Strata, a commercial real estate investment platform, has been granted a license by the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) for its small and medium real estate investment trust (SM REIT), named Strata SM REIT. The platform plans to launch up to six SM REIT schemes in FY26 and aims to gradually expand to one scheme every month. Introduced by SEBI in March 2024, SM REITs allow for smaller investments in commercial real estate projects with a minimum asset value of INR 50 crore, as opposed to INR 500 crore for traditional REITs. Strata Capital will manage the investment, with Axis Trustee serving as the trustee. Strata currently manages assets worth over INR 2,000 crore and is backed by several institutional investors.Read more

The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) sealed 949 properties in the east zone, recovering INR 53.44 lakh in unpaid property taxes. Targeting high-defaulter areas like Haridarshan Estate and Palm Arcade, the operation underscores AMC's aggressive stance on tax evasion. Officials warned defaulters of further penalties, including service disconnections and police complaints, if dues remain unpaid. This initiative is crucial for AMC's financial health, ensuring funds for infrastructure and services. Recent road expansion in Vastral, which saw the demolition of three commercial establishments, highlights AMC's dual focus on urban development and fiscal responsibility. Property owners are urged to comply to avoid severe repercussions.Read more

The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has sealed 830 non-residential properties across eight city zones for outstanding property tax dues, with the East Zone leading at 231 closures. Led by Special Commissioner (Revenue) Munish Moudgil, the initiative emphasizes swift enforcement, including property attachment and potential auctions. Over 180 properties were sealed in just 24 hours, signaling intensified efforts from January 1 to 9, 2025. BBMP aims to boost compliance through these actions and better communication with property owners, emphasizing the importance of timely tax payments to fund essential city services. This crackdown underscores a growing focus on sustainable urban governance.Read more

JSW Cement, part of the diversified JSW Group led by Sajjan Jindal, has received approval from SEBI to raise INR 4,000 crore through an initial public offering (IPO). The offering includes a fresh issue of equity shares worth INR 2,000 crore and an Offer-for-Sale (OFS) of INR 2,000 crore. Several investors, including AP Asia Opportunistic Holdings and State Bank of India, will divest shares as part of the OFS. The company plans to use the IPO proceeds to finance its new cement unit in Rajasthan and pay down existing debt. It aims to increase its capacity significantly in the coming years.Read more

Bengaluru's real estate market has witnessed a 5-20% rise in housing prices, with eastern areas leading the surge. Despite escalating costs in central neighborhoods like Indiranagar and Koramangala, affordable options under INR 1 crore are available in peripheral areas. North Bengaluru, fueled by developments like the airport and Manyata Tech Park, offers 3BHK apartments in Devanahalli and Hebbal priced between INR 4,600 and INR 13,000 per sq ft. Similarly, areas like Whitefield, Sarjapur Road, and Kanakapura Road provide budget-friendly units in smaller gated communities. Upcoming infrastructure projects, including the Namma Metro, are set to enhance connectivity, making these locations increasingly attractive for homebuyers.Read more

ICICI Bank has leased 1.29 lakh sq ft of commercial space in Turbhe, Navi Mumbai, from Arihant Superstructures for an annual rent of nearly INR 9 crore. The lease, spread across four floors, includes a tenure of nine years with a 14% rental escalation every three years. Recently, HDFC Bank had also leased 4 lakh sq ft across eight floors in Airoli West's Mindspace Business Parks for over INR 320 crore over ten years. Navi Mumbai's evolving infrastructure, such as the Navi Mumbai International Airport, Atal Setu and metro projects, continues to boost its prominence as a hub for industries like banking and IT.Read more

Karnataka witnessed a significant decline in property registrations in late 2024, attributed to the implementation of the e-khata system and a mid-December transfer of sub-registrars. In December 2024, only 1.5 lakh documents were registered-the lowest monthly tally of the financial year-causing a revenue shortfall of INR 1,971 crore against a target of INR 18,388 crore. Despite the slowdown, there was a 17% increase in revenue compared to 2023. Officials are optimistic that transparency measures and a potential second hike in property guidance values will fuel long-term growth and help meet the state's annual revenue target.Read more

Raj Chodankar, founder of RRP Electronics, has purchased a luxury apartment in Mumbai's Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC) for INR 34 crore. The 3,132 sq. ft. apartment in Signia Pearl tower marks a significant family investment in Mumbai's premium real estate market. This transaction aligns with the city's trend of rising high-value property deals, driven by affluent buyers and resilient market growth. Simultaneously, RRP Electronics is investing over INR 5,000 crore in a semiconductor manufacturing plant in Maharashtra, reflecting its role in advancing India's tech sector. The purchase underscores the synergy between Mumbai's luxury real estate and economic innovation.Read more

Casagrand Premier Builder, based in Chennai, has received final approval from the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) to raise INR 1,100 crore through an initial public offering (IPO). The IPO will comprise a fresh issue of up to INR 1,000 crore and an offer for sale of up to INR 100 crore by promoter shareholders. Proceeds from the fresh issue will be used to repay certain borrowings and for general corporate purposes. The IPO's lead managers are JM Financial and Motilal Oswal Investment Advisors, while KFin Technologies is the registrar.Read more

The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) has intensified its efforts to enforce property tax compliance and cleanliness regulations. This week, the AMC sealed 825 properties in the eastern part of the city, recovering INR 47.72 lakh in overdue taxes. Simultaneously, the solid waste management department inspected 432 units in the south zone, issuing 150 notices, sealing 17 units, and imposing fines totaling INR 1.14 lakh for littering violations. Similar actions in the north zone resulted in fines of INR 75,000. These measures reflect AMC's commitment to ensuring civic compliance and maintaining cleanliness, with stricter inspections and penalties anticipated in the future to uphold city standards.Read more