Vikas Rikhye, Real Estate Blogger and Promoter

In absence of regulatory authority or a governing body, the real estate activities in India had been in highly un-organized manner but with socioecnomic awareness the real estate sector is also moving toward a positive direction.

Professional attitude of real estate companies and the presence of MNCs like CB Richard Ellis,Knight frank, Chesteron Meghraj & fast growing trend of property portals like 99Acres, Magicbriks,Indiaproperties etc are the indicaters of a “Professional Real estate” of tomorrow.

Still there is a large section which remains unorganised and non-professional. Add on of property dealers and so called Property conultant, who neither have proper knowledge nor experience in this field are making this profession as “Third Rate”. They seem to be a preffered choice of that sectionof society that believes in parellal Economy, as both can understand each other’s language very well.

Real Estate is a backbone of every economy be it a developing economy or a developed economy. In most of the developed countries real estate is a organized sector with licensed real estate agents who act as a very important intermediary between buyer and seller. The real estate agents is a specialized and organized work in developed countries where proper licenses are issued to real estate agents after going through a training procedure.An un-organized sector with no regulating authority /governing body reduce the transparency in transactions make them shady, speculative with uncertain market conditions thus making it a distant dream, for a common man, to own a property

Remedies suggested:

• Form a governing body: It is very important to form a governing body whoch has direct influence on the real estate players and which can give direction to the real estate market for its growth. 
• Fix the brokerage: there should be fixed brokerage for sale, purchase and rent deals etc in the market and no broker should charge a price above or below the market rate at any time. The prevailing rate of sale and purchase is anywhere between .5% to 2% of sale/purchase price.
• Education: learning is a very important tool for innovation and growth of an industry. If an Insurance agent is needed to clear an IRDA paper, an mutual fund seller needs to pass an AMFI exam and even a stock broker needs to clear a minimum no. of papers in order to exercise hid ticket in the stock market. So it is very important to device a paper which has a mix of mathematics and legal issues so that a real estate agent has proper knowledge on various obstacles or legal issues which can surface in a deal.
• Give License and code: After an agent is able to clear his exam then he should be issued a real estate agent license along with a code eg. xxx1986xx. Each and every agent should be provided with a unique code which will ascertain his identity and thus lead to reduction of frauds by brokers to buyer/seller.
• Get them in the Tax net: As the real estate sector was unorganized thus there is high level of tax evasion by the real estate agents. There is a remedy to prevent this. The unique code given to the real estate brokers will be given registered on legal papers of the deal and the records of same can be given to IT department. As each and every deal will be registered the brokers will be bound to disclose their brokerage.

Some of the thoughts & remedies as stated above have come from Mr. Saurabh Dhawan. Saurabh is 22 years of age and is pursuing MBA from IIPM. Saurabh is a Blogger, is promoting Medical Tourism in India

This a Guest Blog Post by Mr . Saurabh Dhawan. Saurabh is 22 years of age and is pursuing MBA from IIPM. He can be contacted at saurabh [dot] 3767 [at] gmail [dot] com.

There has been an uptrend in property prices in Delhi NCR which has gone up really fast and out of the hand of a common middle class population to buy a flat in NCR. Its high time that the builders should experiment with the taste buds of buyers and try their hand at STUDIO Apartments. A Studio apartments are typically one room sets that have an attached kitchen and bathroom. Such apartments may or may not have an attached verandah too. Studio apartments are quite popular in places like Mumbai and Banglore etc but the trend has not yet picked up in Delhi NCR.

If we look at feasibility of an Studio Apartment in NCR then they are very much feasible. A large number of young executives are working in Delhi NCR coming from different places around India. A number of foreign Banks, BPOs, Multi national corporations and big Indian companies have their offices in and around Delhi. The young executives generally enjoy a rich disposal income and enjoy a superior lifestyle along with young married couples or for even that matter for guests of corporate houses who prefer to live and cook alone a studio apartment can provide a home along with privacy.

A Studio apartment can be in range from 250 Sq Ft onwards till 1000 Sq Ft depending on the luxuries one wants to enjoy or add. Like a 300 Sq Ft apartment can have a room with kitchen and attached bathroom and say a 600 Sq Ft room can have a lounge for sitting with a study and 1000 Sq Ft can have a big room with Dining and Lounge along with a verandas and optional parking lots can also be offered to the buyers. A studio apartment can range anywhere between 8,00,000 to 45,00,000 in case of super luxurious studio apartments.

The concept can be a hit if the Builders sell fully furnished ready to move studio apartments to buyers who want single rooms yet elegant and luxurious rooms along with all the facilities like modular kitchen, furnished and augment the profit of the builder thus saving the wasteful time and cost of the buyer to get it furnished.

In the time when the interest rates are high and the buyers do not want to dig deep into their pockets to purchase a home these studio apartments can be a life saver for builders too who are facing liquidity crunch and lack of demand in market.

Saurabh Dhawan

Vikas Rikhye, Real Estate Promoter and Blogger

In the recent past the Fast Growing Township of New Gurgaon has witnessed a
Massive growth in housing sector.

The well established real estate companies like DLF & Unitech have launched and delivered prestigious residential project. Comparatively new entrants like Bestech,Omaxe, Parsavnath Raheja & others got an opportunity to prove their competence.

All this as stated above “Township of New Gurgaon” came in to a light as a very
strong investment destination.

As it would have resulted, the investment wave in Gurgaon ,became stronger and stronger and the Secondary market shot up sky high. With all this , the basic participants in real estate game like Builders, Brokers & Investors found themselves in a Win - Win situation.

Yet there was another Important Segment of Actual-User, who had missed the boat due to unexpected increase in Real estate prices, was still awaiting an affordable housing solution.

The announcement of Master Plan 2021, gave a sigh of relief to this Important Segment of Actual-Users .But at same time it gave opportunity to many New Player to enter the real estate Game.

And now an interesting/ uninteresting era starts:

As many of The new Players started advertising launch of their new projects with luring advertisements & Broker incentives.

It has been observed by many real - estate experts that some of the projects falling in Master Plan 2021 are being launched ,where at present the basic infrastructure like roads, water, sever, provision for required Power etc. is missing.

While some of the Promoters are asking for 25% of the amount within in 45 days of booking & balance is construction linked . Even we feel every thing in fairness, yet, it raises following queries in mind:
• What is the reliability level of “Unheard of as Builders”
• Transparency level of commitments.
• Experience for delivering committed project .( for those who have not delivered any Project in the past )
• Inventor’s Risk coverage.

For a while let us be Optimist that in all the fairness the project is delivered , Yet another question mark nags the mind that will there be basic infrastructure like roads, water, sever, provision for required Power etc. where presently nothing is visible on the ground except open fields & in some cases abandoned uneven patches of land.

Will somebody guide me to clear my doubt as well of others who agree with as stated above.

Vikas Rikhye,India Real Estate Blogger

Gurgaon is a city that is rapidly moving towards Globalized economy, but it the city requires, an effective planning for improvement in basic infrastructure to truly transform into be “world-class city” in coming years.An effective Transport system is the base for any infrastructure development.

Although eight lane toll expressway between Gurgaon and New Delhi, that provides non-stop connectivity to the I.G.I and the Domestic Airport and to Dhaulakuan in Delhi over a distance of 28 kilometers (18 miles), and includes 7 flyovers and 5 underpasses along the stretch, has made a remarkable comfort level to the commuters, still for main city of Gurgaon , a well planned efficient surface transport planning seems to be the basic need of the day.

While the road layout in the city is quite well-planned, but a drives to improve the condition of roads is very badly required.

Besides roads, the main problem of the city is its virtually non-existent city public transport. A handful of local buses plying on a few routes & besides cycle rickshaw the only other form of public transport is shared auto- rickshaw which are generally overcrowded.

Mainly Taxi service in Gurgaon is limited to Airport/Railway Station dropping/ picking. Besides taxis for the use of the ever growing call center and information technology industry. Gurgaon currently has 5 types of taxis. Normal Black top yellows taxis, auto rickshaw(the cheapest form of taxis in Gurgaon), tourist taxis, radio taxis and white taxis.

Generally, people in Gurgaon prefer cars to two-wheelers because of the dusty nature of the region, extreme weather condition, and frequent two-wheeler accidents. Most of the people in new township, own cars as the cream of the delhites have moved to Gurgaon. But an average white collar job person is desperately looking forward to improved means of transport system.

There seems to be only ray of hope when “Delhi Metro Rail Corporation” starts its operation to Gurgaon as expected by January 2010.

To be continued…

Vikas Rikhye,India Real Estate Blogger

In one of my articles I had mentioned that we never seem to hear about real estate investors who go bankrupt.I had also cautioned that it does not happen very often unless the decision is rash or it is due to lack of basic relevant information and facts.

But I am sorry to state that in the recent past many innocent investors have been trapped by the” Rosy pictures painted” by some of the masterminded Broker Turned Builders (BTBs) who wanted to enter the real estate market as New Players for New Real Estate Projects.Neighbor’s prosperity, News paper &,T.V. advertisement backed up with lucrative assurance of their neighborhood broker was good enough for them to be tempted them to get ready for a Bright & Prosperous future through investment in property.

The new investor having lured by “Real Estate Prosperity” all around got eager to join the “Prosperity Race”. It is understood that while some had
put in their life time savings ,others managed to raise funds at a very high rate of interest & some had raised funds to invest in property by selling their personal belongings as well as inherited gold ornaments.

In 2006-2007 as we all know that “Unheard investment destinations” were being advertised with New Townships besides NCR townships with:

1.Pre-launch offers

2.Rock bottom Prices

3.Assuring heavy return on investment

4.Costly Sales Brochures depicting Quality of life matching International Standards supported by strategically designed marketing techniques

5.Heavy commission to Brokers

6.Cocktail Dinners on Pre-launch (In ***** Hotels)

7.Luxury Cars as gifts on achieving Sales Targets

All this as stated above was good enough for these investors to have the direction, they had in mind.

I often use to wonder ,that how would a builder be able to bear such expensive cost of marketing and yet would be able to deliver the promised project.

I could feel very close to the answer, when I remembered my Business Guru’s saying ‘The Brower who pays 10% interest never returns the original capital”

As I understand almost same thing happened, as while many of the smart investors made a quick buck at the same time where “Fly by Night Operators “have disappeared or Builder/ Promoter has failed to deliver the project, many of the victims are either running from pillar to post for refund or some accepted it as a bad luck/wrong decision .

At the same time some of the ‘Stay Back’ Builders are asking for future installments without any visible progress as the payment plan seems to be time bound & not construction linked

In Gurgaon after master plan 2021 has earmarked 58 new Sectors,
I understand from news paper advertisement that some of the new Developers are offering apartments in remote locations at a lesser price ranging 2200-2500 per sq.ft with 15% Cost along with application along with a 45day PDC of 10%, which means that with 25% of the selling cost builder receives almost more than 40% of his cost ,without even starting the construction & since the remaining payment is construction linked, therefore apparently the developer has already got his chunk of profit and yet stays in the business at the cost of his investor’s money having a stake free existence .

Secondly, even if the builder delivers the project in time in these remote locations, how would that become livable in absence of basic infrastructure like Public Transport , Sewer, Electricity ,Water etc.

Whereas , so called booming almost 12 years old “New township of Gurgaon” still is awaiting its “Infrastructure dream” to come true

It is also noticed that some of the better known builders are selling Builder floors , which as per present rules do not enjoy a clear title on secondary sales ,where, in some of the cases the builder has already taken more than 25% of the price, without any visible progress

I very frequently get, desperate phone calls from some of such investors, that they would like to get rid of their investment at any cost in some cases they are ready to sell out the booked property below cost

The scene of the Gurgaon shopping malls is no less gloomy as few of the specialized malls give a deserted look awaiting the occupants & investors/owners are asked to pay Maintenance charges, while others Malls which are under construction have slowed down the construction process with a fear of lack of occupancy.

IT office space / IT Parks ( victim of overtrading) had become an investor’s craze , who are continuing to invest ,without realizing the Government’s Plans & Policy.

To me it seems “Some can not think due to lack & greed of money others
Can’t think due to overdose of money”

Mr. Vikas Rikhye,Realtor,Real Estate Blogger and Real Estate Promoter

Despite the fact that countries like U.A.E (Dubai) Australia, New Zealand & others are making best of their efforts to attract foreign investors to invest in real estate sector but the fact remains that US. China & India are the preferred ones’

According to a survey conducted by Association of Foreign Investors in Real Estate (AFIRE), amongst the global investors, US has retained its top position, while China ranked 2nd followed by India ranking 3rd.

It is understood that in the current survey China moved to second place with 21.4%votes & India was preferred by only 16.7%, whereas in 2006, China got 14.6% votes while India had 18% and was ranked in the second position.

The investors confidence seems stronger in China, apparently because of better appreciation chances offered as compared to opportunities in India.

On the other hand, the US, whose economy continues facing the threat of a recession, still managed to retain the ‘most preferred destination´ tag for real estate investment.

Since now India is growing ahead with overall progress in real estate & infrastructure ,we, therefore look forward to its ranking as No-1

Mr. Vikas Rikhye,Realtor and Real Estate Blogger

A blend of Historical Heritage & Modern Technology makes Jaipur a most sought after destination for Builders, Real-estate promoters & Investors.

Multinationals and IT related companies have also started a thought -process of considering Jaipur to be suitable township for their future expansion.

Moreover, it becomes more luring & lucrative destination for all concerned with the following:

• In a close proximity to NCR having a very strategic location on NH-8, with fast developing infrastructure.

• The up gradation of Jaipur airport as “International Airport”.

• Liberal Government policies to encourage foreign investors.

• With opening up of SEZs (Special Economic Zones) , some of the well-known BPOs and IT companies have already started setting up their offices because of low operational cost as compared with other metropolis .

• The pre-existing infrastructure like Hotel etc has served as added benefit to overall growth and development.

With most visible progress, Builders like Vatika Group, Ansals & Omaxe etc are already showing their active presence .The prices of Residential and Commercial are showing upward trend.

It is understood , as per Market estimates in next 4-5 years, around Rs.1500 Billion is in the pipeline to be spent in Jaipur Real estate Sector itself. And according to an Expert ” Jaipur Real-estate market grow to double of today by 2010″ ……..

Vikas Rikhye,Real Estate Blogger

As we are aware that quite a few real estate companies had launched their IPOs in 2007,but major share of the cake was taken by DLF ,who bagged over Rupees 9000 crores.

Now it seems to be turn of Emaar MGF Land, a JV between one of the world’s largest Dubai based real estate group & MGF Group from India.

It is understood that The Motor & Finance Limited (MGF) one of the oldest finance company of India was incorporated in 1930 under the leadership of Shri Ved Prakash Gupta, the founder chairman of the company and under his guidance MGF became a leading Finance company of the country.

While Emaar Properties, Dubai - based Public Joint stock enjoys the reputation of a very successful track record of growth. Emaar Properties had been the Recipient of Best Developer” award in the year2006 in UAE for 2nd consecutive year.

With joining hands together Emaar MGF have acquired land bank of over 12400 acres,Spread over 22cities in 16 states of India. The company is developing properties in Residential, Commercial & Hospitality sectors across India. They have their ongoing commercial projects in over eight major cities in India.In near future, they have identified to get into Healthcare , Education & Infrastructure project as well.

It is understood that Emaar MGF has got the approval from ” Securities and Exchange Board of India” (SEBI) to launch its Initial Public Offering (IPO) This IPO seems to be the 2nd largest IPO in the country as it is expected to raise over 6000 crores. With offloading over Ten crore shares in the market & the share price is expected to be between Rupees 500-600 per share.

Emaar-MGF after bringing largest FDI in Real estate and now with this IPO makes it one of the strongest Real estate companies in India.

Mr. Vikas Rikhye,Real Estate Blogger

Why invest in India ?

The liberalisation in FDI Policy where Foreign investors other than NRIs allowed to invest only in development of integrated townships and settlements either through a wholly owned subsidiary or through a joint venture company in India along with a local partner has made it Foreign investor friendly.

It is an amazing fact that India is the 4th largest economy, in terms of purchasing power parity and Tenth most industrialized economy moreover. Political stability and broad consensus on reforms and also liberal and transparent foreign investment regime has made it a strong investment destination.

A very well developed banking system and vibrant capital market, with National Stock Exchange being the third largest, and Bombay Stock Exchange the fifth largest in terms of number of trades and also a Strong and independent judicial system,brings the comfort level to all concerned.

A strong blend of scientific and technical manpower specially in IT sector ,where over 50000 IT professionals are added each year, has attracted over 255 Fortune 500 companies getting services resulting into a remarkable increase in number of BPOs & call centres.

The massive progress in development of infrastructure can be seen as:

• Over 13,000 Kms of Highways being developed.

• Major advances in telecommunications sector and sharp decline in telecommunications costs.

• For easy commuting Metro -network is on its expansion.

• With opening of Modernized and well equipped Hospitals the progress on health care is remarkably visible.

• Development of Ports ,Shipping upgradation ,operation of cruise terminal and Operation of Dry Port at Mumbai.

With some of the points covered as above, it seems to give an open invitation to Foreign Investors to participate in booming sectors of growth like Roads & express highways , Urban Infrastructure, Ports , Power projects , Telecommunications and many more with Opportunities at glore……..

What are the facts you should check before buying a property??

Mr. Rikhye,Realtor and Real Estate Promoter

Real Estate in Gurgaon still has its Graph moving upwards .The new investor having his eyes on the neighbor’s “Real Estate Prosperity” is eager to join the “Prosperity Race”.

The new investor musters his resources, raising funds may be in some cases taking loan, to prepare himself for this rat race.

Before investing hard earned money one has to ensure the following:

• Financial Credibility of the promoter/builder.

• Professional Capability of the promoter/builder to deliver the Project in time.

• Past Projects delivered by the Promoter/Builder.

• Ownership title of the Project.

• Necessary Government approvals to start the project.

• Names of the Banks which have approved the project for Loan Purposes.

• Exit Clauses (That is in case, you wish to sell your property before completion of Project)

Not forgetting to go through the clauses of ” Buyer Seller Agreement” with the Builder and if required take an Expert’s opinion before getting into this Race…….

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