Vikas Rikhye

Vikas Rikhye, Real Estate Blogger

The commercial property in Gurgaon, under present market conditions, is expected, if not on downward trend, then surely, it has to undergo slow and a static phase, for next few years. The investors in rat race to earn quick money, got swayed away by enthusiastic builders and promoters who had been responsible of developing commercial real estate in most unplanned manner.

In absence of “Real estate Regulatory Authority”, neither any survey has been conducted to determine the demand and supply ratio, nor the planned methods have been adopted to ensure the safety of the investor. The builder and promoters continue to develop commercial property with their ultra motives ignoring the responsibility of social justice, as a result several commercial properties in Gurgaon are giving a deserted look.

The commercial property can broadly be categorized as following:

• Commercial office space
• IT Business Parks
• Shopping Malls
• Shopping complexes open court yard style

About a decade and a half back there had been a great demand commercial office space in Gurgaon and Noida, as Delhi was unable to meet with rapid growing demand of MNCs, who had then just started moving to India for their operations for Indian as well as for the other Asian markets, as some of the MNCs opted Gurgaon for their regional headquarters, which had the advantage of close proximity to International Airport. With fresh demand the requirements were huge as several MNCs required large floor plates as a result, the companies like DLF & Unitech swung into action, as these professional companies had the ability and resources to deliver the results in a time bound schedule. Over a period of time the companies started settling and the demand gained stability. But having seen the success rate of DLF and Unitech, suddenly, there was a awakening call for new player in the field, who also attracted the investor and had their share of prosperity as well. While the demand was settling down, the enthusiasm of the investor and builder continued, resulting into several lacs of commercial office space lying vacant on prime locations like Golf course Road, Sohana Road and other prominent areas of Gurgaon.

IT industry offered new era of opportunities starting with Call centers BPOs, KPOs, setting a new avenues of employment opportunities. At that time Gurgaon was a good destination for IT MNCs because of cheaper office space and manpower. Suddenly Gurgaon witnessed the mushrooming of call centers. It is understood, foreseeing the massive demand the builder approached the authorities to approve more of FSI/FAR (more of coverage) for IT Building and after getting such approval again swung into action resulting into worst fate compared to commercial property as over a million of IT Space is lying vacant on NH-8, Udhyog Vihar, Sohna Road etc.

In as early as 2002-2003 Shopping Mall was a thrilling concept for residents of Gurgaon as well as Delhites as Gurgaon was pioneer in starting Shopping Malls. Loads of people would visit these malls to experience and share the unique experience of shopping world class brands, Food courts and PVRs. As soon Shopping Malls were commissioned in Delhi (Vasant Kunj-Saket-West Delhi), the foot-fall from Delhi visitor reduced and with availability of Metro residents of Gurgaon had an comfortable option of visiting Saket Malls. The Gurgaon-Mall fever was reducing amongst the visitors but it did not deter the enthusiasm of investors and builder as in the case as stated above Commercial and IT Space, and has met the similar fate as most Shopping malls on Sohna Road are giving deserted look, A well known developer has not been able to commission its malls on NH-8 and Golf course road. Even on prominent location of MG Road, while, one project seems to be abandoned while other two projects seems to be creeping towards its commissioning.

Besides Shopping malls there has been quite a noticeable growth of shopping complexes through out Gurgaon, Besides shopping areas as provided in HUDA Sectors , South City, DLF City and Sushant lok, it is understood that present estimated growth is over 2500 shops in the areas of Mayfield, Nirwana Country, South City-2, Malibu Town and Sohna Road, whereas, most of them are giving deserted look.

Seeing the gloomy picture of Commercial Real estate scenario it is suggested more thoughtful efforts should be made by all concerned for a balanced and purposeful growth and development.