5 Essential Tips for First Time Home Buyers in India

Purchasing your first home is an exciting journey, but it can also be a complex process. Whether you’re buying a home for personal use or as an investment, here are 5 invaluable pointers to steer you in the right direction.

  1. Budget planning:

    One of the foremost considerations when contemplating a property purchase are your finances. Determine the extent to which your budget can be maximised. If you’re eager to purchase your dream home but have a few financial constraints, consult your bank or your CA for viable loan options.

  2. Current market prices in your preferred location:

    Acquiring knowledge about the current market rates is pivotal for effective budget planning. Relying on intuition alone won’t suffice; facts and figures should guide your decisions. Understanding prevailing rates not only aids in budget formation but also unveils enticing offers that might be available.

  3. Choose reputed real estate developers

    When purchasing a new home, your hard-earned money deserves the reliability and assurance that comes with selecting a trusted builder. Opting for the right real estate developer, with a proven track record and impeccable credentials, ensures quality construction and timely project delivery.

  4. Amenities

    Your choice of location significantly impacts your safety, happiness, and financial prospects. Thane has recently emerged as a self-sufficient locality, offering residents an exceptional quality of life. With substantial development initiatives underway, Thane along with Mulund and Ghatkopar have become hotspots for real estate investments. Consider the lifestyle you aspire to lead, and evaluate the property’s amenities accordingly.

  5. Approvals & Verifications

    Before sealing the deal on any property, a meticulous review of paperwork is paramount. Ensuring the absence of legal entanglements is essential. Verify the property’s registration under RERA (Real Estate Regulatory Authority) and authenticate its registration number through the official website.

  6. The Bottom Line:

    The journey of purchasing your first flat is a remarkable experience. To enhance this journey, include your family in the experience and adhere to this checklist of essential considerations before embarking on your property acquisition.

The Future of Smart Homes: Innovations & Integration in Real Estate

Imagine a home that not only responds to your every command but also capable of anticipating your needs, creating a seamless and personalized living experience. Smart home technology is revolutionizing the way we interact with our living spaces. From controlling your lights and appliances with a simple voice command to ensuring enhanced security and energy efficiency, the benefits it offers are known to increase security & comfort for homeowners/renters. Smart homes today, have an entire ecosystem of connected devices. Here are few notable features:
  • Voice assistants devices like Amazon Echo or Google Home help people control their smart home devices by speaking to them.
  • Home security systems for smart homes have cameras, motion sensors, door/window sensors, and smart locks to keep homes safe. These systems can be monitored and controlled remotely through phone apps.
  • Smart thermostats help homeowners save energy and money by allowing them to control their home’s temperature from anywhere. They can learn your preferences and adjust settings automatically.
  • Smart lighting systems let users control their lights using their phones. They can change the brightness, color, and schedule lighting for different times. Some systems can even adjust based on natural light and occupancy to save energy.
  • Smart appliances like refrigerators, washing machines, and ovens can be connected to a smart home network. This allows remote monitoring and control, notifications, scheduling tasks, and optimizing energy usage.
In the future, smart home technology will become even more integrated into homes. Real Estate developers have always been providing core infrastructure in homes so that a resident can choose to deploy a smart home system. Artificial intelligence will play a bigger role, with smart home systems learning from your habits and making suggestions. As technology advances, smart homes will become common and will offer even more convenience, efficiency, security, and personalization. They will transform the way we live and interact with our spaces.

How Technology is Propelling the Construction Industry

Technology has played a pivotal role in ushering in a new era of progress, efficiency, and innovation. From conceptualization to completion, technology has transformed every stage of the construction process, revolutionizing the way projects are designed, planned, executed, and managed.

One of the significant advancements is the Building Information Modeling (BIM). BIM creates detailed 3D models that integrate information on architecture, structure, and services. This digital representation enables architects and other construction professionals to collaborate seamlessly, detect clashes or conflicts early, and optimize designs. BIM facilitates better coordination, reduces errors, minimizes rework, and improves overall project efficiency.

In addition, the use of drones in the construction industry has skyrocketed. These unmanned aerial vehicles provide a bird’s-eye view of construction sites, allowing for accurate surveying, mapping, and monitoring. Drones capture high-resolution images, collect data, and generate comprehensive visual reports. This technology enhances safety by minimizing the need for workers to access hazardous areas, facilitates real-time progress tracking, and aids in identifying potential issues before they escalate.

Ms. Seema A Jobanputra, Director of the Ashar Group, recently wrote a published article and threw light on a few key future developments. New construction technologies have emerged and significantly impacted construction businesses in India. 57% of all proptech startups deal with construction and technology (contech). Technology has helped save around 25% of time and avoid rework up to 80%.

Robotic technologies and automation have also made significant contributions to the construction industry. Robots can perform repetitive or physically demanding tasks with precision and efficiency. For example, bricklaying robots can lay bricks faster and more accurately than humans.

Moreover, augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) technologies have transformed the way construction projects are visualized and experienced. AR and VR allow stakeholders to immerse themselves virtually. These technologies enhance communication, facilitate better decision-making, and improve client engagement.

Technology is changing the Indian real estate market in several ways:

  • Application Programming Interfaces (APIs): APIs are sets of rules and protocols that allow softwares to interact and exchange information seamlessly.
  • Internet of Things (IoT): The Internet of Things (IoT) refers to the network of physical objects embedded with sensors, software, and connectivity capabilities that allow them to collect and exchange data online.
  • Construction Management Software: It is a project management software that caters specifically to the construction industry. It enables the automation of several construction related processes and tasks.
  • Building Information Modeling (BIM): Building Information Modeling (BIM) is a digital collaborative process that consists of creating and managing information of a construction project throughout its lifecycle.

To conclude, technology has transformed the construction industry by introducing game-changing tools and techniques. From BIM to cloud computing, technological advancement has contributed to increased efficiency, improved safety, reduced costs, and enhanced project outcomes.

To read more such insightful articles, keep following the blog section on the Ashar website.

Top Emerging Real Estate Markets in India

Real Estate Scenario in Nashik

The Indian real estate market has witnessed a surge in growth recently, driven by factors like urbanization and robust economic expansion. While cities like Mumbai continue to be hotspots, several emerging markets are now taking center stage. In this blog, we will explore the top emerging real estate markets in India and discuss key factors driving their growth, as well as provide investing tips.

Overview of the current real estate market in India

India’s real estate sector is transforming due to favorable government policies, increased foreign investment, and the rise of affordable housing. The implementation of the RERA – Real Estate Regulation and Development Act, 2016 has brought transparency and accountability to the sector, boosting investor confidence. Additionally, the growing middle class, rising disposable incomes, and urbanization have also fueled demand.

Key factors driving growth in emerging markets

  1. Infrastructural development – Cities with improved connectivity, transportation networks, and planned smart cities
  2. Economic growth and industrial development- Emerging markets with thriving industries, such as information technology, manufacturing, and services, witness increased employment opportunities, and demand for housing and commercial spaces.
  3. Affordable housing – The government has made homeownership accessible to a broader segment of the population.

At the 5th CII Real Estate Confluence, Mr. Ajay Ashar- CMD, Ashar Group and Vice Chairman MITRA – enlightened the audience with pertinent facts and statistics affecting the infrastructural and real estate scenario of Maharashtra. India’s GDP has been healthily growing at 5 to 6 per cent over the past 30 years. The Indian government has also been focusing on 8 key verticals: healthcare, housing, infrastructural development, agriculture, waste management, sustainability, technology and industrial growth. Currently, development of road networks is underway. For Maharashtra, approximately 3,58,000 crore rupees has been allocated for around 3,000 kilometers of expressways that are planned to be built.

Regions experiencing significant development

Thane: Thane is known for its ample green space and natural elements like its beautiful lakes. The vicinity to Mumbai is advantageous, and it is equipped with top-class hospitals and educational institutions.

Navi Mumbai: Widespread transport networks have been built which are convenient and increase connectivity. It offers relatively reasonable property rates as opposed to the main Mumbai city, and has a high standard of living too.

Pune: Pune has emerged as a top real estate market due to its strong IT and manufacturing sectors, young workforce, affordable housing options, and favorable investment climate.

Chennai: Its booming IT and automobile industries, strategic location, and planned infrastructure projects make it an attractive market.

Hyderabad: The city’s infrastructure development, proactive government policies, and affordable property prices make it worth considering.

Tips for investors

  1. Research: Gain a deep understanding of market dynamics, growth potential, and upcoming developments.
  2. Location selection: Choose areas with good connectivity, proximity to commercial hubs, educational institutions, and essential amenities.
  3. Developer reputation: Invest with reputed developers known for timely delivery and quality construction to minimize risks.
  4. Rental income potential: Consider markets with high demand for rental properties to generate regular income.
  5. Long-term perspective: Have a clear investment strategy and patience to reap benefits.

Conclusion

India’s emerging real estate markets present numerous opportunities for investors and homebuyers. By conducting thorough research, selecting the right location, and having a long-term perspective, investors can capitalize on the potential and reap rewards. Make sure to carefully and calmly consider everything important to you, and you will have made the right choice.

Tips to buy a new House.

Tips to buy a new House.

If you have just started your work/job and want to save money, it’s more than likely you may buy a house soon. Of course, paying rent each month is not preferable, but giving an EMI for your new flat is a better option. Living at your own house brings unparalleled happiness.

Although there are so many alternatives for real estate, you should be careful in your home selection. There are always tips that can help you make a more intelligent decision, whether you’re buying a 1 BHK in Thane or 1 BHK in Kalwa, or a larger home or apartment. This article will provide you with some concise, high-quality advice for your first home purchase.

Know our needs – 

Make sure you are aware of your demands before choosing a flat or flat for yourself. You ought to be aware of all the regulations. You can be sure that you select a house in this manner that meets your needs. What’s the point if you subsequently regret making a hurried decision that you now regret? So, be sure to select a home that meets your needs. You could ponder things like:

  • How many rooms should the flat have?
  • Are the stand-alone or gated apartments acceptable to you?
  • What’s your spending plan? If the price is too high for you, can you afford it?

Whenever you inquire about such things, you would take a better decision for yourself.

Safety of the property –

Regarding the safety issue, you ought to take caution. You cannot take safety for granted because crimes are always being committed. Search for the building that has proper guards, watchmen and CCTV cameras. This will allow you to confirm that the flat you are buying is secure and not at all close to a crime hotspot. Afterall, there is no point in choosing to live with your family in a bad or unsafe neighborhood. Hence, be cautious when it comes to safety. You would choose wisely and safely if you compare different houses with different localities.

Facilities and Environment – 

The facility that come with the apartment should also be looked into. How is the society you are moving into doing? Is it tidy and roomy? What about the building’s amenities? Is there a balcony and sufficient windows in the apartment? You must keep a check on these matters, or you risk getting stuck later. As you’ll be living in the new flat for at least a few years, you should investigate the building’s and flat’s surroundings. As a result, inspect and spend a day in the flat or building you are considering buying. Check to see if you can live there happily and safely.

Conclusion –

Make sure to keep all these suggestions in mind whether you’re looking for a 1 BHK flat in Kalwa, or 1 BHK flat in Thane. When you carefully select your property, there is nothing to regret in the future.

Top three localities to buy real estate in MMR

Blog - Top three localities to buy real estate in MMR - Ashar Group

Real Estate Scenario in Nashik

Referred to as the City of dreams and the nation’s financial centre, MMR is home to some of the costliest real estate properties in India. Real estate properties in Mumbai have been increasing for a while, and since 2022 things have only gotten better. Most homes in this region are ideal real estate investments and their value is only expected to rise. Below are the top three places to invest in Mumbai!

THANE
Home-buyers have been increasingly looking for affordable homes and have been moving to multiple developing areas of Thane. Along with Mumbai, Thane is connected to several other cities, including Kalyan, Bhiwandi, Vasai-Virar, and Mira Road. It has one of India’s best transportation systems, including roadways, railway and metro lines. Thane has two upscale neighbourhoods: Ghodbunder Road, Majiwada, and Pokhran road 1 & 2. These areas are hubs to several corporate offices, shopping & entertainment centres, and other services, attracting job seekers, and multinational corporations.

Although Thane’s real estate costs are considerable, they are not as costly as those in Mumbai.

We all know that Thane has gained prominence as a result of its role as a transportation hub for the nearby suburbs’ Central and Trans-Harbour railroads. Infrastructure in Thane has seen an increase in the past 10 years. Residential development has increased as a result of the growing commercial demand. The construction of Metro 4 (Wadala-Thane-Kasarvadavali) and Metro 10 (Gaimukh-Shivaji Chowk) by MMRDA will increase the demand for real estate in Thane and raise the price per square foot. Due to its excellent accessibility, 1 BHK Flats in Thane has long been a favoured choice among buyers and major builders. Buy your next 1BHK from Ashar, one of the best builders in Thane.

BANDRA

Bandra West is known as the “Queen of the Suburbs,” and is one of Mumbai’s best neighbourhoods and sought-after locations for investing in residential real estate. There is a fair balance of contemporary homes and old-world elegance. Bandra is the place to be, with stunning residences from the Portuguese era, antique cottages, and multi-story luxury apartments in Bandra giving the best amenities.

 Few years ago, Bandra experienced a spike in real estate prices. Old, outmoded buildings have been converted by developers into brand-new, opulent multi-storey residences with a variety of contemporary conveniences. The address of Bandra is itself quite a blessing. 

The start of the western suburbs is Bandra and is well connected to the rest of the city. With the Bandra-Worli Sea Link connecting South Mumbai to the northern and eastern parts of the city, and the Western Express Highway (WEH) connecting Bandra to Santa Cruz-Chembur Link Road (SCLR), it has eased connectivity. Metro Line 3, The Bullet Train, and the Coastal Road are examples of upcoming infrastructure.

The advantage of Bandra’s location is that it is close to commercial centres like BKC and Santa Cruz, as well as having additional access to Thane and Navi Mumbai through local trains and WEH. While having the most expensive real estate In Mumbai, the location is perfect from an investment standpoint when it comes to purchasing real estate. 

GHATKOPAR

Over time, Ghatkopar has become one of Mumbai’s most in-demand neighbourhoods. The cause of this is linked to a wave of infrastructure improvements that have caused a sharp increase in the demand for housing in the area. The Mumbai Metro has also eased commute in the area. 

The area is close to the Eastern Express Highway and has good access to roads and railways. While the distance to the airport is only seven kilometres, it is 20 kilometres to the Chhatrapati Shivaji Railway Terminus. Ghatkopar West is close to the urbanised neighbourhoods of Santacruz, Khar, and Juhu and has easy access to Thane. Various public transport facilities have eased access to these locations. Along with these advantages, the neighbourhood also has convenient access to other areas of Mumbai via Lal Bahadur Shastri Road (LBS), Tilak Road, and Mahatma Gandhi Road. The Sion-Panvel Highway connects Navi Mumbai and Ghatkopar West. In addition, the neighbourhood has a metro connection to Andheri in Mumbai. The metro station next to the route makes accessing the Western Expressway Highway easier.

The social and governmental infrastructure in Ghatkopar is excellent. In the area, there are numerous reputable schools, institutions, and medical facilities. The site is undoubtedly one of the best options for real estate investments with a strong rental yield. The forthcoming Colaba-Bandra-SEEPZ metro would enhance Ghatkopar’s infrastructure even further and will also enhance the value of each upcoming porperty in Ghatkopar. Improving the area’s connectivity to Churchgate will raise property values along the nearby corridors. Along with having solid infrastructure and connections, the area has seen a consistent YoY increase in property values. Ghatkopar may be the best option to invest in a region that gives real estate a strong rate of capital growth.

With the recovery of the Indian economy post the pandemic, real estate has been skyrocketing. However there is no doubt that MMR remains the dream for many home-buyers and investors. From premium bungalows to affordable apartments, the city has a lot to offer. Now is the right time to invest in these profitable realty areas for the long-term.

Your dream home is just a Home-Loan away!

A roof over one’s head is a human being’s necessity. Getting a spacious, safe, equipped and accessible home is a dream. The best way to fulfill this dream, for many, is through a home loan. However, to be eligible for a home loan, one must meet certain requirements.

The eligibility criteria for a home loan is as follows:

  • Age:
    A person availing home loan should be within the age limit from 18-70 years. However, some banks and; institutions offer home loans to salaried, self-employed professionals and businessmen above the age of 23 only.
  • Net-worth:
    You can qualify for a home loan if your monthly income is more than Rs. 25,000. Those within the income bracket of Rs. 25,000-Rs. 40,000 can avail a home loan if their fixed obligation (Rent, EMI) does not exceed 50% of their income. Those with a monthly salary of over Rs. 40,000 can avail a home loan if their fixed obligation does not exceed 65% of their income.
  • CIBIL score
    A good CIBIL score of 650 is required. If you have a CIBIL score lower than 650, you still stand a chance to avail of a home loan by paying a higher interest rate, at a higher margin.
  • Company and Employment history
    You should have a stable income history and/or job continuity of a minimum of 3-5 years. The sector in which you work should not have been blacklisted by the bank. Additionally, some professions such as lawyers, beauticians, police personnel, builders, etc. may be considered negative by some banks.
  • Co-applicants
    Having a co-applicant increase your chances to avail of a home loan, it might
    also fetch you a higher loan amount. The co-applicant should have a share in the property. The list of co-applicants allowed is spouses, parents, siblings, and children.
  • Loan-to-value (LTV) Ratio
    Lenders calculate the LTV ratio using the below formula:
    LTV Ratio (%) is equal to Amount Borrowed divided by Property Value multiplied by 100.
    For example, if you wish to buy a house worth Rs.1 Crore and the LTV ratio of your
    the bank is 70%, then the maximum amount of loan that you can avail of is Rs. 70 lakh.
    The RBI has issued the below guidelines for the LTV ratio:
    For loan amounts of Rs. 30 lakhs and below, the LTV ratio for the loan can go up to 90% of the property, and for loan amounts above Rs. 30 lakhs, the LTV ratio can go up to 80% of the property value. For loan amounts above Rs. 75 lakh, the LTV ratio can go up to 75%. If the LTV ratio is 90%, at least 10% of the property value will have to be paid from your pocket and the rest of the amount can be funded through a home loan.
  • Property Approval and Valuation
    The property against which one wishes to avail a home loan should be legally approved and constructed by a reputed builder. For home loans of higher ticket size (Rs. 1 Crore & above), housing loan lenders prefer getting valuation details from independent valuers.Once a person meets all home loan eligibility requirements, they can easily make
    their dreams come true. It also comes with a series of benefits, some of them include:
    • Investing in Real-Estate is an appreciating asset:
      Property prices in India are slated to appreciate in the longer run. This makes home buying, one of the smartest forms of investment.
    • Home loans are a tax savior:
      As mentioned in the Income Tax Act – Section 24, a maximum deduction of Rs. 2 lakhs can be claimed by homeowners on their home loan interest for a self-occupied property.
      In case the property has been rented out, the tax exemption is Rs. 2 lakhs or actual interest paid by the taxpayer; whichever is lesser.
      Section 80C also gives the provision of a deduction of Rs. 1,50,000 on the Principal amount repaid.
    • Home loans improve credit score:
      Paying off your home loan EMIs on time is a great way to improve your credit score. If you make all your repayments on time and have a good credit score, availing of other loans such as a car or student loan becomes easy.
    • Home loans are a cost-effective way of funding a long-term asset:
      Home loans have the cheapest rate of interest in India as compared to other loans. It’s easy to get a home loan since it is secured against an asset.
    • Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY):
      A Credit Linked Subsidy Scheme (PMAY-CLSS) enables home loan borrowers purchasing or constructing their first pucca house to get subsidies credited into their
      loan account of up to 2.67 lakh.
    • Repay with ease :
      Home Loans let you enjoy longer repayment tenures ranging from 10 years to 30 years. Although, If you can pay higher EMIs, we’d suggest you opt for a shorter tenure Summing it up, you can now easily check your home loan eligibility with the help of a home loan eligibility calculator. More so, in today’s times when everything is available online, you can now avail of a home loan from the comfort of your home,
      with just a click. Happy home buying!

Source : https://www.bajajfinserv.in/home-loan

Real Estate Scenario in Nashik

Real Estate Scenario in Nashik

The skyrocketing prices and demands of real estate in Mumbai and Pune have led investors on the lookout for affordable and higher return destinations to invest in. One of the pocket-friendly destinations worthy of investment is Nashik. The emerging Wine Capital of India is proving as a worthy opponent to many metro cities. Here’s what has led to the rapid demand for this city.

In the past decade, Nashik’s residential market has boomed. With better infrastructure, connectivity, and government projects, Nashik has transformed into an attractive real estate destination.

The expansion of the IT sector and increasing industrialization has given way to many employment opportunities in the city. Along with the newly developed airport, many other government projects are in the pipeline. Due to this rapid infrastructural growth, Nashik is recognized as one of the fastest developing cities in India.

The geo-strategic location of the city is what earns it brownie points as the real deal in investment. Located in western Maharashtra, Nashik is surrounded by Mumbai and Pune making it a triangular corridor. While enjoying the up-gradation of the Mumbai-Nashik highway, and the airport, Nashik has become the hub for many migrants. However, this has not diluted the beauty and peace that prevails in the city. Pleasant climate, green pastures, and scenic beauty pretty much add to the charm of the city and secure the status of an upmarket locality. Endowed with a good quality of life, the city is now the destination for most millennial couples looking to invest in a pandemic friendly home-office.

While having some of the best infrastructural developments made by the government, certain localities add to the charm of the city making them viable for investment. Topping this list is Gangapur Road, with its well-connected roads and popular amenities in the locality. An iconic project in this area is Ashar Grapecity offering 4 BHK luxurious apartments. The project is equipped with state-of-the-art amenities such as a temperature-controlled swimming pool, fully equipped gym, and clubhouse, senior citizen zone topped with marvelous architecture, and unobstructed hill view perfect for leisure. The podium-style layout of the project ensures an elevated lifestyle in one of the most iconic areas in Nashik.

A steady increase in demand for property and the need for a second home have elevated the real estate status of Nashik. A clean and green environment, cultural and historical significance, road connectivity, pleasant climate, and many such factors make Nashik the ideal destination for investors.

So whether it is your first home or a second home for investment, Nashik should be on top of your list. Explore 4 BHK luxurious homes in the most prominent locality of Nashik at Ashar Grapecity.

Trends in Real Estate

Modern Times = Modern Homes

How pandemic has changed the face of the real estate market

The ongoing pandemic has transformed the way real estate is viewed. The once widely-popular corporate spaces now sit empty, while the need for residential spaces have shot up. The reason is enterprises making work-from-home a new way of working. This has pushed the demand for spacious nuclear homes in urban areas with all of your essential amenities, making moving in easy for a working couple.

Embracing and adapting to this change, the real estate world is transforming in many ways:

  1. Small homes, with big hearts

Small homes that are easy to maintain have cropped up in large numbers across cities, and are affordable too. This is due to the rise in the demand for residential properties that made realtors create a new market for small, affordable spaces. The furniture industry also jumped on the bandwagon by creating compact, multi-purpose furniture pieces.

  1. Easy living with smart, equipped homes

Moving into furnished homes, equipped with essentials such as air conditioners, refrigerators & kitchenettes, etc. is essential for today’s homebuyers. This is complemented with smart homes where everything including air conditioners, dishwashers, lights, fans are voice-controlled at the push of a button even when one is away from home.

  1. Fuss-free furniture

Gone are those times where one would move into homes months after purchasing. For today’s fast-moving generation, everything is now or never. This has given rise to a new segment of ready-made, build-it-yourself furniture that is affordable and can be easily modified and installed, without assistance.

  1. Accommodating a millennial lifestyle

The technology-led millennial generation comprises the largest population. They have a heavy disposable income and are today’s homebuyers. Additionally, today’s generation is eco-conscious, hence they look for sustainable homes.

To grow & stay relevant, the realtors and the real estate market should ideally be revolving around the needs of millennials. The key for which is marrying technology, sustainability, and affordability, while being quickly adaptable.

Home loan benefits for women in india

WOMEN IN THE HEART & ON THE NAME PLATE

Benefits of being a Woman Home Buyer in India

More and more women in India are becoming financially independent. They are taking their rightful place as equals in the society, participating & making important decisions such as buying their own house.

As per the latest consumer survey by ANAROCK-LIC Housing Finance, 77% of women home seekers are looking to buy property for end-use, while the rest are looking at the same as an investment.

To make house purchases more profitable for women while fulfilling its larger goal of ‘Housing for All’ the Indian government offers several monetary benefits that women home buyers in India can avail of, if the property is registered in their name.

1. Stamp duty

The stamp duty on homes registered in the name of women is about 1%-2% lower as compared to men in most Indian states. E.g., if a woman purchases a property worth Rs. 50 Lakhs, she saves around Rs. 50,000 – 1, 00,000 on stamp duty, all the credit for this goes to the lower stamp duty scheme for women.

The stamp duty that in India for when a man pays v/s when a woman pays

State The stamp duty rate for men The stamp duty rate for women
Jharkhand 7% Re 1
Delhi 6% 4%
Haryana 6% in rural, 8% in urban 4% in rural, 6% in urban
Uttar Pradesh 7% Rebate of Rs 10,000 on overall charges
Rajasthan 5% 4%
Punjab 6% 4%
Maharashtra 6% 6%
Tamil Nadu 7% 7%
West Bengal 5% in rural, 6% in urban, (Plus 1%, if the property cost is more than Rs 40 Lakhs) Same
Karnataka 5.6% 5.6%
Note: Charges are indicative and subject to change.

2. Home Loan Benefits for Women

Did you know? 

Women are the favoured applicants for a home loan. They are known for having a better track record. Lenders find them more reliable, hence a woman’s chances of being approved for a home loan are higher.

Financial lending institutions are encouraging home buying behaviour amongst women by offering specialised schemes and lower interest rates.

Even a minimum subsidy of 0.05% to 1% on home loan rates significantly impacts EMI. It adds up to a considerable amount in lowering down the EMI, thus making repayment stress free for women.

Here’s how much a women applicant can save on a home loan at a lower rate of interest as compared to others:

Particulars Women Borrower Other Borrower
Loan Amount 50 Lakh 50 Lakh
Rate 8.30% 8.35%
Rate Difference 0.05%
Tenure 20 years 20 years
Monthly instalment 42,760 42,918
Total Principal Amount 50,00,000 50,00,000
Total Interest Amount 52,62,482 53,00,234
Total Amount Payable 1,02,62,482 1,03,00,234
Amount saved 37,752

2.   A. Women can choose longer tenure

Women can easily avail a home loan maximum of up to 30 years. With no charges levied on prepayment, women can lower their EMIs and save for other financial goals that they have planned for.

2.   B. Women can benefit as co-borrowers

Women can apply as co-borrowers with their spouses. Their combined income can offer them higher loan eligibility. Furthermore, as co-borrowers, they can claim tax benefits of Rs 1.5 lakh on the principal amount under Section 80C and Rs 2 lakh on the interest repayment. By availing of a joint home loan, a couple can claim the benefit which is a combined deduction of Rs 3 lakh on the principal amount and Rs 4 lakh on the interest component.

To understand more you can refer to the illustration below:

ParticularsHome loan tax benefits for IndividualsHome loan tax benefit for Couples*
Principal under Sec 80 CRs. 1,50,000Rs. 3,00,000
Interest under Section 24Rs. 2,00,000Rs. 4,00,000
Total DeductibleRs. 3,50,000Rs. 7,00,000

However, the couple should ensure that the sale deed/conveyance deed has the names of both the applicants as the owner of the property and women to be the main applicant.

2.   C. Women can avail higher loan amounts

Many lenders are increasing their sanctions to attract women borrowers. Benefiting from this, women can avail higher loan amounts from anywhere between Rs. 30 Lakhs to 3.5 Crore. This complemented with simple eligibility criteria, it’s a big ‘YES’ to be a woman home buyer in India.

3. Tax Deduction Benefits

Women can also avail tax benefits while taking a home loan. The limit is up to 3.5 lakhs covered under section 80 C for Principal repayment and Section 24 (b) on Interest paid. As per the Income-tax Act 1961, the borrowers can claim a deduction of up to Rs 1.5 lakhs under section 80 C and can claim a deduction of up to Rs 2 lakhs under section 24 (b).

Over & above the deduction of 24 (b), women can claim an additional deduction of Rs 1.5 Lakhs under section 80 EEA. This is only applicable to the loans sanctioned from 1st April 2019 to 31st March 2021.

Section Tax deduction applicable on Limit
80C Principle Paid Up to Rs. 1.5 Lakhs
80C Stamp Duty Rs. 1.5 Lakhs
24(b) Interest Paid Up to Rs. 2 Lakhs

4. Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana benefits for women

As a step towards equality, and to empower women of all ages, classes, and marital status to apply for housing loans without facing any discrimination, the government has introduced the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) Scheme.

Under this scheme, a woman borrowing a home loan under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana Credit-Linked Subsidy Scheme (PMAY-CLSS) enjoy concessions on interest. Women borrowers from the economically weaker section (those earning up to Rs 3 lakhs per annum) and low-income group (LIG) category can avail of an interest subsidy of 6.5% (up to Rs 2.67 lakhs) on housing loans of up to Rs 6 lakhs. The subsidy amount is given upfront on the principal outstanding, thus lowering down the interest amount.

The benefits under PMAY-CLSS scheme are categorised on the basic income:

Income Groups Eligible Family Income
Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) Up to Rs. 3 Lakhs
Lower Income Group (LIG) Rs. 3,00,000 to Rs. 6,00,000
Middle Income Group 1 (MIG 1) Rs. 6,00,001 to Rs. 12,00,000
Middle Income Group 2 (MIG 2) Rs. 12,00,001 to Rs. 18,00,000

To avail of the benefits of the PMAY-CLSS scheme, women must meet the below guidelines:

  • At least one woman in the family must be registered as the owner of the new property, irrespective of the fact whether she is buying the property or not
  • Neither the woman, nor her immediate family should own a ‘pucca’ house anywhere in India. (You qualify, even if your parents own a home and you live with them)

Other Benefits under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana Scheme:

ParticularsEWSLIGMIG 1MIG 2
Annual IncomeRs 3 LakhRs 3 lakh to Rs 6 lakhRs 6 lakh to Rs 12 lakhRs 12 lakh to Rs 18 lakh
Repayment Tenor (in years)20 years20 years20 years20 years
Subsidy Interest6.5%6.5%4%3%
Loan amount for subsidy qualificationRs. 6 lakhRs. 6 lakhRs. 9 lakhRs. 12 lakh
Max. Property Carpet Area30 square meters60 square meters120 square meters160 square meters

All the above-mentioned benefits add wings to a woman’s dreams of owning a home. They go a long way to empower women both financially and economically.

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are for informational purposes only based on industry reports and related news stories. Ashar Group does not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information and shall not be held responsible for any action taken based on the published information.

The transition of real estate – from real to virtual

THE TRANSITION OF REAL ESTATE – FROM REAL TO VIRTUAL

Modern Problems Require Modern Solutions – this statement proves to be true in today’s pandemic struck world where the best of the world comes to you at your doorstep, or rather fingertips, thanks to digitalisation. It is a part of almost every sector – be it work from home, education, e-commerce, banking, retail, tourism, or real estate.

When the pandemic-induced lockdown forced businesses to shut down physically, they began to look for other avenues to reach out to their customers. It was here that digitalisation proved to be a silver lining.

While property portals have been around for more than a decade or so, buyers mostly preferred to visit the property physically, inspect the location, meet the developer/seller and sign the agreement. Property portals & real estate mobile applications were mostly used to narrow down the property search, view property pictures, and contact the developer & seller.

But, this is now a thing of the past. Pandemic introduced the ‘new normal’ – digitalisation. People have now got used to the digital way of life where they can get everything from pin to property in a click. If not completely, at least more than half of the real estate transaction process is conducted digitally. This includes virtual property visits, availing bank loans, online payments, documentation submission, the initial meeting with developers & sellers through video calls etc.

This is the buyers’ side of the story, the dipping real estate sales and the pursuit to recover sales and to remain relevant developers & sellers are placing their bets on digitalisation & modern technology.

So, how is the digital transformation of the real estate industry taking place?

Promotion, eventually leading to sales:

Social media is a powerful tool that can help developers & sellers generating leads and converting them into buyers. Developers & sellers are striking while the iron is hot by strengthening social media presence. Aggressive organic & inorganic marketing on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram & LinkedIn is just one of the ways to bridge the gap between the buyers & them, and increasing their business.

Understanding buyer behaviour:

Developers & sellers are leveraging the power of the digital marketing funnel to zero down on their target audience by understanding their needs better concerning home buying preferences. Digital marketing funnel keeps a track of customers navigating the web pages. Properties are filtered as per the requirement to convert leads into sales.

Additionally, thanks to AI and Big Data, developers & sellers can accurately analyse customer behaviour, distinguish between hot & cold leads, thus saving substantial time, customer service costs, and understand buyer behaviour.

Harnessing the power of technology:

Building Information Modelling (BIM) is transforming how real estate projects are done. A 3D model-based software – BIM facilitates planning, designing, constructing & managing buildings for construction, architecture, and engineering professionals.

Chatbots are a great way for developers & sellers to stay connected with their potential buyers 24×7. Through chatbots, developers & sellers can offer handholding to customers through their entire property-buying journey, thus developing nurturing relationships & fostering sales growth.

Virtual walkthroughs or e-Visits are a thing now. Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) are proving to be a magic wand for developers & sellers. AR & VR provide a surreal home buying experience to home buyers. They empower potential buyers to take a tour of property virtually – anytime, anywhere without physically visiting it.

Making the most of this technology, Ashar Group too conducted virtual meetings and e-visits for its potential customers during lockdown which proved to be fruitful.

Seal the deal digitally:

Shifting from conventional paper-based processes to digital documentation has resulted in nearly 10 times faster turnaround time in the overall sales deal. Digital documentation eliminates – long hours to prepare legal documentation of purchase agreement, loan processing and payments and human errors. The expense incurred for the storage of documents was massive for real estate players, digital documentation will reduce that and make it secure. Lastly, digital documentation makes it easy for consumers to purchase property in another city, state, or country.

To summarise, as the saying goes “The only constant in life is change.” Digitisation – apart from being the silver lining in a dark cloud of the COVID-19 pandemic, is here to stay. Whatever the reason be – to enhance transparency, increase sales, ease the selling process, gain an edge, attract new buyers, or stay in touch with loyal customers – developers & sellers should continue to harness the power of digital technology even in the post-pandemic world. While doing so, they should not forget that old is gold, hence interpersonal relations or human intervention cannot be ruled out.

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are for informational purposes only based on industry reports and related news stories. Ashar Group does not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information and shall not be held responsible for any action taken based on the published information.

The impact of COVID-19 Positive on Real Estate – Negative or Positive?

The impact of COVID-19 Positive on Real Estate – Negative or Positive?

Covid-19 came as a humanitarian challenge that changed the way people live, work, and play, maybe forever. It took away people’s lives and source of livelihood. The global economy saw one of the biggest downturns. There was a point in time when people were more scared of the pandemic-led lockdown than the pandemic itself, due to its devastating impact on the economy.

Real-estate, retail, finance, aviation and automobiles are the 5 sectors that are worst hit by COVID-19. Speaking of realty, last year when the nation went into a complete lockdown between March and May 2020, many new constructions stopped, sales took a hit, and new launches were postponed.

The pandemic brought in a domino effect on the realty sector. At first, the lockdown brought the construction activities to halt, then the fear of health & financial crises caused a mass exodus of migrant workers, the demand for social distancing & the sudden realisation of the importance of saving overspending led to negligible homebuyer enquiries and site visits.
Beginning June 2020, just when the realty sector started taking baby steps on the road to recovery through digital business strategies; and seeing a ray of hope through increased demand of virtual site visits, the country was struck by 2nd wave of COVID-19, this time, deadly than previous.

The cities where real estate activities have most suffered are Mumbai, Delhi, and Bengaluru amongst others. For instance, the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) in Maharashtra has witnessed a drop in property registrations. Experts say the recovery of the realty market in India could now prolong until 2022, and that it will be highly dependent on the way India deals with the second wave of Coronavirus.

THE OVERALL DAMAGE DONE – What reports say?

Going by a KPMG report, the real estate sector has incurred a loss of over Rs 1 lakh Crore since COVID-19 broke out, resulting in a serious liquidity crunch for real estate developers. The credit shortage brought down the residential sales from 4 lakh units in 2019-20 to 2.8 lakh units in 2020-21 across the top seven cities of India.

The overall residential demand declined by over 40 per cent in H1 of FY21, says the India Ratings and Research Private Limited (Ind-Ra) report. The agency believes that the sales will continue to decline until the pandemic is brought under control.

According to a report by Liases Foras, the pandemic-led lockdown cascaded the volume of unsold inventory from 15+ quarters at the end of FY-20, to 19+ quarters towards the end of H1 FY21. The volume of the unsold stock increased by an extreme dip in sales in Q1 and dampened recovery in Q2 2020.

IT WAS NOT WORKING ANYMORE FOR COMMERCIAL AND RETAIL REAL ESTATE

What simply existed as a concept in an organisation’s HR policies, now become a new way of life – Work from Home (WFH). The rise of the WFH concept led to the fall of the need & demand for office spaces.
According to a report by Cushman and Wakefield, the net leasing of office spaces declined from approximately 70 lakh sq. ft. in 2020 to around 35 lakh sq. ft. in Jan-Mar 2021.

In Q4, the immunisation drive by the Government picked up the pace, so did the Coronavirus cases. Thus delaying leasing & impacting leasing rates. The net leasing rates dipped by 33 per cent in 2020, and average commercial property prices declined by 7-10 per cent.

The demand for flexible workspaces such as WeWork & Awfis which had resurged in the last few months has declined since the second COVID-19 wave emerged. If the pandemic is brought under control soon, experts anticipate leasing 38 MN sq. ft. flexible workspaces in the coming year.

Speaking of retail real estate – data compiled by Statista says that retail mobility has declined by 55-60 per cent across India owing to the partial lockdowns and curfews across cities. Another factor contributing to this downfall is that people are no longer keen on visiting retail spaces – they can get everything, from food & clothes to entertainment delivered home, in just a click. Thanks to e-commerce and OTT platforms.

Looking at the other side of the grass, with WFH becoming a norm, residential real estate underwent a dramatic architectural change. Along with the routine bedroom, living room, washroom, kitchen & balcony, providing a dedicated WFH space has become a need of the hour in the upcoming projects.

DID THE LAW OF SUPPLY AND DEMAND AFFECT REALTY PRICES?

There are many points to be considered while discussing realty prices.

  1. While on one hand, during the 1st wave, some developers went all out to woo buyers by offering major discounts. We came across news such as:

    A 559 sq. ft. property of Hiranandani has been closed for Rs 86 lakh this month. A similar unit was transacted at over a Crore in MarchIn January, ready-to-move-in residential units – one in Ashoka Towers in Parel and the other in Omkar 1973 in Worli – were both available for around Rs 8.5 Crore. Then coronavirus struck & the same units were available in May for Rs 7.5 Crore and Rs 6.5 Crore.

    On the other hand, some developers continued to withhold prices due to limited profit margins. Unlike the first wave, the second wave of the pandemic has, so far, not impacted the prices of the residential market.

  2. Meanwhile, the pandemic-induced spike in prices of essential raw materials, like steel bars, cement, plastic, man-made polymers and resins, etc., are pressurising developers to hike the prices of new projects. The supply shortage is only making matters worse. There are chances that once the lockdown is lifted, we may witness minor hikes in property prices by the end of the next quarter, whereas we may see more significant corrections in prices by the end of 2021.

  3. During the 1st wave of the pandemic, people realised the value of owning a home for themselves and lucrative deals added fuel to the fire.In areas such as Maharashtra, where the stamp duty charges were reduced from 5% to 2% until 31 December 2020 and 3% from January 1 to 31 March 2021.

    Furthermore, RBI kept the repo rate unchanged at 4%, making home buying affordable by availing home loans for as low as 6.65% annual interest, which was in contrast with the average home loan interest rate of 8% in January 2020.

    While this is one side of the coin, COIVD-19 related constraints such as stay-at-home & social distancing, and delayed delivery of other support facilities, such as processing papers for applying for home loans, having the agreement for sale or flats registered, or reaching out to sales and marketing personnel to garner more information about the project are either discouraging buyers or coaxing them to postpone their home-buying plans for later. All of which is leading to a dip in sales.

    Although the vaccination drive seems like a silver lining in the dark cloud of COVID-19, the year 2021 is expected to remain challenging for the real estate sector.

THE DOMINO EFFECT

Iron & steel, cement, machinery are amongst the many industries that are dependent on the real estate sector. The pandemic inflicted heavy losses on them all during the year 2020. Approximately 250 SMEs reported losses that were accompanied by increased costs in 2020.

This was the condition during the 1st wave of the pandemic. The developers and manufacturers were more prepared and cautious during the 2nd wave. They made preparations such as installing labour camps, putting a shift-wise duty in place, and ensured adherence to COVID-19 protocols such as regular temperature checks, once-in-a-moth COVID-19 testing of labourers and installing sanitising stations on construction sites.

The government’s move of initiating a vaccination drive for those above 18 years of age will boost the construction activities as it will help the labourers to get vaccinated at the earliest. It will also make labourers feel safe & eventually reduce migration.

THE ROAD AHEAD

Post-phase-4 of lockdown, the realty sector slowly began its operations, and there came 2021, which seemed to be the year of recovery as COVID-19 vaccines were developed. But the happiness was short-lived as the pandemic’s 2nd wave gushed in, putting the developers and financial institutions in cautious mode. The resurgence of the pandemic has compelled financial institutions to avoid risky investments, adding to the woes of the real estate sector already suffering from a liquidity crisis. But it’s not all dark and gloomy for the realty sector like it’s said, “A smooth sea never made a skilled sailor” – Franklin D. Roosevelt. The realisation of the importance of owning a home in the consumers’ mind during COVID-19 can play an important role in increased residential property sales. Once the government accomplishes its goal to vaccinate its over 1.3 billion population and the fear of COVID-19 diminishes, there are high chances for the realty sector to experience market equilibrium. Points supporting this stamen are

  1. People may return to work, thus increasing the demand for commercial spaces;
  2. Increased e-commerce may lead to increased demand for industrial units to store inventory;
  3. Pandemic has turned many employed professionals into entrepreneurs, this may lead to a rise in demand for retail spaces;
  4. Virtual site visits have lured and made it possible for NRIs to invest back home;
  5. Low-interest rates (home loan interest rates are at below 7% now) and high tax exemption (rebate against home loan interest payment is as high as Rs 3.50 lakhs per annum) can make the option of owning a home attractive over renting;
  6. Many people, especially professionals who have permanently decided to return to their hometowns, who were earlier living on rent in Tier-1 metro cities like Mumbai, Bengaluru, Delhi etc. will look to buy homes, and finding employment in their hometown. Thus, increasing the demand for commercial, residential and retail spaces in Tier-2 cities.
Having mentioned that, here we are seeing the glass half full, but if we look at the half-empty glass, the pandemic has led to job losses and pay cuts, and the entire population is yet to be vaccinated. So we will be able to see a clear picture once the pandemic is tamed and the infection rate declines. Till then, it’s all about the wait-and-watch approach.
Disclaimer: The views expressed above are for informational purposes only based on industry reports and related news stories. Ashar Group does not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information and shall not be held responsible for any action taken based on the published information.