Five ways to check a builder’s reputation

Monday, May 19, 2014

If you are planning to buy a property under construction, don't just go by the brochure claims. A lot depends on the builder's competence and resources. ET lists some checks before you finalize a project

1. Groundreport

You can conduct a quick Internet search by keying in the company name since customer forums, blogs, news reports, property sites, etc, typically have a lot of information. However, it is still a good idea to go in for field research. Talk to customers who bought units in old projects as well as local brokers. The current market price of the past projects in comparison to peers in the same locality is also an indicator of the builder's standing. You should check the credentials of the contractors associated with the project as well.

2. Trackrecord

It is safer to buy from an experienced builder with a good delivery record since he is likely to have a more professional approach, with systems and processes up and running. Besides, you can check his track record and find out how well the past projects have been executed. Remember, lack of transparency is a good enough reason to not buy. A reputed builder will also typically be a member of an industry association, such as the Confederation of Real Estate Developers Association of India (CREDA),or the Builder's Association of India (BAI). These are self-regulatory bodies that have strict norms for builders and any deviation may lead to the company being blacklisted by the association

3. Qualitycertificate

The International Organization for Standardization's 9001:2008 certification criteria for a quality management system is based on eight principles, including customer focus and satisfaction. Therefore, an ISO 9001:2008

audited and certified builder is expected to be more professional in his approach, and it is a good idea to check this before zeroing in on a housing project.

4. Realty ratings

Started in 2010, the CrisilBSE 1.29 % Real Estate Star Ratings (Crest) provide cityspecific assessment of real estate projects, and can help you compare and identify quality projects in a particular city. They also have a National Developer Ratings list, which rates a developer on parameters such as good track record of transfer of clean title, maintaining legal and construction standards, and timely project completion. However, the developer has to register with Crisil to be rated and not many projects are on its radar yet.

5. Financial stability

Is the company overleveraged? Get hold of the company's balance sheet, and if the business has too much debt or is unable to repay its loans, strike off the project. Some listed builders put up their financial details on

their websites. For others, you can contact the concerned Registrars of Companies (ROC) office. The Ministry of Corporate Affairs' website (Mca.gov.in/MCA21/) also has the details. Log on and register yourself to view all company documents under the 'view public documents' section. The site will ask for information like company CIN/FCRN, registration number,ROC details, which should be easily available with the company, or you can run a Google search. Also, check the cash flow statement (not income statement). Companies with strong cash flows are likely to complete the projects on time.

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New government: Home prices may not rise immediately

While the the stock markets, the corporate world and a large section of the country's citizens are celebrating the election verdict, 45-year-old Shailesh Singh, a Delhi-based executive, is a worried man. Singh has been hunting for an apartment in the National Capital Region (NCR) for the past six months but has not been able to zero in on one. Now he is afraid that in the euphoria generated by the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) decisive victory, real estate prices may start rising again, making his purchase more expensive.

Why prices won't move up Singh's worries might be premature. Realty experts are of the view that  while there might be some euphoria-driven rise in transactions and a  marginal rise in prices, this will dissipate soon. "It will take another 12-odd months before prices begin to rise within the sector. And that will  happen only if the new government has a successful first six months and its  initiatives put the economy on a higher growth path," says Anshul Jain, chief executive, DTZ India.

One reason why prices may not rise immediately is that they are already very high in most major metros. The economic slowdown has had an impact on salary revisions, and hence on urban buyers' purchasing power. "Economic activity has to pick up and purchasing power has to rise before we see more demand in the housing sector," says Anshuman Magazine, chairman and managing director, South Asia, CB Richard Ellis. High interest rates are another deterrent. "In
the near term, the new government can't down interest rates, especially with inflation reining high," adds Magazine.

Urgently needed reforms While the new government can't engineer a quick revival of the real estate  sector, it can take several steps that would have a salutary impact in the  medium to long term. One, it could expedite the process of granting approvals to real estate projects. "We expect the new government to be more efficient in granting approvals to real estate projects," says Lalit Kumar Jain, chairman, Confederation of Real Estate Developers' Association of  India (CREDAI). Developers complain that the authorities too should be made accountable for not granting timely approvals. But remember that since real estate is a state subject, the central government can at best create a model of best practices for offering quicker clearances and persuade state governments to adopt it.

The new government also needs to get the Real Estate Regulation and Development Bill passed. "By making developers more accountable, the Bill will revive trust in the sector. Low trust in developers' ability and intent to deliver a quality product on time is one reason why buyers are staying away," says Sanjay Sharma, managing director, Qubrex, a Gurgaon-based real estate consultancy. However, some of the harsher provisions of the draft  Bill need to be modified. Currently it says that if a developer doesn't comply with certain rules, he could be jailed. Experts feel that it would be more prudent to punish an economic offence with a penalty rather than treat it as a criminal offence.

 

The slowdown in sales has caused a severe cash crunch among developers, forcing them to borrow from non-banking financial companies (NBFCs), private equity players and private lenders at high rates, thereby making housing more expensive. "Fund flow to real estate from banks and housing finance institutions needs to improve," says Kumar. This will happen only if RBI relaxes the provisioning norms and caps applied to realty lending.

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Emaar MGF Capital Tower: Top 5 Commercial Office Spaces In Delhi NCR

Monday, April 28, 2014

Top 5 Commercial Office Spaces In Delhi NCR: Emaar MGF Capital Tower (EVC and MD Shravan Gupta Emaar MGF)

SIZE OF THE PROJECT : Emaar MGF (EVC and MD Shravan Gupta Emaar MGF) Capital Tower-1, a Grade-A commercial Tower Spread Over 3.60 Lakh sq ft area with G+12 floors

OFFICE UNIT COST: 3.75 Cr onwards

MODE OF PAYMENT: Construction Linked and Down Payment options

YEAR OF LAUNCH: July 2013

Emaar MGF Captal Towers (EVC and MD Shravan Gupta Emaar MGF), Downtown is located in the Central Business District of Gurgaon, on MG Road and at the border between Delhi and Gurgaon. The philosophy behind the identity of the Capital Towers at Downtown is to reflect the inherent characteristics of the millennim city of Gurgaon. The project is a unique mix of form. Function and style, Inspired the very best of architectural designs. The entire complex boats of international quality craftsmanship and maximum utilization of every square foot of space.

Ground floor is dedicated for Commercial Retail hosting businesses that attract custormer footfalls  (Like Banking & Insurance). Restaurants & cafes add to the convenience and charm of doing business at Capital Towers (Emaar MGF). Higher floors are offices which offer world-class plug & play technology support and state-of-the-art facilities that any blue-chip business would expect to find.

SPECIAL FEATURES (Emaar MGF Capital Tower)

·         Stralegically located at the gateway of Gurgaon.

·         Capital Towers is the first commercial development, when one arrives in Gurgaon from Delhi.

·         In close proximity to Guru Dronacharya Metro Station on the Mehrauli Gurgaon Road

·         Unique architectural design with the combination of glass curtain walls, stone cladding and metal finishes

OFFICE AMENITIES (Emaar MGF Capital Tower)

·         Large and efficient open space plans with centrally located core design

·         Modern high speed elevators.

·         Integrated green building standards with high performance glazing and Environmental control systems

·         Fully integrated fire/life safety with refuge areas and communication & control room

·         Integrated landscape

·         Design with formal entry drop-off are

·         100% fully automatic Power Back-up

“Emaar MGF Capital Towers will offer world-class offices which will be the best in quality, design, facilities and lifestyle experience, encompassing the attributes which Emaar MGF stands for. The project being constructed by Shapoorji Pallonji & Co Ltd is progressing well. MG Road enjoys occupancy levels in upward to 90% and there is a latent demand for this location which current developments are unable to service, both from a space and quality point of view.”

Ashish Jerath, VP Sales, Emaar MGF Land Ltd.

Related Search: Shravan Gupta

Emaar MGF

Shravan Gupta Emaar MGF

(EVC and MD Shravan Gupta Emaar MGF)

Emaar MGF News

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Modi would enjoy diplomatic immunity if he becomes PM: US report

Tuesday, April 1, 2014

A US congressional report says that visa ban on Narendra Modi will automatically be lifted if becomes the Prime Minister.

WASHINGTON: The nine-year US visa ban on Narendra Modi will automatically be lifted and he would enjoy diplomatic immunity if he becomes the prime minister, a Congressional report said on Monday.

"Modi is widely considered to be one of the front-runners as prime ministerial candidate of his Bharatiya Janata Party.

 

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If Narendra Modi were to become Prime 

Minister of India, he would automatically be eligible for an A-1 (diplomatic) visa as head of state, regardless of the purpose of his visit," the Congressional Research Service (CRS) said in its communication to US lawmakers.

In 2005, the US had denied visa to Modi in the wake of the 2002 Gujarat riots and has since not revoked its decision.

The seven-page report 'Visa Policy: the case of Narendra Modi' was prepared by the CRS — an independent and bipartisan wing of the US Congress — at the request of several lawmakers who have been opposed to a US visa to Modi.

The views and reports of the CRS are meant to keep the lawmakers informed and is non-binding either on the Congress or the US Government.

Led Congressmen Republican Joe Pitts and Democrat Keith Ellison lawmaker had asked a set of five questions on the prospects of US granting a visa to Modi if he is elected as the Prime Minister of India.

The lawmakers had asked 'What is the process for approval of a US visa if Modi were to apply for one?' and 'Were Modi elected Prime Minister of India, how would his ascension likely affect his prospects to receive a US visa? Would the US be required to grant him a diplomatic visa? How might the International Religious Freedom Act be interpreted should he apply for a visa?'

The report dated March 18 was made public on March 31. It also refers to the recent cases in which Modi was given a clean chit by the courts and investigative agencies.

In December 2010, a Special Investigative Team appointed by the Supreme Court of India had found "no substantial incriminating evidence" that chief minister Modi had let the rioters rampage against the Muslims in February 2002, it said.

"On the other hand, the Gujarat high court continues to criticize chief minister Modi for his 'inaction and negligence' during the violence," the report said.

The report said Modi as the Prime Minister would enjoy diplomatic immunity.

However, it is only US President Barack Obama who can exercise his authority to deny a visa to Modi as the Prime Minister of India if he deems that would be detrimental to the American interest.

In August 2011, Obama had issued a proclamation in this regard pertaining to foreign nationals involved in war crime or systematic violence systematic against civilian populations.

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Attractive residential destination: Emerald Hills, Palm Gardens and Palm Springs

Sunday, March 30, 2014

Emaar MGF is led by Shravan Gupta who is the Executive Vice Chairman as well as the Managing Director of Emaar MGF. It has been observed that under the guidance of Shravan Gupta, Emaar MGF has attained great heights in terms of prosperity and growth. The group has already delivered some iconic and award winning projects as well as ongoing projects that are focused on the provision of better living as well as providing a more luxurious lifestyle for the masses. In this regard, it is very important to note the current activities of the group related to its Gurgaon projects. The Emerald Hills, Palm Gardens and Palm Hills are few of the projects which are about to set a great example. 

 

With his expert & strategic skills, ShravanGupta, Emaar MGF has entered into projects that would ultimately benefit not just the State but the nation as whole and in this regard it has been seen that the development of any property has ultimately led towards the benefit of not just the affluent class but the middle and working classes as well. This is due to the fact that everyone belonging to every class is a stakeholder in the organization and this organization also provides various opportunities to individuals of different classes so that the society in general could take as much benefit from it as possible. 

 

Some of the projects in Gurgaon are aimed towards providing a luxurious living & lifestyle for the upper middle class, Emerald Hills is meant to attract individuals who want to live a healthy lifestyle which is surrounded by a safe and secure environment. A great thing about Emerald Hills is that it is located at a very beautiful area of the city and that it is bound to attract visitors from all sides of the State. The other projects such as Palm Gardens and Palm Hills are meant to attract those individuals who want to live near the economic and business centers of the city. 

 

It is also important to note here that Emaar MGF tends to provide some of the best quality architecture which can withstand almost any natural disaster such as earthquakes and floods. It has been the priority of the group to ensure that proper measures are to be taken so that the safety and protection of the inhabitants of the projects is accomplished in the best manner possible and for this reason the group has also heavily invested in its overall research and development phases which has ensured that the best infrastructure is provided to the people that is in accordance to the most recent scientific methodologies related to construction and buildings. 

 

All of this has now ensured that a better and safer environment is provided to the people so that they may enjoy the best benefits of life in the simplest of manner and also that they can look towards their future and feel content that they have invested in the right place which can give them the returns that can be beneficial for their children as well.

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Emaar MGF Commerce Park, a prestigious commercial and residential location

In recent times, Gurgaon is seen to have developed itself as a premier business destination especially at the center of its sector 61 which is at the Golf Course Extension Road. According to many analysts the Commerce Park situated in Gurgaon is widely regarded as being a very promising new property that could deliver in some of the best possible returns for every stakeholder. Here, it is important to mention the name of ShravanGupta, EVC & Managing Director, Emaar MGF who is leading the project with high ambitions. Mr. Shravan Gupta is known to do all he can so that this Commerce Park becomes successful and thereby improves the image of the whole city.

The Commerce Park is a conceptual development by Shravan Gupta of Emaar MGF offers exotic selection of the best possible facilities and this includes Gurgaon’s first ever indoor swimming pool which is temperature-controlled, amenities centers and sprawling squash courts, car parking comprising of multiple levels that can accommodate over a thousand vehicles, best possible security mechanism alongside video surveillance and close proximity to the main International airport of Delhi. 

 

CommercePark has a structure comprising of reinforced cement concrete frame having flat slab, column construction and waterproof RCC roof having inverted rigid insulation. It has high-speed traction elevators which are computerized and serve at all levels of the building, the building also has separate parking elevators alongside access control present at the main elevator lobby. The building is reliant on a centralized cooling system which is dependent upon energy efficient water cooled chillers that are properly equipped with BMS controls.

The building also has ducted ventilation systems as well as smoke extraction facility present at the basements. The building has automatic fire sprinklers which are properly integrated with the system of fire alarm at every area; this also includes centrally located main alarm system alongside its control panel. 

 

For the assistance related to telecommunication, the building of EmaarMGF has tag blocks present at every level which provides the services of some 3 to 4 telecom service providers. The building has double heighted expansive entrance lobby which has wood and stone veneer panels at its backdrop wall as well as stone flooring that has accent bands & steel inserts which is also equipped with concierge desk. 

 

All of these features make this commercial area an extremely lucrative place where a lot of business activity can be done in the best possible manner and this commerce park is also an example for the rest of its competitors who can learn from its success and then apply the same models to attain success.

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Emaar MGF's Imperial Gardens, appreciating in value

Emaar MGF Imperial Gardens is located in next Gurgaon.

It is one of the most attractive projects that are being offered by Mr. ShravanGupta who is the Executive Vice Chairman as well as the Managing Director of Emaar MGF. The main concept behind the Imperial Gardens is to offer some of the best living standards and luxurious, Mr. Shravan Gupta has taken a keen and personal interest in the Imperial Gardens project. The project is very well known for providing a greener and healthier environment which is much desired in present times of increasing pollution. 

 

Emaar MGF’s Imperial Gardens provide some of the best designed floor plans which are meant to maximize the usage of floor spacing that is provided for the tenants. The designers have taken a great note of everything that is related with comfortable living such as providing balconies outside the main kitchen area which can greatly serve individuals as they can have a refreshing cup of tea in the morning time. 

 

The in-house design of Emaar MGF’s Imperial Gardens have also prioritized the safety and security of their architecture and this is why they have built several safety mechanisms that should assist in terms of any emergency event such as fire emergencies, bomb threats and so on. The main aim here is to look after the safety and security of civilians. Besides this, a great deal of emphasis is given on the beautification of the project and for this purpose the developers have taken the services of some of the best designers in India. Their overall aim is to give a feeling of relaxation to the masses so that they can live their lives in a better and more efficient manner. 

 

The well designed infrastructure of Imperial Gardens possess a family room that has vitrified tiles along with acrylic emulsion, it has an entrance door with hardwood frames. The master bedroom has laminated wooden flooring, modular switches, plaster with acrylic emulsion, external doors and windows with aluminum frames and shutters and internal doors with hardwood frames alongside painted flush doors. The Kitchen has a combination of vitrified tiles alongside ceramic tiles, it has plaster with acrylic emulsion, granite counter top, chimney, modular switches and a single drain board sinks with CP fittings. The terraces and balconies have anti skid tiles and weather proof paint.

It is important to note here that all of the services provided by Imperial Gardens are up for grabs at exclusive rates that could be found nowhere.

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Gurgaon- Commercial and Residential hub of NCR: Emaar MGF News

The Gurgaon real estate market is growing at a steady rate be it in terms of Retail, Residential or Industrial space. Most of the absorption in Delhi NCR is likely to focus around Gurgaon and Noida, reason being the provision of much desired amenities in these areas. 

 

Reality players like DLF, Ansal API, EMAAR MGF, Assotech Realty, Microtek Infrastructures, Supertech, Amrapali, Gaursons India Ltd, etc, are coming up with new commercial projects in the NCR. Thus, private sector is revamping NCR’s environs, bringing in the much-needed impetus to the sector. According to realty experts, the impact of the subdued economic sentiment and the rising inflation rate on the realty market, and the attractiveness of a city’s business environment, can largely be gauged by evaluating the health of commercial realty in that city. 

The key factors that have fostered the rapid Realty growth as well as people’s interest to invest in residential apartments in Gurgaon include: 

 

CLEAN AND GREEN

The increasing pollution has deteriorated NCR’s environment to a great extent but still there are regions like Gurgaon in NCR where this has been kept well in consideration which is evident through the fact that large spaces are allocated especially for parks and gardens. This enhances the beauty of this area while keeping air clean and fresh.

 

CONNECTIVITY

In the hustle bustle of today’s busy life, easy connectivity from home to workplace and vice versa, as well as to other places becomes a necessity. And Gurgaon offers it all, you get less traffic, wider roads and most importantly the MNCs are located in close proximity. “Impact of improving infrastructure: New and forthcoming growth corridors along Gurgaon and Noida like Yamuna Expressway, Noida Expressway, and Dwarka-Gurgaon Expressway have recorded tremendous increase in commercial and residential activities in the past few months and will continue to drive the commercial market activity.” Says Shravan Gupta, Executive Vice Chairman and Managing Director of Emaar MGF.

 

SOCIAL INFRASTRUCTURE

The basic necessities including educational institutes, medical facilities, and entertainment hubs are abundant in Gurgaon and moreover Realty Developers are inclined towards providing all these to attract more and more people to invest in this location.

The quality of life that is accessible in Noida and Gurgaon is quite superior. Further, the new developments like Emerald Hills by Emaar MGF which is an exclusive gated, secure, impeccably planned development in Gurgaon where all the residents' needs are within easy walking distance. Apart from this, the lavish outdoor and indoor spaces, parks, sports facilities and shopping centres complete the living experience.

 

LUXURYHOMES

Gurgaon has an abundant supply of luxury homes, which keeps the elite class interested in this area. The standard apartments feature spacious living rooms with attached balconies overlooking communal gardens and amenity building, grand entrance lobbies, high speed elevators, elegant lift lobbies and much more which catches the attention of people longing for luxurious living in NCR.

According to, Mr. Ashish Jerath, Sales Head (North), Emaar MGF, “Emaar MGF by virtue of its lineage, leverages expertise in developing unparalleled luxury housing in India. The launch of Marbella marks the commitment of Emaar MGF to continuously develop properties with modern design concepts of international standards”

JOBOPPORTUNITIES

The fact that Gurgaon continues to be the first stop for MNCs, speaks volumes about the sub-city. It is heartening to see authorities to be in tune with the time and planning infrastructure for new areas as per changing needs. “Real estate in Noida and Gurgaon has picked up and continues at a substantial rate because people find jobs in close proximity” says Nitin Batra, owner of Nitin Associates, a local consultant.

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