New Delhi, April 30, 2025: Magicbricks, India’s leading real estate platform, has released fresh insights highlighting a robust surge in real estate activity across North India’s Tier 2 cities—Kanpur, Lucknow, Jaipur, and Dehradun—driven by infrastructure development, employment opportunities, evolving buyer preferences, and increasing appetite for premium housing.

According to the platform, Kanpur recorded the highest YoY increase in property prices in North India at 24.53%, with the average rate reaching INR 6,986 per square foot (psf). The growth has been primarily driven by increased interest in the premium housing segment. The city also saw a 29.13% YoY rise in housing demand, attributed to rapid industrialization and improved connectivity. Professionals from textiles, manufacturing, and the education sector are increasingly investing in the city’s housing market. In terms of supply, Kanpur recorded a 4.73% YoY increase, including a 47% jump in the availability of multistorey apartments.

Lucknow continues to emerge as a high–growth city with a 22.61% YoY increase in property prices. Infrastructure upgrades such as the Lucknow Metro expansion, and enhanced inter-city connectivity via Agra-Lucknow and Purvanchal Expressways, have catalyzed a 20.69% YoY rise in housing demand. The city also led in new supply, witnessing a 12.73% YoY growth, with multistorey apartment listings surging 65% and residential houses 27%.

According to the portal, Jaipur posted an 18.61% YoY increase in property prices, largely due to a 56% rise in the supply of 3BHK units, catering to a growing base of mid-to-premium homebuyers. The city recorded a 78% YoY increase in multistorey apartment listings, contributing to an overall 11.77% increase in residential supply. Jaipur also stands out as the most budget-friendly market for 1 and 2 BHK units, offering affordability in a rapidly growing urban environment.

Dehradun, known for its lifestyle appeal and natural surroundings, observed a 4.90% YoY price appreciation, with multistorey apartments priced highest at INR 6,500 psf among all unit types. While the city experienced a 4.87% dip in overall residential supply, multistorey apartment listings grew 49% YoY, indicating shifting buyer interest. Dehradun also leads in supplying larger homes, with 26% of new supply in the 2,000–3,000 sq ft segment—more than any of the other cities.

Across these Tier 2 cities, the platform has observed that multistorey apartments are gaining traction, with average prices ranging from INR 5,600 to INR 6,700 psf. Over 50% of homebuyers prefer units larger than 1,250 sq ft, and units between 1,250–2,000 sq ft saw the highest demand. Lucknow and Jaipur lead in supplying spacious units in this range, while Dehradun has the highest share of even larger homes.

Elaborating on the same, Prasun Kumar, Chief Marketing Officer, Magicbricks said,
“North India’s real estate landscape is evolving rapidly. These Tier 2 cities are no longer secondary markets—they’re becoming prime investment destinations. With expanding infrastructure, increasing supply of modern housing, and rising demand from young professionals and first-time buyers, these cities are poised to play a major role in India’s real estate growth over the next decade.”

As infrastructure continues to improve and demand remains high, these Tier 2 cities are expected to drive a significant portion of India’s residential real estate activity, offering both end-users and investors lucrative opportunities.

Chandigarh, India, April 30, 2025: Embassy Office Parks REIT , India’s first listed REIT and the largest office REIT in Asia by area, reported results today for the fourth quarter and full year ended March 31, 2025. 

Ritwik Bhattacharjee, Chief Executive Officer of Embassy REIT, said,

 “We’re delighted to report another excellent year for Embassy REIT as we mark six years since our listing in April 2019. In FY2025, we leased 6.6 msf, delivered 2.5 msf of new development and acquired a 5.0 msf high-quality asset. Notably, we increased distributions by 8% and are pleased to guide to double–digit distribution growth in FY2026. Our business is in excellent shape and our world-class office portfolio continues to see strong demand from leading companies across the globe.”

 The Board of Directors of Embassy Office Parks Management Services Private Limited (‘EOPMSPL’), Manager to Embassy REIT, at its Board Meeting held earlier today, declared a distribution of ₹538 crores or ₹5.68 per unit for Q4 FY2025. With this, the cumulative distribution for FY2025 totals ₹2,181 crores or ₹23.01 per unit. The record date for the Q4 FY2025 distribution is May 3, 2025, and the distribution will be paid on or before May 9, 2025. 

Business Highlights

· Leased 6.6 msf across 98 deals in FY2025 including 4.0 msf of new leases, 1.6 msf of renewals and ~1 msf of pre-leases

·  Global Capability Centers (GCCs) across sectors accounted for ~60% of the annual leasing activity

·  Portfolio occupancy stands at 91% by value* —Bengaluru at 92%, Mumbai at 100%, and Chennai at 95%

Financial Highlights

·  Grew Revenue from Operations and Net Operating Income (NOI) by 10% YoY to a record ₹4,039 crores and ₹3,283 crores, respectively

· Delivered Distributions of ₹2,181 crores or ₹23.01 per unit, up 8% YoY for FY2025; Cumulative distributions of over ₹12,000 crores since listing

·  Refinanced ~₹6,300 crores debt at an average rate of 7.98%; Continue to maintain a strong balance sheet with dual AAA/Stable credit ratings 

Operational & Growth Highlights

·   Delivered 2.5 msf new development in Bengaluru; Current development pipeline of 6.1 msf in Bengaluru & Chennai at 18% yield on cost

· Acquired 5.0 msf premium business park in Chennai; Actively evaluating inorganic growth opportunities including ROFO assets from the Embassy Sponsor as well as other assets from third parties

· Hotel portfolio performed strongly with 63% occupancy up 7% YoY, 12% ADR growth and growth in annual EBITDA by 25% 

 

Bengaluru, April 30, 2025 — Germany-based BRITA Group, a family-owned business and global leader in drinking water optimisation, today formally announced the inauguration of its India headquarters and Global Support Center in Bengaluru. The event was led by Kelvin Mow, Senior Vice President of Asia Pacific, BRITA Group, and Rajani Hankammer, a member of the founding family. Spread over 12,000 sq. ft. and located at Embassy Manyata Business Park, the newly inaugurated office is a modern, collaborative space that fosters innovation and teamwork.

 Speaking at the inauguration, Kelvin Mow, Senior Vice President of Asia Pacific at BRITA Group, said, “Asia has rightly been identified as key to BRITA Group’s future growth, as several of the largest water filtration markets are located in this region. The regional HQ in Hong Kong was the first in a series steps arising from this insight, with the new India HQ in Bengaluru being the next.”

“We know Bengaluru represents the future of India, with aspirational customers who are open to experimentation and eager to embrace new innovations. It is also one of the region’s foremost hubs for technology and related talent. That’s why we chose to set up a Global Support Center here, with initial focus areas being IT and infrastructure,” he added.

“Proudly family-owned, BRITA has been driving innovation in the global drinking water optimisation market—starting with the first-ever mobile filter for domestic use in 1966. Travelling across Asia, I have observed that each country in this region has unique water consumption needs and preferences—and I’m sure India does as well. We will continue to invest in understanding the evolving Indian consumer better, to ensure we have the right strategy for this high-growth, high-potential market,” said Rajani Hankammer, Shareholder and member of BRITA Group’s promoter family.

Chandigarh, April 29, 2025: Axis Finance Limited (AFL), one of India’s fastest-growing non-banking financial companies (NBFCs), today announced the launch of Axis Finance Disha Home Loans on the auspicious occasion of Akshaya Tritiya. The product is aimed at catering to the needs of aspiring homebuyers from the Economically Weaker Section (EWS) and Low-income Group (LIG) segments.

Disha Home Loans aim to provide customized home loan solutions across various geographies, with a seamless experience throughout the loan lifecycle – backed by best-in-class talent and agile systems to ensure speed in execution and responsiveness to customer needs

This product caters to a diverse range of employment types, covering the entire spectrum of salaried (resident & NRI) and self-employed customers. It addresses the needs of individuals who have formal, semi-formal or informal income documents and are looking for financial assistance. The loan can be availed for the purchase of ready / under-construction / resale property, plot + construction, self-construction, home renovation / extension and more.

Speaking on the launch, Sai Giridhar, MD & CEO, Axis Finance, said, “The launch of ‘Axis Finance Disha Home Loans’ on the auspicious occasion of Akshaya Tritiya reflects our commitment to making home ownership more accessible. This product aims to empower individuals from economically weaker sections by bridging the financial gap and in making their dream of owning a home a reality. This is in line with the government’s relentless efforts to enhance access to housing finance in this segment. Disha Home Loans provide a wide range of customised solutions to meet the diverse needs of customers across geographies.”

He further added, “We aim to provide solutions that customers are looking for, along with superior service and transparency in our dealings. Technology and data science will be our backbone as we enter different markets across the country.  Providing easy access to housing finance with a seamless experience will be our focus.”

Axis Finance has a long and successful presence in secured mortgage products with existing systems, processes, technology, talent, underwriting capabilities and a strong distribution.

Bangalore, April 29, 2025: After the phenomenal success of Nikoo Homes within Bhartiya City, Bhartiya Urban, one of India’s leading real estate developers, is all set to take its much-loved residential brand across Bangalore’s most vibrant and fast-growing neighborhoods. Over the next 15 months, the company plans to launch multiple new Nikoo Homes projects across North, South, and Central Bangalore, delivering more than 9 million square feet of thoughtfully designed living spaces and over 5,000 new homes.

This ambitious expansion reflects the rising demand for homes that combine contemporary design, community living, and modern luxury — the very ethos that Nikoo Homes has come to represent. The new expansion will offer luxurious and environmentally friendly houses designed to blend seamlessly with the surrounding natural beauty, creating an environment that is both exclusive and inviting. Residents will enjoy access to premium facilities, including a grand clubhouse ‘The Black Swan Club’, swimming pool, fitness center, and much more, all designed to offer a fulfilling lifestyle.

“Nikoo Homes is more than just a residential concept—it’s a way of life, thoughtfully designed around the five pillars of family, community, culture, health, and learning. Our goal has always been to offer homes that bring together functionality, aesthetics, and a strong sense of community,” said Mr. Snehdeep Aggarwal, Chairman of Bhartiya Group. He further added, “With this expansion, we’re excited to extend that experience to more people in Bangalore, adapting to the evolving aspirations of modern urban dwellers.”

Nikoo Homes began as a bold vision within Bhartiya City — Bhartiya Urban’s flagship 125-acre integrated township near Hebbal. Designed to be a city with the warmth of a village, Bhartiya City is home to residences, tech parks, a shopping mall, The Leela Bhartiya City, and a world-class school. With nearly 17 million sq. ft. of built-up space, it is one of the largest integrated urban developments in India.

Within this ecosystem, over 6,600 families have chosen to live in Nikoo Homes — from smartly designed studios and lofts to spacious 4-bedroom homes. These homes offer a blend of style, function, and smart living — with parks in the sky, walk-to-work environments, and public spaces designed to bring people together.

By expanding Nikoo Homes as a distinct and independent brand, Bhartiya Urban is doubling down on its vision to make high-quality urban living more widely available across Bangalore’s key growth hubs.

Further announcements regarding project locations, launch timelines, and home configurations will be made in the coming months.

 

Bangalore, 29th April 2025: India’s job market is ending the financial year on a high note. Despite global headwinds, employers in India are doubling down on hiring, especially tech talent and freshers. According to Indeed’s latest ‘Hiring Tracker’, 82% of employers actively hired between January and March 2025, and increased overall hiring by 3% compared to October and December 2024. 

“The job market is evolving, and employers are moving ahead with cautious optimism. While fresher hiring remains steady and tech roles continue to grow, especially in areas like software development, data analytics, and AI, there’s also a clear need to bridge the skills gap. As we enter FY26, companies are being more deliberate about who they hire and how they build future-ready teams,” said Sashi Kumar, Head of Sales, Indeed India

Freshers take the spotlight as FY26 planning kicks off

As companies locked in budgets and future-facing teams, fresh graduates emerged as the most in-demand talent, accounting for 53% of new hires last quarter. The top roles driving this demand were Software Developers (29%), Data Analysts and Scientists (26%), and Sales Executives (23%).

Employers are increasingly seeking freshers trained in Data Analytics, AI/ML, Cybersecurity, and Software Development — indicating that India’s hiring momentum is closely tied to the tech and AI boom. From AI developers to Cybersecurity specialists, employers are building teams that can future-proof their business, and freshers are leading the charge.

The skills gap challenge: Fresh talent, but not job-ready

Despite a strong interest in fresher hiring, many employers are grappling with a persistent skills gap. 38% of employers cited this as their top concern. While fresh graduates bring enthusiasm and adaptability, many lack the hands-on, practical experience that’s essential in today’s fast-evolving workplace.

Beyond technical skills, employers are also finding that new hires often fall short of workplace readiness. From communication to collaboration and time management, 27% of employers report that freshers need more support to adjust to professional environments. On top of that, 25% struggle with bridging the gap between candidate expectations and what companies can realistically offer, especially when it comes to compensation.

Yet, most companies still view freshers as long-term investments. What’s clear is that employers are becoming more discerning. They’re looking for candidates who not only have the right technical know-how in areas like AI, software development, and data analytics but also demonstrate flexibility, curiosity, and a willingness to learn on the job.

Freshers’ viewpoint: High hopes, tough competition

On the other side of the table, freshers are navigating their own set of challenges. While many are eager to upskill and prove themselves, competitive pay remains a sticking point. A large share of job seekers say they’re unwilling to settle for low compensation, and employers are taking notice. In fact, 72% of employers say fresher salaries have increased year-on-year. However, nearly 60% admit that the hike has been modest, capped at 5%.

Adding to the pressure, 39% of freshers say the sheer volume of competition makes it hard to get noticed.

“For every job today, there are six freshers vying for the role, and in tech, seven freshers compete for one role. That’s a sign of a young, ambitious workforce ready to work. Now, it’s time for the ecosystem to rise to the challenge. With the right push from new-age tech companies and innovation-led sectors like AI and cybersecurity, we have a real opportunity to turn this energy into impact,” added Mr Kumar.

Employers came close to meeting the salary expectations of the class of 2025 this quarter, offering an average starting salary of ₹3,50,000 LPA against freshers’ hopes of ₹3,80,000 LPA. Around 58% of employers offered packages in the ₹300,000 – 500,000 LPA range, aligning closely with the expectations of 67%. However, despite this near-match, 72% of freshers said they would not compromise on their salary demands, even if attractive learning or growth opportunities were available, underlining once again that pay remains their top priority.

This disconnect between employer expectations and job seeker needs is shaping how talent engages with opportunities. In fact, 62% of job seekers say they are more likely to apply to roles that clearly outline compensation, responsibilities, and work culture.. For employers looking to attract top talent, greater transparency and well-defined expectations may be key to building a stronger talent pipeline in FY26.

Outlook for FY26

The outlook for FY26 is cautiously optimistic. Over 34% of employers surveyed for Indeed Hiring Tracker Q4 FY’25 said they plan to hire freshers in the coming April-June 2025 quarter. Demand remains strong for fresh graduates and tech talent, especially in areas like AI, data, and cybersecurity.

Chennai/April 29, 2025 — Sundaram Finance Ltd., one of India’s most trusted NBFCs, is revising Deposit Interest Rates effective 1st May 2025, in line with the RBI’s repo rate revision announced recently. Revised rates for Senior Citizens are 7.70% for 12 months and 8% for 24 and 36 months. Similarly, for others, 7.20% for 12 months and 7.50% for 24 and 36 months.

The adjustments reflect Sundaram Finance Ltd.’s measured response to broader economic conditions and market dynamics and are a part of their financial strategy to align with current economic trends.

Recently, the company introduced a Digital Deposit facility, making savings simpler, safer, and more accessible than ever. Customers can conveniently invest and manage their deposits digitally through a seamless and secure process, enjoying peace of mind and attractive returns. This online transaction can be initiated through the company portal.

ABOUT SUNDARAM FINANCE

Sundaram Finance was established in 1954, and the company has today grown into one of the most trusted and diversified financial services groups in India providing financing for commercial vehicles, cars & utility vehicles, tractors and farm equipment, construction equipment, SME finance and a range of working capital products for financing diesel, tyres, insurance.

Through its subsidiaries and group companies, the company offers home finance, loans against property, mutual funds and investment management solutions and the full range of general insurance products and services. It has a nationwide presence of over 700 branches, over 1.1 lakh depositors and over 4.75 lakh lending customers.

Sundaram Finance’s vision is to be the most respected NBFC in the country and its mission is to deliver the Sundaram experience to all customers, big and small, in keeping with the ethos of the Company. Sundaram Finance embraces a philosophy that balances Growth with Quality and Profitability and remains rooted in its ideal of protecting and enhancing shareholder value. The founding philosophy of the company is that everything begins with the customer. Our founder, Late Sri T S Santhanam, enshrined in the company its core values – The Sundaram Way – that have been the company’s guiding light over the decades. The company is deeply rooted in its values and proud of its heritage, also constantly innovating in terms of technology and processes to deliver the unique Sundaram experience to its customers and stakeholders.

As festive occasions like Akshay Tritiya continue to inspire traditional investments, more customers are turning to digital gold for its convenience, security, and flexibility. Amazon Pay has seen a significant rise in digital gold purchases, with demand during auspicious periods like Akshay Tritiya increasing by 2-3 times in the past year.

In response to this growing trend, Amazon Pay is offering up to ₹1,000 cashback on digital gold purchases this Akshay Tritiya 2025. Customers can also enjoy special deals on gift cards from top jewellery brands like Tanishq, Joyalukkas, and Kalyan Jewellers, available through April 30.

Industry sources reveal that with recent gold price hikes, 5–7 lakh customers have opted for digital gold via platforms like PhonePe, Paytm, and Amazon Pay in the last three months.

Amazon Pay remains committed to delivering trusted and rewarding festive experiences to millions across India, making investing in gold easier and smarter than ever.

There’s something captivating about restraint in design. When every line is intentional, every curve speaks, and nothing feels excessive: that’s when you know that you have something extraordinary around you. Thin Essence, SOMANY’s latest wall-hung collection, captures that feeling beautifully.

Inspired by the elegance and discipline of ballet, Thin Essence is about lightness – both in form and feel. It doesn’t seek attention. It earns it. The design is refined, measured, and strikingly minimal, making it an effortless addition to spaces that value quiet sophistication.

The ultra-slim rim profile is Thin Essence’ s USP. With a rim thickness of just 13 to 15 mm, it is dramatically slimmer than the conventional 45 to 60 mm designs seen in standard ceramic ware. This subtle detail shifts the entire aesthetic. Bathrooms feel more open. Lines appear cleaner. And the overall space takes on a far more contemporary character.

But Thin Essence isn’t only limited to aesthetics. It’s also deeply functional. Its pure rimless design ensures thorough flushing and high standards of hygiene. The thoughtful contours are easy to clean and maintain, reducing areas where dust and bacteria typically accumulate. It is ‘design with intention’ where every feature supports the way we live today.

There are two form options to choose from: Round and Square. The Round model (360x520x360 mm) brings a softness that complements fluid, organic interiors. The Square model (365x520x350 mm) offers a more structured presence: modern, bold, and architectural. Both versions come in a polished white finish that reflects light beautifully and works effortlessly with a wide range of interior palettes.

Each wall-hung is paired with a UF Ezee Close Seat Cover, known for its comfort and smooth close mechanism. The blind installation system further enhances the seamless look, eliminating visual clutter and allowing the product to almost float against the wall. The result is a bathroom that feels open, uncluttered, and distinctly modern.

Thin Essence is not trying to be loud. It doesn’t rely on flourish or exaggeration. Instead, it quietly raises the bar for what a well-designed wall-hung closet can be. It’s a collection that understands the nuances of contemporary living where aesthetics and utility are not separate ideas but part of the same conversation.

For homeowners, designers, and architects seeking a timeless statement in ceramic design, Thin Essence offers the perfect balance of elegance and practicality. Thoughtfully designed, beautifully built, and effortlessly modern: THIN ESSENCE from SOMANY is a celebration of form, precision, and simplicity.