A Look Into The Future Of Commercial Real Estate

The Indian real estate sector has experienced a landmark couple of years with the introduction of government reforms such as affordable housing segment, RERA Act, introduction of Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT), and eliminating title fraud risk with Blockchain Technology which have improved the transparency and accountability in the sector. However, it is not just residential realty that has been benefited from these reforms but also commercial realty. In fact, Colliers International forecasts that the commercial market will remain vigorous with 35 million sq. ft. of average absorption in the next couple of years.

The recent trend of leasing of co-working space led by startups in India has resulted in a significant growth in the commercial real estate. Co-working spaces are considered perfect platforms for collaboration, exchange of ideas and higher networking opportunities along with enabling optimum use of the scarce resources available to us. Across India the potential market size of the co-working segment stands at $12-16 million and is expected to grow by $1 million in 2018. As per syndicated reports, in the next 5 years investment of $400 million is expected to be poured into this segment of the real estate market every year. With such high scope and investments in commercial real estate, its future certainly looks quite bright.

Three basic factors affect the commercial real estate. Firstly, a centrally located property with maximum connectivity to major suburbs will be preferred over others. Secondly, the proximity to commercial businesses or university district matters, and lastly property amenities and infrastructure development is also factored in.

There are various benefits of investing in commercial real estate. Some of them are:

●     Higher return on investment: Commercial real estate investing can result in higher returns than investing in a residential one. In general the average ROI for commercial properties is 6-12% while the ROI for residential properties is typically between 1-4%. As a result it provides you a way to earn more money each year.

●     Forced Appreciation: While the valuation of residential properties can increase over time, commercial real estate properties can increase relatively quickly.

●     Less competition: Investing in commercial property is a huge undertaking and that’s why most investors shy away from it. For an experienced investor with a healthy risk appetite commercial real estate provides less competition, thus providing opportunities to excel.

●     Easier access to funds: Even though commercial real investing costs more than residential, banks are much more willing to lend money for a high performing commercial project than a residential one.

 The key drivers in growth of commercial real estate are:

●  Rapid growth in service sectors: The rapid growth in service sectors such as IT/ITes, Banking, Finance and Insurance        Services (BFSI) and telecom has resulted in growth of commercial real estate.

●     Rising demand from MNCs: Mumbai, Delhi-NCR and Bangalore account for 60% of total office space demand in India as of 2017. The office space absorption in 2016 across the top 8 cities amounted to 34 million square feet (msf) with Bangalore having the highest rate among them.

●     Demand for office space in Tier 2 cities: Business are moving from Central Business District (CBDs) to Special Business District (SBDs). Similarly, offices are also moving from Tier 1 cities such as Bangalore, Chennai, Delhi, Mumbai etc to Tier 2 cities such as Agra, Lucknow, Jaipur, Navi Mumbai, etc.

With a liberalised framework, especially 100% FDI through the automatic route there has been an increase in investment in commercial real estate space. In the second quarter of 2018, the value of commercial segment stood at $766 million and residential at $34 million in the same period. This indicates the value of investing in commercial real estate. With the big bang reforms, the benefits of investing in commercial real estate, and a liberalised economy, a strong growth in the commercial real estate sector is expected.

A Checklist for Investing in the Real Estate Sector

The real estate sector has recently seen better performances in recent times, not only in terms of sales but also in terms of regaining customers’ trust. Just as with any other investment, investing in real estate also requires the investor to do their homework, exhaustive research and background check. This pertains to the location of the property, its surrounding, the general history of the location and its future prospects as well as the background of the company developing the property and documentation relating to the project.

Here’s a ready reckoner or checklist to follow while considering your next investment in property:

Background of Developer

It is imperative to check the track record of the developer - the number of properties developed, locations, execution, and timeliness of delivery of the project. One can also talk to other customers who have invested in the respective developer’s projects and get to know their experience.

Project Location

Location is everything in real estate. A good, thriving location ensures a steady growth in value of the property as well as rental and resale values. A number of sources provide ready data and trends about various locations vis-a-vis their price graphs, rental and resale values, and demand. Studying such data is useful in making a real estate investment decision.

Location’s Growth Prospects

Some areas are in the early stages of their growth with increasing infrastructure and commercial development, while others have seen better days. Where are you investing? Is your location of choice witnessing a phase of growth or decline? Are there plans for upcoming infrastructure or new business districts? For example, the Bangalore International Airport in Devanahalli has boosted the growth prospects of this suburb; more commercial and residential projects have been planned here making it a prospective location.

Location’s Social and Civic Amenities

Proximity of schools, hospitals, markets, business centres and multi-modal transport determine a location’s attractiveness. Check your prospective location for all these basic and necessary amenities which will ascertain how comfortable your life in this place will be. It will also determine the overall value of your investment.

Cost Benefit of Financial Schemes

Many developers enhance the attractiveness of a property by offering potential customers numerous financial schemes which aim to reduce the financial burden of purchase. Evaluate each one to understand its suitability to your individual financial needs. Some may seem more attractive but may be less suitable for you. Understand these differences so you can choose the best scheme suited to you and ensure the most value-based investment.

Read the Fine Print

All project offerings have many details encapsulated in legal language which many of us are not familiar or comfortable with. Some of these include the declaration by the promoters of the project, the stated completion time of the project and the legality of the land holding. Check the documents for these factors and ensure correctness and validity of all declarations.

RERA Registration

RERA has been a game changer in real estate ever since its implementation was enforced on developers. It has empowered customers and ensured their rights. Check the RERA registration of any project you are considering investing in and note the registration number. Projects with RERA certification are considered more attractive to customers as the developer is required to file numerous documents with the respective state RERA authority before receiving the RERA number.

Confirm Little Details

Recently there has been a spate of cases where homebuyers and investors were still waiting to receive possession from the developer. In light of such cases, an investor must be prudent about checking that the affidavit they receive from the developer carries a possession date and the rate of interest you will receive in case of a default by the developer.

The more prudent and astute one is while investing in real estate the better the results. Make the right choices, be patient, invest for long term, and watch as your real estate investment creates value and wealth for you. Read more about long-term investment avenues, their past trends, potential gains and the promising future of realty investment in our latest newsletter - Long-Standing Realty.

Chatbots, AI and Real Estate

Chatbot: “Good Morning! How may I help you?”

Buyer: “Hi! What apartments are available in your new project in Hebbal?”

Chatbot: “We have 2 BHK and 3 BHK apartments.”

Buyer: “What is the price for both?”

Chatbot: “2 BHK starts at Rs. 75 lakhs and 3 BHK at Rs. 90 lakhs. Would you like to see a sample apartment?”

Buyer: “Yes. Can that be arranged?”

Chatbot: “Sure. When would you like to visit?”

Buyer: “Next saturday would be good.”

Chatbot: “Sure. Please type your mobile number and email address and we will follow up with details for the site visit.”

This hypothetical conversation between a prospective homebuyer and a chatbot provides insight into the ease with which customers can explore home buying options without human intervention. Chatbots or intelligent virtual assistants present an opportunity for customers to gather important information and even set up initial project site visits. All this can be done without calling a contact centre, standing in long queues, being put on hold while retrieving important information or call drops. In essence chatbots offer a seamless interaction to the customer at any and all hours of the day, week or year.

Technology’s unbridled advances continue to offer previously unexplored avenues for better customer interactions, data gathering and analysis, improved customer services and much more. Most of us are already familiar with intelligent virtual assistants such as Siri and Alexa on our mobile devices. Chatbots powered by artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms have the capacity to engage with customers and learn with every interaction, thus enhancing the customer experience.

For customers, chatting with an AI-powered entity may initially seem underwhelming as opposed to speaking with a live customer service executive. However, some of the advantages include:

1)    24x7 access to information via chatbots

2)    Quick and polite responses to questions

3)    Responses to routine queries can be efficiently received

4)    Relevant responses can be expected since the chatbots are powered by algorithms which are based on specific built-in keywords

5)    Chatbots are unaffected by fatigue or irritation from having to provide responses to repeated queries. As a result one receives unwavering quality of responses.

As we make advances in machine learning and artificial intelligence the experience of interacting with chatbots or virtual assistants will improve further.

There are advantages for real estate companies too in adopting such technologies. Data collected from the interactions of customer with chatbots can be processed, analysed and summarised for future use in understanding customer needs better.

Many companies and large businesses are already leaps ahead in implementing this technology in some form or the other. With Indian real estate sector in the post-RERA era it is perhaps the best time for realty companies to also adopt technologies such as chatbots, artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms. At the end of the home buying spectrum we already have smart homes with IoT powered household devices which residents can manage from their smartphones. Thus, it makes sense to power the first step of home buying - information gathering - through intelligent virtual assistants or chatbots.

At House of Hiranandani, we are already in the process of using technology in a big way so as to improve customer’s experience. Technology is an empowering force and we are empowering our customers.

6 Neo-Classical Influences in Modern Indian Architecture

Architecture and culture have been intertwined since the beginning of human existence. In fact, architecture can be considered as the cultural expression of the people of its time. It is the reflection of the challenges faced by our forefathers and their pioneering and thoughtful ways of getting around them with intelligent design. Those solutions are the backbone of modern day architecture. They speak of who existed, their influences and act as anchors of our past.

Indian architecture is rooted in its varied cultures, history, traditions and religions. It is as old as the history of civilization. The earliest remains of recognizable building dates back to the Indus Valley civilisation. Moreover, India’s architecture is an amalgamation of the various influences that stemmed from its global discourse with other countries of the world throughout its millennia-old past - the French, Portuguese, Mughals and Britishers among many others.

Here we take a look at the various neo-classical architectural styles that were inducted into Indian architecture over the centuries. These forms have evolved with time in terms of its aesthetics and functionality but still bear the signature of its influencers.

Balcony

Balcony is derived from an old Italian word ‘balcone’ meaning scaffold. It is a platform or external extension of a floor enclosed up to a certain height by a wall, balustrade or railings. They are generally supported by columns or console brackets. The balcony serves to increase the living space of a house and also ensures adequate amount of sunshine and greater ventilation in the house.

Baluster or Balustrade

A baluster also known as spindle or stair stick is a moulded shaft square or lathe turned form, cut from a square or rectangular plank. It is made of wood, stone or sometimes metal. Multiple balusters are known as balustrades. Balustrades stand on a unified footing and its function is to support the coping of a parapet of a staircase, handrail, balcony or terrace. Throughout history, balustrades can be seen in the architectural creations of a wide variety of cultures like the French - ‘balustre’, Italian - ‘balaustro’, Latin - ‘balaustium’ and Greek - ‘balaustion’.

Canopy

A canopy is an overhead roof or structure over which a fabric or metal covering is attached. Its main function is to provide shade or shelter from external weather conditions, but they can also be constructed for decorative purposes. Modern day canopies may be independent of other structures or may project out from a building, typically providing shelter at an entrance.

Pier

A pier in architecture is a support for a structure or superstructure such as an arch. It acts as a vertical load bearer thereby minimising load on the structure. They are mainly made of concrete. Example of piers can be seen in multiple monuments across India like the India Gate, Gateway of India.

Grillwork

Grillwork or simply grill comes from the Old French word greille. It is a decorative grating of metal, wood or stone or other materials used as screen, divider, barrier, or as a purely decorative element. In Indian homes, grillwork is predominantly featured in windows, verandahs, balconies and main gates.

Pediment

A pediment is an architectural element consisting of a gable of triangular shape, placed above the horizontal structure, typically supported by columns. The pediment is a widely present feature in the architecture of classical Greek temples as well as Renaissance, and Neoclassical architecture.

Architecture is an expression of style and culture. At House of Hiranandani, we have cultivated a unique style of architecture which is expressed in all of our real estate developments. Architectural features such as balustrades, canopies and grillwork sit elegantly alongside contemporary Indian elements such as Mangalore tiles, as seen at our Devanahalli residential project. Piers are a notable feature of the stately towers of our project ‘City by the Sea’ in Egattur. House of Hiranandani celebrates architecture in every project we design and develop, ensuring stylish yet comfortable homes with a signature design.

Evolution of Architectural Elements in Indian Homes: Traditional to Contemporary

The evolution of mankind and architecture has always moved hand-in-hand. Many elements of architecture have developed across eras, civilizations, climate change and geographies such that there evolved an established indigenous style in every part of the world. These elements have metamorphosed in design over time, from traditional to contemporary. The story of Indian architecture, through history till date, has numerous unique architectural elements which are still imbibed in our contemporary structures in interesting ways. Here are a few such elements which have made it to modern Indian homes.

Jaalis

As soon as we hear the names of palaces in Rajasthan and Gujarat, the first thing that comes to our minds are the intricately cut-out patterns on the doors and windows of these structures, known as ‘jaalis’. These patterns allow sunlight to filter through the openings and create an interesting play of light and shadow. Jaalis also prevent direct sunlight from entering the room as they dissipate the light. Also, they enable ventilation in the room and provide privacy for users of the space.

While passing through the jaali holes, the air is compressed and hence the temperature is lowered, thus cooling the home. Jaalis are represented in modern home designs as an external aesthetic feature or in internal partition walls.

L- Traditional Jaali in at Sarkhej Roza; R- Contemporary Jaali style in Brick Curtain House by Design Work Group

Jharokas

A traditional balcony which also acted as a semi-open space is called a ‘jharoka’. This architectural element is generally designed in the form of an overhang with intricately carved railings in stone or wood. Jharokas are also covered on top with domes or other semi-circular styles, usually supported by posts or columns. The original use of these jharokas in palaces or houses was primarily for the female members of the family who preferred to be a part of functions without being visible to the public. Jharokas also have a romantic element involved in the stories from our history, as the princess was generally ‘spotted’ standing in the balcony. Apart from this, jharokas also added to the aesthetic appeal of the structure.

In contemporary structures, jharokas have been imbibed using different materials such as brick, concrete or marble. They add a traditional appeal to the design and also provide a semi-open space in the house which can be an inlet to natural light and ventilation.

L- Jharokas in Rajasthan; R- Modern day balcony by Sandesh Prabhu Design Studio

Courtyards

Courtyards are open spaces within the structure itself; in India courtyard styles vary based on the climate of the region. Be it the Wadas of Maharashtra, Havelis of Rajasthan, Pols of Gujarat or Nalukettu of Kerala, courtyards played a major role as a functional and aesthetic space of these houses. Courtyards work on the principle of convection currents, where warm air is drawn out and replaced by cool air. Therefore it works in both summer and winter- to keep the house cool and to bring in the winter sun, respectively. These centrally located courtyards also serve as spaces of congregation for family get togethers and other functions. They also act as buffer spaces between public and private areas of the house.

In modern day homes, this architectural element is a mark of luxury where architects use their creative energies to make the space unique and well connected to nature.

L- Haveli Dhrarampur; R- The Courtyard House by Hiran Patel Architects

Verandah, Pitched Roof and Mangalore Tiles

Pitched roof with Mangalore tiles or red baked tiles are a common sight in Indian villages. Coupled with this, we usually find a verandah or a semi-open space - generally at the entrance or as a buffer between the closed and completely open spaces. Mangalore tiled roofs add to the beauty of a house more than a concrete one. They are also suitable for India’s climatic conditions as they keep the inner spaces of the house cool. Pitched roofs add on to the height of the ceiling of the house as well.

Verandahs, which make the intermediate space- are also a symbol of the Hindu tradition of welcoming guests with an open heart or more precisely- an open and welcoming house.

L- Pitched roof with Mangalore tiles and a verandah in an old house in South India; R- Pitched roof with Mangalore tiles and Verandah in Fernandes House by Khosla Associates

The wonderful aspect about architecture is its unstagnant nature- it will always change with time. This gives one the chance to keep modifying necessary elements of structures in one’s own creative way. At House of Hiranandani, we explore with design and meld the traditional with the modern. Our residences boast large living spaces with spacious balconies. Our project in Devanahalli boasts roofs with the classic Mangalore tiles. To quote from a movie- ‘we have to take the tradition and decorate it in our own way’.

OMR - Why It's One of Chennai's Preferred Residential Destination

There are few stretches of roadways as iconic, scenic and steeped in culture as Old Mahabalipuram Road in Chennai popularly referred to as OMR. This 20 km long highway stretches from Madhya Kailash Temple on Sardar Patel Road in South-East Chennai right up to Mahabalipuram in the south where it connects with the equally famous East Coast Road (ECR). OMR, also known as the Rajiv Gandhi IT Expressway, has witnessed huge growth and development in the last decade as it gained a reputation for becoming the IT Corridor of Chennai. Life in OMR has upgraded in a big way and it has become the residential destination of choice for both - families, and developers looking to meet this rising demand. Here’s why:

Connectivity

Ease of travel is a major USP of any good residential area and OMR boasts of excellent infrastructure which boosts connectivity. This includes the entire stretch of OMR with its flyovers and dedicated MRTS routes and direct connectivity to the Chennai airport as well. East Coast Road and the GST Road further enhance connectivity to other suburbs of Chennai such as Thiruvanmiyur, Palavakkam, and Neelankarai. Other arterial routes such as Velachery-Tambaram Main Road and Kelambakkam-Vandalur Road provide a good road network. Proposed infrastructure such as a 17.7 km elevated road from Siruseri to Taramani, alongside the upcoming Metro line on OMR will be a game changer for residents and businesses along the OMR.

Employment Hub

The IT and ITeS industry is one of the highest employers in India. OMR is home to one of the biggest agglomerations of IT and ITeS businesses such as TCS, Cognizant, Syntel, Mahindra, Wipro, Infosys, Hexaware and more. Most of these companies are set up in large IT Parks such as SP Infocity, RMZ Millenia, Ascendas, SIPCOT, ELCOT SEZ and TIDEL among others. The presence of major companies such as these means numerous employment opportunities and further growth of the city’s ecosystem.

Well-Developed Social Infrastructure

The commercial and residential growth of OMR in the last few years has meant an upgrade in the civic amenities and infrastructure as well. A number of good education institutions and hospitals serve residents here. IIT-Madras, Hindustan University, Sathyabama University, St. Joseph’s Institute of Technology are some well-known higher education institutions, and among schools there’s Gateway International School, Hiranandani Upscale School and Ramana Vidyalaya among others. Apollo Hospital, Global Hospital and Chettinad Hospital are among those that provide excellent medical care and services.

Gateway to Adventure

Located close to the coastline means residents of OMR have an easy access to the many popular beaches. Besides the many coastal picnic spots and resorts there are water sports such as scuba diving and surfing to indulge in. Other easily accessible attractions in OMR are MGM Dizee World, VGP Theme Park, artisans’ villages like Dakshinchitra and the Cholamandalam Artists’ Village. The drive along OMR is also scenic and pleasant as one passes long stretches of water bodies such as the Great Salt Lake, Sholinganallur Lake as well as Guindy National Park, and Pallikaranai Marshland which is well-known among bird watchers. For those who prefer indoor entertainment, there are several malls and multiplexes as well.

At House of Hiranandani, we understand the value of living close to work and amidst nature. Our City by the Sea project in Egattur is a sprawling 120 acre residential project with amenities such as a school, spa, salon and crèche. Choose from among 2, 3, 4 and 5 BHK spacious and luxuriously designed apartments across some of the tallest towers in OMR. While the project is located right opposite SIPCOT Park, it also has easy access to many other IT Parks and most social infrastructure. The project is surrounded by lush greenery so residents can enjoy clean air, and picturesque views of the nearby lake.

Why One Should Invest in Devanahalli - Bangalore's Emerging Industrial and IT Hub

Bangalore, the Silicon Valley of India, is home to a large number of IT companies and startups, and is one of the leading employment hubs in the country. This aspect of the city draws professionals from all over the country and abroad. To accommodate this influx of people, the city’s borders are gradually but steadily expanding, and newer suburbs are emerging. North Bangalore is one of the recent areas to experience a growth spurt.

Devanahalli, a suburb located in North Bangalore is one of the emerging real estate destinations of choice. Popularly known as the birthplace of Tipu Sultan, it is now better known as the location of the newly built Kempegowda International Airport. Devanahalli is also developing as an industrial and technology hotspot. Let’s look at why homebuyers are attracted to Devanahalli.

Location & Connectivity

Devanahalli enjoys excellent connectivity to the main city centres via the NH-7 or the Bellary Road which has been widened to a 6 lane highway, thus ensuring better and efficient flow of traffic. The Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation [BMTC] buses operate a regular service, catering to the ever-increasing demand of public transport. It has major transport nodes located at easily accessible distances. The international standard airport located here is the second busiest airport in the country, with flights to various cities all across the country and the world. Devanahalli is also well-connected to the nearby suburb of Yelahanka, and Bangalore City by railway.

Upcoming Transport Infrastructure

Devanahalli’s multi-modal transport connectivity is set to receive a boost with future infrastructure developments. The suburb has been included in the construction of Phase 2 of the Namma Metro network which will connect the Airport to central Bangalore and thus Devanahalli as well. The proposed Peripheral Ring Road (PRR), which will complement the existing routes of NICE and ORR, will connect the outer suburbs of Bangalore and major roads like OMR and Bellary Road. This will enhance connectivity between Devanahalli and the rest of Bangalore.

Social Infrastructure

Devanahalli benefits from a well-established social infrastructure such as schools, hospitals and recreational spaces. Some notable schools in this area are NPS School, Delhi Public School, Akash International School and Canadian International School. The healthcare options available to residents include Leena Multispecialty Hospital, Akash Hospital and Cyte Care Cancer Hospital. This suburb also has a D-Mart outlet as well as numerous convenience stores to meet residents’ daily needs. Devanahalli is also a popular tourist destination due to the many temples and the Devanahalli fort.

Industrial and IT Hub

The relative affordability of land in Devanahalli, as compared to many other suburbs in Bangalore, has made it a focus area for real estate and infrastructure development. This includes some of the biggest projects already operational here such as IT Investment Region [ITIR] and the Aerospace SEZ, making them employment attractions. Some big companies which have been set up in the Aerospace SEZ are Thyssenkrupp Aviation, BEML, Dynamatic and Centum Electronics.

Popular IT companies such as TCS, Infosys and Wipro are expected to set up base in the Devanahalli ITIR. Companies such as Shell already have a significant presence in this area. Also, an upcoming Science Park as well as a Financial City, is expected to compete with India’s financial capital Mumbai and the Gujarat International Finance Tec-City in Gandhinagar. This, proximity to industrial clusters and IT Hubs, is another key attraction of Devanahalli.

To Conclude...

As highlighted above, this north Bangalore suburb is experiencing a growth surge and is developing economically, demographically and infrastructurally. As the connectivity improves, and more companies set up base here, more residents will also follow. This will enhance the investment value of homes in Devanahalli. Hence, there is no better time than now to invest here.

House of Hiranandani understands the growth opportunity Devanahalli presents. We are developing an integrated township here which brings together elements of luxury living within green expanses. We offer 2, 2.5, 3 and 4 BHK apartments as well as 3 & 4 BHK villas and cottages. The project boasts contemporary designs, neo-classical architecture and lavish lifestyle amenities. Irrespective of the reason you choose to invest in Devanahalli, you can be assured of higher yields in the future.

What Millennials Want - Homes Not Houses

‘Micro-blogging’, ‘photo-sharing’, ‘online shopping’, ‘sharing economy’, ‘digital-savviness’ are the various characteristics that define the lifestyle of millennials. ‘Millennials’ refers to the demographic group generally comprising those born in the years between early 1980s and early 2000s. They are also regarded as Gen Y, whose parents were part of Generation X or the Baby Boomers. India’s population today consists of more than 400 million millennials.

According to a report titled ‘Trend-setting millennials: Redefining the consumer story’ by consulting firm Deloitte India and Retailers Association of India, with a stunning 47% share of the working age population, millennials are the chief wage earners in India. They are also known as digital natives since they have grown up in the technology age.

Governments, corporates, brands and marketers have started closely tracking the consumption, decision-making and lifestyle patterns of millennials. These young people make conscious choices and many are influencers among their demographic. Though many in this age group still live with parents or share accomodation with friends and partners, a huge chunk of them- who are in their early to mid 30s today, are making home buying choices. These choices take a number of factors into consideration and chief among them are:

Convenient Location

It is always about the location. Millennials believe in living life to the fullest. This means work hard but party harder. Home should be easily accessible from work as well as play. Residences located close to offices as well as malls and entertainment are always attractive. Transport conveniences also play a big part, so homes close to modes of transport are equally important. TIme saved in commuting is spent in networking and nurturing relationships.

Integrated Communities

Developers today are designing integrated communities which offer various lifestyle amenities within the residential complex such as trendy cafes and restaurants, wellness spas and gyms, and recreational facilities. Another characteristic of integrated townships is proximity to social conveniences like educational institutions, medical facilities and employment centers. These features appeal to millennials who appreciate and desire good work-life balance.

Our 120 acres integrated community at OMR, Chennai is an example of thoughtfully designed integrated lifespaces that offer convenience and comfort packaged in elegant luxury which appeals to this jet-set generation.

Smart Homes

Known as the ‘plugged-in’ generation, millennials are always hooked to their gadgets. This love for technology extends to the space they live in as well. Generation Y is big on home automation systems, sensors, video door phones, keycards and automated car parking. In addition to comfort and convenience, these tech-enabled amenities also provide a sense of safety and style to apartments, transforming them into a comfortable home.

Green Homes

Among the many adjectives used to describe millennials and their lifestyle choices, is green generation. Millennials are very conscious about the environment and make green choices. These include reducing their carbon footprint, choosing sustainable travel options such as trains, bicycles and sharing cabs, and they also champion numerous green causes. Their love for the planet also extends to their homes which should adhere to green building norms, have more green and open spaces, as well as follow sustainable practices such as rainwater harvesting, sewage treatment, waste recycling and solar panels among other such solutions.

Contrary to their ‘live-for-the-moment’ image, millennials care about their families, friends, society, wellness and the world they live in. This is clearly visible in the choices they make which are sustainable and altruistic. Millennials have grown up in an age of technology, globalisation and economic disruption. This gives them a unique perspective and personality which differentiates from the generations before them. Millennials are the future of the country and will determine the direction we collectively take. Designing, developing and marketing homes to this cohort of young people is an intrinsic part of the House of Hiranandani.

Real Estate Industry Redefined

The last two years have proven to be immensely eventful for the real estate industry of the country. So far the Government of India has enforced significant implementations like Demonetization, Benami Transaction Act, the Real Estate Regulations and Development Act (RERA), and Goods and Services Tax (GST).  These initiatives, when combined together, will magnify the growth of real estate sector in the long run.

Here are a few factors that consolidate towards redefining the real estate industry:

1. Investments of the future:
This ongoing transformation has given rise to investment inflow from both foreign and domestic institutional investors. As per syndicated reports, the Indian property market has received $3.15 billion from various investors in the first half of the current year. The expected launch of Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) is supposed to act as a transparent process designed to generate funds from a lot of investors. REITs are predicted to act as a catalyst for increase in future real estate investments.

2. Infrastructure development :
India’s booming economy has attracted not only domestic but a manifold of foreign investors too. Since the Government of India liberalized the norms on Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), the construction sector has seen a massive growth in investments from around the world. This has doubled the funding in infrastructure development from ₹9,850 crore per annum. Also, the World Investment Report of 2016 claims an FDI investment of $ 5.7 billion in real estate.

3. Housing sector boom:
The Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana initiative by the Prime Minister raised its rural fund allocation from ₹15,000 crore to ₹23,000 crore, to ensure the completion of 10 million home projects by 2017-18. We are now looking at $1.3 trillion housing boom and with the timely implementation of the Goods and Services Tax (GST), there is uniformity in taxation on housing. Implementation if carried out well will ensure that various federal tax barriers are removed and a common market is created helping improve supply chain. To summarize, 60 million new houses and 2 million job opportunities are predicted by only 2018, thus boosting the nation’s overall GDP.

Given the future road map it is pertinent to say that the Indian real estate sector will only emerge stronger, healthier and is poised for sustained growth. These initiatives are stepping stones for the overall development which will redefine the real estate sector.

The Blueprint to Success

“Success is about liking yourself, liking what you do and liking how you do it.” – Maya Angelou.

Here are a few habits which I have followed throughout my professional career and I believe they might help you too:

1. Organize Yourself -

Getting organized is one of the most underrated skills in any form of work. Due to my architectural background, I deem it necessary for things to have a particular structure. An organised structure in life lets you focus on the most important plans. You could start with something as basic as organising your weekly calendar, and see how it helps you organise your career.

2. Stay Connected -

Stay connected to your employees and always be approachable for a healthy functioning of the organisation. It is essential to delegate the day to day running of your organisation to your trusted employees. Focusing on the bigger things is necessary, but at the same time, while focusing on the bigger picture it is a prerequisite that you stay updated on the day to day functioning of your company. 

3. Gain Knowledge by Reading -

Reading is vital, but not just to keep you on track with regards to constant innovations, the new laws, and other recent developments in the field. Reading goes a long way in cultivating a commendable intellect. Advancement through learning is the most important habit required to achieve growth.

4. Do Not Limit Yourself  -

Most people are shackled by restrictive beliefs and self-imposed limitations. Growth can be limitless. But belief in your own ability and cultivating discipline in your work is what gets the job done. It is what helps to reach new milestones.

5.   Make Wise Decisions -

Success is all about making the right choices. You have to be confident in the decisions you take and ask all the right questions to avoid roadblocks to your success. With experience, it will become all about making the choice that will yield the best result.

In conclusion I would like to say that there is no substitute to hard work & perseverance. It’s important to work hard daily if you want to see these habits make a positive impact. Do not let the vast landscape of the future scare you. Only habitual and tireless efforts will propel you to the summit of success.

Cities of Focus: Bengaluru

An interesting fact about Bengaluru: It is currently ranked among the 25 most high-tech cities in the entire world.

There are many other such records which the city boasts, credited to its unique approach towards development. It’s interesting to note how the city once specializing in the production of silk & cotton, machine tools and telephone accessories has now transformed into a booming IT hub. The glorious history of the city coupled with its futuristic approach has been the key drivers for us to undertake real estate developments here. The best reason for us to establish our developments in the city was its glorious past and its futuristic approach.

Let’s see why this city is our top pick for real estate developments:

●        Hub for IT companies –

Bengaluru is dubbed as the ‘Silicon Valley of India.’ The city has a GDP of $110 billion and contributes to more than 35% of India’s IT exports. Big multi-national corporations have their headquarters situated in Bengaluru. All these factors have transformed Bengaluru into a hub for IT companies across the world. This growth in the IT sector has given rise to a strong demand in the real estate.

●        World's Most Dynamic City –

Bengaluru has emerged as the most dynamic city in JLL’s fourth annual City Momentum Index (CMI) of cities around the world. The groundbreaking achievement was determined based on the city’s economy and commercial real estate market. The abilities to embrace technological change, absorb rapid population growth and strengthen global connectivity lays down the foundation of this dynamic city.

●        Bengaluru Metro –

Bengaluru is a densely populated city. The newly launched Phase-1 of Namma has given an indication of what to anticipate from the metro network. With Phase - 2 in construction, a total length of 72 kilometers will be added to the current metro lines. It will create a more interconnected mode of transport to reach every corner of the city making commuting within the city a completely hassle free experience.

●        Features of a Smart City –

The Smart Cities Mission by the government of India is an initiative aimed towards urban development. According to the plan, Rs. 1,700 crores will be spent to improve infrastructure in the city. The establishment of Bengaluru as a smart city will create a modern commercial network.

These are some of the reasons as to why Bengaluru is one of the best cities in India. We at House of Hiranandani are developing three projects in Bengaluru.

Cities of Focus: Hyderabad

India is a country that is booming with development from every corner. The country has a total of 4000 cities & towns. However for us, choosing the next city for our real estate project wasn’t very difficult. Rooted in a deep ethnic heritage and captivating historical significance, we zeroed down on ‘Hyderabad’.

Hyderabad during its initial stages had been sparking signs of a global city. Nobody would have imagined the unprecedented growth & development this city was capable of achieving.

●     An influx in the IT sector –Since 1990, Hyderabad had seen a number of foreign IT companies entering the city. At that point, there were over 1000 IT and ITeS companies that included major firms such as Google, Dell, Facebook and more. The city boasts of an employment growth rate of 10%. The IT industry has inculcated a high standard of living for the city which has resulted in an increase in world class real estate projects in the city.

●     Hyderabad’s Infrastructure– One of the high points of Hyderabad’s infrastructure is its metro. The metro, which is already under construction, will have three phases to create unparalleled connectivity across the city. The metro is scheduled to begin operations by November 2018.Plans to decongest the city’s roadways by projects such as the Outer Ring Road are already underway. It’s a city that foresees the future and is already planning to upgrade the existing roads, adding skywalks and more.

●     High Standard of Living– As per the Mercer Survey, Hyderabad is known to have the highest standards of living in India. The survey is based on factors such as crime rate, air pollution and improved options for international and English-speaking educational institutes.

●     Emerging Startup Hub– Asa city that encourages enthusiastic entrepreneurs, Hyderabad is witnessing a support system to encourage startups. India’s biggest incubator for startups is in Hyderabad. On the overall the city is promising because of its stable environment and cooperation between the investors, startups and the government.

These are some of the reasons as to why Hyderabad is one of the fastest growing cities in India. It offers the perfect combination of a city immersed in history, and one that embraces development and modernization.

A Move Towards Sustainability

As per rankings of MoneySuperMarket, India ranks 75th globally in terms of human impact on environment per person. This ranking looks at the impact of human activities on the environment, biodiversity and other resources. More importantly, it also looks at the human use of sustainable and renewable sources of energy. This raises a strong concern as for a country of 1.34 billion people; the renewable energy that India is currently producing is only 15.2 %. Needless to say, producing renewable energy is a major need of the day. Relying on non-renewable sources of energy is not sustainable because these sources will not be replenished in our lifetime. Also, population growth and infrastructure development are only pushing for the increase-in-need of sustainable energy for the near future.

With vast lands and access to natural resources India has a huge potential to switch to sustainable energy. But what is sustainable energy? It is a form of energy that meets the demands of today without creating a danger of its depletion for the future generations.  This form of energy is found to be free of cost and does not harm the environment. Various renewable forms of energy are known to be sustainable forms of energy. Solar, wind, geothermal, hydropower and ocean energy come under this category. In 2016, India signed the Paris Climate Agreement and this move has brought a huge shift in India's attitude towards climate change. Our country has been developing sustainable forms of energy in order to control climate-change and remain self-sufficient.

Here are a few developments that highlight India's initiative to embrace sustainable forms of energy:

• Cochin Airport became the first fully solar powered airport in the world.
• The newly-built Kochi Metro will get 25% of its electricity from solar energy very soon.
• Pune airport will run on fully powered solar energy by next year.
• India made its 1st solar boat named 'Aditya' and this boat completed 150 days of voyage.
• Indian railway is installing rooftop solar panels on 250 trains.
• Indian railways also launched the first solar powered train from Safdarjung railway station in Delhi very recently.

We hope to see many more such developments in the future to ensure sustainability in India's energy generation. 

GST & Real Estate

In the recent past, India has seen extensive developments with respect to the laws and policies that are being implemented. The first was Demonetization, followed by the RERA Act and the most recent being the implementation of Good & Services Tax Act (GST Act). GST Act has been implemented with the intent to remove cascading effect of taxes & to bring in more people under the tax net, however, many have been struggling to understand what it exactly does and how it would affect people.

With respect to real estate, it is unlikely that GST will have any impact on property prices.The current rate of 12 per cent on under-construction projects might marginally bring down prices in the affordable segment owing to input tax credits, but it is unlikely that similar impact will be felt in mid-priced or premium developments. Developers may get some benefits fo projects that are in the nascent stages, but will have to bear the tax burden of ready-to-move in projects, since they are kept out of GST ambit. 

One aspect that needs government’s immediate attention is the stamp duty charges. Since, they continue to remain along with GST and vary from state-to-state. The stamp duty rate averages between 5% - 7%. Abolishment of this would bring down the final costs of apartments.          

Broadly speaking, the act will be a game changer for the industry. Its comprehensive approach and uniform tax structure will not only ensure more transparency in the economy but also would be helpful in boosting the investor confidence.