The Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), which includes Greater Mumbai, has seen a 5% annual growth in residential property prices in 2024, with a weighted average price of INR 8,277 per sq. ft., according to a recent Knight Frank India report. Central and South Mumbai led this growth with price appreciations of 8% and 7%, respectively. While properties priced above INR 50 lakh accounted for a significant portion of transactions, a notable shift was observed towards the INR 1 crore to INR 2 crore segment. The city's residential sales in the INR 20 crore to INR 50 crore category grew by 143%, reflecting robust demand for premium housing. This growth was bolstered by transformative infrastructure projects like the Mumbai Coastal Road and Metro Lines, enhancing connectivity and boosting market confidence.Read more

Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde announced that Mumbai's Metro Line 3, connecting Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC) to Worli, will commence operations within 100 days. Reviewed by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, the INR 14,120 crore Aqua Line project spans 10 stations, enhancing connectivity between Mumbai's business district and suburbs. Expected to serve 1.3 million daily commuters, this development aligns with broader transport improvements, including the pod taxi system in BKC. Fadnavis emphasized operational acceleration, targeting 50 km of metro lines annually from next year. These initiatives aim to reduce congestion, support economic growth, and transform Mumbai into a global financial hub.Read more

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has taken possession of the land in Grant Road East, where the New Roshan Talkies once stood, as part of its investigation into the assets of the late Iqbal Mirchi, an alleged narcotics trafficker. The cinema hall, which had been demolished, was attached by the ED in October 2020, along with several other properties and bank funds, as part of a money laundering probe. Recently, the ED acted to secure physical possession of the site after reports of illegal encroachment efforts. The agency is also investigating the potential antique value of old film reels and whether the building had heritage status.Read more

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has lifted the construction ban in Byculla and Borivali (East) following an improvement in the areas' Air Quality Index (AQI). Initially imposed in December due to AQI levels exceeding 200, the restrictions were aimed at reducing pollution from construction activities. BMC Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani emphasized the importance of dust control measures, warning that projects contributing to air pollution will face renewed bans and penalties. As Mumbai continues its urban development, the BMC's balanced approach highlights the importance of sustainable construction practices to safeguard residents' health while supporting the city's growth.Read more

The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) is exploring an alternative alignment for the Metro 9 corridor between Bhayandar and Uttan to save approximately INR 500 crore. The current plan involves a route passing through three villages, necessitating extensive land acquisition and rehabilitation. The alternative route, primarily through salt pan and marshy lands, would affect fewer families, reduce station numbers, and significantly cut costs. While most construction work for the corridor is nearing completion, partial operations from Dahisar to Kashi Gaon are expected to begin soon after obtaining safety certifications.Read more

Earlier this week, the Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) allotted 343 tenements to the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) to resettle families displaced by the INR 18,838-crore Thane-Borivali twin tunnel project. While the allotment paves the way for the project to proceed, displaced families are unhappy about being moved from Borivali East. They have demanded in-situ rehabilitation or construction of additional housing to accommodate all 650 affected families. The 11.84-km long tunnel, expected to reduce travel time between Thane and the western suburbs, is set for completion by mid-2028.Read more

Vriti Gothi

Property registrations in Mumbai's city municipal area showed a modest increase in December, reaching 12,415 units, compared to 12,285 in the same period the previous year. Residential properties accounted for 80% of the total registrations. The total number of property registrations in 2024 stood at over 141,000 units, marking a rise from the previous year's 126,937. Shishir Baijal, Chairman and MD of Knight Frank India, emphasized the resilience of Mumbai's property market, highlighting strong demand, particularly for premium homes, and its importance as a long-term investment and economic driver.Read more

The Bombay High Court has temporarily halted the distribution of 80 transit apartments in MHADA's Bombay Dyeing Mill redevelopment project, providing relief to over 35 former mill workers. The workers alleged irregularities, including "double allotments," and claimed only six of the 11 buildings on the site were allocated to them, violating Development Control Regulations. The petitioners demanded all 240 apartments in the current construction be reserved for workers, citing a lengthy waiting list. This case underscores the ongoing housing struggles of Mumbai's mill workers, who have sought accommodations since the mills' closure. The court will review the matter in February 2025 to ensure compliance with housing regulations.Read more

The promoter group of Metro Brands has expanded its luxury real estate investments, acquiring three sea-view apartments in Mumbai's iconic Palais Royale tower for over INR 243 crore. Located on the 61st and 62nd floors, the apartments span over 23,000 square feet and rank among India's most expensive, priced at INR 1.05-1.07 lakh per square foot. This follows a recent family purchase of two units in the same tower for INR 162 crore. Funded by their September sale of a stake in Metro Brands for INR 749.7 crore, the transactions underscore the enduring demand for Mumbai's ultra-luxury real estate among affluent buyers.Read more

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) collected over INR 5,847 crore in property taxes by December 2024, achieving 62% of its INR 6,200 crore target for the fiscal year 2024-25. This marks a 21% increase compared to the previous year's collection of INR 4,800 crore by the same period. Improved digital payment systems, streamlined arrears management, and enhanced communication with property owners contributed to this success. With over INR 433 crore collected in just the last two days of 2024, the BMC's efficient strategies underscore its strong financial performance and its ability to exceed targets, boosting Mumbai's civic infrastructure funding.Read more

The Maharashtra Housing and Development Authority (MHADA)'s Mumbai Board is set to start the construction of over 35,000 homes as part of the state government's 100-day initiative. The projects include the rehabilitation of 27,000 slums in Sanjay Gandhi National Park, the redevelopment of Abhyudaya Nagar, and the rebuilding of 25 buildings for Sindhi refugees in GTB Nagar. Groundbreaking ceremonies for these projects will take place soon, and construction is expected to commence over the next two months. The projects will add significant housing space and provide an additional 63,000 sq m for future housing units.Read more

Following BMC's stop-work orders at 45 construction sites in Borivali East and Byculla, the R-Central ward issued similar notices to 66 additional sites, including Metro 3. The TMC served show-cause notices to 39 sites for non-compliance with dust pollution controls, while the Panvel Municipal Corporation warned 164 builders for pollution violations. Bhushan Gagrani, BMC's commissioner, ordered ongoing restrictions in Byculla until air quality improves. Authorities enforced stringent measures, including dust suppression, air quality monitoring, and environmental management plans. Gagrani inspected multiple sites to assess compliance, while TMC fined 151 non-complying sites and warned 39 for complete violations.Read more

Vibha Shanghvi, part of Sun Pharmaceuticals' promoter group, has purchased two luxury apartments in Mumbai's Worli for INR 130 crore. Located in the under-construction Naman Xana tower, the properties span 6,458 and 5,813 sq. ft., priced at INR 65 crore each, with rates exceeding INR 1 lakh per sq. ft. The high-profile acquisition reflects Mumbai's thriving luxury real estate market, driven by strong demand and high-net-worth buyers. Recent similar transactions, including one by Barnsley Football Club's owner, highlight the growing appeal of upscale properties in South Mumbai. Analysts anticipate continued momentum in the city's premium real estate segment.Read more

A case has been registered against SK Realty (formerly Om Developers) for allegedly failing to transfer six flats in a redeveloped Tardeo building to MHADA, valued at INR 3.62 crore, as required under a redevelopment agreement. Instead, the flats were reportedly sold to private buyers, breaching the terms that granted the firm additional Floor Space Index (FSI). MHADA's deputy engineer, Anil Thakare, filed a complaint after repeated demands for the flats were ignored. The Nagpada police have charged the firm's directors with criminal breach of trust and cheating, with the case now under the Economic Offences Wing for further investigation.Read more