Kolkotta is known as the city of joy. The Howrah Bridge, a very rich cultural heritage, Book shops, coffee houses and fish fry…the city has a unique ‘old world’ charm of its own. With India taking huge steps forward, this metro city is keeping up in terms of financial and realty boom.

One of many upcoming projects is Greenwood Elements – a project of Bengal Shrachi Housing Development Ltd. With a green area spread across five acres in New Town Rajarhat, the Greenwood Elements is a nice blend of simple structural module and natural elements. Designed by well known architect – Ajoy Choudhury, the Greenwood Elements boasts of 50% of the total area being covered with extensive landscape greenery.

The six towers of the project encircle a central court which houses a club, shops and a swimming pool on podium level. From mirror finished vitrified tiles in rooms to ceramic tiles on kitchen floor, from pile foundation to glazed aluminum windows – each and every aspect of modern day living are taken care of. Apartments available are 3BHK, 3BHK+study and 4BHK Duplex, according to individual needs.

This outstanding project is slated to complete by December 2010. Any enquiry about the project, its booking or floor plan can be done on the Axiom Estates website.

India’s fast-growing real estate sector will soon witness the entry of real estate investment trusts (REITs). According to an online report, The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) chairman, Mr. M Damodaran said that SEBI has initiated the process to introduce REITs and will shortly come up with the first set of proposals on the same. SEBI, (aka the Market Watchdog) has already started consultations with stock exchanges to see how quickly these new products can be introduced in the market.

A real estate investment trust is similar to a mutual fund. Pooled in investors’ money are invest in buildings and houses that generates income in the form of rent from real property or interest from mortgages.

Another leaf added to the dream run of Indian real estate companies

Despite the slowdown in other real estate markets around the world, Indian Real estate growth is likely to continue its healthy run for the years to come. According to an expert article on the Internet, (Indian) real estate industry is booming and can only flourish.

1. The rapid urbanization of Indian cities (2.5% per year) has lead to an estimated shortfall of 20 million accommodation units. Therefore, requirement for residential realty will continue.

2. A booming economy and liberalized Foreign Direct Investments (FDI) regime in India is seen as a great investment opportunity by global investors. Economy growth rate in the 1st quarter was 9.3% against 9.4% last year. 475 billion dollars which is required in the next five years to upgrade its infrastructure is very much possible

3. India’s legal system is considered stronger and safer than that in certain emerging markets. This has drawn the heavy weight investors to India.

4. India has a young profile today. Half of its population is under 25 years and the country’s median age is 24 years. With a young consumer base with rising disposable incomes means higher demands generated towards lifestyle products including real estate.

5. Presence of a large number of Fortune 500 and other reputed companies will attract more companies to initiate their operational bases in India, thus, creating more demand for corporate space.

A few quick facts about the country:

India is the seventh largest country by geographical area, the second most populous country, the most popular liberal democracy in the world, fourth largest economy in the world and the second fastest growing economy. Some 80,000 Indians today have liquid assets greater than 5 crores and this number is increasing by 13 % a year.

Among other things, one of the noticeable recent developments has been in the field of Real Estate. The country’s consumption-driven growth of economy and emergence as a hub for global outsourcing is contributing to its new found real estate investment image. According to well known source India’s large cities boasts 400 -500 house listed at 5 crores+. Upcoming glitzy shopping malls, entertainment centers, luxury hotels and multiplexes, premium housing solutions validate this. Foreign Investment in various sectors like Wal Mart in retail is already fueling the demand for commercial property.

Earlier, when India was a closed economy with lots of government control and intervention, the interest rates for house loan used to be as high as 18% per annum. But the gradual liberalization and subsequent opening up of the domestic market, unrestricted flow of FDI and full current account convertibility of Indian currency brought down the PLR (prime lending rate) substantially. The growth was initially fuelled and subsequently sustained mainly by cheap housing loans. Also, with the increase in the income level of Indian middle class, they are considerably investing in new property in prime metro as well as tire II cities like Kochi and Mohali.

Despite all these giant leaps forward, India's property market remains unorganized and underdeveloped. In the absence of clear title to property, the risk of litigation is high. Especially for those foreign investors who invest in India via real estate investment trusts, there are no rules on the marking of their stakes to market or on whether they must pay stamp duty on transactions.

Keeping these problems faced by NRIs in mind, leading India Property Service Provider, Axiom Estates announced its India-Property consultation division to provide UK residents with helpful professional services locally in the UK. Physical presence apart, their website – www.axiomestates.com - serves as the hub for listing the new properties. All these information are backed up with manual assistance right from consultation, loans to the actual acquisition.

Standard Chartered is launching 2 billion-dollar Asian fund according to a report in The Economic Times . Half of it is infrastructure fund with IL&FS, while the other half is set aside for real estate fund with an undisclosed Middle East partner. Speculations about Isthimar – a Dubai based investment firm are making rounds.

According to the report, a major chunk of the mega fund should find their way into India – one of the strongest performers in this field. This is good news for the Indian government who has pegged infrastructure funding needs at 500 billion for 2007-2012. About 30% of it is expected to come through private funding.

StanChart apart, ICICI bank – the second largest bank in the country is also joining the fray with a similar fund, so are other global firms like Citi, Axis Bank, Blackstone and 3i.

The high demand of premium housing solution in Punjab, especially Chandigarh, has a proportionate relevance to the huge NRI community belonging to this rich state. A significant section living abroad in UK and the US, are eager to invest in real estates projects and properties in Punjab for the twin advantage it offers – a risk-free investment option and the desire to own profitable assets in their homeland.

For those on the lookout for fresh investment opportunities, The Villas, located in Mohali, Chandigarh, offers a lucrative and valuable option. Mohali Hills is a secure 3000-acre environment with luxury villas, apartments, terraced town homes, golf courses, leisure and shopping options and much more. "The Villas" at Mohali Hills promises to be a perfect blend of charm and character.

The project has three distinct villa architectural styles - Andalusian, Spanish, and Mediterranean. Each villa boasts of a signature lifestyle with the finest of luxuries.

From treated water supply to imported marble and chinaware – the Villas is luxury living personified. Other amenities like Executive Golf Course, International School, Multiplexes, club lounge makes for a complete high quality package.

Strategically located in Sector 108 & 109 in Mohali, the Villas is at the centre of all the important landmarks. It is just 3 kms away from the Chandigarh border and a mere 0.5 km from Software Technology Park of India. Moreover, the proposed international airport within its 6 km radius and other upcoming infrastructures and mega projects like World Bank approved 200 ft wide road to Mohali, the Villas is destined to be one of the most sought after property in India after its slated completion in mid 2010.

Currently,we at Axiom Estates are offering a limited period promotional offer. You can click here to avail/compare it now.

With $ 10 billion Private Equity investment so far, India emerged as the new leader bettering China’s $ 8.3 billion. The report shows a steady rise of India's performance, that was 2 billion in 2005 and $ 7 billion in 2006 against China’s $ 13 billion the same year.

But how does this news matters to a real estate blog? …read on

Out of the $10 billion PE funds, half of it came from real estates and infrastructure sectors.

Real Estate is clearly the favorite segment with a whopping 26% share in all private equity investments. Here are the numbers: $2.6 billions in 32 deals.

With a bullish market, and people seeking to diversify in less risky portfolios like Real Estates, this number is slated to go further up.

In recent times, we have witnessed a steep rise in demand for premium housing solution. Especially in places like Delhi and NCR region that plays host to innumerable MNCs, demand for stylish premium apartments, beautiful spacious villa and sky terraces are at an all time high.

Among many upcoming premium solutions, Palm Drive – an undertaking of Emaar MGF deserves a special mention. It’s not just wide range of amenities like club house, golf course, swimming pool, gymnasium, tennis court, Jacuzzi, multi-purpose function hall, that sets this project apart. Neither does its strategic location (4-5 KMs from Rajiv Chowk, 15 - 20 minutes drive from International Airport) have to do anything for it being called ‘special’.

What set the Palm Drive apart from the clutter is its green sanctuary setting. The project features landscaped balconies, roof gardens and pocket gardens. High ceilings and lavish interiors coupled with attractive natural exterior gives an exhilarating experience. Amidst the busy commercial hubs of the National Capital Region, Palm Drive is an oasis of serenity – a place that truly deserves to be called ‘Home’.

The sprawling project spread across 37.8 acres of land features housing solution across different price brackets to suit ones need and budget.

Premium Terraces: Fully air conditioned 3-4 bedroom apartments and penthouses with six apartments per floor.

Sky Terraces: 3-4 bedroom apartments with only two apartments per floor that has 180 degree view of the surrounding.

Villas: Three types of villas (Standard, Premium and Luxury) with living and dining area that overlook private garden

The project is slated for completion on September, 2010. Booking and Payment options are kept easy and hassle free. Moreover, home-finance options are available from many leading banks, making it even easier to own your dream.

After the tremendous success of last year’s Road Show of Indian Property in US, we are organizing a similar event in Los Angeles, Santa Clara as well as Toronto this year. The event will take place on 4^th & 5^th November in Los Angeles and Toronto and 17^th and 18^th November in Santa Clara.

Last year’s event saw more than 5000 footfalls, comprising NRI and HNI Investors alike. Keeping in view the consistent upsurge of Indian properties, investing in them is a pragmatic proposition. With Emaar MGF as developers and leading home finance providers coming under the same roof, we are expecting a similar response from this year’s Road Shows.

Here is the event schedule: