27 Feb 2025

Apollo Global Management will acquire Bridge Investment Group in an all-stock deal worth approximately USD 1.5 billion, strengthening its real estate portfolio. Bridge shareholders will receive Apollo stock at a 45% premium, driving a surge in Bridge's premarket trading. The acquisition enhances Apollo's real estate equity and credit capabilities while integrating Bridge's USD 50 billion asset management expertise. Following the deal's expected closure in the third quarter, Bridge will operate independently within Apollo, with Bob Morse leading its real estate equity division. This transaction aligns with Apollo's long-term growth strategy, reinforcing its leadership in alternative investments amid rising market demand.Read more

27 Feb 2025

The Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) has issued red notices to 60% of commercial establishments to recover overdue property taxes. Despite repeated reminders, 1.5 lakh properties have defaulted for two to three years. Additionally, GHMC has served distress warrants to 75 properties with decade-long dues. With unpaid taxes exceeding INR 10,000 crore, the corporation faces financial strain. Efforts include official notices, SMS reminders, and legal action against defaulters. GHMC has collected INR 1,470 crore this fiscal year and aims to surpass INR 2,000 crore. It will conduct 'Property Tax Parishkaram' every Saturday until March 29 to resolve taxpayer grievances.Read more

27 Feb 2025

India's e-commerce sector is on a rapid growth trajectory, with ANAROCK projecting a 15% CAGR, reaching USD 550 billion by 2035 from USD 125 billion in 2024. This expansion is fueled by rising internet penetration, smartphone adoption, and digital payments, along with growing demand from Tier 2 and 3 cities. India's overall retail market is also set to triple to USD 2,500 billion by 2035. However, mall supply struggles to keep pace with demand, with vacancy rates dropping to 8.1% in 2024. Retailers are now expanding into smaller cities, driving future growth in both online and offline retail.Read more

27 Feb 2025

MagicLoans reported a sharp rise in demand for high-value home loans in Q4 2024, with the INR 50 lakh - INR 1 crore segment accounting for 36% of total disbursals. Pune led with a 30.6% share, followed by Hyderabad (22.6%), Bengaluru (17.3%), and Gurugram (14.2%), which recorded the highest average loan size. The surge is driven by the RBI's recent rate cut, rising property prices, and government-backed initiatives like the SWAMIH Fund. With home loan disbursals doubling since early 2024, India's housing market is set for continued expansion, driven by increasing affordability and demand for premium properties.Read more

27 Feb 2025

Indian firms are expected to post 7-8% revenue growth in the March quarter of the current fiscal year, driven by a pick-up in rural demand and higher government expenditure, says rating agency ICRA. The growth comes on the back of a consistent revival in earlier quarters, with revenue growing 6-7% in the December 2023 quarter. Operating profit margins are also anticipated to remain at 18.2-18.4%, as has been the case in recent months. Private capital spending, however, is still cautious because of geopolitical tensions, although investment in high-growth areas such as electronics, semiconductors, and EVs is anticipated to persist under government-initiated PLI schemes. Rural demand, which was subdued in early 2023, is expected to stay robust in the first half of 2025, led by healthy kharif crop production and supportive rabi season conditions. A well-distributed monsoon in 2025 will be critical in maintaining this growth.Read more

27 Feb 2025

The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) has introduced a house tax waiver scheme allowing residents to clear their 2024-25 dues to receive full forgiveness of past outstanding taxes. Properties up to 100 sq yards get complete exemption, while those between 100-500 sq yards receive a 50% reduction. Additionally, 1,300 housing societies will now get a 25% rebate. The initiative aims to boost tax compliance following a decline in collections last year. MCD is also integrating tax payments with utility services and geotagging properties to modernize the system and enhance efficiency, ensuring better revenue generation and civic development.Read more

26 Feb 2025

Trichy Corporation has simplified property tax payments by introducing a Unified Payments Interface (UPI) option, providing a convenient alternative to the previous net banking method via the Tamil Nadu Urban eSevai app. Residents can now pay property tax, water charges, and other fees directly from their mobile devices. This change aims to increase revenue collection before the financial year ends and enhance tax compliance. In addition to the UPI option, payments can still be made in person at tax collection offices across the city. The move supports the government's push for digital transactions and improved financial management.Read more

26 Feb 2025

Ahmedabad is set to implement new waste management regulations from October, requiring large housing societies and commercial complexes to manage their waste independently. Establishments generating over 100 kg of waste daily will be classified as bulk waste generators (BWGs) and must adopt decentralised waste processing methods. The initiative aims to reduce Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation's (AMC) waste collection costs and streamline disposal. Simultaneously, AMC has intensified property tax recovery efforts, sealing thousands of properties and reclaiming crores in unpaid dues. Additionally, the corporation has cracked down on illegal constructions and encroachments while offering rebates for early tax payments to incentivise compliance.Read more

26 Feb 2025

The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) has announced that property tax offices will remain open on Saturdays until March 31, 2025, operating from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. This move aims to facilitate timely tax payments. MCD has also introduced an online payment system via its website and mobile app, with user manuals available for guidance. Starting April 1, 2025, taxpayers must file an online Property Tax Return (PTR) before making payments. A tax calculator on the MCD website helps determine tax amounts, and rebates are available for select categories.Read more

26 Feb 2025

Pune's real estate market, particularly in Pimpri-Chinchwad, is witnessing strong investment activity, with developers expanding into high-growth suburbs. UC Punawale Skyscrapers LLP recently acquired a land parcel in Punawale for INR 129 crore, reflecting confidence in the region's residential demand. Areas like Punawale, Ravet, and Tathawade are experiencing rising property values due to affordability, connectivity, and proximity to commercial hubs. Key transactions in Ravet and Tathawade reinforce their potential, while Mahalunge and Baner are emerging as premium destinations. With continued developer interest and infrastructure expansion, Pune's suburban real estate market is poised for sustained growth.Read more