12 Oct 2023

Lemon Tree Hotels inaugurated India's largest hotel, the 669-room Aurika Mumbai Skycity, marking their third property in Mumbai and under the Aurika Hotels & Resorts brand. Positioned near Mumbai airport's terminal 2, the expansion aligns with Lemon Tree's goal of reaching 20,000+ rooms, both operational and upcoming, in the next four years. Lemon Tree Hotels Chairman Patanjali G. Keswani emphasizes on meeting the rising needs of business and leisure travellers while revealing plans to add 1300 rooms across 15 cities and hire 3000 new staff, half for expansion and half for replacements.Read more

11 Oct 2023

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and Larsen & Toubro (L&T) are engaged in arbitration over a Rs 200 crore cost escalation dispute in Mumbai's Coastal Road (South) project. L&T is involved in the construction of package 1 and package 4 of the project and it is seeking an additional Rs 100 crore for each of the two construction packages. This is due to disagreements over base index to be referred for cost calculation. The Coastal Road project is an ambitious project of the BMC and it aims for completion by May 2024.Read more

11 Oct 2023

EOW investigates Rahul Yadav and his wife for Rs 288 crore fraud The Mumbai Police's Economic Offences Wing (EOW) is investigating Rahul Yadav, the founder of a property start up, for alleged mismanagement of Rs 288 crore ($38 million) of investor funds, leading to the company's collapse in just three years. Info Edge, owner of Naukri.com, had invested heavily in Yadav's startup, 4B Network Pvt. Ltd., and filed a complaint with the EOW outlining suspicious transactions, including loans to former employees during financial difficulties and the diversion of funds to other family-owned businesses. Yadav launched 4B Network in 2020, aiming to provide a tech-driven platform for real estate agents. His firm denies wrongdoing, attributing issues to Info Edge's lengthy approval processes.Read more

11 Oct 2023

Bollywood star Manoj Bajpayee and his wife, Shabana Bajpayee, have acquired four office units spanning 7,620 sq ft in Mumbai's Oshiwara area for a total of Rs 32.94 crore. These luxurious spaces, located in the Signature Building, come complete with nine car parking slots. Their purchase follows a trend of Bollywood celebrities investing in the same project, including Amitabh Bachchan, Ajay Devgan, Kajol, Kartik Aryan, and Sara Ali Khan. The Bajpayees' acquisition adds to the city's thriving real estate market, cementing Mumbai's enduring appeal to Bollywood stars.Read more

11 Oct 2023

The Bombay High Court has lifted a stay on the demolition of a shop within a housing society compound, emphasizing the worrying trend of people viewing the regularization of unauthorized structures as a fundamental right. Justices Gautam Patel and Kamal Khata expressed concern that many believe planning laws are irrelevant and they can construct unauthorized buildings, and then seek regularization. The dispute emerged when the shop owner contested the BMC's demolition notice, which the court had temporarily stayed. The judges clarified that mere existence for "many years" held no legal weight and questioned the habit of applying for regularization after unauthorized construction.Read more

10 Oct 2023

Seven people, including two minors, were killed and 51 were injured in a fire that broke out in a seven-storey residential Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) building in Mumbai’s Goregaon West early on Friday. The incident has prompted the chief minister to order a fire audit of all SRA buildings. The BMC commissioner has set up a committee to inquire into the fire incident. Experts have highlighted the lack of fire safety in most slum rehab buildings in Mumbai and have called for the establishment of a dedicated authority within the BMC to conduct audits and ensure compliance with fire safety measures.Read more

10 Oct 2023

The Bombay High Court has issued a significant judgment directing the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to process permissions for the redevelopment of a property near the INS Trata naval missile battery base in Worli, Mumbai, without the need for prior approval from naval authorities. The court's decision emphasized that a structure of the same height and location should not pose a security threat merely by undergoing reconstruction. The ruling has far-reaching implications, as it quashed defence ministry circulars and established the importance of adhering to established legal procedures when imposing construction restrictions near defence installations, striking a balance between security and property rights.Read more

10 Oct 2023

SMFG India Credit Co. Ltd., formerly known as Fullerton India Credit Company, has entered into a strategic partnership with Fullerton Financial Holdings (FFH) to lease 194,000 square feet of prime office space in Mumbai. This move consolidates SMFG India Credit's offices in Powai and Andheri into a centralized workspace for over 2000 employees, focusing on back and mid-office functions. The office space is located in Embassy 247, a premium Grade-A office park in Vikhroli, Mumbai, known for attracting prestigious names in the BFSI sector. The initiative aims to provide an advanced work environment and foster growth in the Indian market. SMFG India Credit's corporate headquarters will remain in Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC) in Mumbai.Read more

07 Oct 2023

Arkade Developers, a prominent player in the real estate sector, has successfully acquired a prime industrial plot spanning approximately three acres in Bhandup West, Mumbai, from Copper Rollers for a total value of Rs. 103.88 crore. The company has also received a letter of intent for forthcoming redevelopment projects in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. Arkade Developers is actively working on five ongoing projects covering approximately 1.8 million square feet and plans to launch two upcoming projects in Vile Parle East and Malad West. Additionally, the company has submitted a draft red herring prospectus (DRHP) to SEBI for an IPO to raise up to Rs. 430 crore, signalling its strategic efforts for growth and expansion in the real estate market.Read more

07 Oct 2023

Raymond, the prominent textile and apparel company, is set to invest up to Rs. 301 crore in Ten X Realty (TXRL), its wholly-owned subsidiary. This investment includes Rs. 125 crore in redeemable preference shares and Rs. 176 crore via an Inter Corporate Deposit (ICD). TXRL is currently involved in redeveloping a housing society in Mumbai's Bandra locality under a joint development agreement. This strategic investment reflects Raymond's commitment to its real estate ventures.Read more

07 Oct 2023

Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) is forging ahead with plans to establish six expansive growth centres across Bhiwandi, Alibaug, Kalyan, and Thane, aiming to lure investment by capitalizing on proximity to major infrastructure projects. The Kharbav centre, near Bhiwandi, is poised to become a magnet for investors due to its strategic location along the Virar-Alibaug multi-modal project, Mumbai-Ahmedabad high-speed rail, and dedicated freight corridors. Meanwhile, the Poynad centre in Alibaug gains appeal from its proximity to the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link, Virar-Alibaug multimodal corridor, and the upcoming second international airport in Navi Mumbai.Read more

06 Oct 2023

Ajmera Realty & Infra India Ltd (ARIIL) has bolstered its real estate portfolio by securing two residential projects in Mumbai and Bengaluru. The combined Gross Development Value (GDV) for these projects is estimated at INR 470 crores. In Mumbai, the project on LBS Marg in Bhandup spans 6.8 acres, targeting the sub-1 crore segment, while in Bengaluru's Electronic City Phase 2, the project aims to contribute INR 150 crores to the top line. These developments align with ARIIL's growth strategy, reinforcing its presence in key markets and catering to the evolving needs of homebuyers.Read more

06 Oct 2023

A controversial advertisement for luxury flats in Mira Road (East), Mumbai, featuring the tagline "Preferred for Marwari and Gujarati families" has sparked controversy. While not explicitly refusing to sell flats to Maharashtrians, activists argue that it shows a clear preference for Marwaris and Gujaratis. The advertisement was linked to Sonam Builders, owned by Mira Road MLA Geeta Jain's family, although Jain denies any connection to the advertised properties. Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) activists posed as customers and reported discussions about selling flats to a specific community, raising concerns about housing discrimination.Read more

06 Oct 2023

Developer Jayesh Tanna's properties in various Mumbai neighbourhoods have come under symbolic possession due to a loan default exceeding Rs 200 crore. A court-appointed commissioner oversaw this action under the Securitization and Reconstruction of Financial Assets and Enforcement of Security Interest Act, 2002. Symbolic possession, a tactic exerting psychological pressure on the debtor, is used without physical occupation by the bank. Tanna faces numerous offences, including alleged flat sales to third parties, and ACRE initiated the legal proceedings. Despite challenges, the court-appointed legal team successfully completed the symbolic possession process, showcasing innovative legal strategies in Mumbai's dynamic real estate scene.Read more

05 Oct 2023

A government advisory in Maharashtra aims to address issues of administrators in housing societies overstepping their authority. To improve accountability and transparency, the advisory recommends the formation of an administrative panel consisting of three members, including two from within the society. This response comes after numerous complaints about administrators making unilateral decisions without consulting residents. The circular, issued by the state cooperatives department, restricts administrators from making policy decisions or handling major repairs independently. The circular also encourages periodic changes in auditors and emphasises computerisation of society information.Read more

05 Oct 2023

The Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) has witnessed property transactions surpassing $1.5 billion in 2023, marking the highest in the country. Mumbai dominated the transactions with deals valued at Rs 7,956 crore, while Thane district, although having over three times the number of deals, had a lower transacted value at Rs 2,778 crore. The trend is driven by significant land transactions, including Sumitomo's subsidiary acquiring a 22-acre parcel for Rs 4,674 crore and Prestige Estates Projects purchasing a central Mumbai property for Rs 704 crore. Redevelopment projects, land monetization, and increased construction activity contribute to the robust real estate market in MMR.Read more

04 Oct 2023

Goregaon West, a thriving Mumbai suburb in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), is a prime choice for professionals and families due to its strategic location along the Western Express Highway, offering excellent citywide connectivity. The area provides a diverse range of housing options, from upscale apartments to more budget-friendly residences. In a week spanning from September 25th to October 1st, 2023, Goregaon West recorded 16 transactions, highlighting its popularity. Leading the way, Chandak 34 Park Estate accounted for six deals, with Sunteck City 4th Avenue hosting the most expensive transaction at Rs 3.06 Crores. The area's real estate market is robust, attracting both homebuyers and investors.Read more

04 Oct 2023

There is never a dull moment in Mumbai’s real estate market landscape. Prop News Times brings you some of the most exciting deals real estate deals across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region this week: A 2,873 square foot carpet area residential apartment located on the 8th floor of the luxurious K Raheja Vivarea exchanged hands at a deal value of about Rs 18 crores at an approximate rate per square foot of Rs 62,400/-, a 713 square feet carpet area residential apartment on the 3rd floor of L&T Seawoods Residencies found a new buyer for Rs 1.68 crores at an approximate rate per square foot of Rs 23,600/- and a 366 square feet carpet area residential apartment was sold in Shraddha Palladium on the 8th floor of the building for a deal value of Rs 57.79 lakhs at an approximate rate per square foot of Rs 15,800/-Read more

04 Oct 2023

In a significant legal ruling, the Bombay High Court found Pravin Satra, the head of Darshan Developers, guilty of contempt for failing to fulfil promises made before the court regarding the delivery of flats booked almost two decades ago. Despite commitments made in a consent agreement filed before the High Court, the builder failed to deliver possession of two flats within the stipulated time frame. Justice Manish Pitale sentenced Satra to three months in civil prison and ordered him to pay Rs 4 crore to the buyer, Achyut Godbole, an esteemed individual and prolific Marathi author. The court's decision highlights the importance of respecting court orders and the serious consequences of non-compliance.Read more