The Boost in Real Estate in Pune

In recent years, Pune has been a hub of real estate activity. It has become a favourite haunt for investors and sellers, alike. The city has been quickly developing and spreading out with more and more areas, considered to be out of Pune, coming under the same jurisdiction. The rise of the IT and manufacturing industry has also fuelled this growth. This quick development has resulted in an exodus of people into the city, which has increased the demand for real estate and housing. Owners and landlords can easily find takers for their flats in most parts of the city.

Pune has always been known for the excellence of its education institutions with the University of Pune being referred to as the ‘Oxford of the East’. The various institutions all over the city offer every course imaginable and have attracted students from all over the country. This influx of students has resulted in an increase in the need for rentals and housing, especially in the main parts of the city and around all major institutions.

The rates in the city are also more reasonable compared to other cities like Mumbai and Bangalore. Investing in real estate in Pune is a very good idea because the rates are good and the area is developing. The returns are bound to be good because the value of real estate in the city is only going to go up. Even while buying a second home, Pune is where you should be looking because it is very easy to rent out as there are many students and employees from the IT and Manufacturing industries.

How to have an Eco-friendly Ganesh Utsav

Ganesh Chaturthi is a favourite festival of many Indians. The 10-day long celebration includes decorating Ganesha idols at home, the preparation of various delicacies, dancing and immersion of the idol on the last day. Most people don’t realize the harm that many activities during the festivities cause the environment. It is our duty and responsibility to maintain and preserve nature and the environment. There are many ways that we can celebrate a green, eco-friendly Ganesh Utsav:

1. Use eco-friendly idols: Most people use Ganesha idols made of chemicals, plaster of Paris, plastic, thermocol and other such harmful materials. Instead, get idols made of natural biodegradable materials like clay, paper mache (paper pulp of recycled paper), natural gum, chalk powder and painted with natural paints. The entire idol dissolves and is not toxic to the environment.

2. Conserve energy: Use CFLs instead of incandescent bulbs in all your lighting arrangements. In a country where many don’t have the luxury of electricity, it is our duty to conserve energy as much as possible.

3. Use natural materials for rangoli decorations. Avoid the use of chemicals.

4. Use the smallest idol possible. The bigger the idol, the more difficult will it be for it to dissolve, especially if it is not made of biodegradable materials.

4. Make use of natural decorations. Avoid plastic and non-biodegradable materials.

5. Avoid noise pollution by playing music at moderate levels and avoiding crackers which cause air pollution as well.

6.  Use paper plates and cups. Avoid the use of plastic in all festivities.

7.  Instead of harming natural water bodies, use artificial immersion tanks.

With these simple steps, one can protect the environment during the festive season!

Investment properties – hold or sell?

Real estate is said to be the best market to invest in because of its stability and good returns. While investing, it is important to be sure of the surrounding areas, the builder and other such factors. Once you have bought a property, the decision to be taken is that of holding or selling, especially when the market fluctuates. In this context, there are usually two types of investors – those who are in it for the long haul and those who are looking for quick capital gains.

For people looking for quick gains, a well timed resale is important. Such a resale should happen only when the property has had a good appreciation. In the real estate market, there usually has to be holding time during which the property value rises and gives good returns. The ideal period is 3-5 years or longer. Depending on what kind of returns you are looking for, you can decide whether to hold or sell. In most cases, the longer you wait, the higher the returns.

The best idea for people looking for a quick gain is to invest in a project during construction and during the launch. The resale should be timed at completion of project or one year after completion for the best and quickest returns. While making any real estate decision, be sure to study the local market thoroughly.