India's debt markets are undergoing a notable evolution as companies with repayment defaults manage to attract investors and raise funds. Mumbai-based Damji Shamji Realty, rated as 'D' after defaulting on HDFC Bank's loan, successfully raised Rs 95 crore from the private placement bond market. This rare instance of a rated, secured, and listed bond by a D-rated company indicates a shift in the perception of junk bonds. The move, facilitated by ASK Real Estate Special Opportunities Fund IV, highlights the potential development of the bond market in India and offers distressed companies an avenue for fundraising, emphasizing the role of cash flow stability over traditional credit ratings.Read more

India is currently making impactful developments towards infrastructure, spurred by the government's dedication to align with the country's expanding economy. Mumbai, the financial capital, is one of the focal points of this surge, undergoing significant projects like the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link, Dombivli-Mankoli Bridge, Navi Mumbai International Airport and the Coastal Road. These endeavours not only aim to enhance connectivity and reduce travel times but also have a profound impact on Mumbai's real estate market, solidifying its position as a premier residential and commercial destination in India.Read more

Sachin Tendulkar's sports management company, SRT Sports Management, led by the cricket legend and his wife Anjali, has leased two apartments on Mount Mary Road in Mumbai's Bandra suburb. The lease, registered on December 7, involves monthly rentals of Rs 10.83 lakh for both 3,358 sq ft apartments located on the fifth floor of Raheja Bay. The exact lease tenure remains undisclosed. The company secured the deal directly from the developer Ferani Developers. SRT Sports Management is involved in managing the iconic cricketer's social and commercial engagements.Read more

Bollywood celebrities, known for their influence in fashion and film, mde substantial real estate acquisitions in 2023, showcasing a blend of luxury and financial acumen. Kartik Aaryan purchased a Mumbai apartment for Rs. 17.50 crore in Juhu. Sonakshi Sinha secured a Bandra apartment for Rs 11 crore, and Preity Zinta acquired a Pali Hill residence for Rs 17.01 crore. Samantha Ruth Prabhu invested in a sea-facing Mumbai apartment worth Rs 15 crore, and Ananya Panday celebrated her first home purchase, designed by Gauri Khan. Film producer Dinesh Vijan acquires a duplex in Pali Hill for an impressive Rs 103 crore. These acquisitions signify Bollywood's foray into upscale living and real estate prominence in 2023.Read more

Welspun One, a major in industrial real estate, is set to invest Rs 700 crore in building a 1.2 million sq. ft. industrial and logistics hub within the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) Special Economic Zone (SEZ) near Mumbai. This strategic partnership with JNPA aims to create futuristic infrastructure leveraging their respective strengths. The project is financed through debt and equity. Welspun One is near JNPA Port, which handles 35% share of India's container cargo. The initiative reflects Welspun One's commitment to transforming India's trade landscape and socio-economic development, marking the second deployment from its Rs 2,000-crore Fund 2.Read more

Suraj Estates, a prominent Mumbai Metropolitan Region developer focused on premium areas in South-Central Mumbai like Prabhadevi and Parel, conducted a successful Initial Public Offering (IPO) of Rs. 400 crores. The IPO was oversubscribed by 15.65 times. The company, with an impressive portfolio of over 10 lakh square feet in residential and commercial developments, aims to use the proceeds to reduce debt, acquire land, and for general corporate purposes. Analysts cite the company's impressive portfolio of over 10 lakh square feet in residential and commercial developments and its consistent growth, with FY23 profits rising 20.98% YoY and revenue rising 12% to Rs 306 crore, as the reason behind the enthusiasm in the market.Read more

Alder Residency, a Kalpataru Group subsidiary, has secured Rs 525 crore in debt facilities from global alternative investment firm PAG, facilitated by Asia Pragati Strategic Investment Fund. The funds, provided in two tranches as non-convertible debentures with an 18.75% internal rate of return, are earmarked to complete the construction of 10 residential towers in Mumbai suburbs under the Kalpataru Vivant project, estimated at Rs 750-800 crore. This financial injection underscores PAG's confidence in the Kalpataru Group's real estate ventures and aims to fortify the completion of the Kalpataru Vivant project.Read more

The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has submitted a proposal to the state government, seeking permission to develop a sprawling 323.44 square kilometres of land in Raigad district. The proposed development, under the New Town Development Authority (NTDA), mirrors the successful model of Bandra Kurla Complex. The initiative aims to meet rising demand post the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL) and Navi Mumbai International Airport, generating revenue amid diminishing land in BKC. The involvement of NTDA marks a strategic expansion, offering new opportunities and income for MMRDA's infrastructure projects.Read more

The Supreme Court has brought relief to investors in Mumbai's Palais Royale skyscraper, upholding the 2019 public auction sale by Indiabulls Housing under the Sarfaesi Act. Pune's Honest Shelters secured the property for Rs 705 crore, ending a decade-long saga of uncertainty initiated by Shree Ram Urban Infrastructure's default on Rs 900 crore loans. The Palais Royale Members' Association, representing buyers, faced a tumultuous journey. The Supreme Court clarified NCLT's inability to scrutinize Sarfaesi Act auctions, endorsing High Court and MahaRERA orders. Of the 164 apartments, 76 are booked, with the rest available. Honest Shelters aims for March 2024 handovers, addressing compliance concerns with over Rs 580 crore in additional expenses.Read more

The Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA) has taken action to revamp 17 police colonies in Mumbai, addressing long-standing complaints about the deteriorating condition of service quarters for low-ranking police personnel. Following discussions between the housing and state home departments, MHADA is set to appoint a project management consultant for the redevelopment. Once completed, 4,725 upgraded flats, offering more space than current tenements, will be allocated to police personnel. The move aims to address the persisting issue of neglected housing for constables and head constables.Read more

The recent e-auction by the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) secured an impressive Rs 426 crore for leasing 14 plots, totalling 42 hectares, in the JNPA Special Economic Zone (SEZ). Notable industries like Welspun One and Fine Organics secured plots, marking a significant milestone in the region's socio-economic development. The JNPA SEZ, part of the Sagarmala national flagship policy, aims to enhance exports, attract investments, and generate employment. With a transparent leasing process, 31 units have been allotted SEZ plots, covering 59 hectares, fostering industrial development with strategic connectivity through water, road, rail, and air.Read more

The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) is embarking on a slum redevelopment initiative in Ramabai Ambedkar Nagar, a 75-acre slum near Ghatkopar’s Eastern Express Highway. Collaborating with the Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA), MMRDA aims for a mutually beneficial project, potentially acquiring slum land without freeway extension costs. According to the proposed plans, MMRDA will rehouse 16,575 slum dwellers and secure 5,000 tenements for project-affected persons (PAPs) from various projects. The project is estimated to generate Rs 1,073 crore, potentially alleviating MMRDA's financial strain amidst substantial infrastructure investments.Read more

Mumbai police's Economic Offences Wing (EOW) has arrested developer Jayesh Tanna in connection with a housing fraud case involving 28 home buyers and Rs 40 crore. This marks Tanna's third arrest in housing fraud cases, as part of the ten FIRs he faces. The latest case involves the Goregaon Pearl Cooperative Housing Society, where Tanna allegedly diverted funds, failed to deliver promised flats, and left the project incomplete. Previous allegations include selling the same property to multiple buyers. Mumbai police's actions reflect a commitment to addressing malpractices and safeguarding homebuyers' interests.Read more

DLF Group is set to re-enter Mumbai's property market with a project in Andheri West which is part of a Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) initiative. The project is being developed in partnership with Trident Group. The first phase of this project encompasses 1 million sq ft, with DLF injecting Rs 400 crore as equity. DLF holds 51% of the special purpose vehicle and aims to launch before June 2024. This Andheri West project serves as a pilot and will influence DLF’s future Mumbai strategies. DLF's return follows strong financials, reporting a 29% YoY rise in Q2 net profit and targeting Rs 13,000 crore in sale bookings for the fiscal year.Read more

Toronto-Dominion (TD) Bank has set a new record in Mumbai’s real estate market, renewing its lease at Maker Maxity in Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC) at Rs 604 per sq ft per month. This rate surpasses previous highs set by LinkedIn and Bank of China in India's most expensive office district. The deal for the 1,600-sq-ft space highlights BKC's status as a prime corporate hub, even as global trends show weaker demand. This lease renewal by the Canadian banking giant underscores the sustained appeal and strategic significance of BKC in Mumbai's growing commercial landscape.Read more

Kandivali West in Mumbai is a lively neighbourhood blending homes and businesses. It offers a mix of apartments and houses, making it attractive for families and professionals. November saw a rise in home transactions with 92 sales, reflecting the festive season buzz. Sangam Emporio Towers and Skylon Suburbia led with 5 deals each. Prices ranged from Rs. 11,000 to Rs. 30,000 per square foot. Most flats sold this month were below 500 square feet. With 95 percent of sales below Rs. 2 crores, it's clear that Kandivali West is an affordable choice, ideal for first-time buyers or those looking to upgrade.Read more

Mumbai police arrested Niraj Vaid, director of Srinath Builders, in connection with a cheating case where a complainant paid nearly Rs 3.3 crore for a Ghatkopar flat, facing delays in possession. Vaid has around 10 cases related to cheating and forgery, and this arrest follows a similar incident in 2020. The complainant alleged Srinath Builders failed to complete the project on time, leading to the cheating case. Vaid and his wife faced accusations of accepting bookings but selling flats to third parties in earlier cases. This highlights recurring legal issues, emphasizing the need for regulatory compliance and transparency in real estate projects.Read more

The recently constructed concrete road in Aarey Colony, Mumbai, has developed cracks at various locations, raising concerns about the quality of construction. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation's (BMC) Road department officials have acknowledged the issue and assured residents that necessary repairs will be carried out. The construction project involved the concretization of Aarey Colony's main road from Goregaon Junction to the L & T junction of Powai. The project, initiated in 2022 and expected to be completed by 2025 with a budget of Rs. 51 crore, has a 10-year defect liability period.Read more