company, Money Matters, for facilitating largescale corporate loans. A first information report filed by CBI with the Bombay High Court has named over 20 corporate houses, but not as accused. Among others, the companies named include Lavasa, Emmar MGF, Oberoi Realty and DB Realty. Other companies whose dealings with MMFSL have come under the CBI scanner include the Jaypee Group, JSW Power, Pantaloon, Adani, Religare, BGR Energy, Ashapura Minechem and Suzlon. A special court for the trial of the 1992 Securities Scam cases had convicted stock broker Ketan Parekh for manipulating stock prices.

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MRF races at Noida F1 circuit

by Paul Joseph December 2, 2010 Uncategorized

CHENNAI: MRF Formula championship took a big leap forward, at least in terms of visibility as the final two of the eight rounds in 2011 series will be run as an official support race for the inaugural Formula One Indian Grand Prix scheduled for Oct 29-30 at the Jaypee International Race Circuit in Greater Noida, near New Delhi. Formula 1  2011 The previous six rounds will be held in

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Gurgaon – a Landmark Real Estate Destination for Excellence in Style

by Paul Joseph December 2, 2010 Uncategorized

Gurgaon Property In India, real estate business has seen the tremendous ups only after the revolutionary economical liberalization Process that was started back in 1992. Since then this one sector’s graph has always moved upwards. Presently, in India there is a huge spurt in the real estate business. With the booming Real estate business, also the Number of rental & other real estate

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Invest in Ahmedabad Real Estate

by Paul Joseph December 2, 2010 Uncategorized

The state Government is very keen to develop Ahmedabad into a top-class city through major reforms and infrastructural development. The Government has a mission to make the city self-sustaining and soon as an emerging metro. Undoubtedly there are various reasons favouring the property boom in this city, like it plays home to several industries and premier educational institutions, and is backed by a strong tourism sector. Being a commercial centre and now a major educational hub, Ahmedabad invites mass from all corners of the state and country. Again, there are many pillars for a strong real estate foundation here. The accessible basic amenities like major connecting roads, transportation, municipal help and notable architecture, Ahmedabad becomes an apple of the eye for the realty developers. The realtors believe that Ahmedabad shares a prime location in India, and so a property investment here will be highly profitable. Due to the emergence of India as a low cost place, property investment in any city of India is an attractive deal for the NRIs and the multinationals to locate in the country and since Ahmedabad offers a variety of basic and modern facilities it clicks fairly well. Foreign investments in Ahmedabad are highly advisable since it fetches high returns due to the lenient and attractive FDI policies in the emerging economy. “Ahmedabad is emerging as a multisector economy. The Ahmedabad real estate market is slowly and gradually getting organised to become one of the largest contributors to the Gujarat economy,” says Ravi Hirpara, director of Jayshri Structures. He also adds that though offering a competitive platform, the current Ahmedabad real estate market is less expensive as compared to the neighbouring states and localities and this is going to be a crucial factor. Ahmedabad’s property picture is very competitive with a customer driven market and due to this it is a sound place for real estate investments. The organised workforce, significant contribution and investment from NRIs, the liberal policies of the state government on SEZs, and the enterprise of the local population are some of the factors that are responsible for the upward trends in Real Estate. The Ahmedabad property scenario is changing with a great pace and the market has revived well from last year’s slack and is slowly but surely picking itself up. However, a majority of the realtors believe that investing in pure lands will fairly give better returns than going in for residential houses and commercial shops. No doubt, there still remains a flowing demand for houses and the residential projects are serving well, but ten years down the line, a plot or an open land will fetch more and so it becomes advisable to materialise a deal into it. Not all investment in the city fetches good returns, blindfolded laying hands here and there leaves one in a great loss to reap. A perfect time and location also matters a great deal. The retail market in Ahmedabad has disappointed the developers. However, not all developers dismiss the retail infrastructure opportunity in the city; it is about investing in the right gist at a right time. Still the realty builders are cashing on the deep pockets of the local population and are laying out various commercial projects for the city. A number of retail malls are in pipeline and likely to finish in the near future. “We see a positive elevation in the Real Estate Industry of Ahmedabad. It has really evolved over the last couple of years wherein the developers are bringing in innovative ideas to enhance the living experience of enduser customers,” says Sachin Mehra, Director, Daemon Information Systems. The company which is managing the software systems for wide scale projects from Residential, Plotting, Commercial, Townships etc, believes in offering a stage to manage sales across by maximising sales opportunities and creating value for enduser customers. On an average around 40 percent of Gujarat is urban and 50 percent is set to become urban in the next 10 years and so in such a scenario more residential and commercials spaces, malls and parks development will become inevitable . Many infrastructure agencies are focusing on hospitability and tourism industry in Ahmedabad. Building five star business hotels, plazas and clubs seems to be a good idea in a city where industrialisation and business is on a threshold to expand. Looking at the brighter side, a thousand and one schemes are plotted in this city by big time developers. Nirav Hirpara, the co-director of Jayshri Structures comments that Ahmedabad’s property sector is burgeoning with developments as it comes across as an investor friendly market, assuring high returns on investments. He further suggests saying, “If you are looking for profitable investment options, go ahead and invest money in this city.” Many foreign architects and engineers are on the verge of creating a township spread across 300 lakhs square feet in Ahmedabad. With Niho coming up with an investment of Rs 180 crore, NRI funds gathered for exhibitioncum-convention centre, with DLF finalising for the city’s IT park and the SEZ projects by the Raheja Corp, Ahmedabad is likely to reach the peak of realty extensio

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India Realty Expo 2010 to be Organised in Dubai: MCHI Confirms

by Paul Joseph December 1, 2010 Uncategorized

Over the years, Non Resident Indians (NRIs) have considered Indian real estate market a thriving investment destination with good returns on investment. Considering this scenario, Maharashtra Chamber of Housing Industry (MCHI), one of India’s most prominent body of real estate builders and developers has organized the ‘14th India Realty Expo 2010’ at Renaissance Hotel, Dubai between December 9 to 11, 2010 to cater the ever-increasing demand for Indian real estate from Non-Resident Indians. MCHI’s 14th India Realty Expo 2010 is a one-stop shop for potential buyers of Indian real estate that offers good buying and financial options. Various renowned developers like Acme Housing India Pvt. Ltd., Akshay Group, Aakar Creations, Bajaj Infrastructure Development Company Ltd., DB Realty Ltd., G Corp Properties Pvt. Ltd., Hiranandani Constructions Pvt. Ltd., Hiranandani Upscale, Jaycee Homes Ltd., K Raheja Corp, Kalpataru Ltd., Man Group, Marvel Realtors, Nahar Group, Nirmal Lifesytle, Runwal Group, Rustomjee, Red Brick, Sanghvi Group of Companies and many more will offer intelligently planned homes with great value for money from different cities of India such as Mumbai, Pune, Bengaluru, Chennai and Goa. The expo also provides good finance alternatives such as low home loan interest rates from banks and Home Finance Institutions (HFIs) like HSBC LTD. (co-organiser of exhibition), HDFC LTD. (Platinum Partner of exhibition) and Reliance Home Finance. The exhibition showcases many projects that will offer possession within a short time frame. Commenting on the exhibition, Mr. Sunil Mantri, President MCHI says, “We offer the MCHI ‘Seal of Approval’ during our property show, so that NRIs are assured of the fact that all properties on offer are legally clear, and MCHI stands with the NRI buyer as regards any promises made by the developer. In the unlikely event of such promises not being honored, MCHI will take up the matter on behalf of the NRI buyer. This MCHI ‘Seal of Approval’ makes all the difference to an NRI looking at making the ‘buy’ decision at ‘MCHI’s 14th India Realty Expo 2010’.” He further adds, “It makes a difference, given that the ‘returns on investment’ (ROI) potential of Indian real estate is far better as compared to other similar options available to global citizens of Indian origin or an Indian expatriate in the U.A.E.” According to Mr. Deepak Goradia, Hon. Secretary, MCHI, “At ‘MCHI’s 14th India Realty Expo 2010’, the offerings will include all categories of Indian residential real estate – including the newest, ‘affordable luxury homes’. These product offerings have been welcomed by resident Indian buyers. To put it in the proper perspective, the investors will find an opportunity to explore the abundant options that India’s real estate has to offer at the exhibition.. In keeping with the ‘realistic offerings’ set-up, the exhibition will also focus on ready-to-possess homes, valued in the INR 70 lakh range.” Mr. Boman Irani, Chairman, Exhibition Committee – MCHI, says, “Prices have corrected to reasonable levels over the last year and half, this makes it a win-win scenario for those who enter the Indian real estate market now onwards, as they will get good returns. Even those who had invested during the boom times will see a steady recovery and growth in their investments – albeit over the next few years. New and developing locations on Mumbai’s periphery like Thane, Navi Mumbai, Mira – Bhayandar and Vasai – Virar – Boisar as also Kalyan – Badlapur – Karjat should see better returns for investors.” Given that the ‘India Realty Expo 2010’ is just a few days away, the MCHI CEO, Mr. Zubin Mehta suggests that NRIs should wait for ‘MCHI’s 14th India Realty Expo 2010’ before finalizing their real estate purchases. “Apart from Mumbai, the ‘India Property Exhibition 2010’ will also offer real estate offerings from other cities in India, including Pune, Bengaluru, Chennai and Goa,” he says. “Mumbai’s suburbs continue to be favored destinations. MCHI’s 14th ‘India Realty Expo 2010’ will provide Indian builders and real estate companies opportunities to court potential buyers and investors in the U.A.E. All the economic indicators project a bright, sustainable future for India. This is reflected in the enquiries that are being received by Indian developers from NRIs in the U.A.E.

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Sahara India Real Estate Corporation Challenges Supreme Court’s Decision

by Paul Joseph December 1, 2010 Uncategorized

Sahara India Real Estate Corporation has moved the Allahabad High Court challenging the Supreme Court’s order barring Sahara’s firms and its chief from raising money from the public, reports CNBC-TV18 quoting Press Trust of India. The Lucknow bench of the Allahabad High Court will hear the case on December 1. Early last week, market regulator Securities and Exchange Board of India or SEBI had cracked the whip on the Sahara group by banning the group from raising funds from the public, either directly or indirectly. The entities that were barred included Sahara India Real Estate and Sahara Housing Investment, both of whom are promoters of another group company Sahara Prime City, which had earlier filed a draft red herring prospectus with the SEBI for an initial public offering. Sahara India Real Estate and Sahara Housing Investment had also issued an RHP to raise Rs 40,000 crore via optionally fully convertible debenture (OFCD) to public. Sahara India Real Estate has already raised Rs 4,843.37 cr via an OFCD. SEBI had issued a showcause notice against the two companies asking them why it should not take action against them for issuing OFCDs without its permission and barred them from issuing such bonds. SEBI’s approval is needed for fund raising from over 50 people.

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Scam Hit Indian Real Estate Sector Making a Comeback

by Paul Joseph December 1, 2010 Uncategorized

Real estate stocks, which were battered 20-30 per cent last week following raids by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on banks and housing finance companies in connection with the real estate bribes-for-loans scam, are making a comeback. Shares that rose sharply included Mumbai-based Orbit Corporation, Indiabulls Real Estate, HDIL, HCC, DB Realty and New Delhi-based DLF, among others. The Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) realty index was up 5.67 per cent at 2,925. The broader index Sensex of BSE was up 0.6 per cent at 19,521. Share prices of top developers rose between 4 and 14 per cent in a single trading session today, after Finance Minister Pranab Mukharjee asked investors not to press the panic button over the housing finance racket. He was talking to reporters on the sidelines of a conference in New Delhi. After the CBI raids and arrests last Thursday, shares of realty companies had crashed 20-50 per cent in just four or five trading sessions. Officials of major banks, LIC Housing Finance and Mumbai-based broker Money Matter Financial Services, were arrested for allegedly accepting kick-backs for sanctioning mega-crore loans to corporates. “As far as the issue (CBI raids and housing loan scam) is concerned, we are examining it but one point I would like to emphasise that there is no need of pressing the panic button. I am in talk with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) governor and Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) chairman. All the roles, which have been given to the various concerns, they are well protected,” said Mukherjee. Equity analyst S P Tulsian said: “Stocks crashed only due to a knee-jerk reaction by some large players. Also, there was panic by big traders, who had come margin pressure as markets fell due to uncertainty after CBI raids.” According to Tulsian, the valuations of some of the companies, which witnessed a sharp fall, were looking healthy. “A few real estate companies’ stocks seem to be attractive fundamentally now,” he said. Over the past one week, stocks of DB Realty crashed the most. The company lost 50 per cent of its share value on the bourses and touched a 52-week low at Rs 190 in intra-day today, before hitting a 5 per cent upper circuit. Orbit Corporation fell 35 per cent in a week. Ajit Gulabchand-promoted HCC, which built the Lavasa Lake city, was down 34 per cent. It was believed in the market that directors of Money Matters Financial were associated with Lavasa Corporation, as they had agents to sell the company’s properties. Among other stocks, Ansal Property, Marathon Next Realty, HDIL, MVL, Nitesh Estates, Ackruity City, Arihant Foundations, Puravankara Projects and DLF had crashed 15-35 per cent in just over a week.

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