Hyderabad, 14 November 2024: Aikhya Infra Developers backed by the promoters of IKF Finance, a leading force in India’s non-banking financial sector, announced the unveiling of e5world, a 20-acre resort living community set to redefine luxury in Hyderabad. Mr. VGK Prasad, Founder of IKF Finance and promoter of e5world, announced the details of the project at a press conference organised at Taj Deccan; alongside Mr. Kirtee Shah, a renowned architect, urban planner, and a key member of e5world’s founding team; Mr. Raghu Ram Vupputuri, Managing Director, OPUS Industries; Adv. Devendra Dang, Legal Professional & Business Consultant & Dr. Praveen Kumar, Sales and Brand Consultant, e5world.

e5world introduces a groundbreaking concept in resort-style living, thoughtfully designed to blend luxury, wellness, and nature in perfect harmony. Spanning 20 lush acres, e5world is meticulously crafted with curated landscapes, premium amenities, and architecture that draws inspiration from nature. The development is structured into three distinct phases of Phase 1 spanning 5 acres, Phase 2 spanning 10 acres, and Phase 3 encompassing an additional 5 acres. e5world’s unique approach combines the best of upscale resort living with the serenity of a green sanctuary, setting a new benchmark for luxury, wellness, and sustainable design in Hyderabad.

Backed by the promoters of IKF Finance, a trusted financial powerhouse with a market capitalization of ₹2,356.99 crore, e5world is set to transform Hyderabad’s luxury living landscape. This project reflects IKF’s legacy of stability and innovation, guided by the vision of Mr. VGK Prasad, Founder of IKF Finance, and Mr. Keerti Shah, an esteemed architect with decades of expertise, who joins the project’s founding team.

At the unveiling event, Mr. Prasad remarked, “e5world is more than a luxury resort living community; it embodies IKF’s commitment to quality, innovation, and sustainable living. Partnering with Mr. Keerti Shah brings a visionary approach to the architecture and landscaping of e5world, creating a space where nature and luxury harmoniously coexist. With Mr. Shah’s architectural acumen and IKF’s financial strength, e5world stands as a testament to Hyderabad’s future in sustainable, upscale living, offering residents an unmatched blend of luxury and environmental consciousness. The demand for eco-luxury resorts is on a rapid rise and investors are looking for opportunities to invest in projects that align with their values, sustainability and long term growth. e5world offers an unique opportunity for investors with the introduction of fractional ownership, this model enables multiple investors to own a share of the resort.”

Mr. Raghu Ram Vupputuri said, as a fractional ownership model, we are making it affordable for everybody, also an hassle free investment option, at less than Rs 10 lakhs one can own a portion of the resort. It is also a weekend destination for families to spend time together in a serene atmosphere. The resort will be operational within a year.

e5world’s extensive amenities are designed to cater to all ages, from young families to seniors. The key features of the project include Three Clubhouses, spanning 10,000, 30,000, and 50,000 sq. ft., these spaces offer yoga rooms, wellness zones, pools, and entertainment facilities. It has Two restaurants featuring global and local cuisine, with a focus on fresh, organic ingredients. Expansive Green Spaces: Open gardens, water features, and walking paths designed for relaxation and community interaction. It has dedicated Adventure areas for children, nature trails, and wellness lounges for adults and seniors.

In addition to traditional ownership options, e5world offers fractional ownership to make luxury living accessible to more people. The community also provides exclusive membership packages, giving Hyderabad residents an opportunity to regularly enjoy e5world’s world-class amenities.

Dr. Praveen Kumar said, e5world is going to be one destination that Hyderabadi’s are going to enjoy, it is going to take care of the needs of people of all age groups for various celebrations, at an affordable cost.

Mr. Kirtee Shah, a guiding visionary of e5world, shared his excitement for the project, “e5world is grounded in sustainable architecture and wellness-driven living. Our goal is to create a place where residents reconnect with nature while enjoying modern comforts. e5world stands as a model for eco-friendly, luxury living, blending natural landscapes with contemporary amenities to offer a refreshing take on community life.”

e5world stands as a groundbreaking project, being the first resort living community in India conceptualized entirely by AI. This innovative approach, powered by QLead.ai under the leadership of Dr. Praveen Kumar, integrates AI-driven insights into every aspect of e5world—from market communication and product-market fit to revenue projections and strategic planning.

As Aikhya Infra Developers first venture into luxury resort living, backed by the promoters of IKF Finance, e5world reflects a natural expansion from the company’s solid foundation in financial services. Established in 1991, IKF Finance has consistently demonstrated financial excellence, growing its portfolio to include vehicle, MSME, and housing finance. With a presence in 9 states and a consolidated and estimated turnover of 613.76 crore, IKF Finance’s backing ensures e5world’s stability, quality, and long-term value.

New Delhi, 14 November 2024: DBS Bank India Limited, the wholly owned subsidiary of DBS Bank Ltd., announced today that Surojit Shome, MD & CEO of DBS Bank India, will be retiring on 28 February 2025. DBS Bank has been present in India for 30 years, opening its first office in Mumbai in 1994.

Following a successful career at the helm of DBS Bank India since April 2015, Surojit Shome had indicated his desire to retire some time back and has worked with the DBS Bank India board and DBS Group management to identify potential successors. DBS Bank India is currently awaiting RBI approval on the successor and will make an announcement once regulatory approvals are in place.

Mumbai, November 14, 2024: NAREDCO Maharashtra NextGen, in partnership with Brigade Real Estate Accelerator Program (REAP), is excited to announce the strengthening of PROPEL, an innovative initiative designed to empower emerging entrepreneurs in India’s dynamic real estate sector. Brigade REAP has till date incubated 76 startups in the Proptech Space, the highest in India. Along with the Earth Fund, a 200 Cr Proptech Venture fund, this represents the largest ecosystem for Proptech startups in India.

PROPEL, will be prominently showcased at Excelerate 3.0 a premier event dedicated to advancing technology and innovation in the real estate industry, at Hotel Sahara Star, Mumbai, on November 14, 2024.

As part of this initiative, Brigade REAP, one of India’s leading PropTech accelerators, will collaborate to provide critical funding, mentorship, and strategic support to these startups. The tie-up brings together NAREDCO Maharashtra’s vast industry network and Brigade REAP’s expertise in scaling PropTech ventures, creating a powerful platform for entrepreneurs to bring their ideas to life and scale rapidly.

Mr. Prashant Sharma, President, NAREDCO Maharashtra said, “India’s real estate sector is at crossroads, and the need for innovation has never been greater. By partnering with Brigade REAP, we are ensuring that emerging entrepreneurs have access to not only the capital they need but also the strategic guidance that will help them succeed in this fast-paced environment.”

Mr. Rajan Bandelkar, Vice Chairman, NAREDCO said, “PROPEL is designed to provide a comprehensive ecosystem that fosters creativity, sustainability, and cutting-edge solutions that can address the evolving challenges of urbanization. This partnership with Brigade REAP will offer both funding and strategic support that will give startups the tools they need to address the challenges and opportunities of the evolving real estate market.”

Mr. Ridham Gada, President, NAREDCO NextGen Maharashtra said, “We are excited to strengthen PROPEL through our collaboration with Brigade REAP, leveraging their expertise to support the growth of PropTech startups. Brigade REAP has been a pioneer in fostering PropTech innovation in India, and this partnership amplifies our shared vision of accelerating the next wave of disruptive technologies in real estate.”

At Excelerate 3.0, PROPEL will take center stage as a key part of the event’s focus on innovation in real estate. The event will bring together top players from the real estate, technology, and startup ecosystems to explore emerging trends in smart cities, sustainability, artificial intelligence, and more. Participants will have the opportunity to pitch their ideas, gain exposure, and potentially secure funding from a wide array of investors, including those backed by Brigade REAP.

PROPEL will focus on providing participants with mentorship from industry leaders, access to funding, and opportunities to network with potential investors, developers, and other key stakeholders. With the support of Brigade REAP, startups will also gain access to a host of resources, including investment opportunities, market insights, and the expertise of experienced PropTech mentors.

Bengaluru, November 14, 2024:  During the July-September 2024 quarter, a total of 25,259 residential units, including apartments and plots, were registered with the Inspector General of Registration (IGR) in Bengaluru, according to data from Square Yards. This figure represents a slight year-on-year decrease of 8% compared to the same period in 2023. The sales value for these properties amounted to Rs. 15,739 crore, marking a 15% decline from the Rs. 18,505 crore recorded in the July-September quarter of the previous year. Consequently, the average home sales value saw a modest yearly reduction of 7% during this period, with the current average home price in Bengaluru standing at Rs. 62 lakh.

“Bengaluru’s residential market has seen a modest moderation in transaction momentum in the July-September 2024 quarter, a natural adjustment following a period of rapid growth”, said Sopan Gupta, Principal Partner, Square Yards. “During the festive season, we’ve seen heightened homebuyer interest, and as registrations generally complete within three to six months post-booking, we anticipate this demand to manifest in the upcoming quarters. Interest remains strong across both apartments and plots, with the northern micro-market gaining traction in particular. Looking ahead, we expect demand to continue on an upward trajectory, driven by resilient end-user and investor appetite. Ongoing infrastructure development, such as expansion of metro network and tech-infrastructure coupled with heightened office space uptake from major global tech players, are set to positively trickle in residential market in Bengaluru.”

Market Leaders and Key Projects

Among developers, Embassy Group led with the highest home sales value, reaching Rs. 295 crore. Their projects, Embassy Springs, a residential plotted project in Devanahalli, and Embassy Lake Terraces, an residential apartment project, in Hebbal, emerged as the top projects in terms of sales value. Close behind was Prestige Group, with Prestige Golfshire leading in sales value among its projects in July-September 2024 period.

In terms of transaction volume, Artha Property and Tata Realty held the lead. Artha Emprasa Startup City in Hoskote recorded the highest number of transactions in the September 2024 quarter, with Tata Realty’s New Haven coming in as a close second in Bengaluru. Both Birla Estates and Godrej Properties also made notable contributions, registering significant home sales values and transaction volumes, respectively.

Area & Budget-wise Trends 

In July-September 2024 quarter, the majority (86%) of property transactions in Bengaluru were concentrated in the price bracket below INR 1 crore. The remaining transactions were in the INR 1 crore and above category, with a notable 8% in the INR 1-2 crore range. Apartments ranging from 1,000 to 1,500 sq. ft. accounted for the largest share of transactions at 47% of the 25,259 total registrations. This trend indicates a continued preference for larger living spaces, driven by the adoption of hybrid work models in IT/ITes sectors, which have influenced post-pandemic housing demand in the city.

Micro Market Performance

Bengaluru’s micro-market trends indicate that North Bengaluru remains the city’s most active region, accounting for 40% of registered transactions during the September 2024 quarter. The micro-market’s proximity to Kempegowda International Airport has driven increased demand, particularly for plot acquisitions. Localities such as Chikkasanne and Chikkasandra, led activity within the northern micro-market. South Bengaluru followed closely with a 25% share of total transactions, with Jayanagar and Electronic City standing out as key localities. Notably, Jayanagar recorded the highest home sales value in Bengaluru, totalling Rs. 469 crore, while Krishnarajapuram led in transaction volume, with 192 units sold during the quarter.