As hoped for, the RBI has reduced the repo rate by another 25 basis points.
Self-redevelopment of old, dilapidated housing projects in cities like Mumbai is a much-talked-about new phenomenon and is rapidly catching on because it is, in many cases, a practically possible proposition. Self-completion of stalled projects is, however, another ballgame altogether.
Gudi Padwa is a traditionally auspicious time to invest in real estate in India. While Gudi Padwa is a Maharashtrian concept, the period of oncoming spring and the sense of renewal it brings is acknowledged across the country. Punjab has its Baisakhi, Andhra Pradesh has its Yugadi, Tamil Nadu celebrates Puthandu and Kerala knows it as Vishu.
The advent of e-commerce in India 'smartly' altered the shopping habits of Indian netizens. Anything and everything - from groceries to apparel to electronics etc. – is now just a click away. For a while, it appeared that 'couch potato shopping' was gaining prominence and disrupting the entire brick-and-mortar business.
The new GST-related announcement has given real estate developers the choice to either opt for the old rates and the accompanying input tax credit (ITC) benefits, or else to adhere to the new reduced GST rate of 5% without ITC.
Like it or lump it, but Modi's victory in 2014 ushered a new era in Indian real estate – starkly marked by his vision to set the 'house' in order and alter the scarred face of an unorganised sector beset by unscrupulous activities. He tightened the Centre's grip on real estate – previously the largest dump-yard for black money hoarders – and introduced big-bang schemes to benefit consumers.
After zeroing on a property, buyers need to identify a suitable home loan lender to fulfil their financial needs. Officially, there are two major lenders in the market – banks (including both public and private banks) and the housing finance companies (HFCs). To get the best deal, a buyer must select a lender depending on their prevailing interest rates, eligibility criteria, processing fee and other factors.