Daily Real Estate brief from PNT
Welcome to the latest edition of?PNT Real Estate Daily! Through our digital only newspaper, we aim to provide a 360 degree coverage of the latest events, stories, updates and occurrences from the real estate industry from around the world. Subscribe for daily updates!
Dharavi, a Mumbai settlement with a rich history, has evolved significantly over time. From its origins as a fishing village, it transformed into a bustling hub for various trades and businesses during the 19th century. After much delay, the redevelopment of Dharavi slums now ready to begin under the stewardship of the Adani Group. The finalised plans promise new housing, amenities, and commercial spaces. This ambitious project, expected to span nearly two decades, aims to address longstanding issues and provide residents with better living conditions. While some remain sceptical due to past experiences, others see promise in the transformation of Dharavi.
Ulwe, a Mumbai satellite city, is experiencing a real estate surge thanks to key infrastructure projects, including the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link and Navi Mumbai International Airport. Property prices have doubled in the past decade, with two-bedroom apartments selling for up to Rs 1 crore. Challenges like the lack of social amenities and major hospitals exist, but residents are optimistic about improvements as connectivity gets a boost. Ulwe's transformation, driven by strategic location and upcoming developments, is turning it into a promising real estate market, potentially benefiting both end-users and investors.
Manglam Group has unveiled Manglam Rambagh, a luxurious residential project in Jaipur, representing a substantial investment of Rs 200 crore. Spanning 2.2 acres in Jagatpura, this development offers 114 flats across six floors, ranging from 3 to 6 BHK, with sizes from 2370 sqft to 6120 sqft, competitively priced. It features extensive amenities including a 700 square yard garden, a 1.66-acre clubhouse, and EV charging points, promoting sustainability. With strategic connectivity to key areas and Vastu principles in design, it prioritizes convenience and harmony. Security is robust with a 3-tier system, and ample parking is provided while maximizing green landscaping. Anticipated completion is in December 2024, heralding a new era of premium living in Jaipur.
Oberoi Realty's Commerz III in Goregaon, Mumbai, is set to be finished by March 2024. Having already signed a lease deal for 1.6 million square feet with Morgan Stanley, the company expects to finalize deals for the remaining 2.4 million square feet in the next few months. Discussions are ongoing with various clients, including flex space providers, pharmaceutical firms, tech companies, and educational institutions. Commerz III offers diverse floor plate options, dedicated lift zones for larger clients, and extensive parking. Oberoi Realty also plans to include retail and amenities like food courts and gyms. The company emphasizes sustainability and green initiatives, showcasing its leadership in commercial real estate.
The Income Tax Department has launched an extensive search operation targeting a prominent local real estate developer, Swati Procon, in Gujarat. Over 100 officials from Ahmedabad, Baroda, and Rajkot are involved, focusing on around 35 to 40 properties, potentially uncovering benami (proxy) transactions. The investigation scrutinizes key figures like Ashok Agarwal and Saket Agarwal, with the founder, Ashok Agarwal, at the centre of attention. Details remain guarded, but officials are delving into financial transactions to detect tax evasion and corporate irregularities. Parallelly, in Chennai, tax officials have conducted searches involving procurement practices and coal-handling materials. The real estate landscape faces continued vigilance from tax authorities, especially in redevelopment projects with cash components.
The Telangana State Real Estate Regulatory Authority has imposed a hefty Rs 17.5 crore penalty on three real estate giants, including Mantri Developers Pvt Ltd, Sai Surya Developers Pvt. Ltd. and Sahiti Infratec Ventures Pvt Ltd, for RERA Act non-compliance. The penalties were meticulously assessed after a thorough evaluation of each builder's conduct, considering violations of the 2016 Act and associated rules. Sahiti Infratec Ventures faces a substantial Rs 10.7 crore fine for failing to register three projects with RERA. TS RERA's actions highlight their commitment to transparency and accountability in the real estate sector, emphasizing consequences for non-compliance.
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has provisionally attached land worth Rs 125.06 crore belonging to Unitech Infopark Limited as part of a money laundering investigation. This action is based on complaints from home buyers related to the Unitech group. The land, located in Nallambakkam, Chennai, comprises 4.79 acres within the Uniworld City township. The ED's probe has revealed alleged proceeds of crime amounting to USD 1.50 crore (approximately Rs 125.06 crore) that were purportedly routed through Narnil Infosolutions Private Limited into Unitech Infopark Limited in 2009-10, with the Chandras, the promoters of Unitech Group, acquiring a 39.83 percent share in the company. The investigation remains ongoing as authorities address money laundering allegations and work to provide relief to affected home buyers.
India is planning to allocate 600 billion rupees ($7.2 billion) over the next five years to offer subsidized loans for small urban housing. Banks are set to launch the scheme in the coming months, strategically ahead of state and general elections. The initiative, first announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in August, will provide an annual interest subsidy ranging from 3 percent to 6.5 percent for housing loans below five million rupees with a 20-year tenure. It aims to benefit up to 2.5 million applicants from low-income groups living in urban areas, stimulating lending in the affordable housing sector.
Homebuyers in Gurugram's Greenopolis project are demanding updates and prompt possession of their long-delayed flats, which have faced an eight-year delay. In a protest held earlier this week, they urged developer Orris Infrastructure to expedite completion, particularly for phase-1 apartments, and to swiftly progress phases 2 and 3. However, Orris has pointed to pending Supreme Court proceedings related to the project and requested patience from the homebuyers. The project's history involves legal disputes between Orris and Three C, the original builder, and Orris has offered possession to some buyers. The pending Supreme Court decision will be crucial in resolving the situation and addressing homebuyers' concerns.
The Gujarat High Court has questioned the invocation of the Land Grabbing Act against long-term tenants who have been in possession of the land since 1975. The court directed the Ahmedabad district collector to explain how a committee under her authority endorsed an FIR against the tenants, stating that it appears to be a misuse of the law. The proceedings on the FIR filed by Narol police against the tenants has been stayed. This development is part of a series of petitions challenging the provisions of the 2020 anti-land grabbing law, with the court seeking a personal affidavit from the district collector in this particular case.
The Bhubaneswar Development Authority (BDA) has raised concerns by granting occupancy certificates (OCs) to only 5% of approximately 1,000 buildings constructed in the city over the past five years. The low rate of OC issuance highlights concerns about the safety and adherence to regulations in numerous structures throughout Bhubaneswar. Additionally, allegations of BDA granting approvals for building plans within the jurisdiction of the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) have raised questions about urban planning and governance in the city. Clarification of authority and adherence to established norms are essential for sustainable urban development.
The Tamil Nadu Urban Habitat Development Board (TNU HDB) has initiated a substantial housing project in Chennai, symbolized by Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin laying the project's foundation stone. With an investment of Rs. 409.74 crore, the project aims to construct 1,800 houses, providing shelter to the economically disadvantaged. TNU HDB has already demolished 7,582 dilapidated houses to pave the way for 9,522 new homes, marking a budget of Rs. 1627.97 crore. This endeavour signifies the government's commitment to affordable housing solutions and community welfare, with expedited construction to swiftly address housing needs in the region and uplift the less fortunate.
Sumitomo Corporation Group secured a momentous long-term lease for a 3-acre land parcel in Mumbai's BKC from the MMRDA, valued at over Rs 2,067 crore. The subsidiary, Goisu Realty, won the bid in 2019, concluding the deal after a four-year journey. This marked MMRDA's first land auction in 12 years. The BKC remains a sought-after business district, with the MMRDA looking to raise Rs 3,000 crore from its land parcels. However, policy clarity regarding floor space index purchases is awaited. Goisu Realty also made a significant acquisition in Worli for Rs 5,200 crore. Land transactions are gaining momentum across key Indian markets.
Godrej Properties, a prominent real estate developer, has acquired approximately 15 acres of land in Gurugram's Sector 103 for Rs 403 crore from Microtek Infratech. The sale deed was executed in the name of Godrej Vestmark LLP, with a stamp duty of Rs 28.21 crore paid for the transaction. While Godrej confirmed the land acquisition through outright purchase, they did not disclose the revenue potential of the upcoming project on this land. This acquisition follows Godrej's previous land purchases in Noida and Gurugram, demonstrating its commitment to expanding its real estate portfolio in key regions.
The Kochi Metro Rail Ltd (KMRL) has initiated the process of leasing 17.43 acres of land within the proposed Bliss City project in Kakkanad. This move is intended to expedite the development of the mixed-use project, which originally included plans for a medical city and entertainment hub. The decision to lease this portion of the land came after investors showed interest in residential development, which did not align with KMRL's vision. The remaining 14 acres of land within Bliss City are under discussion, with the possibility of them being used for IT infrastructure to support Infopark's needs.
Fractional ownership in Indian real estate is surging as private companies offer platforms that allow investors to collectively own property. Assets under management have reached Rs 4,000 crore, with a predicted annual growth rate of 25–30 percent over the next few years. Regulatory bodies like SEBI are developing guidelines to bring transparency and accountability to this market, proposing registration as MSM REITs, listing on stock exchanges, and focusing on completed, revenue-generating real estate investments. This trend represents a significant shift in real estate investment dynamics, democratizing access to property ownership and lowering capital requirements for investors.
Shriram Housing Finance expects a capital infusion of up to Rs 750 crore from its parent company, Shriram Finance, in early 2024. This anticipated boost in funds, though initially estimated at Rs 500 crore, aims to support Shriram Housing's ambitious asset management goals. The capital infusion is expected in late 2023 or early 2024 and may precede a strategic sale of a 10-20 percent stake or an IPO. Shriram Housing plans to borrow from various sources to fund its growth, including banks, the capital market, and non-convertible debentures.
The Himachal Pradesh Assembly passed the Indian Stamp (Himachal Pradesh Amendment) Bill, 2023, amidst protests and a walkout by the BJP. The bill introduces revised property registration fees, aiming to rectify gender-based disparities. Women purchasing properties up to Rs 80 lakh will pay a 4 percent registration fee, rising to 8 percent for higher values. Others face a 6 percent fee for properties up to Rs 50 lakh, increasing to 8 percent. The bill marks the first stamp duty revision in a decade. Despite opposition, the government justified these fees as necessary due to the state's substantial Rs 75,000 crore debt burden.
JSW Infrastructure, a subsidiary of the JSW Group, plans to invest Rs 13,000 crores over the next seven years to double its cargo handling capacity to 300 million tonnes. The expansion will be funded through internal accruals and free cash flows. JSW Infrastructure has grown significantly over the past two decades, with an average annual growth rate of 22%. They have diversified into third-party businesses and are exploring opportunities in container and liquid terminals, container freight stations, and inland container depots. The company is actively participating in port privatization initiatives and aims to enhance last-mile connectivity and value-added services for customers in the logistics industry.
Mumbai-based DB Realty is entering the hotel and hospitality industry by acquiring ownership stakes in several entities. This includes a 50% ownership in Bamboo Hotel Global Centre, which is constructing a hotel complex in Aerocity, New Delhi, featuring the St. Regis and the Marriott Marquis hotels. DB Realty also intends to purchase Goan Hotels, which owns the Grand Hyatt Goa, and acquire 75% of the equity shares in BD and P, the owner of the Hilton Mumbai International Airport. This strategic move allows DB Realty to diversify its business and tap into the growing hospitality market to generate a consistent stream of income.
Spain's housing market is grappling with a sustained slowdown exacerbated by rising inflation and a high 4.2% Euribor interest rate. Malaga province has seen a significant 16.26% drop in home sales compared to last year, outpacing declines in both the national and Andalucía markets. July witnessed a substantial 23% decline in sales in Malaga province. However, it's worth noting that despite these setbacks, the current housing sales figures, while reduced, remain relatively high compared to levels seen in previous decades. Notably, new home sales in Malaga are declining more sharply than second-hand properties, a contrast to the national and Andalucía trends.
German housing prices experienced their sharpest drop since data collection began in 2000, with a 9.9% year-on-year decline in residential property prices in the second quarter. This downturn was attributed to high interest rates and rising construction costs. Major cities like Berlin, Hamburg, and Munich saw apartment prices fall by 9.8%, while single and two-family house prices dropped by 12.6%. The housing industry association called for government support, including a cut in value-added tax for affordable rentals and low-interest loans. The government planned to address the crisis with an aid package and regulatory reforms, amid declining construction permits and missed housing construction goals.
To read the full stories, head over to?Prop News Time