Panjim (Goa) / Mumbai, February 18, 2025: The Goa Rehabilitation Board and Goa Housing Board have called the Real Estate Developers’ Body NAREDCO Maharashtra to explore investment opportunities in the development in the residential, commercial, mixed–used, redevelopment and business parks segments of the State.

The senior representatives of Goa Rehabilitation Board and Goa Housing Board presented the landscape of ‘Unlocking Real Estate Opportunities in Goa’ to the developer members of NAREDCO Maharashtra, which organized its Annual Members Meet 2025 at Panjim in Goa to observe a successful milestone of completion of ten years of the trade body’s Maharashtra Chapter.

“Goa is not just a tourism destination now, but a fast-growing State for scaling businesses including the real estate offering an exponential potential to the developers who are looking for setting up of new residential and commercial projects along the coastline or in the States’ hinterland and also for the global investors who are willing to invest in second or leisure homes, luxury villas, rental homes or hospitality ventures”, said Mr Aleixo Da Costa, Secretary, Goa Rehabilitation Board while talking about the ‘Opportunities in Goa’.

Announcing the mega plans to release the unused land parcels for real estate development in the State, Mr Da Costa said, “The public sector is looking at redevelopment of its used land parcels combined with monetization of its unused land parcels through the public–private partnerships.” He mentioned that the places like Vasco, Sada Vasco, Baina, Zuari Nagar, Colvale have major unused land parcels making the scope for huge investments. “We are planning to take all these land parcels together, release the unused land in Sada Vasco for rehabilitation purposes first and then monetize the rest of the land parcels in a PPP model where private developers can participate. The tenders will be issued very soon for monetization of the land,” Da Costa informed.

The land parcels are mostly in Vasco City and within a radius of 1 to 2 kms from Airport, Seaport and Railway making these land parcels huge potential for investments. The land parcels mentioned are: Sada Vasco (24,580 sq mtrs, Used: 10,000 sq mtrs, Unused: 14,000 sq mtrs), Baina (4600 sq mtrs), Adarsh Nagar Chicalim (Vacant Land: 23,533 sq mtrs), Colvale (1000 sq mtrs) and Zuari Nagar (1800 sq mtrs).

Mr Sadashiv Gaonkar, Housing Engineer, Goa Housing Board, while talking about ‘Unlocking Real Estate Opportunities in Goa’ invited the leading developers and investors to participate in the strategic development of prime land parcels in the state. He said, “Goa’s real estate is experiencing an unprecedented growth driven by increasing demand by professionals, remote workers and institutional investors and the State is ready for investment, as there is a need to meet the rising demand for diverse accommodation options, residential development and mixed–use projects.”

According to the presentation by Mr. Gaonkar from Goa Housing Board, Goa’s real estate market offers excellent returns, especially in North Goa. Property prices in Goa are climbing at 15% to 30% each year, making it a high growing market. On an average, the properties in North Goa have appreciated by ~83% over the last 5 years, with Candolim (168.5%), Siolim (149.2%) and Calangute (83%) experiencing significant price appreciation.

Investors are eyeing Goa’s income generating properties, including commercial spaces and villas. Goa’s booming tourism guarantees strong rental incomes, with a return-on-investment (ROI) ranging from 4% to 10% each year. North Goa areas bring-in annual rental payouts of 8-9%, while South Goa offers 6-8% returns.

~35% of holiday home buyers prefer Goa as a second home destination, highlighting its appeal among India’s population. Real estate inquiries in Goa increased by 90% in the last five years, showing strong market demand. Rising Airbnb demand in Goa is driving residential property investments and higher prices. North Goa has ~14000 rental properties listed on Airbnb, with peak season occupancy rates reaching 80-90%, highlighting the strong demand for short-term rentals.

Goa is undergoing significant infrastructure expansion, making it a highly attractive real estate destination. The Goa International Airport, Dabolim handled ~35 lakh passengers while the new Manohar International Airport handled ~24 lakh passengers in the year 2024. The Mumbai-Goa Expressway and the Zuari and Mandovi bridge will significantly reduce travel time and open remote areas for development, providing a major advantage for the region.

Calling the Annual Members Meet 2025 of NAREDCO Maharashtra in Goa to be an opportunity to understand the State’s real estate landscape better and the Chief Minister’s approach towards the national real estate industry collaborative, Mr. Prashant Sharma – President, NAREDCO Maharashtra said, “NAREDCO Maharashtra is privileged to explore opportunities for real estate development in Goa to unleash the State’s potential. Goa is not just an international tourism destination now, but it is transforming into a real estate development hub attracting global investors moving its property markets northwards. Goa’s initiative to invite the developers to tap the real estate opportunities in the State is a welcome step.”

Mr Rajan Bandelkar, Vice Chairman, NAREDCO said, “With the Central Government’s impetus on infrastructure growth, even smaller states are transforming significantly with better connectivity and accessibility. Goa is the perfect example of how a state can bolster other businesses including real estate by keeping tourism at the centre. NAREDCO Maharashtra will cement its collaboration with Goa to take the State’s real estate sector on a fast-track mode.”

Mr Niranjan Hiranandani, Chairman Emeritus, NAREDCO Maharashtra said, “Completing a decade-long journey in Maharashtra, it is now time for NAREDCO Maharashtra to support other cities, regions and the States in growing the real estate sector. Being a neighbor, Maharashtra can always join hands with Goa in exploring common opportunities for the real estate industry’s growth banking on its sound infrastructure, international connectivity and new development regions opened for the investors. Goa is soon set to top the charts of the best preferred market for second and leisure homes, luxury villas, vacation homes and hospitality businesses for the global investors.”

Mr Hari Babu, President, NAREDCO said, “Goa has been witnessing real estate investments by affluent Indian and overseas buyers in recent times owing to their inclination for acquiring income-generating commercial assets or second homes alongside their primary city homes.”

When India’s mainstay property markets are expanding beyond Mumbai, New Delhi, Bengaluru, etc., the states like Goa are gaining prominence. The real estate investors are bullish on Goa’s potential to offer attractive property destinations along its coastline and even in the hinterlands owing to its charm as an international tourism centre. Offering sound returns on investments by way of capital appreciation and rental yields, Goa has been witnessing real estate investments by affluent Indian and overseas buyers in recent times owing to their inclination for acquiring income-generating commercial assets or second homes alongside their primary city homes.

According to a study conducted by NAREDCO Maharashtra, Goa is gaining prominence in the NRI community as a preferred choice for investing in second homes back home owing to favourable factors such as the State’s dynamic culture, climate, beaches and ‘ease-of-life’ quotient. Added Mr Sharma, “NRIs are driving demand for luxury villas, contemporary condominiums, which is compelling the developers to develop upscale properties tailored to these preferences of NRIs. Vagator, Morjim, Mandrem, a micro-market of Dona Paula are some of the significant potential property destinations in the State. The homebuyers are searching for tranquil areas with a different kind of a lifestyle.”

Former Indian cricketer Zaheer Khan, along with his wife, actress Sagarika Ghatge, and her brother, Shivjeet Ghatge, has purchased a luxury apartment in Lower Parel, Mumbai, for Rs. 11 crore, according to property registration documents reviewed by Square Yards on the website of the Inspector General of Registration (IGR). The transaction was registered in February 2025.

Lower Parel, one of Mumbai’s prime residential and commercial hubs, offers premium living spaces with seamless connectivity to business districts such as Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC) and Nariman Point. Bollywood stars like Abhishek Bachchan, Shahid Kapoor, and writer Amish Tripathi, have also purchased properties in Lower Parel, as per Square Yards’ analysis of IGR property registration documents.

The property acquired by the trio is located in Indiabulls Sky, developed by Equinox India Developments Limited. As per RERA, it is a ready-to-move-in residential project spread across 3 acres, offering 3, 4, 5, and 6 BHK apartments. According to the IGR property registration documents reviewed by Square Yards, the apartment spans a carpet area of 2,158 sq. ft. (~200.47 sq. m) and a built-up area of 240.58 sq. m (~2,590 sq. ft.) and comes with three car parking spaces. The deal incurred a stamp duty payment of Rs. 66 lakh and a registration charge of Rs. 30,000.

According to Square Yards’ Project Data Intelligence, a total of 2 transactions amounting to a gross transaction value of Rs. 23 crore were registered with IGR in Indiabulls Sky between February 2024 and January 2025. Currently, the average resale property price in the project stands at Rs. 49,096 per sq. ft.

Zaheer Khan is a former Indian cricketer who represented the national team across all formats from 2000 to 2014. He was part of the Indian squad that shared the 2002 ICC Champions Trophy and played a crucial role in India’s victory at the 2011 Cricket World Cup. In recognition of his contributions to Indian sports, he was honored with the Arjuna Award, the country’s second-highest sporting accolade, in 2011. Zaheer announced his retirement from international and first-class cricket in October 2015. In 2017, he married Sagarika Ghatge, an Indian actress, model, and former national-level hockey player.

New Delhi, January 28, 2025: India’s top nine cities, where majority of Indians migrate for jobs, is staring at a housing crisis. As developers shift focus to luxury housing, the supply of homes in the affordable and mid-income category (priced Rs 1 crore and below) has dipped by 36% in the last two years, from 3,10,216 units in 2022 to 1,98,926 units in 2024 with NCR, Mumbai and Hyderabad as worst performers, said a report by NSE-listed real estate data analytics firm PropEquity.

The housing supply in the affordable and mid-income category stood at 2,83,323 units in 2023, a drop of 30% in one year.

The top nine cities are Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Mumbai, Pune, Thane, Navi Mumbai, Kolkata and NCR.

According to the report, in the last two years, the supply of homes priced Rs 1 crore and below have fallen by 69% to 13238 units in Hyderabad. During the same period, the supply of homes priced Rs 1 crore and below has dipped by 60% to 6062 units in Mumbai and by 45% to 2672 units in NCR.

NCR followed by Mumbai supplied the least number of homes in this category. The total supply in NCR stood at 45503 units with only 2672 units supplied in Rs 1 crore and below category while total supply in Mumbai stood at 40,963 units with only 6062 units supplied in this category.

Samir Jasuja, Founder and CEO, PropEquity said, “Today, 8% of India’s population live in tier 1 cities and this number is expected to grow exponentially in the next five years as more people move to these cities for employment opportunities. The lack of supply in this category, if not attended to in time by the Government, will lead to a housing crisis akin to Australia and Canada.”

“In view of rising migration and growing number of nuclear families, it is estimated that 1.5 cr homes would be required in these cities in the next five years.

“To address this problem, the Government must not just incentivise developers through tax cuts and subsidies in order to make affordable and mid-income housing a viable option but also provide benefits to homebuyers in the form of home loan rebates, stamp duty cuts etc.”

	2022 (Units)	2023 (Units)	2024 (Units)	% change (2024vs2023)	% change (2024vs2022)
Bengaluru	37252	28206	25012	-11%	-33%
Chennai	14575	13852	12743	-8%	-13%
Hyderabad	42747	31645	13238	-58%	-69%
Kolkata	10082	18406	10785	-41%	7%
Mumbai	15042	8763	6062	-31%	-60%
Navi Mumbai	22675	23584	21290	-10%	-6%
Thane	89687	78885	57029	-28%	-36%
Pune	73289	75256	50095	-33%	-32%
NCR	4867	4726	2672	-43%	-45%
Total	310216	283323	198926	-30%	-36%

City-wise performance (Supply of homes in Rs 1 crore and below category):

Bengaluru: Housing supply stood at 25012 units in 2024, decline of 33% in two years and 11% in one year.

Chennai: Housing supply stood 12743 units in 2024, a decline of 13% in two years and 8% in one year.

Hyderabad: Housing supply stood at 13238 units in 2024, a decline of 69% in two years and 58% in one year.

Kolkata: Housing supply stood at 10785 units in 2024, a rise of 7% in two years and decline of 41% in one year.

Mumbai: At 6062 units in 2024, the city saw the second least number of units supplied, registering a decline of 60% in two years and 31% in one year.

Navi Mumbai: Housing supply stood at 21290 units in 2024, a decline of 6% in two years and 10% in one year.

Thane: At 57029 units in 2024, the city witnessed the highest supply amongst top nine cities. However, this is a decline of 36% in two years and 28% in one year.

Pune: At 50095 units in 2024, the city saw the second highest supply amongst top nine cities. However, this is a decline of 32% in two years and 33% in one year.

NCR: At 2672 units in 2024, NCR witnessed the least number of units supplied amongst top nine cities; registering a decline of 45% in two years and 43% in one year.

In contrast, the supply of homes priced Rs 1 crore and above have risen by 48% in the last two years in top nine cities with Bengaluru rising by 187%, Chennai by 127%, Kolkata 58%, Navi Mumbai 70%, Thane 53%, Pune 52% and Delhi-NCR 192%. However, Hyderabad and Mumbai saw a decline of 11% and 14% respectively in the last two years.

NCR, 30 December 2024: Breaking the stereotype, RG Group has completed construction and formalities of another phase of RG Luxury Homes and obtained the Occupancy Certificate (O.C) for towers D, E and F from competent authorities under the monitoring of IRP (Insolvency Resolution Professional). The group is all set to offer possession and hand over the keys to 600 flat owners. Last year the group obtained OC in A, B, C and M towers comprising 850 units. The project is located in Sector-16B in the Greater Noida West, near Ek Murti Chowk in Uttar Pradesh.

RG Group is gearing up to offer possession of units and commence the process of handover in these units. As a breakthrough, RG Luxury Homes is the first project in Gautam Buddha Nagar to receive an OC after securing an order of Reverse Insolvency from NCLT and completing a stuck project under the supervision of IRP (Interim Resolution Professional).

The project is spread over 18.5 acres having the biggest landscape podium and world-class amenities to its allottees, RG Group’s RG Luxury Homes has achieved OC of 7 towers out of 9 which went under insolvency. The rest of the towers and project is under construction and will be delivered in different phases. Mainly, phase 1 of the project was affected due to proceedings in NCLT since September 2019 which has approximately 1918 units.

As per the process, an IRP was appointed around July 2021 for the revival of the project which was a massive task at that moment. During the process, the promoter expressed his willingness to complete the project and presented a very robust revival plan with the inclusion of finance and time-bound targets. The plan was well supported by all the stakeholders, and allottees, including financial institutions, Greater Noida authority and NCLT-appointed IRP.

In a concise span of three months, around October 2021, RG Group commenced the remaining construction and development work of the project again under the stringent supervision of all stakeholders and IRP, resulting in the completion of a stalled project.

Himanshu Garg, Director, of RG Group said, “Securing the Occupancy Certificate (O.C) of another 3 towers of RG Luxury Homes marks an important milestone for us. Now, we have OC of 7 towers comprising 1450 units and we are extending a warm welcome to our esteemed customers as they embark on their journey to a new experience. It is a testament to our hard work, dedication, and most importantly our willingness to complete the project at any cost that offers a modern-day living. Very soon remaining 460 units of phase 1 will be delivered.”

Mr Manoj Kulshrestha, IRP, said, “Looking at the present scenario of real estate projects hitting NCLT and prolonged resolution process, resolution of RG Luxury Homes was a challenging task in the certain period. But yes, this has created a history in the real estate sector and established a benchmark for others too.”

The IRP further mentioned that to complete the project as per the submitted plan, the promoters willingly sold their personal assets, collaborated with financial institutions and most importantly maintained the faith of the customers in the quickly changing working structure without compromising the quality of construction.

The group’s success can be attributed to its deep understanding of customers and focus on providing practical homes. The company has differentiated itself by incorporating distinctive designs to create an environment where the residents can actively participate, preserve, and connect with the green landscapes around them. The consistent effort to complete the project despite facing insolvency, arranging funds, and maintaining customer trust is a testament to the consumers.

Saurabh Jain, Advocate said “Reverse-CIRP which started with this case has proved to be a great success for real estate projects where the biggest sufferers are homebuyers. Though there were few hurdles initially, as IBC does not provide any specific provision for completion of the project by the promoter, however, looking at the kind of difficulties that the homebuyers had to face in the normal CIRP including but not limited to the uncertainty of completion of project, additional monetary demand by new resolution applicant, quality of construction or facilities being actually given vis-à-vis what is assured under BBA etc., Hon’ble NCLAT took the initiative to devise this unique mechanism for adequate redressal of all issues pertaining to real estate project where the homebuyers have invested their life time savings for their dream home.

Mr. Jain further says, Reverse-CIRP is a win-win for every stakeholder of the corporate which is inreal estate sector. It is about time that reverse insolvency process is incorporated as the first and foremost option for resolution under IBC for any corporate dealing with real estate project as the same would not only save the valuable time for the stakeholders as well as for Tribunals/Courts, but also ensures maximum benefit to every stakeholder as compared to normal CIRP where the financial creditors have to forgo a large portion of their interest in the form of haircut and the operational creditors including the statutory authorities are usually left with nothing or negligible receivable against their actual claims towards the corporate debtor.

Kumar Mihir, advocate for the IRP in the Supreme Court says,” Thanks to the proactive approach of SC and NCLAT, this project has seen the light of the day. This hopefully will be an example that real estate projects can be revived if all stakeholders work with an open mind and have a collective approach to find the solution instead of just indulging in a blame game.

National, December 27, 2024: Knight Frank India, in its proprietary report, Affordability Index, cited that home affordability has remained favourable for homebuyers in 2024 as interest rates have stayed relatively steady since the end of 2023. According to the Index, Ahmedabad is the most affordable housing market among the top eight cities, with an affordability ratio of 20%, followed by Pune at 23% and Kolkata at 24%. Mumbai was the only city to exceed the affordability threshold, standing marginally higher at 50%, albeit affordability has improved. Knight Frank India’s Affordability Index tracks the EMI (Equated Monthly Instalment) to income ratio for an average household. Home affordability witnessed steady improvement from 2010 to 2021 across the eight leading cities of India, especially during the pandemic when the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) reduced the policy repo rate (REPO) to decadal lows. However, the RBI raised the REPO rate by 250 basis points (bps) over nine months starting May 2022 to tackle high inflation, thus affecting affordability across cities in 2022.

Since February 2023, however REPO rate has remained unchanged, while income has seen healthy growth which has helped offset rising home prices and relatively high interest rates, supporting affordability. Housing demand has grown at an annualised rate of 23% since 2020 and is expected to scale multi-year highs in 2024. The stable interest rate scenario is likely to persist in the near term, as the India’s economy remains on a healthy growth trajectory.

Affordability Index of leading eight cities of India

City		EMI to Income Ratio
	2010	2019	2020	2021	2022	2023	2024
Mumbai	93%	67%	61%	52%	53%	51%	50%
NCR	53%	34%	38%	28%	29%	27%	27%
Bengaluru	48%	32%	28%	26%	27%	26%	27%
Pune	39%	29%	26%	24%	25%	24%	23%
Chennai	51%	30%	26%	24%	27%	25%	25%
Hyderabad	47%	34%	31%	28%	30%	30%	30%
Kolkata	45%	32%	30%	25%	25%	24%	24%
Ahmedabad	46%	25%	24%	20%	22%	21%	20%

Shishir Baijal, Chairman and Managing Director, Knight Frank India said “Affordability plays a crucial role in sustaining homebuyer demand and driving sales, which significantly contribute to the country’s economic growth. While property prices have seen a considerable rise, the steady increase in income levels has helped individuals maintain the financial confidence needed to invest in properties. As incomes grow and the economy strengthens, end-users are more inclined to make long-term financial commitments toward asset creation. With the RBI projecting a healthy 6.6% GDP growth for FY 2025 and a stable interest rate environment, affordability levels are expected to continue supporting homebuyer demand in 2025.”

The COVID-19 pandemic became a catalyst for the residential real estate market, triggering a recalibration of both property prices and lending rates that significantly boosted demand. This residential sales momentum has persisted, supported by factors such as effective inflation control, and strong economic growth and changing preference for home ownership. All markets have shown improved or stable affordability, leading to sustained demand for homes. The pandemic has thus instilled an enduring shift in homebuyers’ sentiments, keeping demand buoyant.

In Mumbai, the affordability index improved by 17 percentage points, moving from 67% in 2019 to 50% in 2024. Affordability has reduced in Bengaluru, albeit marginally, compared to last year with households now expected to pay 27% of towards home purchases up from 26% in 2023. This is largely due to the sharp rise in residential prices over the past year, which has put pressure on affordability. While affordability has come down marginally, it is still well within the affordability threshold of 50%, over which a city’s residential market is deemed unaffordable. The enduring shift in homebuyers’ preferences and sentiments since the pandemic has kept demand resilient and the residential market buoyant.

By-Atish Saxena, CEO, Atmosphere – Sarvottam Hill Town

With fast-paced lives in urban life, owning a peaceful, serene retreat amidst nature is what many Indian homebuyers find to be their dream. Rises in demand for the holiday homes or second home in hill stations and wellness destination have seen an uptrend in recent years. Aspirations of living, lifestyle upgrade and investment potential have fueled the requirement. Amongst all these emerging locations, Rishikesh has been the newest hotspot for attracting buyers through the metropolitan hubs like Delhi-NCR.

The Surge in Demand for Holiday Homes
Second homes have changed from being a luxury investment to an everyday lifestyle asset. The COVID-19 pandemic proved to be a catalyst since it compelled homebuyers to reevaluate their preferences. As remote working makes flexible lifestyles possible, the need for a holiday home that can serve as both a vacation retreat and a productive space has become a widely popular choice.

Holiday home demand in India has reportedly increased by 15-20% in 2024 compared to pre-pandemic levels, according to a recent report by Anarock Property Consultants. In fact, locations that can be reached by driving, such as Rishikesh, Nainital, and Kasauli, have seen a continuous flow of buyers. Delhi-NCR investors have, more than ever, found themselves leading the pack for Rishikesh, which encompasses nature, spirituality, and the modern world.

Why Rishikesh is the First Priority Second Home
Rishikesh is a perfect blend of the spiritual rejuvenation and peaceful nature of the Himalayas at the foot of this range along the banks of the Ganges. For quite a few reasons, Rishikesh has been the preferred destination for a second home:

• Proximity to Delhi-NCR: It is hardly a 5-6 hours’ drive from Delhi; hence, it becomes quite an accessible retreat for most urbanites who need serenity and fresh air in the absence of too many miles.

• Spiritual and Wellness Appeal: Wellness tourism and wellness itself – be it yoga, meditation, or Ayurveda – is in. This has made the holistic well-being-seeking buyer turn to Rishikesh. Developers are inducting wellness features like meditation zones, spas, and organic farming in their projects.

• Infrastructure Development: Delhi-Dehradun Expressway has improved connectivity to Rishikesh and further reduced travel time. There is expansion in air travel options from Jolly Grant Airport. This has increased the attraction of Rishikesh as a second home destination.

• Investment Potential: With appreciation in property prices by 12-15% every year, the city promises a great return on investment. Holiday homes in the city are also giving very high rental yields with tourist and wellness seekers arriving here.

Top Developers Tap into the Holiday Home Market
Following these developments, several key property developers have turned attention toward curating holiday homes located at desirable locales, particularly like Rishikesh, so the house developed provides an absolute haven which aligns well with what every contemporary buyer needs-from sheer opulence, environment and comfortable dwellings.

• Luxury Villas and Retreats: Developers are promoting premium villas and cottages offering a panoramic view of the Ganges and hills. Amenities like an infinity pool, wellness center, and a landscape garden are becoming a norm for projects for a resort-like experience.

• Eco-friendly Design: Environmental considerations have led to buyers focusing more on eco-friendly houses and the developers are thus building their projects with solar power and rainwater harvesting and adopting more sustainable construction techniques.

• Rental Opportunities: An increasing number of holiday home buyers treat their property as an investment and source of income. Airbnb and Booking.com allow owners to let out their houses to tourists. It’s one more stream of revenue from a short-term rental yield in Rishikesh, ranging between 6% to 8% annual return.

Buyer Profiles: Who’s Investing in Second Homes?
The profile of the holiday home buyer has become far more diverse:

• Urban Professionals: Young professionals and mid-management people from Delhi-NCR are investing in holiday homes, both for leisure and as a place to work from.

• High Networth Individuals: High Networth Individuals use holiday homes as a symbol of status and as part of luxury lifestyle, with preference toward exclusive locations.

• NRIs: Non-Resident Indians also look for such market as investment opportunities as they look to have an emotional and sentimental attachment with their ‘second home’ in India.

Key Trends in Holiday Home Development
• Workation Homes: Developers are combining workspaces with vacation homes. These can be high-speed internet, study nooks, and co-working lounges for remote professionals.

• Wellness-Centric Communities: Projects now emphasize holistic living through yoga decks, wellness spas, organic gardens, and proximity to nature trails, appealing to health-conscious buyers.

• Smart Homes: Smart home technology, which encompasses everything from automation of lighting to security and energy management systems, is now the norm for high-end holiday homes.

• Community Living: Many second-home projects are now integrating community-focused spaces that foster social interaction for networking and group activities by the homeowners.

Investment Outlook: Why Now is the Right Time
Holiday homes’ demand will grow at an average pace as homebuyers from cities are expected to seek refuge from the grinds of city life. And with expressways and regional airports now being developed, locations such as Rishikesh will experience further increases in property value.

This also means an opportunity for investors-both a personal retreat that can also be monetized as a source of rental income. With the rate of tourism in Rishikesh growing by 10-12% per annum, demand for short-term stay does not lack for anything and guarantees good occupancy for holiday homes well kept.

In summary, the concept of a holiday home has shifted from a dream that many urban buyers have long cherished to a viable and commercially profitable investment for many today. Rishikesh is emerging as a highly coveted destination for second homes given its unparalleled natural beauty, spiritual significance, and better connectivity. Developers are stepping up to meet this demand with modern, wellness-focused, and sustainable living spaces to suit discerning buyers.

As the Indian real estate market continues to grow and change, holiday homes will be the epitome of aspirational living and thus the promise of peace, profitability, and well-being in the hills for a buyer.

By-Mr. Dilip Modi, Founder & CEO of Spice Money

“2024 has been a landmark year for the fintech industry, achieving unprecedented milestones in innovation and financial inclusion. India now boasts 26 fintech unicorns, including one decacorn, with registered startups surging from 2,100 in 2021 to 10,200 in 2024 and a combined valuation of $125 billion. Payments and lending categories attracted the maximum amount of funding, accounting for 85% of capital raised, while UPI surpassed 10 billion transactions in August, underscoring its transformative impact.

Spice Money is proud to contribute to this remarkable growth with offerings like biometric banking through AEPS, assisted bill payments, cash collection, and the rollout of UPI for rural India. Our foray into MSME lending and a robust 14-lakh-strong Adhikari network has extended essential financial services to 95% of rural pin codes and 2.39 lakh villages. In 2024, we impacted over 2.5 crore rural customers monthly, fostering trust, financial accessibility, and economic empowerment across Bharat.

Looking ahead to 2025, India is on track to have approximately 150 fintech unicorns with a combined valuation projected to reach $500 billion by 2030. The industry’s future lies in driving scalable and inclusive solutions through collaboration with policymakers and public partners, fostering sustainable and impactful growth for millions across the country.

At Spice Money, we remain committed to advancing Bharat’s financial inclusion through tech-driven solutions, ensuring compliance, and enhancing fraud risk management while prioritizing sustainable and profitable growth. A supportive regulatory framework and robust public-private collaboration are essential to addressing the unique needs of rural India. With rural fintech leading India’s digital revolution, Spice Money aims to build a resilient, inclusive financial ecosystem that uplifts communities and accelerates economic progress.”

By-Mr. Pankaj Gupta, MD and CEO of Pramerica Life Insurance

“The year 2024 has been a defining period for the life insurance industry, marked by a strong emphasis on customer centricity. Regulatory advancements have not only enhanced transparency and trust but have also created avenues for sustainable growth, making the industry more robust and resilient. The revised PPHI (Protection of Policyholders’ Interests) guidelines and new surrender value regulations underscore the sector’s commitment to improving customer experience and fostering policyholder confidence.

Product preferences also saw a notable shift, with Unit-Linked Insurance Plans (ULIPs) emerging as the top choice for policyholders. This was driven by robust equity markets and the growing appeal of wealth creation through insurance. Industry has witnessed rise in New Business Premium from ticket size INR100K & above from 40% in Q1FY24 to 45% in Q1FY25. The growth is largely driven by private insurers whose share of new business from ticket size above 100K has gone up from 55% in Q1FY24 to 60% in Q1FY25 as business mix moves more towards ULIPs, highlighting a rising inclination towards products that blend financial protection with investment benefits. Improved 13-month persistency metrics further reflect the industry’s focus on offering the right products and strengthening collection mechanisms.

At Pramerica Life Insurance, 2024 has been a year of meaningful strides, marked by our commitment to sustainable growth and excellence in serving our customers and stakeholders. We have made significant strides in expanding our reach, particularly in underserved segments, supported by our strong MFI business. This aligns with our commitment to championing the regulator’s vision of ‘Insurance for All by 2047’. Looking ahead, we see immense opportunities in addressing India’s underpenetrated pensions market, currently at just 3% of GDP. With the elderly population projected to grow 2.4 times by 2050, the demand for retirement-focused solutions is expected to rise steadily. Life insurers have a critical role in bridging this gap with innovative and tailored products. As we continue to empower customers with transparent, accessible and innovative solutions, we remain steadfast in our focus on ULIPs as a key component of our product mix. Meanwhile , Bima Trinity is set to revolutionise the sector for customers and distributors alike. By leveraging these opportunities, Pramerica Life Insurance is well-positioned to enter into a new era of growth, supporting India’s journey towards comprehensive financial protection by 2047.”

By-Mr. Pradeep Aggarwal, Founder & Chairman, Signature Global (India) Ltd.

“The Indian real estate sector surged in 2024, supported by rising urbanization, shifting lifestyles, and increasing demand across affordable, mid-income, and luxury segments. Residential demand has been particularly strong, while the luxury market saw a boost from high-net-worth individuals and NRIs keen on high-end amenities in cities like Gurugram, Mumbai, and Bengaluru. Sustainability is a driving trend, with eco-friendly, energy-efficient properties gaining popularity. Valued at approximately $493 billion, the sector contributes 7.3% to India’s GDP and is the second-largest job creator after agriculture.

Looking ahead, India’s real estate market is expected to play a transformative role in the country’s ‘Viksit Bharat’ (Developed India) vision, with projections estimating the sector could reach $1.3 trillion by 2034. By 2030, housing demand is anticipated to grow to around 70 million units, driven by urban infrastructure projects, favorable policies, and a resilient economy. As infrastructure projects accelerate and the economy expands, real estate’s contribution to GDP is poised to rise, solidifying its position as a key pillar in India’s journey toward sustained economic growth and urban modernization.”

By-Mr. Aman Sarin, Director & Chief Executive Officer, Anant Raj Limited

The year 2024 witnessed strong momentum in the Housing sector, with the luxury and ultra-luxury segments taking center stage. Cities like MMR and Gurugram-NCR saw a surge in demand for high-end properties priced above ₹5 crore, driven by an increasing number of prospective buyers seeking premium living spaces.

Looking ahead to 2025, we expect this strong demand to continue and growth across all housing segments, however, with limited supply. Key factors supporting this positive outlook include India’s robust economic growth, stable interest rate, improved consumer confidence, and the dominance of reputable developers capturing significant market share.

Additionally, the RBI’s recent reduction in the Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) is likely to translate into lower lending rates as banks pass on the benefits to borrowers. With inflation under control and a resilient economy, there is also a strong possibility of a policy rate cut in upcoming MPC meetings. Lower interest rates would enhance affordability and further boost buyer sentiment, driving continued momentum in the real estate sector.

By-Akash Khurana, President and CEO, Krisumi Corporation

The trend in 2024 –
The Delhi NCR real estate market has seen an unprecedented surge in 2024, with over 75,000 residential units sold, marking a 15% year-on-year growth, as per a recent Knight Frank report. This growth was fuelled by infrastructure advancements like the completion of the Dwarka Expressway and policy reforms supporting affordable housing. The market’s evolution highlights a shift toward integrated townships and sustainable developments. Dwarka Expressway accounted for a substantial chunk of the sales in Gurugram region which is supported by enhanced connectivity and modern amenities. Like in 2023, even in 2024 buyers continued to prioritize larger homes with green spaces and premium facilities. Inline with the growing preference about 35% of new projects, as per CBRE, are being developed with integrated IoT-enabled smart home solutions signalling a shift towards tech-driven living. The demand for luxury housing also continued to rise sharply during the year. As per a PropTiger report, India’s luxury housing market experienced a remarkable 37.8% surge in sales in 2024. Homes priced at ₹1 crore and above made up 20% of total sales, while homes priced over ₹4 crore witnessed an unprecedented growth of 82%, reflecting a rising demand for premium living, the report stated. The trend may continue in the coming year.

Outlook for 2025 –
In 2024, as per an Anarock Capital report, real estate developers raised ₹1281 crore raised via qualified institutional placements and plan to launch 253 million square feet of housing over the next five years, thus showcasing immense confidence in the sector’s resilience. Accordingly the strong momentum is likely to persist in 2025 as well. Delhi NCR is expected to add 100,000 new units in 2025, with luxury and ultra-luxury segments projected to grow by 20% as per a Cushman & Wakefield report. The completion of key infrastructure projects like the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway and the push for sustainable development will further bolster the market. Luxury housing will likely continue its upward swing, buoyed by rising HNI numbers, infrastructure advancements, and evolving buyer preferences. There’s also a rising demand for mid-segment luxury housing priced above ₹ 2 crore, catering to aspirational millennials. Projects focusing on wellness amenities, like air purification systems and meditation spaces, would continue to gain further traction. At Krisumi Corporation, we’re committed to pioneering these trends, delivering projects that redefine urban living through innovation, quality, and sustainability.