Mihir Lunia, Founder and Chief Executive of Brego Land

Owning land in India has traditionally been seen as a long-term aspiration, often reserved for retirement or wealth preservation. However, a growing shift is emerging, particularly in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities, where affordability, improved infrastructure, and lifestyle benefits are driving immediate land purchases. Young professionals, families, and first-time investors are moving beyond metropolitan markets, attracted by lower entry points, cleaner environments, and evolving lifestyle hubs. This trend is fuelled by government incentives, economic ripple effects, and increasing transparency in land transactions, signalling a fundamental transformation in the country's property market.Read more

The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) is set to auction seven prime real estate plots across Bodakdev, Ambli, Chandkheda, Gota, and Sola, with a combined base price of INR 447 crore. The auction includes both residential and commercial plots, with the Bodakdev residential plot priced at INR 3.10 lakh per square meter. Two plots previously allocated to government bodies fell through due to price disagreements and missed payment deadlines. This marks AMC's third major auction push in 12 months, following previous auctions in March and August 2024.Read more

The Karnataka Revenue Department is cracking down on illegal residential layouts created using "11E maps" meant for legitimate land partitioning. Many such plots, often under one gunta, were sold without converting agricultural land, bypassing norms and lacking basic infrastructure. Investigations revealed collusion between landowners and officials, leading to seizures of illicit sites and suspensions of complicit officers. Under the "Swavalambi" initiative, hundreds of cases involved improper regularisation. Deputy Commissioners are now reviewing over 30,000 suspected instances for swift legal action. Weekly progress reviews, combined with digital tools like the 'Beat' app, geofencing, and Bhoomi-Kaveri systems, aim to ensure transparency and curb future violations.Read more

Rajasthan has introduced a policy allowing businesses to acquire idle and semi-developed industrial land at reduced rates based on basic cost plus minimal charges rather than through auctions. This is seen as a strategy to activate neglected zones and streamline industrial expansion. While business groups appreciate the cost relief and ease of access, they voice concern over potential bias in allotment decisions due to limited transparency. Earlier incentives under RIPS like interest rate rebates, tax exemptions, and sector-specific assistance have already laid a foundation for industrial growth in the state.Read more

The Mumbai Port Authority recently launched a long-term lease offering for 28 non-residential plots spanning more than 217 acres along Mumbai's eastern coast and Alibaug. Aiming to generate upwards of INR 800 crore per year, this move shifts focus from an earlier vision of a public waterfront development. Key parcels include areas near the cruise terminal, former HPCL and FCI sites, Sewri Timber Pond, and plots by the Trans Harbour Link. While the authority tests market interest, urban planners and activists warn that the opportunity for a vibrant, publicly accessible waterfront may be slipping away indefinitely.Read more

The Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) recently carried out a demolition drive in Airoli against unauthorised structures, following non-compliance with earlier notices issued under the Maharashtra Regional and Town Planning Act, 1966. Acting on the directives of the municipal commissioner and senior officials, the encroachment department demolished illegal buildings and roadside slums. Penalties amounting to INR 1,00,000 were collected from the violators, and the corporation affirmed its commitment to continuing strict anti-encroachment measures.Read more

In a major city-wide anti-encroachment operation launched earlier this month, the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation dismantled 187 unauthorised structures spanning approximately 3.35 lakh sq ft. The drive began by targeting under-construction sites to prevent proliferation of illegal buildings, later extending to kiosks and tin sheds. Officials issued 24-hour notices and indicated that negligent ward officials may face action. The operation remains ongoing, with authorities urging residents to remove unauthorised constructions voluntarily to avoid punitive measures.Read more

Goa has finalised its eco-sensitive zones master plan, paving the way for a new Coastal Zone Management Plan (CZMP) based on revised 2011 maps, as directed by the Union Environment Ministry under the 2019 CRZ Notification. The move aims to strengthen governance of high-tide-line developments and safeguard fragile coastal communities. Lawmakers have called for quick CZMP completion, improved oversight of water-sports licensing, and restoration of sand-dunes, khazan-lands, and mangroves. The state is also reviving its beach-carrying-capacity study to set limits on shack permits. The GCZMA clarified that structures on khazan land built before its eco-sensitive designation under the 2011 CZMP will remain legal.Read more

The Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation has commenced the installation of permanent digital door number (DDN) plates equipped with unique identifiers and QR codes across city households, replacing earlier paper tags. Officials explained that a dedicated mobile application is being developed to locate properties swiftly and to integrate these identifiers with municipal records, including tax and utility data. The initiative aims to enhance emergency response, improve service delivery and reduce tax evasion, with a complete rollout targeted in the coming months.Read more

Vijayawada Municipal Corporation (VMC), in coordination with NTR district officials, has formed a special Vacant Land Tax Committee to recover outstanding dues of over INR 870 crore. Although the VMC raised a demand of INR 237 crore in the last financial year, collections amounted to just INR 19 crore. A major challenge has been identifying landowners who live elsewhere. Officials are now using sale deed records and district databases to trace them. Notices will be issued to top defaulters across all secretariats, beginning with areas where defaults are lowest.Read more

The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has intensified action against unauthorised structures across several of its designated planning zones. Empowered under the Maharashtra Regional and Town Planning (MRTP) Act, officers have now begun issuing formal notices, conducting hearings, and implementing orders as per a new Standard Operating Procedure (SOP). This move is part of a structured push to regulate urban development, discourage violations, and protect unsuspecting homebuyers from investing in illegal constructions. The crackdown spans key growth areas like Bhiwandi, Kalyan, BKC, Palghar, and more.Read more

Prestige Estates Projects Ltd has expanded its land holdings by acquiring 102 acres during the past quarter to develop residential projects in Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai and Mumbai. With an estimated gross development value exceeding INR 20,000 crore, the acquisitions form part of the company's aggressive growth strategy in the housing sector. The firm also posted robust quarterly results, recording higher net profit, revenue and sales bookings, supported by strong demand, especially from a large-scale project in Ghaziabad. Management has provided strong sales guidance for the current fiscal year.Read more

The municipal corporation in Ranchi has initiated a land demarcation and survey campaign aimed at tackling unauthorised encroachments on its properties. The commissioner stated that this move follows recent findings through drone surveillance, which uncovered multiple cases of illegal occupation on civic land. Officials explained that the purpose of this exercise is to identify unutilised plots, reclaim encroached land, and use some of these areas for civic infrastructure such as parks, toilets, and community spaces. Signage and fencing will be introduced to prevent further unauthorised usage.Read more

The Haryana government has launched a wide-reaching housing initiative aimed at providing legal home ownership and plots to economically weaker sections in both urban and rural areas. More than 1,100 families in Jagadhri received interim ownership papers for 30 sq yd plots, while nearly 3,900 rural households across 58 villages were allotted land under Gramin Awas Yojana 2.0. The effort is backed by subsidies under PMAY, employment under MGNREGA, and support for basic needs. Alongside this, the state is expanding welfare schemes in healthcare, education, and employment.Read more

The Karnataka government has initiated a large-scale digitisation programme aimed at delivering e-khata documents directly to rural households under the Eswathu to doorsteps campaign. With over 97 lakh property records already digitised through the Panchatantra 2.0 platform, the initiative targets the remaining manually maintained land records to ensure complete digital integration. A dedicated citizen helpdesk is also being established to guide villagers through the e-khata application process and address complaints. This approach is expected to streamline land transactions and remove the necessity of visiting gram panchayat offices.Read more

Omaxe Ltd. has committed to Haryana's 'Matri Van' initiative by adopting a 10-acre stretch of land in the Aravalli Hills, Gurugram. This move forms part of a larger 750-acre afforestation drive by the state government aimed at improving Delhi-NCR's air quality and biodiversity. Omaxe will undertake plantation and sustained maintenance of native and medicinal species such as Peepal, Bael, and Imli, aligning the effort with its ESG goals and green development philosophy. The forest is expected to offer a lasting natural space for citizens, while enhancing the region's environmental resilience.Read more

Bengaluru-based real estate developer Assetz has acquired an 11.5-acre land parcel in East Bengaluru, located on the Old Madras Road (OMR)/Hoskote Highway. The company plans to develop a new luxury housing project with a gross development value (GDV) of INR 400 crore on the site. This project, which will be a joint development with Vanshee Builders and Developers, is part of Assetz's strategy to expand its portfolio in the city's key growth corridors.Read more

The Karnataka government has sought permission from the Union ministry of civil aviation to conduct drone surveys in 353 villages located near airports, defence zones, and other high-security areas. The initiative is part of the state's effort to complete the SVAMITVA scheme, which aims to generate ownership records for rural properties through drone mapping. With surveys already conducted in over twenty-three thousand villages and draft property cards prepared, the state awaits clearance to proceed with the remaining sensitive locations.Read more

The Greater Cochin Development Authority has commenced the land pooling process for the development of Infopark Phase III in Kochi. Spread across Kizhakkambalam and Kunnathunadu villages, the proposed IT township will cover approximately three hundred acres. The project is being developed using a land pooling model that offers landowners a majority return of their plots post-development, with the prospect of significantly increased land value. This phase comes in response to saturated demand at Infopark's existing phases and aims to attract large-scale investment while fostering modern urban infrastructure.Read more

In a major real estate deal, KRC Queens Pvt Ltd, a subsidiary of K Raheja Corp, has acquired a 7.43-acre land parcel in Mahalunge, Pune, for INR 195 crore. The land, purchased from Mahalunge Real Estate Developers Pvt Ltd, is designated for a new residential township project. This strategic acquisition highlights K Raheja Corp's growing presence in the Pune market and its commitment to developing large-scale residential projects to meet the city's increasing housing demand.Read more