19th August 2025, Kishangarh :  There is a quiet renaissance unfolding in the world of high design. After a decade of high-shine synthetics and engineered perfection, the most discerning architects and tastemakers are returning to what is rare, real, and enduring: natural marble.

This is not nostalgia. In an era where so much is manufactured, the unrepeatable artistry of nature feels like the ultimate luxury. Each marble block holds millions of years of geological history; every vein is a one-off, a signature drawn by the earth itself.

The Desire for Authenticity

For those who live and work in the details, marble is never just a surface. It is a statement of permanence in a transient world. In a penthouse lobby, it speaks of authority; in a private residence, of intimacy and heritage. It is as much about connection to the earth as it is about aesthetics — a grounding presence in the whirlwind of modern life.

Why Designers Are Recommending Marble Again

Tactile Opulence – Unlike engineered materials, marble interacts with light, its depth and texture shifting throughout the day.

Design Versatility – From minimalist contemporary villas to richly layered classical interiors, marble adapts without ever losing its identity.

Sustainability Through Longevity – A well-installed marble floor or wall can last for generations, making it as responsible as it is beautiful.

Tilak Marbles: At the Forefront of This Revival

With over three decades of heritage, Tilak Marbles has been a quiet yet influential presence in India’s evolving design landscape. Their portfolio spans the serene warmth of beige, the purity of white, the sophistication of grey, and rare exotics from storied quarries across the world. Each block is chosen for its color fidelity, vein clarity, and structural integrity — ensuring that every installation is both visually exceptional and architecturally sound.

A Material That Transcends Time

Marble is not a seasonal trend. It is a design constant — reinterpreted by each generation yet always carrying the same intrinsic value. In a market where true luxury is increasingly defined by authenticity and meaning, marble’s place is secure.

And for those who understand its language, there is — and always will be — no substitute.

By – Dr. Prashant Thakur, Executive Director & Head – Research & Advisory, ANAROCK Group

Mumbai 19 August 2025: Over the last ten years, the cost of constructing real estate has increased inexorably. The rise has been especially brutal since 2021, for several reasons – inflation, supply chain disruptions, increased demand for infrastructure, global macro-economic events, and evolving government policy.

In five years from 2019 to 2024, the cost of constructing homes went up by about 40%. In three years alone, it rose by 27.3% – in October 2021, the average cost for Grade A projects in a tier-1 city was approx. INR 2,200/sq. ft. By October 2024, it had gone up to approx. INR 2,800/sq. ft.

Cost Components:

Raw materials (cement, steel, copper, aluminium): Cement prices declined by a significant 15%, while steel prices only dropped by 1% over the last year. But in five years, both materials went up by 30–57%. Copper and aluminium prices went up even more. Copper prices went up 19% in one year and as high as 91% in five years (2019–2024).

Labour costs: Probably the biggest factor behind the overall cost increases, this went up 25% in the last year, and 150% since 2019.

Other costs: Construction budgets have also been impacted by the rising costs of approvals, logistics (due to rising fuel prices), compliance, and overhead costs.

City-specific variations: Major cities like Mumbai, Delhi, and Bangalore always have higher costs – property prices and labour costs are higher, and there is a greater need for trained workers. On the other hand, tier-2 and tier-3 cities and those with easier access to cheap land and materials, have lower overall construction costs.

Affordable housing projects tend to involve the lowest costs per square foot, with standard materials and basic finishes, starting from INR 1,500–INR 2,000/sq. ft even in metros.

Mid-range homes Call for higher-grade materials and branded fixtures and fittings, with costs typically INR 2,000–INR 2,800/sq ft or higher.

Luxury projects tend to use imported finishes and involve high-end architecture and advanced amenities. These push construction costs above INR 3,000–INR 5,000/sq. ft in top cities.

Impact on Property Prices & Developer Strategies

On property buyers – Most developers tend to pass on increased input costs, either in part or completely, to their buyers. Recent data shows that at least 5–6% of the total input cost increases are directly reflected in housing prices. In affordable housing, even a hike of INR 500–INR 800/sq. ft can sharply impact buyer access, since an increase of INR 5 lakh is a massive additional burden for price-sensitive buyers when compared to those who buy premium or luxury housing.

On developers’ profit margins – Smaller players who develop affordable housing already face thinner margins and are often unable to absorb even small cost increases. Many such developers have slowed down their launches or cut corners on amenities. In contrast, larger developers and luxury segment players can absorb cost increases because they enjoy higher margins and wield higher brand value

Homebuyer agreements: Most builder-buyer agreements include escalation charges, letting developers adjust sale prices upward along with cost increases, especially for under construction projects. This legal flexibility in the absence of regulatory constraints is behind much of the price transmission to buyers.

Housing prices: The combined effect has resulted in residential real estate prices rising by between 9-12% annually in recent years, with the increased construction costs a major driver along with rising land costs and reducing inventory. Pricing power remains strongest in metro cities, with less pronounced effects in smaller towns and cities where demand is lower.

Segment-Specific Trends: Affordable vs. Mid-Range vs. Luxury

Affordable housing – Developers in this segment face the greatest construction cost-related constraints, as their target buyers are extremely price sensitive. Any increase in costs significantly impacts demand and can even result in stalled sales – as is seen in the massive decline in affordable launches share – 40% in 2019 to 12% in H1 2025, and sales share – 38% in 2019 to 18% in H1 2025 as per ANAROCK Research data.

Mid-range projects – These projects have some flexibility when it comes to transmitting higher costs to buyers; however, inflation and policy shocks can still edge out a big chunk of buyers in this segment.

Luxury projects – Cost hikes are more easily absorbed by this buyer group, which looks for premium features and tends to have bigger budgets. Price increases are also factored into brand perceptions and the desire for exclusivity. In short, this buyer segment is the least affected by higher input costs.

Tariffs’ Potential Impact on Construction Costs – at 25% & 50%

The key construction materials that are impacted by tariffs are steel, aluminium, cement, equipment, and foreign finishings which are typically sourced from countries like China, US, and Europe. The immediate impact of a 25% tariff is that construction costs for projects that depend on imports could rise by 1.5–2.5% over current levels, over and above the baseline inflation and market-driven escalation.

However, if a 50% tariff is imposed, the scenario turns gloomier. Such a tariff level would potentially push construction costs for the most import-dependent projects up by 5% or more. Supply chain disruptions could increase price volatility well beyond the calculations of the tariff itself if retaliatory measures spread globally.

Impacts:

Project pipelines: Developers may slow-lane or delay projects that rely heavily on imported materials, especially luxury or commercial projects.

Cost increases for buyers: In the affordable and mid-segments, further price rises would likely put home ownership out of reach for many more Indians, worsening demand patterns already flagging due to market uncertainty.

Developer strategies: Some developers may start sourcing their materials locally, preferring indigenous materials or alternative products to reduce cost risks. However, such a transition will take time and may not be enough to fully offset the inflationary effect

Economic impact: Any sustained escalation of trade tensions would further derail the affordable housing sector, which already took a massive hit by the COVID-19 pandemic and input inflation. This would result in further sales drops and more loan defaults in this segment.

Over the last ten years, the cost of residential real estate construction has gone up in cycles, and this has been made worse recently by global events, inflation, regulatory delays, and now tariffs. The potential of higher tariffs adds even more uncertainty, which might lead to a bigger affordability crisis, delayed launches, and financial strain for both developers and buyers.

Incentives, local sourcing, and regulatory measures are among the government and business actions that can help stabilize costs and housing affordability in the future.

Potential Impact of GST Reforms

The revised GST structuring signalled by the government can make a positive difference to construction costs. It has been proposed that there will only be two key rates of 5% and 18%, and that GST on cement will be reduced from 28% to 18%. This would be a major relief as it would decrease the overall tax burden on critical input costs. Developers will have to pay less for cement, steel and other inputs and will also benefit from simplified regulatory compliance.

The GST reforms can deliver bring modest but meaningful reductions in housing prices. For affordable housing, which is currently taxed at 1%, the reduction would be limited though lower input costs – especially if input tax credits (ITC) are restored – can lower prices by up to 2–4%. In the mid-segment, a GST reduction from 5% to 3% could cut prices by 2–3%. In the luxury homes segment, we could at best expect nuanced changes because while input costs may reduce, the luxury items used in such projects may be subject to the highest 40% rate, thus reducing the potential for price reductions.

18th August 2025, Kishangarh: In the fast-shifting world of luxury interiors, where trends often burn bright and fade quickly, one design truth endures: neutrals never go out of style. Beige, white, and grey — often understated, always elegant — form the foundation of some of the world’s most timeless spaces.

These hues are more than just background players; they are the quiet orchestrators of balance, light, and sophistication. In marble, they reveal their most luxurious form — veining that dances subtly in sunlight, tones that shift with the day, and surfaces that whisper refinement rather than shout for attention.

Tilak Marbles, with its three-decade legacy, has curated some of the most sought-after neutral marbles from India and beyond. Their palette is not just a product catalogue — it is a distillation of what works, what lasts, and what elevates. From creamy beige stones that add warmth to modern minimalism, to crisp whites that amplify natural light, to versatile greys that anchor contemporary design, Tilak’s selection reflects a deep understanding of how color lives in a space over time.

“When a client chooses beige, white, or grey marble, they are not choosing ‘safe’ — they are choosing ‘enduring,’” says Praveen Gangwal, Founder of Tilak Marbles. “These shades adapt to changing furniture, lighting, and personal style. That’s why they work for a lifetime — and beyond.”

Designers agree that investing in neutrals is about more than aesthetics. It is a practical choice, too — ensuring that spaces can evolve without the need for costly material changes. The right block of Statuario white or soft Fior di Bosco grey does not just define a room; it future proofs it.

In a marketplace overflowing with surface options, Tilak Marbles’ curated neutrals stand out because they are selected with an eye for rarity and longevity. Each block tells a story, not of fleeting fashion, but of permanence. And in a time when luxury increasingly means lasting value, that may be the most fashionable choice of all.

August 14th, 2025: EBG Realty, one of India’s leading premium real estate development and advisory firms and the real estate arm of the diversified EBG Group, has announced a strategic partnership with Alba Homes, a leading Dubai-based real estate company under Alba Corporation. Announced just days before India’s Independence Day, this collaboration reflects the growing confidence of Indian investors in global markets and expands their freedom to access high-potential international opportunities.

Dubai’s property market is witnessing unprecedented growth, with Indian investors emerging as the leading force behind foreign acquisitions, accounting for over 22% of foreign property transactions and investing more than AED 35 billion in 2024. The partnership comes at a pivotal time. With deep understanding of the Indian real estate landscape and a growing presence in the UAE, EBG Realty is well-positioned to meet the increasing demand for global property investments. Partnering with Alba Homes will give Indian buyers access to Dubai’s thriving market through an advisory-led approach that includes exclusive listings, local insights, and end-to-end transactional support.

Speaking on this partnership, Mr. Sunil Shankar, CEO of EBG Realty, said, “EBG Realty has built a strong reputation in India for connecting clients with premium real estate opportunities. As we approach Independence Day, we see this as a moment to encourage financial independence for Indian investors, helping them explore high-quality properties and promising investments beyond our borders.”

Luis do Carmo, CEO of Alba Homes, added, “We are thrilled to join forces with EBG Realty to create a bridge between Dubai and India’s investors,” said Luis do Carmo, CEO of Alba Homes. “Dubai’s real estate market is flourishing, and through this partnership, Indian buyers will have unparalleled access to our portfolio of properties and trusted expertise. Alba Homes prides itself on innovation and integrity in the UAE, and with EBG’s strong presence in India, together we will ensure a seamless, rewarding experience for clients looking to capitalize on Dubai’s growth.

The partnership will deliver a full-service investment journey for Indian clients, from personalised property selection and virtual tours to legal consultation and transaction management. To further engage Indian investors, EBG Realty and Alba Homes will host exclusive property showcases and investment seminars across major Indian cities, presenting curated opportunities across Dubai’s most desirable residential and commercial hubs.

By combining EBG Realty’s experienced advisory team and strong national network with Alba Homes’ diverse Dubai portfolio and local expertise, the collaboration aims to make cross-border real estate investment more accessible, transparent, and rewarding for Indian investors.

Mumbai, 14th August 2025: In a move as bold as it is rooted, Ugaoo — India’s #1 gardening company — has announced beloved actor and pop culture icon Jackie Shroff as its brand ambassador. This collaboration with the well-known actor marks a pivotal moment for Ugaoo as it evolves from a green brand adored by urban audiences to a cultural mainstay across India’s Tier 2 and 3 cities.

Having spent a decade cultivating a greener India, Ugaoo has played a key role in shaping how urban Indians perceive and interact with nature in their everyday lives. The brand has steadily built emotional equity through a strong content-first strategy, using storytelling, community-driven campaigns, and relatable plant care content to make gardening less intimidating and more joyful for everybody. Ugaoo’s digital presence has fostered a loyal, plant-loving community that sees houseplants not just as décor but as meaningful companions, symbols of personal growth, and tools for emotional expression.

As Ugaoo enters its next phase of growth reaching deeper into the heartland, it needed more than a campaign; it needed a cultural bridge. Jackie Shroff, the beloved Bollywood actor and original green crusader, fits this role seamlessly. Known for his earthy authenticity, irreverent charm, and lifelong love for plants, Jackie has always walked the talk. From arriving at events with a spider plant slung around his neck, spreading the green message far and wide, to nurturing his own organic farm, his connection to nature is both personal and deeply profound.

Moreover, Jackie’s legacy as a pop culture icon with a devoted fan base that cuts across age groups makes him the perfect ambassador for Ugaoo, a brand that resonates equally with Gen Z, millennials, and older generations. His persona is timeless, his appeal is cross-generational, and his relevance in India’s cultural imagination makes this collaboration a natural fit.

“Jackie Shroff is not just a face, he’s a feeling. For years, we’ve worked to make plants a part of India’s emotional and cultural fabric. And Jackie embodies everything we believe in: he’s playful, rooted, and passionately green. There is nobody we would have worked with in this capacity — it was Jackie or no one. As we prepare to expand across Bharat, his presence brings instant relatability, timeless credibility, and a refreshing sense of fun to our story,” said Siddhant Bhalinge, Founder & CEO of Ugaoo.

Jackie’s association with Ugaoo launches with a high-impact campaign film conceptualised by Thought Over Design and produced by Cathect Studios. Set in a cozy living room, the film opens on a dramatic note with a distraught plant parent grieving over her wilted Alocasia. Jackie consoles her in his signature style, ordering a fresh one from Ugaoo, with the promise of a longer and healthier plant for life. The film ends with the unforgettable line, “Ugaoo, Bhidu, Ugaoo,” blending emotion, humour, and plant care into a perfectly potted story.

Speaking of the association, Jackie Shroff said, “Plants aren’t just decor; they’re companions, therapy, and a connection to life. Putting my hands in the soil brings me peace. Associating with Ugaoo is a no-brainer; they’re spreading a green movement across India. Together, we’re nurturing a generation that values nature. I’m glad to be a part of this mission, inspiring others to live rooted and connected.”

This collaboration is more than a celebrity tie-in; it’s a cultural moment. It signals Ugaoo’s ambition to embed itself into the everyday lives of Indians by using plants not just as décor but as emotional connectors. The brand is also tapping into a growing trend: making plant gifting a thoughtful, lasting alternative to traditional gifts like flowers and chocolates, symbolising care, growth, and continuity.

Whether it’s a spider plant sent as an apology, twin succulents exchanged as modern-day friendship bracelets, or a potted pothos marking a couple’s first home together, Ugaoo is redefining how India expresses emotion. Plants, unlike other conventional gifts, last longer, grow with you, and become shared symbols of care and connection.

Simultaneously, Ugaoo continues to champion gardening as a mental wellness ritual. With more people seeking mindful habits in their fast-paced urban lives, simple acts like watering plants, nurturing leaves, and watching something grow has emerged as a powerful, grounding routine.

With over 1 million customers and a growing footprint across e-commerce, q-commerce, and offline stores in Mumbai, Pune, and Bengaluru, Ugaoo is now primed for outsized scale. Jackie’s association marks the beginning of a series of initiatives, from new product formats to regional storytelling, that will cement Ugaoo’s position as India’s most culturally relevant and emotionally resonant green brand.

As India begins to view plants not just as purchases but an integral part of how we live, love, and heal, Ugaoo — with Jackie Shroff by its side — is here to lead the way.

New Delhi, 14 August 2025: India’s cleanest seafood brand, Dam Good Fish is turning up the passion in home kitchens with its new launch, “7 Days, 7 Craves”. It includes seven new bold, regionally inspired flavours, each designed to correspond to a day of the week, with a uniquely craveable seafood experience.

Inspired by regional favorites like fiery Andhra-style Masala Fry, tangy Konkan Green Chilli Fish, and rich Goan Recheado Bangda, Dam Good Fish is introducing seven bold new flavors: Chili Garlic, Garden Mint, Cajun-Spiced, Kali Mirch, Smoky Charcoal, Achari, and Spicy Grill. These twists offer a fresh take on everyday seafood and elevate every meal with effortless flair.

“We wanted to solve the weekday dinner problem with something exciting, but easy,” shared Shailesh Patel, Co-founder of Dam Good Fish. “By launching seven new flavour variants, each rooted in India’s diverse regional culinary traditions, we’re making it easier—and tastier—for people to fall in love with fish again, and hopefully, with fish forever.”

Each variant under the 7 Days, 7 Craves campaign is designed to deliver freshness, flavour, and convenience in every bite. Made with naturally grown or wild-caught fish that are completely free from antibiotics and preservatives, each product is paired with authentic, clean-label marinades crafted from traditional Indian spices. Curated by expert chefs, these pre-marinated, ready-to-cook options ensure quick, fuss-free meals without compromising on taste or quality. Every catch is sustainably sourced from India’s freshwater dams, guaranteeing 100% freshness while supporting responsible fishing practices.

Dam Good Fish continues to stay true to its mission—delivering ethically harvested, high-quality seafood while supporting local fishing and farming communities.

Whether you’re a working professional short on time or a home cook craving variety, 7 Days, 7 Craves is set to become your new weekly ritual.

Ace Blend Secures Pre-Series A Investment from Fireside Ventures to Disrupt India’s Nutrition Industry

Mumbai, August 13, 2025: Ace Blend, India’s leading science-backed nutrition powerhouse, today announced an investment from Fireside Ventures, India’s premier consumer-focused venture capital firm.

Shivam Hingorani, Founder of Ace Blend, closely examined the Indian nutrition space. What he found were products with low efficacy and unsubstantiated claims that were big on promises, not on results.

Ace has been revamping India’s supplement landscape, backed by over 25 years of global expertise from a leading R&D and product design giant in their vertical integration. Pure focus on using clinical-grade ingredients and extraction technologies have become the backbone of Ace Blend’s results-driven formulations.

“We’re not here to sell hope in a bottle,” said Shivam. “Our mission is to deliver real results. With Fireside’s backing and the best global R&D muscle behind us, we’re ready to scale and show the country what real nutrition looks like.”

“Every ingredient, every dose, every claim we make is backed by clinical research,” added Saif Mehkri, a founder with expertise in R&D who Ace Blend onboarded as Co-Founder in 2022. “Indians deserve health outcomes that people can feel, measure, and trust”

Fireside Ventures, the force behind Mamaearth, BoAT, and 40+ brands in its portfolio across different consumer domains, has been watching Ace Blend’s explosive growth and identified it as a perfect fit. Their decision to invest in them was also triggered by Ace’s strong performance.

“India has hundreds of nutrition-supplement brands, yet only a select few deliver precise dosing, clinically-backed efficacy, and full raw-material traceability. We see the next breakthrough coming from premium formulations in convenient formats—and Ace Blend is uniquely positioned to provide exactly that to Indian consumers” , said Dipanjan Basu, Partner and Co-Founder at Fireside Ventures.

Ace Blend has skyrocketed from ₹1.9 Cr to a projected ₹55 Cr in just three years — charting over 250% growth in year one, nearly doubling in year two, and now scaling more than 4X this year with their pre-series A + angel round funding of $3.3 million, with an additional $5.7 million in the pipeline. The brand is redefining what effective nutrition looks like in India. 

This funding unites three giants, all set to raise industry standards.

Mumbai, 13 August 2025: Between the end of 2021 and mid-2025, India’s most dynamic housing micro markets have delivered remarkable gains for both homeowners and investors, finds latest ANAROCK Research data. In some areas, property prices have nearly doubled; in others, rents have climbed at a pace that outstripped inflation by a wide margin. The twin forces driving this surge – strong employment-driven demand and steady infrastructure upgrades — have given rise to markets where both capital appreciation and rental values growth are driven by location dynamics, connectivity, and economic momentum.

For a broad overview, ANAROCK has studied capital appreciation and rental value growth trends across 14 of the most active (in terms of supply and sales) micro markets in Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Pune, NCR, Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), Kolkata, and Chennai – and unpacked the reasons behind their performance.

National Post-Pandemic Snapshot

Anuj Puri, Chairman – ANAROCK Group, says, “The recovery that began in 2021 was driven by pent-up demand, record-low interest rates, and a structural shift toward homeownership after the pandemic. In the early recovery years, annual rental increases of 12–24% were common in prime employment hubs. By H1 2025, rental growth had moderated nationally to 7–9% — still ahead of consumer inflation, but a lot more sustainable.”

“Capital values followed a similar trajectory of rapid appreciation between 2021-2023, followed by steadier gains as new supply hit the market and buyers became more price sensitive,” says Puri. “Notably, infrastructure-led markets (those benefiting from new metro lines, expressways, or new planned tech hubs) continued to defy this cooling trend.”

Bengaluru: Sarjapur Road and Thanisandra

In India’s tech capital, two pockets have outperformed even the city’s robust average growth.

Sarjapur Road has long been part of Bengaluru’s eastern IT corridor, but the promise of the Red Line Namma Metro—connecting Hebbal to Sarjapur—has fuelled a fresh wave of interest. Between 2021 and Q2 2025, property prices here jumped 79%, while average 2BHK rents climbed 81% to ₹38,000 a month.
Thanisandra Main Road, in the north, has mirrored this trajectory with capital gains of 81% and rents up 65%. Its proximity to Manyata Tech Park and improving road connectivity have made it a magnet for mid-to-upper-income IT professionals.

Both areas also benefit from constrained land availability, which has kept the market tight, and speculative buzz around projects like the proposed ‘Swift City’ mega-tech hub in Sarjapur.

Hyderabad: HITECH City and Gachibowli

Hyderabad’s western corridor has cemented its place as one of India’s most resilient real estate sub-markets.

HITECH City, the city’s tech heart, recorded a 70% rise in property values and a 58% jump in rents over the past three and a half years.
Gachibowli, just next door, surged even more—capital values up 87%, rents up 66%. Its appeal lies in a concentration of multinational campuses, international schools, and premium residential complexes.

Even as national rental inflation has eased, these two pockets continue to post double-digit annual increases thanks to unrelenting demand from a growing IT workforce and the scarcity of ready-to-move-in apartments.

Pune: Hinjewadi and Wagholi

Pune’s performance underscores a familiar pattern: a mature IT hub supported by a fast-growing affordable fringe.

Hinjewadi, home to the city’s largest IT park, saw prices rise 40% and rents climb 60% since 2021. While rental growth has slowed since late 2024, demand remains stable thanks to a steady influx of young professionals.
Wagholi, further out but well-connected to the city via the Nagar Road corridor, matched Hinjewadi’s capital gains but outperformed on rentals with a 69% increase. Its relatively lower buy-in cost has made it a preferred choice for first-time investors seeking yield.

NCR: Sohna Road and Noida Sector-150

The National Capital Region’s story has two distinct threads – established corporate corridors and new-age investor magnets.

Sohna Road in Gurugram blends both worlds: strong corporate leasing nearby and improving connectivity via the Delhi–Mumbai Expressway linkages. Prices are up 74% since 2021, while rents have climbed 50%.
Sector-150 in Noida is the standout nationally. Its property values have soared 139% in just over three and half years – the fastest among all micro markets in this study – fuelled by new township projects, greenfield planning, and investor enthusiasm. Rents here have also surged 71%, reflecting demand from both working professionals and end-users drawn by its planned open spaces and sports facilities.

Mumbai Metropolitan Region: Chembur and Mulund

In land-starved Mumbai, price growth in suburbs with improved transport access has been striking.

Chembur, once a relatively under-the-radar suburb, has been transformed by the Eastern Freeway and Metro Line extensions. Prices are up 53%, and rents have grown 46%.
Mulund, a gateway between Mumbai and Thane, has seen similar capital gains (50%) but slower rental growth (32%), partly due to higher starting rental levels. Large-format apartments and better suburban amenities have attracted families upgrading from more crowded city neighbourhoods.

Kolkata: EM Bypass and Rajarhat

Kolkata’s growth story has been steadier – but still rewarding for long-term investors.

EM Bypass benefits from proximity to the central business district and major arterial roads, pushing capital values up 25% and rents up 53%.
Rajarhat, a planned township to the east, has seen stronger capital appreciation at 37%, driven by new infrastructure and corporate presence, alongside 40% rental growth.

While not as spectacular as NCR or Bengaluru, Kolkata’s trajectory underscores the value of planned growth and connectivity.

Chennai: Perambur and Pallavam

Chennai’s two highlighted markets—Perambur in the north and Pallavaram in the south—both owe their performance to excellent transit links.

Perambur has seen prices rise 26% and rents 39% since 2021, supported by suburban rail and metro access.
Pallavaram, near the airport and GST Road, posted a 24% price gain and 46% rent increase, appealing to both airline staff and IT professionals working in the nearby OMR corridor.

Why These Markets Outperformed

A few themes repeat across these leading micro markets:

• Infrastructure Investment – Metro lines, expressways, and airport expansions have proven to be the most reliable catalysts for both capital appreciation and rental demand.
• Employment Clusters – Markets anchored by IT hubs or corporate campuses – Sarjapur, HITECH City, Hinjewadi—show the strongest rental growth, a reflection of constant in-migration.
• Planned Urban Development – Locations like Sector-150 Noida and Rajarhat benefit from master planning, green spaces, and large-scale amenities, attracting both investors and end-users.
• Relative Affordability – In cities where core markets are priced out, peripheries like Wagholi, Thanisandra, and Mulund offer more approachable entry points, creating steady absorption.

Outlook 2026

“Looking ahead to 2026, we expect average housing price growth to range between around 6–7%, with rents likely to rise 7–10% – both outpacing inflation,” says Anuj Puri. “Micro markets tied to major infrastructure completions (such as metro lines in Bengaluru and Mumbai, expressways in NCR, and IT park expansions in Hyderabad and Pune) are best placed to sustain above-average gains.”

In India’s real estate market, growth follows infrastructure, and rental resilience follows jobs. For investors, identifying the next wave of connectivity and employment corridors could be the difference between average returns and exceptional ones.

New Delhi, India , August 12, 2025: Pronto, India’s first real-time household help platform, has raised $11 million in Series A funding co-led by General Catalyst and Glade Brook Capital, with continued participation from Bain Capital Ventures (BCV). The investment underscores strong conviction in Pronto’s rapid traction and the vast white space it is addressing in India’s domestic help market. With its 10‑minute, shift‑based model for on‑demand home services, Pronto is building a new urban utility — dependable, trusted, and designed for high-frequency use — at a scale India has never seen before.

Domestic help in India is both ubiquitous and invisible — woven into daily life yet largely absent from the formal economy. For millions of households, finding help still depends on informal networks, uncertain availability, and unverified trust. For workers, the sector often means irregular income and little recognition. Pronto was founded in 2024 to change this equation; to bring predictability, safety, and dignity to a service everyone depends on but few have reimagined. By treating household help as critical urban infrastructure — delivered in minutes, built on training and trust — Pronto is setting a new standard for how cities manage the rhythms of everyday life.

“Pronto is not just another app — it’s architecting an entirely new layer of urban infrastructure for household help,” said Anjali Sardana, Founder & CEO of Pronto. “We’re tackling a sector that has remained unstructured and unreliable for decades — by offering instant, vetted help through a shift‑based model that elevates worker earnings and service trust. With this funding, we’ll deepen operations, build workforce resilience, and prove that household help can scale as a high-frequency utility in India’s most time‑strapped cities.”

Pronto isn’t replicating existing home‑service models; it’s redefining them. Where most platforms act as aggregators, Pronto operates on a shift‑based delivery system that gives workers predictable income and users guaranteed reliability — a first for India’s domestic help sector. Each professional undergoes rigorous training and verification and is equipped to fulfill tasks instantly, creating trust at scale in a category long driven by informal referrals. By embedding quality, speed, and dignity into a single platform, Pronto is carving out a new space in urban life — not just meeting the need for convenience, but turning household help into a high‑frequency utility that evolves with the pace of modern cities.

“Pronto is creating something novel for India: an infrastructure layer for domestic help that brings structure to traditionally informal markets,” commented Neeraj Arora, Managing Director at General Catalyst. “Anjali demonstrates the obsessive focus, clarity of thought, and large-scale vision with urgency that defines what we believe to be exceptional founders. This shift-based model creates predictable incomes for workers while delivering reliability for households, representing the infrastructure-building companies we back: those creating new economic frameworks across India’s expanding urban centers.”

“Pronto’s execution across product and growth is exceptional,” said Paul Hudson, Founder & CIO at Glade Brook Capital. “Anjali and the Pronto team are building stakeholder trust and customer delight through operational excellence and speed. Pronto is not another home-help app – it’s rapidly becoming a consumer infrastructure platform that delivers meaningful work opportunities and helps meet the daily needs of urban families.”

Commenting on Bain Capital Ventures’ early investment in Pronto and their continued participation in this round, Ajay Agarwal, Partner, Bain Capital Ventures said, “When we first invested in Pronto at the seed stage, we saw a rare chance to formalize a service millions depend on yet few had reimagined. In just a few months, Anjali and team have proven that this model can scale — delivering high‑frequency, real‑time help to households while elevating incomes for workers. Our continued support reflects our belief that Pronto is defining a new category of urban utility for India.”

With this milestone, Pronto is accelerating its vision of making household help as seamless and dependable as any other modern utility. Over the next 12-18 months, the company will expand beyond Gurgaon into Mumbai, Bengaluru, and other metros, establishing micro‑hubs across key residential clusters to guarantee sub‑10‑minute fulfillment at scale. The funding will also support the onboarding and training of 10,000 additional professionals, investment in quality‑assurance systems, and rollout of real‑time operations technology that powers Pronto’s shift‑based model. By bridging reliability for families and stability for workers, Pronto is redefining how urban India manages the essentials of daily life — and setting the standard for a category poised for nationwide impact.

12th August 2025 : Recode Studios, India’s fast-growing beauty and skincare brand,is all on an aggressive expansion plan in Gujarat. The brand just opened two new stores in Ahmedabad and Surat to bring international quality products to the people of Gujarat. While Surat got its first store, this will be second Recode store in Ahmedabad. The first Ahmedabad store was opened in March and the brand saw the opportunity to open another store to cater the customers better.

The Surat and Ahmedabad openings reinforces the brand’s retail growth plan across Tier I Tier II and metro cities’. The opening is consistent with Recode Studios’ larger mission to provide research-led, quality, and value-for-money beauty solutions to consumers pan-India. Recode Studios, India’s fast-growing beauty and skincare brand, is excited to launch its new store in Surat, Gujarat. Located at Shop No. G-38, Ascon Plaza, Near Bulkabhavan School, Adajan, Surat – 395009, and the other store located at Shop No. GF-6, Sargam Apartment, Opp Chandan Farm, Nr Satyam Status Satellite Road, Jodhpur Ahemdabad, 380015, the stores mark a strategic foray into one of Gujarat’s trend-conscious and beauty-conscious consumer groups.

Designed to offer a luxury and interactive retailing experience, the store has the company’s entire range of best-selling makeup and skincare products under one roof. Designed specifically to focus on Recode’s philosophy of affordability, inclusivity, and innovation in order to give world-class beauty solutions to all, not just the elite class, the store offers an end-to-end product experience with hands-on and experiential involvement.

Mr. Rahul Sachdeva, Co-Founder of Recode Studios, said, “Gujarat has always been a state that celebrates beauty, individuality, and self-expression. With this new store, we’re creating more than just a retail space; we’re building a community hub where customers can explore, experience, and engage with our brand firsthand. This marks an important milestone in our retail journey, and there’s much more to come.”

The store is a stunningly edited environment in which consumers are able to discover, learn about, and purchase Recode’s clean beauty and performance products. With each Recode store, the Surat and Ahmedabad stores are the physical manifestation of the brand’s desire to forge genuine relationships with consumers through the combination of globally quality products and a personal, local touch.

With this rollout, Recode Studios is yet again positioning itself as a popular next-generation Indian beauty company that sits at the nexus of world standards and local sensitivities. By foraying into physical stores in city limits like Surat and Ahmedabad, Recode is not just developing awareness but also consumer trust through direct experience and service.