What are REITS?

The Real estate investment trusts (REITs) are entities owning, financing, and operating real estate assets held in the manner of a mutual fund. Under this, investors pool money to buy income-generating real estate assets. REITs are presently allowed to invest only in commercial properties. These entities should have a minimum of Rs 500 crore assets while investing 80 percent of investor money in finished and revenue-generating projects. Around 90 percent of income is distributed amongst investors through dividends, while the remaining is reinvested in under-construction real estate projects.

REITs Vs Physical Real Estate

Investment required:

What is better?

Both commercial real estate investments and REITs have their own pros and cons. You may consider REITs for their decent returns, comparative safety, steady income, and the opportunity to diversify your portfolio with a lower investment amount.

On the other hand, REITs are newer in the market and are traded on stock exchanges. This means risks of value fluctuations and market dynamics. Additionally, the returns are lower than direct investments, while you do not have any control over the returns or performance, unlike direct investment. REITs do offer higher liquidity and easier exits than what you can expect with direct investment in commercial real estate. Keep an eye out for higher service charges for REIT investments as well.

Commercial properties will give you higher returns and more control, although you will have to contend with direct responsibilities and liabilities. You will also get no tax benefits on your purchase while paying a significantly higher entry amount. Of course, you will benefit more from capital appreciation in the future. It is better to take professional advice before investing.

If so, you should invest in commercial real estate after assessing the risks involved. Or do you want to invest a small amount in diversifying your portfolio and REITs units that give you a steady income and higher liquidity? It all depends on your preferences.

Thus, there could be multiple facets to both the types of investments. One must comprehend their final aim for making the investment and decide which is a better option. The starting point of the decision could start from the amount you are willing to invest.

Moreover, an investment in real estate is in itself a substantial financial decision, and it would be a good idea to consult a real estate or an investment expert before going ahead.

Contrary to a sterile cubicle, a smart office helps to clear roadblocks for employees by removing menial tasks and unnecessary obstacles that drain time and energy. Smart office solutions focus on what matters the most.

The office setting has changed drastically over the years. With office equipment and tools getting smarter every day, the conventional workplace is witnessing a radical transformation in terms of technological advancements.

Beacons, sensors, and mobile apps help employees perform routine jobs efficiently. This way, they also have sufficient time and energy to meet the growing requirements of the business.

What is more, a technology-enabled office helps improve communication within the organisation and provide better cost control options.

How to create a smart office?

Consider climate control

While it is difficult to please the employees who may prefer different climatic conditions, smart technologies have indeed made things easier than before. The employers can now have climate control in their office, thereby saving on expenses and energy. Intelligent climate control systems detect usage patterns and moderate the temperature accordingly. You can invest in smart thermostats that are controlled with web browsers or mobile apps. These might not be inexpensive but will repay the investment manifold over the years.

Install smart lights

Similar to climate control, smart lighting, too, offers an array of benefits at the workplace. Numerous studies have suggested that using LEDs helps improve productivity and reduce costs. Moreover, it also has a positive impact on the overall mood of the employees. You can take the things a notch high in a commercial backdrop with biodynamic lighting. Also known as human-centric lighting, such lighting works on the basis of the body’s natural circadian rhythms and can be controlled remotely. Nanoleaf Canvas is also a good option to consider while looking for a modern, sleek wall-based lighting option.

Kalyan, a city in the Thane district of Maharashtra, India, is rapidly transforming into a smart city. With a population of over 1.2 million, Kalyan faces several challenges like traffic congestion, inadequate public transport, and waste management issues. However, the city’s administration is making strides towards transforming Kalyan into a smart city.

Integrated Command and Control Centre (ICCC)

One of the key initiatives taken by the Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation (KDMC) is the implementation of the Integrated Command and Control Centre (ICCC). The ICCC is a state-of-the-art facility that integrates various city systems like traffic management, surveillance, and emergency response into a single platform. This helps in real-time monitoring and management of city operations, making Kalyan a safer and more efficient city.

Smart Waste Management System

Another significant initiative taken by the KDMC is the implementation of a smart waste management system. The city generates a significant amount of waste every day, and the conventional waste management system is inefficient and outdated. The smart waste management system is based on the Internet of Things (IoT) technology, and it uses sensors to monitor waste levels in the bins. This helps in optimizing the waste collection routes, reducing the number of garbage trucks on the roads, and minimizing the carbon footprint.

Intelligent Traffic Management System (ITMS)

The KDMC has also introduced an Intelligent Traffic Management System (ITMS) to tackle the growing traffic congestion in the city. The ITMS is a combination of various technologies like CCTV cameras, vehicle detection sensors, and dynamic message signs. This helps in monitoring the traffic flow in real-time, identifying congested areas, and providing alternate routes to the drivers.

Metro Rail Project and Bus Rapid Transit System (BRTS)

Kalyan is also home to several smart infrastructure projects like the Kalyan Metro Rail Project and the Kalyan-Dombivli Bus Rapid Transit System (BRTS). The Kalyan Metro Rail Project is expected to reduce the travel time between Kalyan and Mumbai, which is currently one of the most congested routes in the city. The Kalyan-Dombivli BRTS is a high-speed public transport system that is expected to provide a reliable and efficient transport option to the citizens of Kalyan.

Conclusion

Kalyan is well on its way to becoming a smart city. The city’s administration has taken several initiatives to improve the quality of life for its citizens. The implementation of the ICCC, smart waste management system, and ITMS is expected to make the city safer, cleaner, and more efficient. The smart infrastructure projects like the Kalyan Metro Rail Project and the Kalyan-Dombivli BRTS are expected to provide a reliable and efficient transport option to the citizens of Kalyan.

The Covid-19 pandemic has compelled home-buyers to re-evaluate their priorities and how they want their space with people spending more time at home and a definite shift in end-user preference, many home buyers are looking for properties with amenities like club house with recreational activities, swimming pools, gardens and gyms while some are looking for bigger accommodations.

The stay-at-home factor has made people appreciate and realize the value of owning a house rather than living on rent. Also the new normal of owning an office space at home has also surged the demand for buying own properties among middle-income and upper-middle-income groups.

Nevertheless, when it comes to purchasing a home in Kalyan and Ambernath, should prospective buyers opt for ready-to-move-in apartments or houses that are under construction?

Let’s take a look at some of the key factors of both these segments, that can further help home-buyers in making the right decision based on their preferences

1. Price and Payment Structure:

One of the key reasons behind home buyers opting for under construction properties in Kalyan and Ambernath is the availability of a convenient payment option.

Since the apartment is under construction, buyer will have the choice to make payments via construction linked plans (the payment will be proportional to the construction progress of the project). This provides buyers with the flexibility to arrange their finances accordingly.

However with ready to move in homes, home buyers are required to pay the entire amount during their purchase although this does save them from the burden of paying rent, had they been staying in another rented accommodation in the case of an under construction booking.

Also If all other factors such as location, area, property type are the same, a ready-to-move apartment typically costs more than an under-construction one.

Prospective home buyers don’t have to pay the entire amount at the time of booking TCJ Realty’s Arya, an under construction project in Godrej Hill, Kalyan West offering 1 BHK Apartments. The buyers will only be required to pay the amount proportionate to the construction progress of Arya.

2. Availability and Certainty:

One of the prime advantages of a ready to move in apartment in Kalyan and Ambernath is there’s no waiting period. The buyer just has to make the payment, go through with the documentation and just move in.

Buyers who bought 2 BHK and 3 BHK apartments in King’s Court, one of the best ready to move in projects in Kalyan West, immediately got the possession of their booked apartment after completing their documentation and payment formalities.

Regarding the under construction flats, there’s uncertainty on whether the home buyer will get the apartment on time, along with other things being provided as promised. Owing to the increasing cases of delays pertaining to construction timelines by developers due to reasons such as funding crunch, rise in cost of construction materials and increase in lending rates, many buyers believe that purchasing an under construction apartment is too risky.

The money paid by the homebuyer at the time of booking, stamp duty and registration charges, down payment, and other levies are at risk if the developer is unable to finish the project within the proposed timelines. As per May 2022 report by one of the India’s leading real estate consultant, construction work of nearly 4.8 lakh homes worth 4.5 lakh crores were stuck or significantly delayed across 7 major cities in India.

If you’re an NRI planning to buy a property in Kalyan, there couldn’t have been a better time. Considering the recent past, buying a property in Kalyan has become more lucrative with favourable currency rates.

Purchase of residential apartments in Kalyan by non-residents are governed by Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) and which is administered by Reserve bank of India (RBI).

NRIs or non-resident Indians, are aware of this fact and prefer investing their stronger foreign currency savings into the booming Indian real estate industry. NRIs world-over would also like to own an apartment or home in India for a sense of nostalgia and connect as well.

But before NRI’s go ahead with their final decision, let’s figure out some important factors they must consider while buying the right property in Kalyan.

1. What type of property can an NRI buy?

NRIs are permitted to purchase both residential and commercial property in Kalyan, but not agricultural land, farmhouses, or plantation estates. However, if an NRI wishes to purchase agricultural land in Kalyan, the Reserve Bank of India must grant authorization. Aside from that, an NRI may purchase as many properties in Kalyan as he or she likes.

If an NRI is unable to travel to India to purchase Under Construction Projects In Kalyan, someone with legal power of attorney must do it on his or her behalf.

2. Taxation and Benefits

There are tax implications to acquiring property in Kalyan. To understand these better, it is important to identify whether the seller is a resident or a non-resident as per the Income Tax Act. An NRI who purchases an immovable property in India must deduct TDS which is calculated based on the residential status of the person selling the property and the nature of capital gains.

If an NRI purchases immovable property in India from a resident, he must deduct TDS at 1% if the sale consideration exceeds Rs 50 lakh. If the NRI purchases a property from a non-resident, and if long-term capital gains are applicable, then TDS should be deducted at 20%.

Excited, nervous and stressed. These are all emotions you might feel when you’re buying a home and it’s totally normal. Buying a property is one of the biggest achievements in life. Something you must’ve been dreaming about for years or decades maybe! There are different reasons to buy a house, one may want to buy a house because they’re living in a rented apartment, or their current house is small and they want to upgrade to a bigger space. Or maybe they are seeking out a second home as an investment for future gains like rent, resale, etc. The above reasons  strongly influences the shortlisting process.

But before you go ahead with your final decision, let’s figure out some important factors you must consider while buying the right property in Kalyan.

1. Home Buyer’s Budget

It’s important to have a fixed budget in your mind when you start your house hunting process for a 2 BHK apartment in Kalyan. This will further help you narrow down your options from various different projects in Kalyan having a 2 BHK configuration.

To arrive at the maximum budget you should set, you must calculate your other expenses and liabilities like car loans, education loans, monthly outgoings, unseen financial requirements etc.

Evaluating your financial liabilities gives a clear picture about your loan eligibility and the EMI you can afford to pay.

You can get a banker involved for the above purpose. Various developers also have their bank partners who can assist the homebuyers in the home loan eligibility process.

For example, most of the residents of TCJ Realty’s past projects in Kalyan had taken financial assistance from the company’s banker partners such as Axis Bank, HDFC Bank, Kotak Bank etc.

2. Location of The Property

The condition and price of any house can be changed. You can also change the size of the house. One thing you cannot change is the location of the house.

Location is a crucial thing to consider when buying a 2 BHK apartment in Kalyan. If the apartment is located in a good area, your property will be more in demand and may seek a higher selling price. The same property located in the undeveloped area will not have nearly the same appeal and will not generate nearly as much demand.

The location creates desirability, desirability creates demand, and demand raises real estate prices. The location of your home determines many things: quality of life, school choices, commute time, and social interaction.

TCJ Realty’s projects i.e. King’s Court and Ira, which have 2 BHK Apartments are situated in Godrej Hill in Khadakpada, one of the premium areas in Kalyan (W)

3. Developer’s Track Record

Evaluate the developer`s past projects as well as other under-construction projects being developed by him. Examine the completed/ongoing project`s RERA details. Look into the complaints section and check if any previous home buyer has filed any case against the developer.

Consult with a few brokers. However, do your own research because brokers may be motivated to market-specific projects and may try to direct you towards them. If you`re buying under construction projects In Kalyan, check the buildings that have already been completed by the same builder presuming that it`s the minimum he`ll deliver here.

You can inquire of the previous building`s residents about whether the project was completed on time, or whether the developers handed the building over to the society in an affable manner.

Prospective Buyers considering King’s Court, Arya and Ira in Khadakpada, Kalyan (W) can preview TCJ Realty’s past projects like Queen’s Court and Shreenathji Tower in Kalyan (W), Shree Krishna Estate and Shree Krishna Heights in Badlapur (W) to inspect the quality of the developer’s work. Also there have been 0 complaints against TCJ Realty by a customer on RERA or any other relevant authority.

Basic Infrastructure and Amenities

Even a lavish, fully furnished house cannot give you comfort if there is a scarcity of water and frequent power cuts in the locality.

This can be extremely annoying especially if you choose to live in an independent home because you won’t get any power back up and inverters cannot take up load for long hours. Thus, one of the first things you must check is the water and power supply in the area.

TCJ Realty’s projects in Kalyan are located in premium areas such as Khadakpada, Godrej Hill where one can comfortably get access to 24/7 electricity and water supply.

2 BHK apartments in Kalyan are preferable if you want all modern amenities such as gym, garden, play area, or joggers park all under one roof.

TCJ Realty’s recently developed project, King’s Court in Khadakpada, Kalyan has all the modern amenities like Club house, Gymnasium, Multi-Purpose Court, Children’s Playground, Jogging Track, Rainwater Harvesting etc.

In India, A municipal corporation is a type of local government that administers urban areas with a population of more than one million. The growing population and urbanization of various Indian cities highlighted the need for a type of local governing body that could provide services such as healthcare, education, housing and transport by collecting property taxes and administering grants from the state government.

Municipal Corporations play a huge role in the city’s development. Kalyan Dombivli Municipal Corporation (KDMC) is one such example.

Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation is the governing body of the city of Kalyan-Dombivli, located in the Thane district of the Indian state of Maharashtra.

Kalyan-Dombivli is also considered one of the fastest developing cities in India

Better Firefighting Facilities

KDMC, in order to improve it’s firefighting services in its twin cities, is planning to acquire a 70m hydraulic platform fire tender for high rises, three water bowser fire tender with a capacity of 10,000 litre water in the upcoming financial year 2022-23.

KDMC understand that with the increasing population and high rises, there is a need to have better fire-fighting facilities in the city.

There are currently 5 fire stations under the Jurisdiction of KDMC. KDMC is planning to add 2-3 fire stations in the city.

Flood Sensors

Considering the heavy floods in different parts of the twin cities of Kalyan-Dombivli during the previous monsoons, the Kalyan Dombivli Municipal Corporation (KDMC), this year, has installed flood sensors at ten-prone locations for flooding.

With the help of these flood sensors, an alert will be sent to the KDMC control room, allowing the civic body’s disaster management team to take appropriate action and relocate people living in such areas.

KDMC residents had experienced major flooding in various parts of the city between 2019 and 2021, necessitating the installation of a warning system. These sensors will work quickly and provide timely alerts. Previously, ward-level officers would monitor such flood-prone areas and notify residents. These sensors will work before flooding and send an alert based on the water level.

The sensors will continue to monitor the river’s water level. As the water level rises, a regular alert will be sent to the smart city control room. The smart display board will also show water level information. Information will be disseminated via loudspeaker announcements at 28 different locations.

Residents of TCJ Realty living in King’s Court, Queen’s Court, Arya and Ira and other projects in Godrej Hill, Kalyan won’t have to worry about their personal safety in times of heavy floods or fire in their surroundings.

Citizens First

Looking at complaints of citizens living in slum and densely populated areas which have narrow lanes where Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation was unable to send garbage collection vehicles for such places, the KDMC, on instructions of KDMC Chief Dr Vijay Suryawanshi bought 25 rickshaw cycles which could easily enter such places to collect garbage.

Looking at the great response of citizens, who were seen happily finding garbage collection vehicles at their doorstep in slum and other densely populated area, the corporation decided to buy many such cycles and e-rickshaws to collect garbage for other such area.

Current residents and future customers of TCJ Realty will have access to a citizen friendly municipal corporation which will address their grievances and enhance their quality of lives.

1. Kalyan – India’s Smart CIty

Kalyan has been shortlisted as one of the 100 cities in India to be developed as a SMART City under the SMART Cities Mission. Kalyan comes under the jurisdiction of KDMC (Kalyan Dombivali Municipal Corporation) which has involved the citizens by seeking their valuable inputs and active participation, hereby understanding their likes and dislikes about the city in the preparation of the smart city vision. The Smart City plan includes 20 projects, three of which have been executed to date: automated solid waste management, a 10-metric-ton bio-methanation plant in Umbarde and trash bins for segregation at the house level.

Most of the ongoing and upcoming projects by TCJ Realty such as Arya & Ira and King’s Court of The Residences Project are situated in Godrej Hill, Khadakpada in the heart of Kalyan city.

2. Mumbai Metro – Line 5

The 24.9 km-long Thane-Bhiwandi-Kalyan Metro- 5 corridor, which will have 15 stations and connect Thane to Bhiwandi and Kalyan in the eastern suburbs include Balkum Naka in Thane (West), Kasheli, Kalher, Purna, Anjur Phata, Dhamankar Naka, Bhiwandi, Gopal Nagar, Temghar, Rajnouli, Gove gaon, Kon gaon, Lal Chowki, Kalyan Railway Station and Kalyan APMC.

With a metro stations being close to your house, not only will it save time to and from work, but also provide a smoother commute experience

TCJ Realty’s Shreenathji, King’s Court, Arya and Ira are just a 10 minute drive from Lal Upcoming Lal Chowki Station.

3. Kalyan Ring Road

A 26-km ring road in Kalyan, proposed by MMRDA, would connect Dombivli west to the Titwala village. This ambitious project would significantly reduce traffic congestion and travel distance. With the completion of the ring road, it would be feasible to travel from Kalyan to Titwala in just about 15 minutes.

4. Revamp Plan of Kalyan Station

Kalyan Station, the third busiest railway junction in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region and  is an important junction on the Central Railway line and serves as a terminal for outstation trains. The Central Railway has started the Kalyan remodelling to ensure that long-distance trains terminate at Kalyan and don’t enter Mumbai precincts. The Railways have begun work on the remodelling of Kalyan station to accommodate more local trains as well as Terminus for long distance trains which will result in faster movements of trains. The project will also involve the installation of route relay interlocking (RRI) at Kalyan station, which is critical for signaling system management.

Railway Connectivity is a very important factor for prospective home buyers who want a hassle free work life balance, by saving up on travel time.

TCJ Realty’s ongoing projects, King’s Court and Arya & Ira which offer 1,2 and 3 BHK Ready to move in apartments is just a 10 minute drive from the Kalyan Station.