The Maharashtra government's plan to redevelop 290 slum clusters along the coastline, potentially freeing up around 188 hectares of prime land, awaits approval from the central government under Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ)-2 regulations. The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) is considering the proposal pending a comprehensive environmental analysis. The redevelopment initiative, if approved, could transform Mumbai's urban landscape, offering opportunities for luxury housing projects. Although landward side slums can be redeveloped, challenges related to seaward-side slums remain till the MoEFCC approval.Read more

Despite a proposal from the revenue department introduced a year ago, the state government has yet to grant approval for the introduction of vertical property cards for flat owners, according to senior revenue officials. These proposed cards aim to contain crucial details like ownership information, carpet area, and bank loans, with the broader goal of mapping vertical urban and rural expansion. This initiative would serve to establish an independent record of rights and registrations for individual residential apartments, improving ownership documentation. Currently, there's no specific document proving ownership for flat owners in residential buildings, making this approval crucial to streamlining property transactions and reducing legal disputes in the real estate market.Read more

The Delhi government's revenue department has digitized various property records and integrated them into a central server, accessible through the Delhi Online Registration Information System (DORIS) portal. This enables the public to easily verify property status and ownership details, ensuring they are not disputed or prohibited. Sub-registrar offices categorize properties, simplifying property searches. Sub-registrars can swiftly authenticate property records, eliminating the need for time-consuming no-objection certificates. This initiative seeks to prevent fraudulent property transactions, reduce corruption, and streamline property registration in Delhi, marking a significant leap in transparency and efficiency.Read more

The Karnataka High Court has quashed an FIR and vacated Enforcement Directorate (ED) attachments worth about Rs 285 crore in a case involving the real estate firm Mantri Group. The ED had attached assets under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act after homebuyers filed an FIR against the Mantri group for diverting funds collected from homebuyers and not completing the projects. But the court ruled that a breach of contract or agreement does not fall under criminal law. The court stated that if the FIR is quashed, the ED attachment becomes invalid.Read more

The Bombay High Court has criticized the BMC for inaction and permitted a tenants association to seek permission for the reconstruction of a demolished building. Chandralok building on Aarey Road, Pahadi village, was constructed in 1965. It was dubbed a C-1 category dangerous building by the BMC in 2014. In July 2019, the 103 tenants vacated the building and it was demolished. The owner - who is also lessee of the land - failed to take steps for reconstruction or redevelopment or provide alternative accommodation. The HC noted the obligation of the BMC to act when there is no owner-led proposal and upheld tenants' statutory right to reconstruction.Read more

The Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority (YEIDA) plans to launch a new residential plot scheme in January-February 2024 following the success of a recent scheme. The new scheme will offer over 2,000 residential plots near the upcoming Noida International Airport. While the exact sectors for these plots are yet to be finalized, the move comes in response to strong demand for residential plots in the region. A recent draw for 1,184 plots saw a remarkable 1.4 lakh applicants, indicating a robust demand for affordable housing options. The land acquisition process is underway, and the scheme is expected to be launched early next year, supporting housing and infrastructure development in the area.Read more

The Ghaziabad Development Authority (GDA) has introduced an online platform to facilitate the sale of 1,629 units across various housing schemes, making property purchases more accessible. The units span a wide range, from affordable 1BHK and 2BHK apartments in Koyal Enclave and Indraprastha, to premium 2BHK, 3BHK, and 3BHK with a study in Madhuban Bapudham Pocket C. There are also 19 affordable MIG flats in Madhuban Bapudham Pocket B. Prices vary from Rs 10.8 lakh to Rs 69.4 lakh. Prospective buyers can reserve units by paying 10% of the flat’s cost online and can spread the remaining amount over 12 instalments within three years.Read more

In a pivotal ruling, the Bombay High Court reaffirmed the right of tenants in cessed buildings to receive 405 sq ft of carpet area for their rehabilitation flats. This decision came as a result of a writ petition filed by 59 residents of Mohamed Taibhai Chawl in Worli, contesting a developer's attempt to provide them with only 351 sq ft of carpet area under Section 33(7) of the Development Control and Promotion Regulations (DCPR) 2034. Armed with building plans obtained through the RTI Act, the residents argued for larger rehab flats, more parking space, and increased amenity open space.Read more

The High Court of Bombay at Goa has taken a decisive stance against illegal construction in ecologically sensitive No Development Zones (NDZ). In a case involving a four-storeyed hotel built near the seashore without any necessary permissions, the court has ordered the structure's immediate sealing. The judgment emphasises the need for strict enforcement of environmental regulations and highlights the alarming prevalence of such illegal constructions near shorelines. This resolute action serves as a warning to potential violators and underscores the importance of protecting the environment and upholding regulatory compliance.Read more

Almost 100 days after its launch, the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) has successfully sold nearly 2,300 flats. The housing scheme, which began on a 'first-come, first-served' basis in June, offered 5,600 flats in various configurations across Jasola, Rohini, Dwarka, Lok Nayak Puram, Narela, and Siraspur areas. 2BHK units in Dwarka, priced between Rs 1 crore and Rs 1.2 crore, were quickly snapped up. The surge in sales was attributed to measures like allowing the combination of two flats and physical property visits before purchase.Read more