Vikas Rikhye, Real Estate Blogger

With increasing global corporate presence, the Millennium city, having close proximity to Asia’s second largest international airport as become a hub for Multinationals, now emerging as most sought after destination for hospitality industry, as there seem to be a variety of options for visitors, from budgeted bed and breakfast to five star luxury, that covers the options of meticulous service apartments, as well as lavish lifestyle guest houses. The hospitality industry in Gurgaon is taking turn, with trends matching international standards.

It is for the guests who prefer “a home away from home” concept, there is a wide range of bed and breakfast options, as with changing trend there is a steep rise in the service apartment business. As the service apartments are mainly preferred by multinational employees who come here on a limited duration or those who choose service apartments as transit accommodation, while relocating from another town. The service apartments become preferred over the budget hotel because of economy factor, being less costly. Usually the service apartment is fully furnished unit with amenities like cooking range, microwave washing machine etc, meant for guest’s usage whereas, it still has an option of availing the services from the owner of service apartment. The concept originated from USA, became increasingly popular in India from year 2000 onwards because of significant increased inflow of floating population of expatriates.

The patronage of MNCs has definitely a major cause but for steep rise in expansion of Guest houses, Budget and Luxury hotels, but other contributory factors are the following:

• Cost benefit and easy availability of land at fractional cost as compared to similar location, in close proximity to IGI Airport
• Liberal policy of Haryana Government to promote tourism
• Increase in medical tourism (Healthcare institutional growth)
• Expressway network especially KMP (Kundli-Manesar-Palwal) expressway with its connectivity with NH-8, elevates Gurgaon to an ideal location for * “Golden Triangle” tourism

* Delhi-Agra-Jaipur

According to experts, the industry has grown 300% in last five years. The optimistic trend of the hospitality industry has resulted into positive growth with presence of hotels like Leela Kempinski, Trident Hilton, Westin, Radisson, Crowne Plaza etc. Of course The Oberois with about 200 rooms hotel in 9 acres of land is latest addition.

It is understood from sources that around 1800 in three to five star category will be added on by 2012 whereas, currently over 7000 rooms are operational in Gurgaon.

The rapid growth in hospitality industry in Gurgaon would not only give boost to real state prices in Gurgaon ,but would also help in socio economic growth by creating employment and investment opportunities.

Vikas Rikhye, Real Estate Blogger

It has been observed in the past that growing “Corporate scenario”, has generated tremendous demand for “Service apartments in Gurgaon”.

With the recent study conducted on growing need/demand for serviced apartments in Gurgaon, a surprising fact has astonished, that it is the increase of Medical tourism that is equally contributing to the demand of “Service Apartments” in Gurgaon.

With opening of Specialty and Multispecialty Hospitals in Gurgaon there is a definite boost to medical tourism. With existence of hospitals like Medanta Medicity, Artimis, Max and Paras there is a remarkable increase of floating population accompanying the patient, not only from different parts of country, but the inflow of foreign patients is also quite visible.

The patients visiting for treatment don’t depend only on the accommodation, during the hospitalization but they also require “pre-hospitalization and post hospitalization” accommodation for a period which is much more than their actual stay in the hospital. Moreover, the relations escorting the patient also need to stay for the period as defined earlier.

The Hotels and Guest houses do not suit for this cause, as more of homely atmosphere is required, therefore, a serviced apartment fills the gap.

It is observed that a sizeable demand for accommodation is being generated, in the localities falling in close vicinity to the hospitals. Although no one from organized sector has attempted to tap the potential, whereas , numerous individuals are encouraged to offer Serviced Apartments. Moreover as the demand is growing, many more individuals are enthusiastic to offer Serviced Apartment accommodation.

The localities like South City-1, Greenwoods, HUDA Sectors 38,39,45,46,47 and Mayfields have become most preferred for the accommodation seekers, because of the location advantage, having close proximity to hospitals.

One of the basic needs of man is a roof over his head, and perhaps this is why we make a great deal of fuss over home ownership. When you have a house to come home to, when you’re able to pay your mortgage without too much difficulty, life certainly seems good. But there are those who have to look for rental options from time to time, either for personal or work-related reasons. And when such needs arise, a serviced apartment is worth much more than just any rental accommodation option, because:

• It feels like home: When you’re a corporate employee who is always on the move, you tend to rely on the tired of living in hotel rooms all the time. And this makes serviced apartments a boon to the weary traveler, especially if you have to stay for a certain period of time in locations of work. The extended period of stay makes hotel rooms an expensive proposition, whereas serviced apartments come with all the comforts of home. You can even bring your family to stay with you, thus saving yourself from coming home to an empty hotel room at the end of a long and tiring day.

• It is cost-effective: When you rent a serviced apartment, you can cook your own meals, even if they are simple ones like a bowl of cereal or eggs and toast for breakfast. You save a ton of money on food bills at restaurants and other miscellaneous expenses spent on snacks and drinks. You don’t feel like a stranger in a new place when you’re enjoying home-cooked meals in your own place. And with no room service to depend on, you cut back on the tips you have to shell out too.

• It comes fully furnished: Serviced apartments are better and more advantageous than a normal rented apartment or condo because they come fully furnished. This means you don’t have to waste time and money in looking for and equipping the place with appliances and furniture. Most serviced apartments come with basic necessities like a television, refrigerator, utensils and other knickknacks that you need for day-to-day life.

• You can entertain friends and colleagues: Serviced apartments allow you to play host to friends and colleagues even in strange locations. You are not cramped for space like in a hotel room and this means that you are free to enjoy social visits with your friends. A serviced apartment also offers more privacy and comfort than a hotel room.

When looking for a serviced apartment, check out the locality and costs before you sign on the dotted line. Ask the right questions so that you’re able to find the right temporary home for you.

By-line:

This guest article was written by Adrienne Carlson, who regularly writes on the topic of construction management degrees . Adrienne welcomes your comments and questions at her email address: adrienne.carlson83@yahoo.com

Vikas Rikhye, Real Estate Blogger and Gurgaon Property Expert

This is a guest post by Mr. Saurabh Dhawan of India Medi Treat. You can get in touch with him at saurabh [dot] 3767 [at] gmail [dot] com.

Growing demand of Studio Apartments in Gurgaon ,calls the attention of Prominent Builders in Gurgaon to cater the needs of this segment of Affordable housing.

“A Studio Apartment also known as a Studio Flat is a self contained spacious room consisting of a living and sleeping area having an advantage of kitchenette & attached bath, is considered as efficient apartment, designed as a residence of one or two persons”

The Studio Apartments have the following distinct be:

• Like minded Community living
• Space/ cost effective
• Low maintenance cost
• Secondary property for short/long visits

The concept of Studio Apartment is picking up very fast amongst the following:

• Working women
• Students
• Middle cadre Single executives
• NRIs [Secondary property for short/long visits]

To invest in Studio apartments, it is becoming a favorite option for investors who wish to make small investment in residential property, for rental returns.

Since Unitech and DLF are the “Trend Setters” & if they take an initiative of introducing Studio Apartments in their future projects, that will not only help in meeting the existing demand, but it would also motivate other developers in the market to Follow the set trend to meet the increasing demand of future as well.

A sizable inflow of Studio Apartments, would give a big respite to the existing & Future demand in segment of Affordable housing.

Vikas Rikhye, Gurgaon Property Consultant and Blogger

• More Spacious
• More privacy & personal freedom
• Cost effective
• Ideal for Executive Relocation
• Ideal for cultural adjustment

In last one decade Gurgaon has witnessed the presence & growth of Multinationals,
with all around progress it has resulted into immense potential / scope for “Service
Apartment”.. Besides the aforementioned reasons , the increasing trend of Medical Tourism in Gurgaon has added positively to the scope of Service Apartments in Gurgaon

With increasing demand of Service Apartments, several property owners have entered into this business & organized sector in this field, are increasing their capacity by outsourcing apartments

Some of the Service apartment operators are following a module, where they hire out an apartment on ***MG Basis and after furnishing the same they put it on their Net-work. {Net-work that take care of its Marketing & Maintenance}

Moreover few Real Estate Brokers in Gurgaon, who specialize this field are also instrumental in organizing deals on MG {***Minimum Guarantee}basis, as in this module, every one stands to gain.

The present trend in this field indicates the sings of a great potential & growth.

Vikas Rikhye, Real Estate Gurgaon Blogger

Almost five years ago ,the Government of Haryana had put a ban in Gurgaon,on “Registration” of property falling under the category of Builder Floors/ Independent Floors (eg: Three Independent Floors built on Single plot) & it resulted into the following:

• Sale of Builder Floors/ Independent Floors carried out on GPA{ general power of attorney }, an unsafe property ownership title for the buyer.
• As GPA is not considered to be a legal instrument, the buyers would not get bank finance.
• The Government’s loss of revenue in terms of Registration charges & Stamp duty.

It is understood that after conducting in-depth study in this matter the Government has finally legalized the registration of “Builder floors/ independent floors”, constructed on plots by plot owners in colonies developed by private builders such as DLF,Unitech & Ansals etc. as well as colonies developed by Haryana Urban development Authority {HUDA}

It is further understood that in this recent directive the applicants may have to pay 1% of extra Stamp duty, covering the cost of ” Infra -structure up-gradation”
With this vital decision, it not only provides a sigh of relief to the owners of such properties, who have transacted the purchase on GPA{ general power of attorney }, but it has also generated positive results as following:

• With Registration, buyers of such properties will now become legal owners.
• Availability of bank loans.
• Gearing up/ boost in “Guraon Real estate” as the builders will be encouraged to build more of Independent floors considering the large demand for Independent floors.(with latent advantage of sale purchase of plots, positive improvement in “real estate prices in Gurgaon”)
• Over all benefit to the Government revenue growth.

The real-estate experts feel, that this decision, shall help towards mobilizing positive growth in the present sluggish real estate scenario.

Disclaimer

The Author is a freelance Blogger and real-estate consultant,The readers are advised to do their own research & analysis before taking any action. The author is not responsible for any consequence good or bad . The author is only delivering his views & inviting response in the way of comments/views from the readers.

Vikas Rikhye, Real Estate Gurgaon Blogger

Affordable homes in Gurgaon

In response to my articles ‘Affordable houses in Gurgaon” on March 8th -10th respectively, where on my article dated 8th March I had requested their comments/views/feedback on the subject.

In this Article I am sharing with you some facts about Unitech based on the feedback received from the readers.

As it is understood, 35 years ago, in the year 1974 Unitech entered Civil engineering ,with determination, having a very clear vision set on future. The company kept on moving ahead, with, experience & expertise .

“Each success” of Unitech ,became a pillar for the next. With an aimto improve the quality of life, Unitech laid firm foundation of future.

More than 3 decades of successful activities included the following:

-Power Transmission lines

-Highways

-Residential & commercial complexes.

-Theme Parks

-Indoor stadiums , Hotels & more

The launch of prestigious projects countrywide itself confirms of its integrity & strengths .

Considering the recent meltdown, it is understood that Unitechhas recently launched a “budget friendly” project in Gurgaon by the name of Uniworld Garden-II.

It confirms their slogan “Our customers inspire us, together we are building the future on solid foundations”

 Vikas Rikhye, Real Estate Gurgaon Blogger

Land Prices in Gurgaon In early 2005 the land prices which were quoted @ Rs 10000-15000 per.sq.yd had seen its peak of more than Rs.50000-55000 per.sq.yd by the year 2007-2008. Whereas now in the present scenario more then 35% fall in price seems to have been recorded. The experts feel that more then 25% correction on present prices is still expected in next 4-5 months

This “U -Turn Trend” is visible, in other “Gurgaon real estate” related fields/ activities, as well.

Gurgaon Shopping Malls:  With original booking price of Rs.6000-7000 per.sq.ft, during peak time, the figure had touched the price of over Rs20000-25000 per.sq.ft. As on day the investors of Shopping Malls in Gurgaon feel a fall of over 30% in some cases, with a further correction in coming months. Unfortunately in some of the Malls, the investors are willing to sell on the purchase price.

Office Space in Gurgaon: In the year 2004-2005,In a good “Glass–curtain building” , the rent quoted was in the range of Rs 40-45sq.ft finally reaching a figure of more than Rs 125 per sq.ft by the year 2008 With the recent Melt-down, fall of over45%, has been recorded.

Residential Apartments in Gurgaon : There is a massive correction is being felt in this segment as well. Taking the year 2004-2005, as a base when “Apartments in Gurgaon” were launched at a basic price of Rs 1500-1600 per sq.ft had reached the the height of over Rs 5000 per sq.ft by the year 2008, have suffered a correction of over 40% fall in basic price. And the” New Housing–Projects in Gurgaon” are being launched @ Rs.2800 per sq.ft

Builders and Developers in Gurgaon: The Global meltdown has very adversely effected this segment of real estate as some of the prominent builder are almost at the point of insolvency.

-Even, some of the Prominent builders have put their existing Projects on hold.

-Whereas ,some of the “Builders in Gurgaon” seem to have abandoned their projects.

-Some of the construction sites are giving deserted look. All as stated above has left the investor in the state of fear & confusion

Real estate Agents in Gurgaon -Real estate Brokers in Gurgaon In the year 2005,there had been sudden increase in number of Brokers in Gurgaon ,as every one could see a big boom in real estate with rewarding result.& during the peak time Professionals like Doctors & qualified Engineers had been seen ,adopting Real estate Agent as profession.

But with recent slowdown & recession, this segment of real estate is equally effected & a large number of “Brokers in Gurgaon” have left this profession , while many others are exploring alternate avenues of employment.

In present scenario of recession “U -Turn in Real estate Gurgaon” was inevitable

Disclaimer: The Author is a freelance Blogger and real-estate consultant, The readers are advised to do their own research & analysis before taking any action. The author is not responsible for any consequence good or bad. The author is only delivering his views & inviting response in the way of comments/views from
the readers.

“However, to summaries the past. In anuary 2009,”The builder lobby” had categorical denied the viability of low budget/ affordable homes but after having sensed the demand, they took no time to “Launch affordable homes.”

In the recent past, the “author” has been receiving several phones from friends & clients seeking clarifications, for investment, in new projects, of “Affordable homes.”

• How, some of the builders, who, due to lack of funds have put their ongoing projects on hold , are now are having courage of launching new projects ?
• Some of builders are launching projects in the new sectors covered under “Gurgaon master plan 2021″ where HUDA might take several years from now, to provide basic infrastructure like Roads, Sewer, Electricity & other basics .
• Would the Builders who had to bear the burns of Global Meltdown , be able to deliver .their promises under this financial Crunch ?
• In the present continued negative trend in Gurgaon real-estate,the prices of these “Affordable Homes” projects do not justify to be,as low budget prices.

Some of my friends, even feared it to be a bait, by some of the builders to collect money , to meet the immediate monitory crises.

Since, all this as mentioned above, leaves me in a state of confusion,I ,therefore , invite the readers for their contribution of their view on it.

Disclaimer: The Author is a freelance Blogger and real-estate consultant,the readers are advised to do their own research & analysis before taking any action. The author is not responsible for any consequence good or bad .The author is only delivering his views & inviting response in the way of comments/views from the readers

Vikas Rikhye, Gurgaon Real Estate Consultant and Blogger

The historic Global meltdown has also shown nationwide fall of Real estate prices. After a bubble like boom the bubble bust has claimed more than 30% drop in prices. It is also observed,that some of the builders are at the point of insolvency.Government is strongly adopting positive methods to restore the “confidence of common man” to acquire an affordable home.

Since, in the real-estate market has been hit most at the higher segment, therefore, it is felt that prospective buyers are showing interest in Low Budget houses / apartments, mainly in the range of 30-35 lacs & in some cases even lower.

It is understood from sources that in the month of January 2009, “the builder lobby” had expressed to the media that affordable houses were unviable.

But, after having sensed the market demand, many of Gurgaon Based builders and developers are being seen, launching new Projects , offering various low budget options.

With a most interesting observation, it is felt that, while under the Wave of Recession some of the prominent builders who had put their existing projects on hold , the same builders, now on other hand are launching new Projects , offering various low budget options.

All as stated above gives us a food for thought as to how: “affordable houses which were unviable are viable now”

Disclaimer

The Author is a freelance Blogger and real-estate consultant. The readers are advised to do their own research & analysis before taking any action. The author is not responsible for any consequence good or bad . The author is only delivering his views & inviting response in the way of comments/views from the readers.