Author name: dreamspersqftmagazine

Since the outbreak of COVID-19, there’s been a noticeable shift towards plotted layouts and low-density housing (think Rowhouses, Villas, Bungalows, and the like). This shift isn’t just a whisper in the wind; it’s booming, with a staggering rise of 400% in plotting project launches in 2023 over 2019. WHAT’S DRIVING THIS SURGE? A FEW FACTORS STAND OUT: Work from Home (WFH): The pandemic ushered us into the remote work era. Many now crave living closer to nature, away from the hustle and bustle, in cozy independent houses. Plus, living on the outskirts offers a sweeter deal with its substantially lower cost of living compared to the city’s heart. Health and Wellness: Our collective health and wellness radar has gone off the charts! Spacious homes with easy access to the great outdoors, gardens, and parks are now more than just a luxury; they’re a necessity. The entry of big names like K Raheja, Godrej Properties, Supreme Universal, Lodha, and others into this realm signals that this trend isn’t just a passing phase but a solid move towards a more serene and holistic living environment. What do you think about this shift? Is it a temporary adjustment, or are we looking at the future of residential living? The author is a partner at Vasupujya Corporation, a Real Estate development firm based in Pune. He is a civil engineer from IIT Bombay and is also engaged in the Real Estate Data Analytics wing at CREDAI Pune Metro. RAHUL AJMERA PARTNER, VASUPUJYA CORPORATION [email protected]  

In the bustling heart of Pune lies a hidden gem, a majestic testament to the city’s rich history and architectural prowess – Nana Wada. Standing proudly beside the iconic Shaniwar Wada, this 18th-century mansion whispers tales of a bygone era, where the Maratha Empire reigned supreme, and Nana Phadnavis, its esteemed statesman, shaped the destiny of the land. Constructed in the year 1780, Nana Wada stands as a behemoth, spanning an impressive 20,000 square feet, a testament to the grandeur of its time. Crafted meticulously from sagwan wood, also known as teak, the mansion boasts an unparalleled display of craftsmanship, reflecting the glory of the Peshwe era. Every corner of Nana Wada exudes opulence, from its intricately designed railings to its timber ceiling adorned with carved motifs. Graceful arches and pillars, shaped like cypress trees, stand tall, bearing witness to the architectural marvels of yesteryears. Central to Nana Wada’s narrative is the towering figure of Nana Phadnavis, a luminary whose legacy continues to illuminate the annals of history. Through the reign of four successive Maratha rulers, Nana Phadnavis emerged as a beacon of leadership, steering the empire towards unprecedented prosperity and power. As centuries passed, Nana Wada evolved, mirroring the changing landscape of Pune. In 1907, the Deccan Education Society breathed new life into a portion of the mansion, establishing the New English School within its hallowed halls. This infusion of educational zeal not only expanded opportunities but also introduced a fusion of architectural styles, blending traditional Peshwa aesthetics with the British Gothic Revival influence. A new building added to accommodate the school further enriched Nana Wada’s visual appeal, creating a captivating juxtaposition of two distinct architectural eras. Despite the march of time, the original features of Nana Wada remain remarkably intact, serving as poignant reminders of its illustrious past. Today, the mansion continues to play a pivotal role in Pune’s cultural landscape, housing a municipal school and serving as the municipal office for old records. Its storied halls resonate with the echoes of history, offering a glimpse into the splendor of the Maratha era.

In India, many people consider land as one of the safest investment options. Although the initial capital size is high, it gives high returns in the long run. Over the past few decades there haven’t been any volatile changes in the land price. Raw Land – In India, many consider land as one of the safest investment options. Although the initial capital size is high, it gives higher returns in the long run. Over the past few decades, there haven’t been any volatile changes in the land price. House flipping – House flipping is the process of purchasing an income-generating asset, increasing its value and reselling for a higher price. It is a short-term strategy that is used in property investing to gain quick profits. People with good knowledge of landscaping and design can get into the business of flipping houses. Vacation homes – Vacation homes can be fantastic investments as homeowners could earn income by renting out a house or even just a room on a short-term basis, especially if the property is in an area that’s a well-known tourist destination. Vacation homes are highly in demand in India. Co-living spaces & student housing – Co-living is a concept where users, usually not from a single family, share a living space. The residents of a co-living space generally have similar interests, intentions & values. In recent years, there has been an increase in companies offering organized co-living spaces in metropolitan cities. Commercial Properties – For commercial property investment, the investor can look at office spaces, retail buildings or warehouses. Commercial Real Estate succeeds as an investment by producing rental income from a tenant or multiple tenants. This rental income becomes cash flow or revenue for the equity owner of the property. Rental income – The majority of residential property financial gains come in the form of basic rent. You could purchase a property & rent out any room or apartment to tenants. The tenants pay a fixed amount per month, going up with inflation & acting as rental income. A property rented in the CBD or near educational institutions always fetches a good rental income. Fractional Ownership – Fractional ownership is a new concept booming in the Indian market. Several small investors pool in money to buy a valued commercial or residential property. The rents generated from the property are split among the investors based on the shares of investment in the property. Dr.Adv.Harshul Savla (MRICS) is a principal Partner of M Realty (Suvidha Lifespaces) which has successfully completed more than 1.2 million sq.ft. in the last 30 years across Mumbai city under the able leadership of Mr.Pramesh Rambhiya.

Mrs.Sulaksshana.L.Kshirsaagar, a former banker turned astrologer, has carved her niche in the mystical world of astrology with her adept understanding of Jyotish- Vidya. Despite a modest upbringing and academic achievements in finance, her fascination with the stars led her to pursue astrology in 2000 under the guidance of Dr. D.G. Sawant. After honing her skills as an apprentice, Mrs.Kshirsaagar ventured into solo practice in 2003, offering free consultations initially. As her clientele grew, she began charging for her services, attracting serious seekers who valued her insightful predictions and remedies. Today, Mrs.Kshirsaagar is renowned for her expertise in Patrika readings, Vastu consultations, and gemstone recommendations. With over 1,20,000 Janmakundalis and 600+ Vastu projects PAN India under her belt, her clientele spans across India and beyond, with gemstones reaching as far as Dubai, Australia, the US, and the UK. Mrs.Kshirsaagar believes in providing holistic solutions to life’s challenges, blending predictions, prescriptions, and gemstone therapy. Her daily predictions and gemstone expertise are lauded by clients seeking harmony and growth in their lives. A pillar of support in her journey is her husband, an engineer, and her children who acknowledge the positive impact of her work. Despite challenges Mrs.Kshirsaagar remains dedicated to helping others find peace and success through her astrological guidance. Pro-tips from the expert :  1. Opt for a square or rectangular house shape without cuts for better energy flow. 2. Position the main door facing West, North-East, North, North-South, or North-West for positive energy. 3. Avoid placing washrooms facing northeast or east to prevent vastu-dosh. 4. North-facing doors can enhance financial situations, while east-facing doors elevate social reputation. 5. Avoid placing a door in the Southwest direction to prevent potential heart and household problems. 6. It is possible to address vastu-doshas without demolishing walls through strategic adjustment. In her own words, Mrs.Kshirsaagar advises everyone, including business leaders, to work hard, stay positive, and consider consulting the occult when faced with life’s enigmatic challenges. Her tagline in Marathi, ‘प्रत्येक घरासाठी घरातील प्रत्येकासाठी’ translates to ‘for each home and each one in the home’ inEnglish, encapsulating her mission to bring celestial wisdom to all. In essence, Mrs. Sulaksshana .L.kshirsaagar’s journey exemplifies the transformative power of belief, dedication, and the cosmic wisdom of astrology in shaping destinies

DLRC, the DriveChange Learning and Resource Centre, stands as a beacon of progressive education nestled in the serene surroundings of Sus Gaon, Pune. Situated amidst the verdant embrace of a mango farm, its reclaimed wooden structures harmonize seamlessly with nature’s bounty. Here, lush student-created gardens coexist with a tree grove boasting majestic Anjeer, Neem, and Passion Fruit trees. Reused bottle plant pots, vibrant murals, and a bustling design lab add to the tapestry of this unique learning ecosystem, framed by rolling Western Ghat hills. My journey with DLRC began as a student, where for two transformative years, I explored and grew within its nurturing embrace. As an alumnus, facilitator, and integral member of the community, DLRC has been my home—a place where visionary founders, Ajay Dalmia, Mona Dalmia, and Pavan Iyengar, have sowed the seeds of a radical educational paradigm. From its humble beginnings in 2015, DLRC has burgeoned into a vibrant space, eschewing traditional hierarchies for a collaborative model. Here, facilitators—guides on the journey of co-learning—nurture a culture of curiosity and resilience. Mistakes are not frowned upon but embraced as opportunities for growth, supported by a network of parents, students, and co-founders united in their passion for holistic education. Ajay, Mona, and Pavan infuse DLRC’s ethos with their distinct visions. Ajay champions self-sustainability and reverence for labor, integrating these values into the curriculum. Mona advocates for ecological literacy, fostering a deep connection with our environment. Pavan, believing in the proverbial village, fosters outreach and a spirit of scientific inquiry. In just a year, DLRC outgrew its initial confines, blossoming into a hub of learning for a diverse cohort of students. The transition to a mango farm in 2017 marked a pivotal moment, symbolizing the community’s commitment to growth and sustainability. Today, with over 300 students and a 1:12 facilitator to student ratio, DLRC remains inclusive, welcoming learners from varied backgrounds and abilities. Central to DLRC’s mission is the concept of “Campus as a Learning Activity” (CALA), leveraging every facet of its environment to facilitate learning. From “Farm to Table” initiatives to composting toilets and aquaponics systems, sustainability is woven into the fabric of daily life. Kishore Ji and his team, artisans from Jodhpur, embody this spirit, infusing their craftsmanship into every structure. At DLRC, learning transcends the classroom, permeating everyday life. Integrated learning approaches, environmental literacy programs, and a celebration of cultural diversity underscore the commitment to holistic education. Here, students, parents, and facilitators form a dynamic learning triangle, fostering an environment of equity and democracy. DLRC is more than a school; it is a testament to the transformative power of education rooted in equity, justice, and diversity. As we carry the lessons learned beyond its gates, we become not just learners but active citizens shaping a brighter future for all.

Tiger Shroff’s Pune Property Deal As reported by IndexTap.com, Bollywood star Tiger Shroff acquired a property in Pune’s Panchshil Yoopune project for ₹7.5 crore On March 5, 2024. Immediately, he leased the 4248 sq ft space to Cherise India Pvt Ltd for ₹3.5 lakh per month. The agreement spans five years with a deposit of ₹14 lakh. Stamp duty of ₹52.5 lakh was paid to ASN Properties Private Limited. The lease includes a 5% annual rent escalation clause. This strategic move showcases Shroff’s shrewd investment acumen, securing a steady income stream while capitalizing on the burgeoning real estate market in Pune.   Shakti Mohan’s Bandra Move Renowned choreographer Shakti Mohan finalized a significant real estate deal, transitioning from the western suburbs to the vibrant locality of Bandra. The transaction, registered on October 6, saw Shakti acquiring a lavish flat on the 5th floor of Celestial Towers. With a total consideration of Rs 5.3 crore, Shakti deducted 1% TDS before paying the remainder, aided by a Rs 2 crore bank loan. Stamp duty amounting to Rs 31.8 lakh was also settled. This spacious apartment, boasting a usable carpet area of 1019 sq ft, includes the added convenience of two car parks within the building premises.   Anubhav Sinha Acquires Luxury Apartments in Andheri West Renowned filmmaker Anubhav Sinha has expanded his property portfolio by acquiring two apartments in the affluent locality of Andheri West, Mumbai. Each apartment boasts a spacious carpet area of 847 sq. ft., with a substantial agreement value of Rs. 5,37,50,000 per unit. Sinha finalized the purchase on 6th March 2023, further solidifying his investment in the bustling real estate market of the city. This move underscores Sinha’s keen interest in real estate ventures, positioning him as a discerning investor in the ever-evolving landscape of Mumbai’s property sector.

Tips for women homebuyers – In the realm of real estate, women are increasingly making their mark as independent homeowners. To ensure a seamless home-buying experience, here are some valuable tips tailored specifically for women: Explore Women-Specific Home Loan Products: Consider opting for home loan products designed exclusively for women. These may offer benefits such as lower interest rates, extended repayment tenures, and flexible options. Some banks even provide a 0.05% reduction in interest rates for women, making the dream of owning a home more financially accessible. Know Your Entitlements: As a woman, you are entitled to various benefits, including lower home loan interest rates and reduced government stamp duty. Being aware of these entitlements can significantly impact the overall cost of your home purchase. Leverage Higher Loan Eligibility: Many financial institutions provide higher loan eligibility to women, allowing them to borrow a larger sum for property acquisition. Some banks offer up to 90% of the property value as a loan to women homebuyers, coupled with potentially lower interest rates. Choose the Right Property: Prioritize safety when selecting a property, especially if you plan to live alone. Ensure the building or locality has a minimum 70% occupancy rate and robust security measures. Additionally, consider the property’s potential for appreciation in value over the coming years as it is not just a home but also a future investment. Government Initiatives: Explore government initiatives such as the Housing for All by 2020, which encourages women to be co- owners or sole owners of affordable houses. This initiative extends benefits like interest subsidies for first-time home buyers with an annual household income below Rs 6 lakh. Tax Considerations for Rental Income: If you and your partner have jointly purchased the house, rental income is taxed separately. However, if the wife is a homemaker and has not contributed monetarily to the purchase, the rental income is combined with the husband’s income, subject to regular taxes. Partner with a Real Estate consultancy or agent: Enlist the assistance of an experienced real estate agent specializing in working with homebuyers. A knowledgeable agent can guide you through the intricate process, provide valuable insights, and advocate for your interests during negotiations. In essence, navigating the journey of buying a home as a woman involves leveraging specific advantages, staying informed about entitlements, and making well-informed choices. By following these tips, women can embark on their homeownership journey with confidence and empowerment.

Ajinkya Chaudhary – BNI Member Company Name: Hishobnis Services Private Limited Expertise: Virtual CFO Services Accomplishment: Onboarded more than 8 clients in the month of March for internal audit and CFO services Mob.: +91 95612 72064 Email: [email protected] / www.hishobnis.com   Ar. Laxman Thite – AESA Member Company Name: Laxman Thite AOP, Laxman Thite Consultants Pvt. Ltd. Expertise: Urbanistic, humanistic and optimistic Design Development Accomplishment: Participated in various architectural competitions, Recipient of awards & accolades, ongoing project of BDD Chawls redevelopment at Lower Parel, Mumbai. Mob.: +91 84088 80894 Email: [email protected]   Chandresh Vithalani – NAR Member Company Name: Palladian Partners Advisory Pvt. Ltd. Expertise: Broker-centric mindset, enabling comprehensive market insights and seamless investor experiences Accomplishment: Winner of the Iconic Real Estate Company of the Year at The Times Real  Estate Conclave 2022-24 Mob.: +91 90040 99999 Email: [email protected]   Dr. Anshul Gujarathi- AESA Member Company Name: Eco Solutions Expertise: Sustainability, Green Certification and Built Environment Accomplishment: 2022-23 International Recognition- Runner-up for ‘Woman In Sustainability’ from *World Green Building Council Asia Pacific Network Mob.: +91 98500 55791 Website: www.eco-solutions.in   Er. Pramod Khairnar Patil- CREDAI Member Company Name: Marathwada Constructions Pvt Ltd Expertise: Residential, Affordable Housing, Plotting & Layouts Accomplishment: Became state president of the prestigious Organization – CREDAI Maharashtra Mob.: +91 77220 65254 Email: [email protected]   Er. Sanjay Vaichal – AESA Member Company Name: Vaichal Const Pvt Ltd, Vruksha Landscapes Expertise: Industrial, Institutional, Hospitality Construction Contracts, Landscape Contracts Accomplishment: Construction of Birla Mandir in Goa before the deadline Mob.: +91 98220 34103 Email: [email protected] / www.vaichal.com   Gaurav V. More – BNI Member Company Name: Maharashtra Sales Corporation Expertise: Trading – Steel & Cement Accomplishment: We cater to Builders, Fabrication & Heavy Duty Industries, Civil Contractors, Architects, PEB Contractors Mob.: +91 96234 49818 Email: [email protected]   Mohaniraj Khodade – BNI, NAR, PROP Member Company Name: Relation Realtech Pvt Ltd Expertise: Strategic Sales and Marketing Management Accomplishment: Sold 200+ mandate projects in Pune and PCMC Mob.: +91 99200 55616 Email: [email protected]   Mahesh Somani – NAR Member Company Name: Liyaans Properties Expertise: Residential & Land Services. Dealing in residential, Commercial, land, hospitality, healthcare, education, retail and logistics Accomplishment: Vice – President: NAR India, Life Member : ACAE & Maheshwari International Business Foundation, Member : ICC, Past President: Lions Club of Calcutta Kankurgachhi – District 322B2, Lions Clubs International. Managing Trustee : SGS International School. Mob.: +91 98311 10640 Email: [email protected] / www.liyaans.com   Shantaram B Patil – CREDAI Member Company Name: JSK Dream homes Builders and Developers Expertise: Plan designing and Cost cutting Accomplishment: Selling flats without any advertisements is my biggest achievement Mob.: +91 94239 16152 Email: [email protected]   Gajendra S. Patil- NAREDCO Member Company Name: Elite Landmarks Group Expertise: Real Estate Development Accomplishment: Projects in Pune west, Aundh, Baner Balewadi etc Mob.: +91 98223 96171 Email: [email protected], [email protected]   Samir Chopra – NAR Member Company Name: Samir (SAM) Chopra Expertise: Experienced transaction advisor empowering businesses through strategy, finance, and digital transformation. Accomplishment: Guiding investor clients spread their investments across multiple asset classes including Real Estate and equity. NAR-India, NAREDCO, etc Mob.: +91 99110 63063 Email: [email protected]   Prasad Kharde Patil – NAREDCO Member Company Name: M/s. Kharde Patil Expertise: Innovation, Creation and Dedication Accomplishment: Awarded for best project in Kothrud through Hon. Nitin Gadkari Mob.: +91 98811 49945 Website: www.khardepatil.com   Ritesh Thakkar- NAREDCO Member Company Name: Euphoric Developers Expertise: MHADA Housing Projects Accomplishment: Projects at BT Kawade road , NIBM, Hadapsar. Chairman of MHADA & SRA at NAREDCO Association Mob.: +91 91581 19000 Email: [email protected]   Vikram Malik – PROP & NAR India Member Company Name: Associatte PropTech Pvt Ltd Expertise: Luxury / Residential / Commercial/ Preleased / lands Mob.: +91 80108 01081 Email: [email protected]   Ramessh Toshniwal – PROP Member Company Name: Toshniwal Consultancy Services Expertise: Commercial and High-End Residential Accomplishment: Proud member of PROP Association Mob.: +91 94220 09346 Email: [email protected]

Buying a house is a dream of most Indians. That’s because in our society, having your own home is the ultimate sign of progress. People who live on rent are frowned up and are consistently pressured by family and friends to get their own house. This pressure to buy a house combined with the astronomical real estate prices in most cities means most people need to take home loans to make this dream a reality. On top of it, most people want to buy the house of their dreams, which means the home loans taken are huge. And with big loans come astronomical interest costs. But what if we told you, there is a way to make your home loan interest free. Don’t believe us? Well, read on to know how.   Home loans cost you an insane amount of money over their lifetime Most banks and housing finance companies highlight the EMI you need to pay for your dream house, making you believe that you can buy that house. And while you might be able to afford the monthly installment, the cost of these loans is massive. In most cases, the interest paid on loan amount for a long-term loan is much higher than the loan amount. So, if you keep paying monthly EMI for 20 years, you end up paying ₹ 86.37 lakhs in total. This ₹46.37 lakhs extra is the interest you pay. Take a moment to think about it – you pay more than what you borrowed as interest plus the actual amount. However, there is no way out to get rid of interest because that’s the way the loan system works. So, does it mean you should not buy a house till the time you don’t have the entire amount? If you can, nothing like it. But for most of us, this might not be a viable option.   The Solution – Recover the interest amount you will pay by investing in mutual funds By starting a SIP of .10% of your home loan amount in a mutual scheme, you recover the interest amount. Let’s continue with the example we mentioned above. If you start a monthly SIP of ₹ 4,000 (0.10% of the loan amount), your investments at a 15% average annual return will grow to a total of ₹ 59.88 lakhs in 20 years. From this corpus, even if you deduct your invested amount, which is ₹ 9.6 lakhs, then also you will have ₹ 50.28 lakhs in your hands which is more than enough to cover the interest you will pay. This calculation holds true no matter what your loan amount is. The Bottomline: If you have taken or are planning to take a loan to buy your dream home, you will have to pay interest costs. But with a small SIP, you can recover the entire amount with ease. You can use tools like SIP Calculator to calculate your estimated returns on investment. However, this will become a reality only if you keep investing that amount and demonstrate patience. To know how you can achieve this, follow this link and enter details on the next page

In a heartwarming display of dedication to environmental conservation, Aarambh Foundation marked World Sparrow Day with a spectacular event held at The Bhandarkar Oriental Research Institute on 20th March 2024. The occasion aimed to raise awareness about the plight of the sparrow, a beloved yet endangered bird species. The event commenced with a ceremonial Ganesh Pooja conducted by Mr. Chaitanya Joshi, Co-founder of Dream Works Realty, and Mr. Nagpal, along with a captivating video presentation. Mr. Manish Khadilkar & Ms. Meghali Katdare, Associate Directors of Aarambh Foundation then took the stage with a brief introduction, setting the tone for the enlightening proceedings. Esteemed personalities including Mr.Shantilal Kataria (Aditya Builders-MD), Mr.Kapil Gandhi (Sigma One Universal-Founder), Mr.Nitin Sawant (NS Wealth Solution Pvt Ltd-Founder), Mrs.Ruma Agwekar (Rotary Club Sahawas),Ar. Shashank Joshi (architect), Mr.Ravindra Bharti (Bharti Share Market-Founder-CMD), Mr.Abhishek Kawitkar (Tree Public Foundation-CEO) were present & felicitated for their outstanding contributions to the event. In particular, Mr. Abhishek Kawitkar praised the Aarambh Foundation for its innovative nest box design aimed at supporting sparrows. Mr. Shantilal Kataria, while acknowledging the efforts of the Aarambh Foundation, urged the audience to extend their support not only through their presence but also by contributing to the cause in the future. The highlight of the evening was the captivating drama “Chimnyanchi Shaala” directed by Mrs. Ashwini Ambike, featuring 18 talented students from grades 4 to 7. Additionally, the audience was treated to the documentary “Chimni Mhanje Kay,” starring renowned Marathi singer Savaniee Ravindra. The ceremony also saw the Business Entrepreneurship Awards under the joint initiative by Dreams Per Square Feet and Punekar News. Mr. Akhilesh Agarwal, Director of KalaCasa Studio, Mr. Mahesh Ghorpade, Founder/Director of Revell Creations, and Mr. Dimakh Sahasrabuddhe, Founder/Director of Dimakh Consultants were among the awardees. The event garnered support from notable figures such as Kiran Purandare, Pushkar Shrotri, music director Rahul Ranade, actor Vijay Mishra, renowned classical singer Pandit Sanjeev Abhyankar, Vijay Patwardhan-actor, Manjoo Phadke-DG Rotary, Deepak Shikarpur IT professional further amplifying its impact. Mr. Umesh Pawar-Founder, Aarambh Foundation said we continue to champion the cause of environmental conservation, inspiring communities to safeguard our natural heritage for generations to come.