Realty Blogs

As Pune undergoes rapid urban transformation, the city’s civic administration faces the challenge of balancing growth with sustainability and quality of life. In this exclusive conversation with Urban Nest Inside, Pune Municipal Commissioner Naval Kishore Ram shares his vision for the city’s future, outlining key priorities ranging from water security and road infrastructure to smart governance, environmental conservation and pedestrian-friendly development. Q: What are PMC’s top priorities for Pune’s infrastructure growth? Naval Kishore Ram: The foremost priority is ensuring an equitable water supply across Pune. Nearly 40 per cent of the city still does not receive adequate water, and addressing this gap is critical. The second priority is strengthening the city’s road infrastructure. This includes accelerating projects such as the ring road, underground tunnels and expanding the overall road network to improve connectivity. Q: How is PMC tackling traffic congestion, road digging and infrastructure bottlenecks? Naval Kishore Ram: We are approving new road projects and exploring technology-driven solutions for traffic management. However, coordination among various agencies remains a major challenge. Several utility agencies obtain permissions to dig roads for laying networks, but in many cases, the restoration work is substandard, resulting in damaged roads and inconvenience to citizens. Better inter-departmental coordination is essential. Traffic management and traffic control also need to work in tandem. PMC can provide better roads, flyovers and infrastructure, but smooth traffic movement also depends on proper lane discipline, signage and enforcement, which fall under the police department’s purview. The city also needs an Integrated Traffic Management System (ITMS), faster completion of the metro network, development of missing road links and progress on the ring road project. Another concern is the obstruction of footpaths and roads by construction material and debris. Builders and other stakeholders must adhere to regulations, and strict action should be taken against violations that create bottlenecks for pedestrians and motorists. Q: How is PMC balancing development with environmental sustainability? Naval Kishore Ram: Building a climate-resilient and sustainable city is a priority. As Pune undertakes major infrastructure projects such as riverfront development, Metro works and road expansion, environmental safeguards must remain central to the process. Where trees are cut for development, there should be large-scale transplantation and replantation efforts, and equal emphasis must be placed on ensuring the survival of replanted trees. Q: What new citizen-centric reforms and smart city initiatives are being planned? Naval Kishore Ram: PMC is working towards creating a stronger grievance redressal mechanism through the PMC 360 initiative. The platform aims to utilise artificial intelligence, AI chatbots and WhatsApp-based services to make civic services more accessible and responsive. The Integrated Command and Control Centre (ICCC), established under the Smart City initiative, can play a significant role in integrating disaster management, traffic management and city monitoring systems. The Smart City programme has already created important infrastructure and technological systems. The focus now is on ensuring these initiatives are fully utilised and deliver tangible benefits to citizens. Q: What is the current status of PMC’s footpath improvement campaign? Naval Kishore Ram: For the first time, PMC has allocated more than ₹100 crore for the construction and repair of footpaths. The objective is not only to improve pedestrian infrastructure but also to ensure that these facilities remain free from encroachments and repeated digging. Dedicated teams have been formed to monitor footpaths and ensure they remain clean and accessible. As part of these efforts, around 4,175 damaged chambers have been repaired, significantly improving pedestrian safety and reducing the risk of accidents. In addition, nearly 5,000 chambers and approximately 26,520 square metres of footpaths have been repaired over the past six months. The work is ongoing, and PMC intends to further strengthen pedestrian infrastructure across the city.

Work was proceeding as usual at a reputed builder’s office. He was busy with bookings for a new project, client meetings, bank discussions, social media campaigns, and advertisements. Amidst this, he received an email from a foreign company. “You are using our photo without permission. Please contact us immediately.” The builder saw the email but ignored it. He thought, “Spam emails like this arrive every day.” A few days later, another email arrived. Then came a phone call. Another reminder followed. However, caught up in the hustle of work, he paid no heed to it. A few months later, a legal notice arrived at his office. It claimed that an attractive photo used on his project’s website, social media advertisements, and digital brochures was protected by the copyright of an international photo library company. The necessary license to use that photo had not been obtained. The builder still felt the matter wasn’t particularly serious. “It’s just a photo, after all!” he said, dismissing the notice. Sometime later, he received information about court proceedings. After consulting with lawyers, he realized the situation was indeed grave. Considering the need to remove the photo, legal expenses, settlement amounts, management time, and the impact on his reputation, he stood to pay a heavy price. That was when he realized his biggest mistake had been ignoring those initial emails and notices. Although this story is fictional, such incidents are occurring worldwide, and builders and developers in India are no exception. What exactly is the risk? Using attractive photographs has become a necessity in the real estate business today. Photographs are extensively used across websites, Facebook, Instagram, brochures, hoardings, videos, email campaigns, and project presentations. Marketing agencies, graphic designers, or social media managers often source these photos from the internet. Sometimes, these are downloaded from stock image websites without obtaining the necessary license. Problems arise when the original owner of the photo or a company representing them—discovers this unauthorized use. Nowadays, such companies use sophisticated software to monitor websites, social media posts, and advertisements worldwide. Once unauthorized use is detected, they send a legal notice to the concerned individual or organization. “It was on Google, so it must be free” – The biggest misconception Many business owners believe that anyone can use a photo simply because it is easily available on Google. This is completely incorrect. Just because a photo appears on the internet does not mean it is in the public domain. Most photographs are protected by copyright law, and the owner’s permission is required for commercial use. Why are builders particularly at risk? The real estate business relies heavily on visual marketing. Images of beautiful homes, luxurious lifestyles, happy families, greenery, clubhouses, and swimming pools are used to attract customers. However, many of these images are stock photos rather than actual shots of the project itself. Using these images without proper authorization can lead to legal complications down the line. How can you protect yourself? This risk can be significantly minimized by following a few simple rules: Verify the source of every photo. Ensure you have obtained a license to use the photo. Maintain records of licensing documents and invoices. Obtain a written guarantee from your marketing agency confirming that all photos used are legally compliant.  Periodically audit your website and advertisements. Immediately remove any photos that are suspicious or of unknown origin. Whenever possible, conduct your own photoshoot and use original photographs. The Final Question In today’s digital age, copyright compliance is no longer merely a legal matter; it has become a crucial component of business risk management. The next time you approve an advertisement for your project, ask yourself one simple question: “Do we have the legal right to use every photo featured in this advertisement?”** The right answer to this question could potentially save you from a costly legal battle in the future. Adv. Anand Mahurkar Intellectual Property Laws Expert Founder, AM Legal Associates, Pune

“Real estate has never been just about buying and selling properties for me. It has been a journey of building trust, creating relationships, and helping people make some of the most important decisions of their lives.” My journey in real estate began in 2018 when I took one of the most important decisions of my professional life, leaving the print media industry after a successful career spanning 17 years. Born and brought up in a small village in Latur district, I completed my engineering education and started my professional journey with Century Enka, where I worked from 1996 to 2001. Thereafter, I spent nearly two decades in the media industry, building relationships, understanding people, and nurturing a strong professional network. When I entered the real estate sector, I did not have years of property experience behind me. The biggest asset I carried was the network, goodwill, and trust I had earned over the previous 25 years. Very soon, I realized the true power of relationships. Many of my initial enquiries and business opportunities came through referrals and personal connections. It reinforced my belief that trust is the strongest currency in any profession. The journey started with a small but passionate team of four: my wife Suchita, my daughter Riddhi, who was then pursuing her engineering studies, my school-going son Darsh, and myself. Our first office was our home itself. While resources were limited, our enthusiasm, commitment, and belief in our vision were limitless. Every family member contributed in their own way, and those early days of working together, learning together, and overcoming challenges together laid the foundation of what has now become a trusted real estate consultancy. Entering Pune’s highly competitive real estate market was not easy. With more than 10,000 brokers operating in the city, creating a distinct identity for our consultancy firm was one of our biggest challenges. Instead of chasing every opportunity, we adopted a simple but powerful philosophy, the AAA Formula: A+ Location, A+ Developer, and A+ Construction Quality. This approach helped us build credibility and ensured that our clients received only the best opportunities available in the market. The year 2020 and the pandemic period tested the resilience of the entire real estate industry. The first two quarters brought unprecedented uncertainty, and like many others, we were concerned about survival. However, challenges often create opportunities for those willing to persevere. The second half of the year turned out to be a remarkable phase for us. We achieved significant sales milestones, and one of Pune’s renowned developers recognized our performance in a truly memorable way. In a single year and at a single awards event, we were awarded three premium SUVs: MG Hector, Jeep Compass, and Tata Harrier. What made this achievement truly exceptional was that we became the only channel partner in Pune to receive three cars from a single developer at a single awards function. This achievement was not merely a reward for sales performance. It was a validation of the trust our clients placed in us and the commitment we brought to every transaction. The recognition became a defining moment in our journey and strengthened our conviction that we were on the right path. During the initial years, I focused primarily on commercial real estate transactions. This specialization helped us establish a strong reputation in the market. Along the way, we were honoured with numerous recognitions, including Rolex watches, international incentive trips to Dubai, silver awards, and several developer accolades. As the business evolved, I consciously decided to step beyond my comfort zone. We expanded our services into high-end residential properties, industrial real estate, and are now actively entering the plotting and land transaction segment. Every expansion brought new challenges, but it also opened doors to new opportunities and learning experiences. One of the most memorable milestones in our journey came recently when we facilitated the sale of an ultra luxury apartment in Pune with a carpet area of approximately 11,000 square feet, valued at ₹37 crore. It was not only one of the largest value apartment transactions in Pune but also the largest such transaction concluded through a channel partner. This achievement was possible only because of the trust placed in us by our esteemed clients and the strong after sales support we continue to provide. Throughout my journey, I have always believed that remuneration is merely a by-product of good work. True success comes from passion, commitment, and a genuine desire to serve clients. It is this mindset that has enabled us to achieve significant milestones and earn recognition from both developers and industry bodies. Among the recognitions that I cherish the most are the Commercial Star Award from CREDAI and the prestigious Best Udyojak Award from Maharashtra Pradesh Maheshwari Sabha. These honours reflect not only professional achievements but also the values and principles that have guided my journey. I strongly believe that success becomes meaningful only when we contribute back to society. Alongside my professional commitments, I actively participate in various social and community initiatives. I am proud to be a member of Professional Realtors of Pune (PROP) and have had the privilege of serving as Vice President of the organization. I also had the opportunity to serve as Convenor for major industry initiatives such as PROP Day 2025 and PROP Connect 2026. These platforms are poised to become transformational catalysts not only for Pune’s real estate ecosystem but also for consultants and professionals across Maharashtra and India. Looking back, real estate has given me far more than professional success. It has transformed my life, broadened my horizons, strengthened my relationships, and allowed me to contribute meaningfully to the industry and society. The journey has taught me that sustainable success is built on trust, consistency, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. Today, when I reflect on the path from a small village in Latur district to becoming part of some of Pune’s most significant real estate transactions, I feel immense gratitude. Gratitude towards my family, clients, developers, colleagues, mentors,

  Maharashtra Real Estate Authority ( MAHARERA) had recently underwent Major Transformation. There are many advantages and challenges for Real Estate Developers and RERA users of the transformation  Closure of Old Maharera portal This risk can be significantly minimized by following a few simple rules: 1. Verify the source of every photo. 2. Ensure you have obtained a license to use the photo. 3. Maintain records of licensing documents and invoices. 4. Obtain a written guarantee from your marketing agency confirming that all photos used are legally compliant. 5. Periodically audit your website and advertisements. 6. Immediately remove any photos that are suspicious or of unknown origin. 7. Whenever possible, conduct your own photoshoot and use original photographs. 8. The Final Question 9. In today’s digital age, copyright compliance is no longer merely a legal matter; it has become a crucial component of business risk management. 10. The next time you approve an advertisement for your project, ask yourself one simple question: 11. “Do we have the legal right to use every photo featured in this advertisement?”** 12. The right answer to this question could potentially save you from a costly legal battle in the future. Features of MAHARERA 2.0 portal MAHARERA 2.0 portal is more advanced and integrated portal. Developers now have to give in detail information about the project. All units has to register in details like unit no. , Area , Type of unit , Sold / Unsold status , Registration date etc. New portal also requires in detail disclosures of Project Professional’s including their Registration Numbers. Parties now also have to submit SRO Certificate , Office Address proof , GST Certificate which was earlier not required. Also developers has to provide detailed parking statement. Advantage of 2.0 Portal for Customers MAHARERA 2.0 are facilitating more organized and detailed disclosures of the project which will create enhanced confidence among the customers . Earlier customers were able to see overall development of project. However is 2.0 Customers are able to see unit wise development of project . Also customers will get updated information about complaints and cases on project. MAHARERA 2.0 portal is now integrated with Approving Authority portals. That means MAHARERA portal is now integrated with Brinhan Mumbai Municipal Corporation portal. Hence now MAHARERA extracts data about the project directly from BMC portal. Similarly other Municipal Corporations and Development authorities like MHADA, CIDECO , MIDC, PMRDA, MMRDA will soon get integrated with MAHARERA portal which will results into better transparency. Project Registration Certificates issued under new 2.0 portal are more informative and elaborate. Earlier Registration Certificates were disclosing only registration date and project completion dates. However now it discloses Approved Parking and Amenities as well. New Registration Certificates also have QR Code for updated and live information about the project. MAHARERA 2.0 system was introduced for far better transparency about the registered projects. It will not only organize the promoters but will also brings various advantages to Customers. Swanand S. Dhondse Chief Promoter, SWANAND INTERNATIONAL swanandinternational@gmail.com +91 98920 35570

A client walked into our office last quarter with a property analysis that AI produced faster than us. Comparable sales, rental yields, a clean IRR, a five-year projection — generated in seconds, and broadly correct. He had already decided to buy. He only wanted me to confirm it and stand with him on the decision. I told him not to. Not because the numbers were wrong. They were right. But the numbers described the asset; they did not describe the decision. Data can tell you what a property is. It cannot tell you what it will become, who you will be dealing with for the next decade, or how it will feel to own. We have entered the most useful era of technology our industry has ever seen. I use these tools every day; they have made research effortless and the math instant. What they have not done — what they structurally cannot do — is give advice. They give answers. The two are not the same thing. An answer tells you the surface. Advice reads what lies beneath it. Consider a home. A model will value it to the rupee. It will not tell you where that micromarket is truly heading — not where prices have been, but where the next three years will take it. It will not tell you the developer’s real intention: whether they are building to sell and exit, or to be remembered. It cannot feel construction quality the way you can standing inside an unfinished flat, nor warn you of the after-sales service that surfaces two years after possession, nor confirm whose track record means the keys actually arrive on time. And it can never read the one thing every buyer finally decides on — the energy of a place. AI can price a street. It cannot stand on it at seven in the evening and tell you whether it feels like home. Commercial is no different. AI will model the ROI to two decimals and call it certainty. It will not weigh the quality of the tenant behind that yield, or whether they renew or walk away in year three. It will not tell you how quickly the floor re-leases if they go, or how deep the real demand runs in that micromarket. A return is only as sound as the covenant beneath it and the tenant that comes after. Those are not data points. They are judgments — and judgment does not arrive with a larger dataset. It comes from having been in the room. That is the product. It is pattern recognition earned across hundreds of transactions — the instinct that a deal which looks perfect on every metric is quietly wrong, and the conviction to say so out loud. We have always understood this everywhere else in life. You can ask ChatGPT exactly which treatment a symptom calls for — and still you sit across from a doctor before you take the medicine. We usually know what is right and what is wrong, and yet we carry our biggest decisions to our parents. Not for the information. For the counsel of someone who will own the outcome alongside us. That is the one thing a machine can never offer. AI cannot be accountable to you. It carries no consequence, and so it carries no real conviction. When my firm tells a client to walk away, we put our name and our reputation behind that judgment. That accountability is not a feature of what we do. It is the entire business. So in a year when everyone asks what AI will replace, my answer is simple. It will replace the parts of this work that were always about information — the comparables, the calculations, the first draft. Those were never where the value lived. The value lives where it always has: in someone who has read the building, the developer, the street and the long arc of your life — not just the listing. The advice that Al can’t give  you is, almost always, the advice that mattered most. That is not a flaw in the technology. It is the definition of what we do. DESIGN REFERENCE — FOR LAYOUT TEAM (NOT FOR PRINT) Three infographics are suggested to break the spread. Content below; brand palette: deep navy #0A1F44 / antique gold #C2A14D, serif display (Cinzel / Cormorant Garamond). A styled interactive version has been shared separately. The line AI can’t cross — Answer vs Advice AN ANSWER (the machine) Values the asset to the rupee · Models ROI to two decimals · Reads where prices have been · Confident regardless of consequence ADVICE (the advisor) Where the micromarket is heading next · The developer behind the brochure · The tenant behind the yield · Will say no when no is the answer Beneath the numbers — what no dataset carries THE HOME  (Residential) Where the micromarket is heading next · The developer’s true intention · Construction quality you can only feel · After-sales service, two years later · A track record of keys delivered on time · The energy of the street at 7 p.m. THE YIELD  (Commercial) The quality of the tenant behind the return · Renewal — or exit in year three · How fast the floor re-leases if they go · The real depth of demand · The covenant beneath the cash flow

Home is a sanctuary of peace and a reflection of lifetime aspirations. Navigating the competitive maze of property acquisition requires a trusted professional who brings industry wisdom and absolute operational transparency. Mr. Vikram Malik, CMD of Associatte PropTech Pvt Ltd, stands as a visionary leader who has been actively transforming the Indian real estate landscape for over 25 years.  With two and a half decades of hands-on experience, Mr. Malik has mastered every market cycle. Known across professional circles for his unparalleled dynamism and charismatic approach to business, he is fondly celebrated as the “Ranveer Singh of real estate.” This high-energy persona, combined with a disruptive, tech-first corporate mindset, allows his company to execute large-scale portfolio management while ensuring the consumer’s journey remains effortless.  Mr. Malik’s distinction lies in his dedication to future-proofing the real estate ecosystem. Under his leadership, Associatte PropTech was built to run digitally from day one. By deploying custom in-house CRM systems, artificial intelligence, and digital automation tools, his team handles everything from lead management to intricate documentation with flawless precision.  An active leader within the real estate advisory ecosystem, Mr. Malik is a prominent member of NARIndia and PROP. Having served as the former Treasurer of PROP, he currently contributes his expertise as a Director at PROP Business Exchange, consistently driving professional standards forward. He remains exceptionally proactive in shaping the broader real estate advisory landscape.  This institutional-grade efficiency has earned Associatte the trust of India’s most prestigious developers, including Lodha, Marvel, Pride Group, Amar Builders, Godrej, Solitaire, Panchshil, Mantra Properties, Magarpatta Group, K. Raheja, Tribeca, Paradise Group, Runwal Group, Raymond Realty, Rustomjee, Hiranandani, Kohinoor, Krisala, Today Group, Shapporji Pallonji, Birla Estate, Pristine, and many more. The company is consistently recognized by these developers for its outstanding contributions.  Mr. Malik manages a robust digital ecosystem that bridges the gap between premium properties and diverse NRI investors. His expertise now spans ultra-luxury homes, branded residences, and trophy properties, alongside corporate mandates such as GCCs, offices, warehouses, industrial lands, and data centers. Building on strong foundations in Pune, Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, KDMC, and Thane, the firm is aggressively expanding into Delhi, Noida, Gurugram, Bengaluru, and Dubai.  This trajectory has been widely recognized with honors, including the “Times Realty Icon Emerging Channel Partners, Pune,” “Best Start Up of the Year” by MSME India Business Awards, and the “Emerging Icon of the Year Business Excellence Awards” by the Global India Business Forum. For modern homebuyers and investors, Mr. Vikram Malik represents the ultimate single point of contact—the complete real estate entrepreneur. Vikram Malik Chairman & Managing Director (CMD), Associatte Proptech Pvt. Ltd. +91 – 8010 8010 81 vikram@associatte.com