Kailash Babar

The deal has provision for future scalability to accommodate growth with an additional 150,000 sq ft that can be exercised after a year, taking the total space to 800,000 sq ft. The clause for lease tenure also includes an option to extend the same by an additional five years, making it a 15-year deal.

In case of no response within 30 days, registration of these projects may get suspended or cancelled, along with restriction on sale of flats as well as freezing of bank accounts.

Welspun One partners with WTCA to invest ₹800 crore in a 1 million sq ft mixed-use development in Thane. The project, WTC Thane, will be India's tallest Grade-A urban distribution center, integrating warehousing, retail, and office spaces. It aims to meet the growing demand for quick commerce and efficient supply chain solutions within the Mumbai Metropolitan Region.

Bidders can be a domestic or international company, a consortium or a joint venture. As a co-developer of the project, the selected bidder will be required to design, finance, develop, construct, operate and maintain the commercial tower. The land for the project will be allotted on a leasehold basis for 99 years. The lease deed will be executed only after completion of the construction, which has to be done in five years.

Birla Estates continues its land acquisition spree. The company recently purchased a 70.92-acre plot in Boisar. This follows a 24.5-acre acquisition in Thane and a 10-acre purchase in Mumbai. The Boisar deal cost Rs 104.3 crore. The Thane deal was worth Rs 537 crore. The Mumbai acquisition was for Rs 1,100 crore. Birla Estates is expanding its real estate presence.

Blackstone and Panchshil Realty's joint venture, Ventive Hospitality, aims to double its portfolio to 5,000 keys within the next three to five years. The expansion will involve new constructions, acquisitions, and leveraging rights of first offer. Ventive's upcoming Rs 1,600 crore IPO will facilitate debt repayment and further growth opportunities.

India's real estate sector is thriving, with institutional investments reaching a record $8.9 billion in 2024, a 51% increase from last year. The residential sector now leads investments at 45%, surpassing offices. Domestic investor participation has risen to 37%. REITs saw a threefold increase, and equity investments dominated, accounting for 78%.

Private equity investments in Indian real estate surged 32% to $4.2 billion in 2024, driven by the warehousing sector's remarkable 136% growth. Mumbai attracted the lion's share of investments, while residential and office sectors also witnessed significant growth. UAE and Indian investors led the capital inflow, highlighting India's growing appeal as a global investment destination.

Ventive Hospitality, a luxury hospitality asset owner, has raised over Rs 719 crore from 26 anchor investors ahead of its IPO. The anchor book was oversubscribed 2X, with significant participation from mutual funds, insurance companies, and sovereign funds. The IPO opens on Friday.

Indian real estate developers are worried. A proposed 18% GST on floor space index could increase housing prices. The developers' body, CREDAI, warns of a 7-10% price hike. This impacts affordability and the 'Housing for All' mission. CREDAI says the tax will hurt both supply and demand. A GST council meeting will discuss the issue.