Category: Articles

The industry is eagerly anticipating sector status in this forthcoming budget. This long-awaited recognition could significantly benefit the construction sector, one of India's largest employers of unskilled and casual labor. It would streamline operations, attract investment, and stimulate overall growth. Additionally, the sector is seeking a simplified approval process through a single-window clearance system and increased support for affordable housing initiatives to meet the needs of the growing population and spur economic development. Pradeep Aggarwal, Founder & Chairman – Signature Global (India) Ltd. & Chairman – ASSOCHAM National Council on…

– by Akash Pharande, Managing Director – Pharande Spaces The problem of rapidly worsening air quality in India has a direct correlation to our housing choices. Increasing urbanization, industrial proliferation and population growth are causing more and more homebuyers to prioritize the quality of their living environments. Urban Centers – The Worst Hit Indian city centres face severe air pollution threat: Heavy Traffic – The congested city centres with high population and traffic density contribute significantly to vehicular emissions. Industrial Pollution – Proximity to industrial zones with obsolete or nonexistent…

– by Akash Pharande, Managing Director – Pharande Spaces Pune, one of India's most vibrant real estate markets, has experienced rapid changes over the past few years. Latest data from leading real estate consultancies show a scenario of strong housing price increases and ongoing changes in market dynamics, pointing towards further price hikes in the future. According to real estate consultants Anarock, Pune and the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) saw over 50% of the overall housing sales in Q2 2024 among the top seven cities. This is a resounding statement…

 by Akash Pharande, Managing Director – Pharande Spaces The Indian real estate sector is a crucible of economic growth and employment. The sector stands at a crossroads as the government prepares to present its Union Budget. Though it has massive potential, the Indian housing industry still faces numerous hurdles. To generate more growth and address the housing needs of the growing population, particularly in the low and mid-income segments, the budget must include tax breaks, regulatory reforms, and financial assistance measures. Affordable and mid-income housing Affordable and mid-income housing is…

– by Akash Pharande, Managing Director – Pharande Spaces The Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) oversees an extensive and strategically significant territory now collectively referred to as Greater Pune. It covers both urban and rural regions. The two key territories under Greater Pune are the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) and the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC). PMRDA also governs the pivotal Talegaon Dabhade and Lonavala Municipal Councils – the former a strong and growing industrial hub, and the latter arguably Maharashtra’s favourite tourist destination. Beyond these municipalities, PMRDA also administers…

– by Akash Pharande, Managing Director – Pharande Spaces One important feature changing how people live and work in India's fast urbanizing terrain is the incorporation of commercial areas into residential townships. While this concept – which combines residential areas with workplaces, shops, and recreational areas – is not new, its uptake has sped up recently, particularly in the wake of COVID-19. Evolution and Origins Mixed-use projects are nothing new to India; even in pre-independence India, residential areas and bazaars coexisted together. But in the early 2000s, integrated townships, as they are now known, started to take off. Encouraged…