Mumbai's office space demand surged to a six-year high in 2023, hitting 8.5 million square feet. Tech giants led the way by embracing smaller offices, surpassing expectations. Nationally, key Indian cities absorbed 61.6 million square feet, marking a 7% rise. Sustainability was key, with half of new constructions going green. Industries like BFSI, IT, and manufacturing drove demand, mainly in Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Chennai. Smaller deals dominated, making up 84% of transactions, and domestic firms led the way in shaping the evolving office scene in India.Read more

An agreement between the government and the Royal Western India Turf Club (RWITC) for a proposed theme park on the Mahalaxmi racecourse awaits approval from 75% of the club's 2,000+ members. An extraordinary general meeting in January will be decided, with CM Eknath Shinde and BMC chief I S Chahal explaining the plan. The racecourse spans 226 acres, with 70% under the state and 30% under BMC. The government assures racing activities' would be uninterrupted during the proposed development. Ongoing debates include the racecourse's transformation into a theme park, has drawn criticism from the opposition and walkers who deem it detrimental to the city's open space.Read more

In a recent case, the Santacruz police in Mumbai filed a fresh case of cheating against Ahuja Developers, their directors, and Chinese partners. Accused individuals, including Jagdish Ahuja, Gautam Ahuja, Chandras Kotian, Ashok Gacheria, and Chinese company officials from Jia Vei, Liyank Shaung, Ya Wang, Snehanjali SB Developers, and Hive Carbon Zero Developers Private Limited, are alleged to have cheated a flat buyer of Rs 1.33 crore. The complainant, Prashant Bhat, claimed discrepancies in the allotment process. This follows a previous arrest of Jagdish Ahuja in January for a Rs 27-crore cheating case, adding to the legal troubles faced by Ahuja Developers and their associates. The police are actively investigating to ensure justice for the affected parties.Read more

The Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation Limited (MMRCL) has taken a proactive step to protect water pipelines by designating a 50-meter radius around the Metro 3 project as an 'influence zone.' This measure aims to prevent potential damage to pipelines caused by unauthorized development and digging activities. Property owners, societies, and entities within this zone must obtain prior approval from MMRCL before initiating certain activities. This move follows incidents of unauthorized digging causing water pipeline leaks. MMRCL's proactive approach underscores a commitment to infrastructure protection and sustainable urban development in Mumbai.Read more

The Bombay High Court has criticized the Maharashtra Housing and Development Authority (MHADA) for hastily declaring several properties in Tardeo as dangerous without proper due process. The court's bench expressed disapproval of MHADA's reliance on visual inspections and emphasized that structurally sound buildings should not be prematurely deemed unsafe. The property owners filed petitions challenging MHADA's classification and proposed redevelopment under Section 79A of the MHADA Act. The court directed MHADA to inform all concerned parties about the structural conditions, allowing owners an opportunity to present their case. This highlights the importance of proper legal procedures in such matters.Read more

Vile Parle, situated in Mumbai's western suburbs, is a lively locality renowned for its cultural heritage and educational institutions like Mithibai College and NMIMS University. In November 2023, Vile Parle witnessed 27 apartment transactions across 22 buildings, with resale transactions dominating the market. Moss Adhira, Anand Bhuvan Apartment, Sumit Gurukrishna, Nutan Jeevan CHSL, and Hetali Shivam CHS each closed 2 deals. Irene Building recorded the most expensive transaction at Rs. 11 Crores for 1612 sq ft. The most affordable option was in Aangan Apartment at Rs. 49 Lakhs. The average rate per sq ft in Vile Parle ranged from Rs. 16,000 to Rs. 68,300, with a weighted average of Rs. 30,000. Over 50% of flats sold were in the 501-1000 sq ft range, and approximately 80% were priced between Rs. 1 Crore and Rs. 5 Crores.Read more

Mumbai's office space demand surged to a six-year high in 2023, hitting 8.5 million square feet. Tech giants led the way by embracing smaller offices, surpassing expectations. Nationally, key Indian cities absorbed 61.6 million square feet, marking a 7% rise. Sustainability was key, with half of new constructions going green. Industries like BFSI, IT, and manufacturing drove demand, mainly in Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Chennai. Smaller deals dominated, making up 84% of transactions, and domestic firms led the way in shaping the evolving office scene in India.Read more

MICL Group has introduced a new chapter in urban living with its upcoming project in Pali Hill, Bandra West. This exclusive development, marked by meticulous attention to detail, signifies luxury as a lifestyle. Man Infraconstruction Ltd, a significant player in real estate, plans to redevelop the Virgo Co-operative Housing Society Limited property. MICL holds a substantial 34% stake in this venture and anticipates an impressive revenue of Rs. 500 Crores from this landmark 50,000 sq. ft. venture. Positioned in the heart of Bandra West, it offers limited residential units, emphasizing a unique living experience.Read more

The state government has expanded Aarey Milk Colony's 'green zone' by 132 hectares, providing the entire 445-hectare area with the highest environmental protection. This landmark decision, three years in the making, secures Aarey's position as one of Mumbai's last green lungs. The move addresses concerns of potential commercial exploitation, emphasizing a commitment to preserving the city's diminishing green spaces and marking a significant victory for environmental advocates.Read more

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has taken decisive action against air pollution in Mumbai by issuing stop-work notices to 859 construction sites in the last two months. Two construction firms in the Grant Road area were fined Rs 2 lakh each for violating pollution control norms, and 603 sites received show-cause notices during this period. The BMC's stringent measures come in response to the deteriorating Air Quality Index (AQI) in Mumbai, prompting the issuance of guidelines on October 25 to mitigate air pollution, with a focus on using sprinklers and fogging machines at construction sites to suppress dust.Read more

After a 20-year legal battle, Doreen Fernandes, a widow living in Santacruz, has secured victory in her dispute against Chhagan Bhujbal and his family over her rightful share following the sale of her ancestral bungalow. The Bhujbals, accused of land grabbing, settled by agreeing to pay Rs.8.41 crore as a final resolution. Doreen, the sole caregiver to her three autistic sons, gained public attention through activist Anjali Damania's expose. The financial settlement brings relief to Doreen and she plans to invest it wisely and establish a trust for her sons' future. She has expressed gratitude towards Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis for their intervention.Read more

In a significant development, the Gautam Adani-led joint venture for transforming Mumbai's Dharavi, one of Asia's largest slums, has enlisted a team of global experts. The team, including renowned architect Hafeez Contractor and international firms like Sasaki and Buro Happold, faces challenges amid public scrutiny and protests. This ambitious $619 million project, backed by Maharashtra government, seeks to revitalize the densely populated area, lacking basic amenities like clean water and toilets. The initiative promises not just physical reconstruction but a socio-economic upliftment, marking a pivotal moment in urban renewal and community development.Read more

The Malabar Hill micro-market in Mumbai has experienced a 10% appreciation in premium housing, reaching an average weighted carpet area price of Rs.1.01 lakh per sq ft in Q3 2023-24, according to a study by Liases Foras. This growth is attributed to ongoing infrastructure developments in South Mumbai, including the Cuffe Parade to Seepz underground Aqua Metro Line and the Coastal Road project. Sales increased from 17 units in Q3 2019 to 52 in Q3 2023, with decreased unsold inventory and a rise in new housing supply, marking a positive shift in market dynamics. The average price per sq ft surpassed Rs.1 lakh for the first time in five years.Read more

Bollywood actor John Abraham has made a significant real estate acquisition with the purchase of a prestigious bungalow on Linking Road, Khar, Mumbai, for a whopping amount of Rs 75 crore. The property, named 372 Nirmal Bhavan, was previously owned by Pravin Nathalal Shah and his family. The transaction, officially signed on December 27, amounted to Rs 70.8 crore, with an additional Rs 4.25 crore paid as stamp duty. The prime location on Linking Road is known for high commercial property rates, making it a strategic investment for Abraham. The move aligns with the trend of Bollywood celebrities actively engaging in Mumbai's real estate market.Read more

MICL Group has introduced a new chapter in urban living with its upcoming project in Pali Hill, Bandra West. This exclusive development, marked by meticulous attention to detail, signifies luxury as a lifestyle. Man Infraconstruction Ltd, a significant player in real estate, plans to redevelop the Virgo Co-operative Housing Society Limited property. MICL holds a substantial 34% stake in this venture and anticipates an impressive revenue of Rs. 500 Crores from this landmark 50,000 sq. ft. venture. Positioned in the heart of Bandra West, it offers limited residential units, emphasizing a unique living experience.Read more

Mumbai's Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA) conducted its first online lottery for the Master List scheme, granting larger homes to 265 tenants residing in transit homes, as part of a redevelopment initiative. The scheme addresses housing needs for those displaced due to dilapidation or road widening projects, with lottery winners receiving residences that are 100 square feet larger than initially allocated. This marks a significant step in addressing housing challenges in Mumbai, while ensuring transparency in distribution and fulfilling the aspirations of residents awaiting their own homes.Read more

The BMC's online property tax bills, issued with an apparent hike, led to confusion and concerns among citizens. A footnote in the bills referred to invalidated rules and ad hoc issuance, sparking questions. Municipal Commissioner Chahal clarified the online terms emphasizing no tax increase this year. He further said that they would generate actual property tax bills, mentioning only the payable amount. The BMC is navigating challenges in property tax regulations after a Supreme Court Order. Former corporator Asif Zakaria raised queries on the apparent increase, emphasizing the importance of clear communication and legal consistency in municipal tax processes.Read more

Bollywood icon Amitabh Bachchan has leased four commercial units totalling 10,800 sq. ft. in Mumbai's Oshiwara area to Warner Music India Limited for an annual rent of Rs 2.07 crore. The five-year lease, beginning March 2024, will get Bachchan a revenue totalling over Rs 11 crore for the entire tenure. Bachchan had purchased these units in August 2023 for a total of Rs 29 crore. Bollywood stars, including Kartik Aryan, Manoj Bajpayee and Ajay Devgn, investing in commercial spaces for higher rental yields reflects a growing trend. Commercial properties offer 6-10% gross yields, outperforming residential real estate, making them attractive investments for high-net-worth individuals like Bollywood celebrities.Read more

The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has been assigned 1,387 hectares of prime coastal land for development in Malad, Mumbai. The decision, made in a meeting chaired by Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde and DCM Devendra Fadnavis, aims to capitalize on the area's commercial potential with connectivity through Metro 2A and the proposed Coastal road. The Development Plan 2034 had initially earmarked the land for affordable housing, open spaces, IT, and tourism. However, activists and residents express concerns about environmental impact, advocating for preserving the coastal area's natural beauty.Read more

Kansai Nerolac Paints recently approved a sale of a land parcel in Lower Parel, Mumbai, along with its building, to Aethon Developers, a subsidiary of Runwal Developers, for Rs 726 crore. This decision aligns with the company's aim to monetize idle land parcels, turning them into valuable assets through strategic partnerships. Despite robust financial performance, with a 57.79% growth in net consolidated profit for Q2 FY24, the move reflects a broader industry trend of companies unlocking the value of unused real estate assets to enhance liquidity and reinvest in core operations or growth opportunities.Read more