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13 Feb 2026
The Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) is considering changes to its penalty regime for vacant residential sites after acknowledging that the existing flat penalty has not achieved its intended results. Under the current policy, allottees have been subject to a uniform penalty equivalent to 10 % of the prevailing guidance value for land that remains undeveloped, yet compliance has been low as many plot holders have neither paid the levy nor begun construction. At a recent governing council meeting, officials discussed replacing the flat rate with a graded structure tied to plot size and construction timelines, with lower rates for smaller plots and early development. The aim is to encourage allottees to build on their land and reduce speculative holding, addressing concerns about idle sites that attract encroachment and other issues across the city's layouts.Read more
12 Feb 2026
Ride-hailing and electric vehicle firm Ola has surrendered more than 1.7 lakh sq ft of leased office space in Bengaluru, reflecting broader operational recalibration amid increased integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and automation in its business processes. The space released includes about 1.12 lakh sq ft at Prestige RMZ Startech in Koramangala and roughly 60,000 sq ft at Infozone in Electronic City, where Ola runs a battery innovation centre. Sources said the move is part of internal consolidation and cost optimisation rather than an indication of weakness in Bengaluru's office market, which continues to attract demand from global consulting and capability centres. Ola continues to retain a significant office footprint in the city, including renewed leases for its core operations area, even as automation has reduced the need for larger call-centre and administrative workspaces.Read more
10 Feb 2026
Mahindra Lifespace Developers Ltd has entered into a joint venture with Japan's Mitsui Fudosan Group to develop a premium residential project in Whitefield, Bengaluru. The project, named Mahindra Blossom, marks the first development under the strategic partnership and will comprise around 730 homes. While the company has not disclosed the total project cost or expected revenue, it said the collaboration aims to integrate Mitsui Fudosan's global expertise in design, sustainability and customer experience into Indian residential development. The Japanese developer views India as an attractive residential market driven by economic growth and urbanisation, with the project representing its entry into the country's housing sector. Mahindra Lifespace continues to expand its residential and integrated development footprint across multiple Indian cities.Read more
09 Feb 2026
Arvind SmartSpaces Ltd has acquired a 4.7-acre land parcel on Sarjapur Road, Bengaluru, on an outright basis to develop a residential housing project with an estimated saleable area of around 6.8 lakh sq ft. The project carries a topline revenue potential of approximately INR 860 crore and marks a further expansion of the company's vertical residential portfolio in the city. The acquisition strengthens Arvind SmartSpaces presence in one of Bengaluru's key residential corridors, following its earlier additions in the market. The developer entered Bengaluru in 2013 and has steadily expanded its footprint across the region. With multiple projects already delivered and several under development, the company continues to focus on high-growth urban markets as part of its broader residential expansion strategy.Read more
08 Feb 2026
Real estate demand in Bengaluru has strengthened around metro corridors, with homebuyer interest rising between 8 per cent and 19 per cent in areas close to operational metro stations, according to recent data. Residential prices in established metro-linked neighbourhoods such as Rajajinagar and Jayanagar have risen by double digits, while rental values near key metro stops have climbed by as much as 18 per cent. Data shows that both demand and price growth around the Purple Line, Green Line and Yellow Line outpaced the broader city averages, underlining how improved connectivity is shaping buyer and tenant preferences. Even localities without direct metro access have recorded price appreciation, as expectations of future connectivity continue to be factored into valuations, with Whitefield, K.R. Puram and Electronic City among the areas reporting notable growth.Read more
07 Feb 2026
The Bangalore Development Authority has intensified efforts to educate residents about illegal layouts across the city. After a survey revealed 278 unauthorised settlements, mostly on converted agricultural land, the BDA plans to issue 20-30 public notices explaining legal requirements, mandatory approvals, and responsible authorities. While the state government is framing stricter B-Khata to A-Khata conversion norms to protect buyers, activists caution that blanket amnesty could legitimise poorly planned layouts, complicating civic planning and post-occupancy infrastructure. Authorities urge citizens to verify approvals before investing in any layout.Read more
06 Feb 2026
Alphabet is expanding its footprint in Bengaluru by leasing one office tower in Alembic City and holding options for two more, potentially accommodating 20,000 additional staff. The company currently operates from three offices in the city and launched one of its largest offices worldwide there in 2025. This expansion aligns with India's growing tech prominence and the increasing relocation of U.S. companies' critical work due to stricter immigration rules. Alphabet's broader plans include a USD 15 billion AI data centre in Andhra Pradesh, reflecting long-term investment in the country.Read more
06 Feb 2026
Menzies Aviation has secured a 15-year ground handling licence at Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru, strengthening its presence at one of India's busiest airports. The licence, awarded by Bangalore International Airport Limited, will come into effect from 1 April 2026, subject to regulatory approvals. Menzies will provide passenger, ramp and baggage handling services across both terminals. The company plans to invest over USD 9.2 million in equipment and hire around 1,000 employees, building on its long-standing cargo operations at the airport.Read more
06 Feb 2026
Residents in several Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) layouts are welcoming their transition into the governance framework of the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA), seeing it as a milestone in civic rights and democratic participation. Under the new model, areas long outside the direct remit of city municipal governance will be integrated into the GBA's five municipal corporations, offering residents elected representation, structured municipal budgets and formal channels for grievance redressal. Communities in neighbourhoods such as Banashankari 6th Stage, JP Nagar 8th and 9th Phases, Anjanapura Township and Sir M Visvesvaraya Layout have for years experienced limited accountability and deteriorating infrastructure due to administrative gaps. The handover to GBA is expected to conclude in the coming weeks, with residents hopeful that enhanced civic management will strengthen service delivery and local engagement. The move follows broader administrative reforms that dissolved the older civic body and instituted a decentralised governance structure.Read more
05 Feb 2026
Owners of irregularly sized and corner sites in Bengaluru developed under the Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) are reporting property tax anomalies that leave them paying almost double what neighbouring standard plots are charged. The tax regime, based on a slab structure introduced by the BDA, can push a modest increase in site area into a substantially higher rate bracket, forcing the higher rate to apply to the entire site rather than only the excess area beyond standard dimensions. Allottees from layouts such as Nadaprabhu Kempegowda Layout, Banashankari 6th Stage and Sir M Visvesvaraya Layout have raised concerns that they were not informed about these tax implications at the time of purchase. BDA officials say the automated system applies tax strictly according to predefined slabs, and there has been no change despite requests for a more equitable approach. Around 3,000 plots are thought to be affected by the current policy framework.Read more
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03 Feb 2026
C.J. Roy, founder and chairman of Confident Group, died by suicide at his Bengaluru office while Income Tax officials were conducting ongoing searches linked to earlier investigations into his business. Roy, in his late 50s and financially sound with zero debts, faced significant pressure from the federal agency, according to family members. Bengaluru Police have formed a Special Investigation Team to examine the incident, which occurred during a three-day tax verification process. His death has shocked the real estate community, drawing condolences from peers, industry leaders, and political figures.Read more
03 Feb 2026
Bengaluru is revising its Comprehensive Mobility Plan (CMP) to address the city's growing traffic congestion and changing travel patterns. The existing plan, approved in 2020, relied on outdated data collected before the city's rapid expansion and metro network growth. The new plan will integrate metro expansions, Parking Policy 2.0, Transit-Oriented Development, arterial road projects, and the impact of Kempegowda International Airport's Terminal 2. It aims to improve public transport usage, support pedestrian and cycling infrastructure, reduce congestion, and coordinate planning across key transport and civic agencies.Read more
02 Feb 2026
Bengaluru-based real estate developer Abhee Ventures has acquired a 45-acre prime land parcel in Gunjur, East Bengaluru, to develop a large-format luxury residential township, marking a significant step in its expansion strategy. The acquisition reflects the developer's confidence in the long-term growth potential of Bengaluru's eastern corridor, supported by major infrastructure projects such as the upcoming Peripheral Ring Road, Metro connectivity on Sarjapur Road and the proposed SWIFT City development. Envisioned as a master-planned residential community, the project will feature premium homes, expansive green spaces and lifestyle-oriented amenities. Ahead of the launch, Abhee Ventures has also associated with industry veteran Ashwinder R. Singh to strengthen institutional systems, brand positioning and go-to-market strategy, reinforcing its ambition to scale up as a Category A residential developer in the luxury housing segment.Read more
02 Feb 2026
Assetz, a Bengaluru-based real estate developer, has launched a new luxury residential project in south-eastern Bengaluru, offering three-bedroom apartments starting at INR 2.3 crore. The development, named Melodies of Life Apartments, is spread over about 3 acres off Hosa Road, around 15 minutes from HSR Layout, and comprises 204 homes with sizes between 1,827 and 1,853 sq ft. The project features lifestyle-oriented amenities, including a dual clubhouse of nearly 38,000 sq ft, and sports facilities such as padel and pickleball courts, designed to appeal to buyers seeking luxury living in a low-rise, nature-integrated setting. Assetz said the design blends native landscaping, high-quality materials and community-centric planning. The project forms part of the developer's broader strategy in Bengaluru, where it has delivered and planned over 50 million sq ft of residential space, emphasising low-density planning and sustainability features.Read more
30 Jan 2026
Morgan Stanley Advantage Services has leased nearly 160,000 sq ft of Grade-A office space at Bengaluru's Ecoworld business park, with an annual rental obligation of around INR 23 crore. The five-year lease, effective earlier this year, includes a security deposit of INR 11.88 crore and a 15% rent escalation every three years. The office is expected to be operational by May. This expansion reflects Morgan Stanley's continued growth in India and sustained demand for premium office spaces from multinational financial services and technology firms in the Outer Ring Road corridor.Read more
29 Jan 2026
Bengaluru citizens have asked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to intervene in accelerating Corridor 1 of the Bengaluru Suburban Rail Project (BSRP), connecting the city centre to Kempegowda International Airport. Sanctioned in 2020 with an estimated cost of INR 15,767 crore, the project faced repeated delays, with no work started even after over five years. Local groups emphasize the need for timely funding, land acquisition, and execution. They hope direct government support can help commission the corridor by early 2028, benefiting around two crore commuters.Read more
28 Jan 2026
MagickHome has launched its flagship Interiors Experience Hub in HSR Layout, Bangalore, aiming to transform how homeowners explore and choose interiors. Spread over 6,200 sq ft across two floors, the hub features a full-scale 2BHK mock-up, premium child-safe finishes, and over 50,000 design permutations. The Design Experience Zone allows visitors to compare materials in real scale and lighting. Inaugurated by actress Rukmini Vasanth, the hub combines design expertise, global-quality materials, and a human-centric approach, positioning Bangalore as a key market for MagickHome's expansion in home interiors.Read more
27 Jan 2026
The Bangalore Development Authority has recovered encroached land valued at more than INR 700 crore through multiple demolition drives conducted across Bengaluru over the past several months. The operations covered over 25 acres of government land reserved for layouts, roads, and public infrastructure. Major recoveries were reported in JP Nagar 9th Phase and other planned layouts. Officials confirmed that due legal procedures were followed before action. The reclaimed land will be used for future development works or auctioned where legally feasible.Read more
25 Jan 2026
Property owners within the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) limits are facing prolonged delays in accessing khata services, with khata bifurcation suspended for years and B-khata to A-khata conversions moving slowly. The issue has intensified after approval powers shifted from BDA to GBA, pending zoning amendments. Thousands of owners, especially those with ancestral, joint or subdivided properties, are unable to sell, build or secure loans. Even vacant plots remain without khata, adding to uncertainty. While applications have moved online, most lack required layout documents. GBA plans to generate these internally, a step that could unlock over INR 5,000 crore in revenue and ease the growing backlog for affected residents.Read more
24 Jan 2026
Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru has introduced Gate Z, a new social lounge at Terminal 2, designed to reflect the changing travel habits of younger and experience-focused passengers. Unlike traditional airport lounges, the space allows travellers to eat, work, relax and socialise in one open setting. With themed zones such as a cafbar, diner and amphitheatre, Gate Z focuses on flexibility rather than exclusivity. The initiative aligns with the airport's wider effort to create experience-led infrastructure as passenger dwell times increase.Read more
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