08 Aug 2024

The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) plans to lease seven plots in Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC) to raise approximately INR 5,497 crore for infrastructure projects. The plots, spread across commercial and residential uses, have reserve prices of INR 3.4 lakh and INR 3.5 lakh per square metre, respectively. Estimated revenues include INR 3,657 crore from commercial leases and INR 2,290 crore from residential ones. This initiative aims to support Mumbai's infrastructure amidst financial challenges, including a projected INR 75,000 crore cost for Metro projects. MMRDA's leasing strategy reflects its commitment to enhancing urban development and economic growth.Read more

07 Aug 2024

Real estate developer Ashar Group has set a new benchmark in Mumbai's luxury property market by selling a 9,527 square foot triplex apartment in The Legend by Ashar to Apco Infratech for INR 172 crore. Located in Pali Hill, Bandra, the triplex spans the top three floors of an 11-storey building, formerly the residence of actor Dilip Kumar. The sale price translates to a record INR 1,81,000 per square foot. The buyers paid INR 9.30 crore in stamp duty for the transaction, registered on July 23. The Legend by Ashar is expected to be completed by the end of 2027, with all necessary approvals from MahaRERA.Read more

07 Aug 2024

The Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA) has introduced deemed No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for residential buildings taller than five floors or 18 metres, aiming to streamline approvals and accelerate construction. Since launching its online system in May 2022, CMDA's monthly approvals have doubled, but delays of up to 45 days were common. The new process reduces approval time to 30 days, with automatic NOC issuance if departments fail to respond within 10 days. This change is expected to speed up project timelines, benefiting developers and addressing Chennai's growing housing demand.Read more

07 Aug 2024

The Maharashtra government has reintroduced benefits for converting leasehold plots to freehold at a reduced rate, reinstating concessions that were briefly retracted in March. Under the new rules effective from June 28, housing societies can convert their plots by paying just 5% of the Ready Reckoner (RR) rate if they choose self-redevelopment, with a requirement to allocate 25% of new area to affordable housing under PMAY. Alternatively, a 10% RR rate fee is available for builder-driven redevelopments. This initiative impacts approximately 1,600 leasehold plots in Mumbai and 1,800 statewide, aiming to enhance property ownership and support affordable housing.Read more

07 Aug 2024

Bollywood singer Sonu Nigam sold a 2,131-square-foot commercial property in Andheri West for INR 7 crore on June 28, 2024. The deal, priced at INR 32,848 per square foot, was made to two buyers from Delhi and includes two car parking slots. This sale follows his father's INR 12 crore Versova purchase and Nigam's own investment of INR 11.37 crore in Andheri last year. The trend of celebrity investments in Mumbai's real estate market is growing, as seen with high-profile transactions like cricketer Yashasvi Jaiswal's INR 5.38 crore purchase and other notable deals.Read more

07 Aug 2024

The Bandra-Versova Sea Link in Mumbai faces significant challenges, leading to a cost increase to INR 18,120 crore from the initial INR 11,332 crore. The Maharashtra government has extended the project deadline by 508 days due to design changes demanded by local fishermen and other complexities. The 17.17-kilometer sea link, essential for easing traffic congestion, now requires the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation to secure an additional INR 6,788 crore to cover the overruns. Experts highlight the need for better planning and community engagement in future projects to avoid such escalations.Read more

06 Aug 2024

In 2023, India's private lending market rose with USD 7.8 billion invested, marking a notable rise from USD 5.3 billion in 2022. This growth, driven by NBFCs and private credit funds, expands financing options but raises concerns. Intense competition drives interest rates down, exemplified by Hubergroup's 12.5% return on INR 1,500 crore loan, down from previous years. New, less-experienced players entering the market heighten risk assessment worries. Despite challenges, increased competition fosters innovation and supports small businesses. Fintech firms, employing AI and data analytics, offer potential solutions, reshaping the lending landscape and promoting financial inclusion amidst regulatory caution for sustainable growth.Read more

06 Aug 2024

Singapore's Keppel Corporation has acquired the One Paramount 1 tech park in Chennai for approximately INR 2,100 crore. This prime asset, spanning 12.6 acres with 2.4 million square feet of office space across three towers, was previously owned by RMZ Corporation and CPP Investments. Finalised at an 8.5% cap rate, the deal reflects strong investor interest in India's commercial real estate sector. The tech park's prestigious tenants include global firms such as Genpact and VMware. The acquisition highlights India's recovering office market and Keppel's strategic expansion in the region.Read more

06 Aug 2024

The Maharashtra Real Estate Regulatory Authority (MahaRERA) has announced the results of its 5th Real Estate Agents examination, with 4,165 out of 4,769 candidates passing, reflecting an 87% success rate. This exam saw Sharad Mota from Mumbai and Divyesh Maheshwari from Pune achieving perfect scores. Notably, 196 senior citizens participated, including 12 women. With this latest batch, a total of 13,370 candidates have qualified as real estate agents in Maharashtra. MahaRERA continues to stress the importance of mandatory training and certification, impacting the 47,000 registered agents in the state and ensuring enhanced industry standards.Read more

06 Aug 2024

Central Railway (CR) plans to extend the fifth and sixth lines between CSMT and Parel, which may result in terminating Harbour line services at Sandhurst Road to reallocate platforms. CR will demolish Byculla's express corridor platforms to accommodate new tracks, removing express train stops between CSMT and Dadar. Platforms 1 and 2 at CSMT and Masjid will accommodate Main Line services. Current extensions between Kurla and Parel face land acquisition challenges. Earlier proposals included alternative alignments and additional stations but required unacquired land. These expansions aim to enhance operations and manage increased traffic in Mumbai's rail network.Read more