30 Jun 2025

The Gujarat government has fixed the annual house tax at INR 200 for all rural homes built under PMAY-Gramin and similar housing assistance schemes. This tax rate, which will remain unchanged for the next four years, aims to protect economically weaker households from arbitrary increases by local Gram Panchayats. The policy was formally notified by the Panchayat, Rural Housing, and Rural Development Department and is part of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel's broader push for structured rural governance and affordability. Officials plan to reassess the tax structure after the four-year period, based on its ground-level impact.Read more

30 Jun 2025

Flipspaces, a tech-led commercial interiors platform, has secured an additional INR 50 cr from the Asiana Fund, extending its recent USD 35 mn funding round. This fresh capital will support its expansion across India, the US, and UAE, while enhancing its proprietary technology and enabling sector-aligned acquisitions. The round also marks a strategic partnership, with Asiana Fund backed by Jalaj Dani of Asian Paints bringing operational and consumer-brand expertise to Flipspaces' next growth phase. With INR 190 cr revenue in FY24 and narrowing losses, the company is well-positioned for scale and stronger market presence.Read more

30 Jun 2025

In a major step toward resolving civic infrastructure deficiencies in Pune's merged villages, Maharashtra's Urban Development Department has approved INR 5 crore for each of the 23 areas recently added to Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) and the Uruli-Phursungi Municipal Council. The funds are directed at fixing long-standing issues such as untreated waste, odour from garbage depots, unpaved roads and erratic water supply. Plans include scientific waste processing, drawing treated water from the Jambhulwadi reservoir, and reviving local staffing. The state has also introduced a property tax amnesty to ease the financial burden on residents.Read more

30 Jun 2025

JioBlackRock Broking, a wholly owned subsidiary of Jio BlackRock Investment Advisers, has received approval from SEBI to begin brokerage operations in India. This marks the third and final regulatory green light for the Jio BlackRock joint venture, following earlier approvals granted to its asset management and investment advisory arms. Formed as a 50:50 partnership between Jio Financial Services and BlackRock Inc., the venture aims to deliver a full spectrum of investment solutions to Indian investors by blending global expertise with local digital scalability. The broking arm is positioned to serve both retail and self-directed investors.Read more

30 Jun 2025

Blackstone has acquired around USD 2 billion worth of performing commercial real estate (CRE) loans from Atlantic Union Bank, which had inherited the portfolio from Sandy Spring Bank. This transaction, executed at a slight discount, enables Atlantic Union to redirect capital towards reducing high-cost deposits and scaling its securities portfolio. The loans, largely backed by apartment and retail assets, were seen as low-risk and attractively priced. Blackstone's Real Estate Debt Strategies arm executed the purchase as part of its broader plan to acquire discounted CRE debt amid regional banks' retreat. The move drew positive reactions from financial analysts and advisors alike.Read more

30 Jun 2025

IIFL Home Finance teamed up with RG Group in Greater Noida West to host a property registration drive that saw over 100 homes registered in a single day. More than 50 buyers also secured home loans from IIFL on the spot, speeding up the process of moving into new homes. The event brought together government officials, legal support, and financing under one roof, making the experience hassle-free for buyers. Leaders from IIFL and RG Group noted the strong demand for quality housing in Delhi NCR and stressed the importance of partnerships that make home ownership easier, faster, and more transparent.Read more

30 Jun 2025

In a big push towards digitisation, Navi Mumbai's civic body has rolled out new initiatives that helped collect INR 212 crore in property tax in just three months. Under Dr. Kailash Shinde's leadership, the campaign used digital payment methods, a WhatsApp chatbot, and a revamped online portal to make payments easier. A unique touch: 200 women from self-help groups were trained to deliver bills and update records, boosting local employment. Over half the bills reached homes in just 30 days, encouraging early payments with a 10% discount. With SMS alerts, widespread publicity, and multiple payment options, NMMC is making tax payments simpler and more transparent.Read more

29 Jun 2025

JP Morgan has signed a 10-year lease for 1.16 lakh sq. ft. of office space in a newly built tower at Mumbai's Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC), developed by Sumitomo's Goisu Realty. The deal, valued at INR 6.91 crore in monthly rent with 15% escalations every three years, includes a INR 62.23 crore security deposit. The new space, spanning two floors, will serve as the bank's front office from October 2026. BKC, a key BFSI hub, continues to attract top firms-Tesla also recently leased showroom space nearby. Sumitomo is expanding rapidly in Mumbai, with major property acquisitions in Worli and Lower Parel.Read more

29 Jun 2025

India's office market recorded a healthy 11% year-on-year growth in gross leasing during the April-June quarter, reaching 178 lakh sq ft across seven major cities, as per Colliers India. Demand strengthened in Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi-NCR, Hyderabad, Kolkata, and Pune, while Mumbai was the only metro to witness a decline in activity. The data excluded lease renewals, pre-commitments, and LOI-based transactions. Industry experts noted that 2025 is continuing the growth momentum seen over the past two years, with projections suggesting that office space absorption could hit 65-70 million sq ft by year-end.Read more

29 Jun 2025

The Uttar Pradesh government has trimmed the budget for Ghaziabad Municipal Corporation's new Arthala office from INR 110 crore to just under INR 100 crore. Despite the cut, the G+5 green building-spread across 21,000 sq.m-will retain core features like solar systems, rainwater harvesting, and space for 209 civic vehicles. The UP Jal Nigam will execute the project, slated for completion next year. This comes amid Ghaziabad's record-high civic budget of INR 3,722 crore, with major allocations for ward-level infrastructure, roads, drainage, and a new sports complex. The new headquarters is expected to enhance civic operations and address current space limitations.Read more

28 Jun 2025

Private equity investments in Indian real estate touched USD 1.73 billion by mid-June this year, sharply down from USD 2.96 billion during the same period last year, signalling increased caution among global investors. Knight Frank India has attributed this slowdown to shifting global capital flows influenced by high interest rates, liquidity tightening, and growing scrutiny over post-tax returns. Western capital has notably pulled back due to the rupee's depreciation, a narrowing India-US yield spread, and India's 12.5% long-term capital gains tax. Interestingly, domestic investors have ramped up their activity, becoming a critical funding source for the sector.Read more

28 Jun 2025

India's retail sector recorded a 7% year-on-year sales growth in May 2025, according to the Retailers Association of India's latest survey, signalling revived consumer confidence and rising discretionary spending. South India led with a 9% increase, followed by the West (7%), North (6%), and East (4%). Quick Service Restaurants (QSRs) topped category growth at 10%, while electronics and furniture both saw 8% gains. RAI CEO Kumar Rajagopalan noted this as a shift from recent modest growth trends, with a positive outlook for the festive season. Retailers are optimistic that strong category and regional trends will continue in the coming months.Read more

28 Jun 2025

The Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) recently undertook demolition drives targeting unauthorised constructions in the Koparkhairane and Airoli regions. Despite prior notices under Section 54 of the Maharashtra Regional and Town Planning Act, 1966, several individuals continued illegal construction activities without obtaining approvals. Under the directives of the Commissioner and senior civic officials, the encroachment department executed partial demolitions with the support of municipal staff and police personnel. The operations involved mechanical tools, labourers, and tight security deployment.Read more

27 Jun 2025

CBRE's latest Asia Pacific Logistics Occupier Survey reveals that 76% of logistics firms plan to expand their real estate footprint over the next 3-5 years, despite trade policy uncertainties. While long-term optimism persists, short-term caution is rising, with cost efficiency and location strategy taking centre stage. India and the Middle East top the list for expansion, driven by strong domestic demand and supply chain diversification. Rental costs, transport efficiency, and proximity to key nodes are major factors in relocation decisions. The survey also highlights a growing confidence gap between India and China, as logistics occupiers adapt strategies to manage economic headwinds and shifting global dynamics.Read more

27 Jun 2025

IHG Hotels & Resorts, in partnership with Samhi Hotels, has launched its second Holiday Inn Express in Kolkata with a 113-room property developed for INR 40 crore. This brings the total number of Holiday Inn Express hotels in India to 18, with Samhi owning 12. IHG now operates 52 hotels across six brands in India and foresees potential for up to 20 Holiday Inn Express locations in Kolkata alone. The group is eyeing expansion into West Bengal's emerging destinations. Samhi, operating 32 hotels nationwide, views eastern India as a growth hotspot. Meanwhile, 84 IHG-affiliated hotels are currently under development across India.Read more

27 Jun 2025

Singapore-based Cube Mobility Investments sold a 3.62% stake in Cube Highways Trust this week, offloading over 4.82 crore units worth INR 615.50 crore. Major buyers included Kotak Mahindra Bank, LTI Mindtree, and Larsen & Toubro. Cube Highways units rose over 6% following the sale, reflecting strong investor demand. Earlier, IFC invested INR 860 crore in the trust's sustainability-linked bond, and L&T had acquired an 8.03% stake in 2023. In a separate NSE deal, South Africa's Lesaka Technologies exited its 8% stake in Mobikwik for INR 143 crore. Citigroup, HDFC Mutual Fund, and Societe Generale picked up significant shares, highlighting growing institutional interest.Read more

27 Jun 2025

Fintech major Pine Labs, backed by Peak XV Partners and Temasek, has filed its draft red herring prospectus with SEBI to launch its much-anticipated IPO. The offering includes a fresh equity issue worth INR 2,600 crore and an offer for sale exceeding 14.78 crore shares by existing investors, including PayPal, Mastercard, and Actis. The company intends to use part of the proceeds to repay debt and invest in IT infrastructure, digital expansion, and subsidiaries abroad. A potential INR 520 crore pre-IPO placement may reduce the fresh issue size.Read more

27 Jun 2025

Ranchi Municipal Corporation is facing a significant revenue shortfall, with over 70,000 property owners defaulting on holding tax payments, resulting in a gap of around INR 20 crore. Despite setting a target of INR 83 crore for the previous financial year, only about INR 80.64 crore was recovered. To address the deficit, the civic body is intensifying enforcement efforts, including water and waste service disconnections, reassessment of vacant plots, and identification of misused properties. A 10% rebate is also being offered for timely payments made in the current quarter, alongside digital and doorstep payment services to encourage compliance.Read more

27 Jun 2025

Supreme Infrastructure India Ltd (SIIL) has secured a turnkey INR 450 crore contract to develop a Project Affected Persons (PAP) housing complex in Powai, Mumbai. The project, part of a larger 6-acre urban renewal initiative by Brookfield-backed BSS and Rajeshwar Property Ventures, will span 1.6 million sq. ft. in Phase 1 and include residential units, infrastructure, and MEP works. SIIL will hand over the completed complex to MMRDA within three years. The broader development will eventually add 2.5 million sq. ft. of commercial and retail space. This deal boosts SIIL's order book to INR 1,725 crore, reinforcing its presence in major urban infrastructure projects.Read more

26 Jun 2025

Nexus Seawoods Mall has kicked off its much-awaited End of Season Sale, offering flat 50% discounts across 100+ top fashion and lifestyle brands, including GAP, Tommy Hilfiger, ALDO, and Lifestyle. Shoppers spending INR 5,000 or more stand a chance to win a Jawa motorcycle, with added perks like 50% off select F&B and double reward points. To maximise convenience, the mall will remain open till midnight during the sale weekend. Known for its high-energy retail events, Nexus Seawoods continues to cement its reputation as Navi Mumbai's ultimate shopping and lifestyle destination, combining big-brand bargains with immersive customer experiences.Read more