World comes to Dubai seeking answers

Cityscape Dubai to explore how best to survive and prepare for the recovery in a still rapidly changing economic environment

The world of real estate investment is to descend on the United Arab Emirates this autumn to seek solutions from what some have referred to as the first great depression of the 21st century, say the organisers of the Cityscape Dubai.

“With reduced liquidity and many projects on hold, investors, developers, architects, indeed the entire real estate industry around the world, is looking for answers to the same questions,” said Chris Speller, Cityscape Group Director. “How do we survive the recession? When can we expect stabilisation? When will the banks start lending again? When will the crisis turn into an opportunity?”

Cityscape Dubai, now in its eighth year and part of the largest business-to-business real estate investment and development brand in the world, encompasses a major exhibition and a series of conferences taking place at the Dubai International Exhibition and Convention Centre from 5-8 October 2009.

“With the radical worldwide economic shakeout, attention has firmly turned onto realistic perspectives on the real estate investment landscape both globally and regionally,” Speller added. “Thousands of participants from more than 100 countries throughout the world have already registered to attend. They are serious players searching for specific answers, which is why Cityscape Dubai 2009 is embracing realism and transparency.”

Among them are companies such as ING Real Estate Investment Management of Hong Kong. Richard T.G. Price, CEO Asia, said: “It is more important than ever to get first hand insights from our clients and partners as to their objectives and expectations for the real estate markets around the world.”

Similarly, Jesper Koll, President and CEO of Tantallon Research, Japan, said: “We all want to know when the global crisis will turn into an opportunity. Cityscape Dubai is poised to help us find a solution.”

Kosta Petrov, Director of the Cityscape Dubai conference and the World Architecture Congress that runs in parallel, said this year’s event – while still the world’s largest real estate show of its kind – would not be about “out of this world” creations.

“Last year saw the beginning of what is being referred to by some economists as the first great depression of the 21st century,” he added. “With liquidity issues and many project developments still on pause, this year is about how best to survive and prepare for the recovery in a still rapidly changing economic environment. In terms of potential new business opportunities, Cityscape Dubai - as the world’s largest real estate show - has no global equivalent.”

Petrov said the Cityscape Dubai conference will bring together “some of the most powerful investors, developers and economists on the planet.” Meanwhile, the World Architecture Congress (5-7 October 2009) has been put together in association with Continental Europe, Hong Kong, Japan and UK chapters and the International Committee of the American Institute of Architects. “The world’s most respected visionaries will share their experience and outlook in a global recession,” he added.

In addition, the Cityscape Dubai Facilities and Asset Management Conference is on 4 – 8 October attracting delegates in the design, build and post-occupancy of buildings. There will also be a Cityscape Dubai “Green Day” on 7 October which will include green communities, green construction methods, energy saving issues, financing green buildings, regulations, facilities management, whole life costs and new materials and products.

For more information about Cityscape Dubai 2009, please visit www.cityscape.ae

MCHI and PROPERTYMIXER.COM come together to bring you the FIRST EVER IN INDIA-ONLINE REAL ESTATE EXHIBITION

New Delhi- 9 April 2009

It is that time of the year again! The hottest property event of the year is on the cards. In a move that will be highly welcomed by all those looking for real estate investment avenues, organizers MCHI (Maharashtra Chamber of Housing Industry) and co-organizers SBI (State Bank Of India) have combined forces with Propertymixer.com to hold India’s first online real estate exhibition “Property 2009” from April 9-31 2009. An initiative that not only takes real estate in India to a new and higher level but also ushers in a techno-savvy era for the same.

The event has generated enthusiastic participation from as many as 80+ developers and boasts of a display of 1200 projects ranging from luxury homes to those that fit into the pockets of budget conscious buyers. Designed to invite investors from all over the globe, the online exhibition promises convenience and an array of attractive options in residential and commercial properties. NRI visitors, especially, will find it easy to access properties of their interest and can even communicate with respective builders using the ‘Live Chat’ option which ensures an ‘on the spot’ clarification of any query. The exhibition provides a virtual but comprehensive glimpse into the real estate market that not only allows investors to compare prices but also evaluate project locations.

“We aim to provide a platform that brings the buyer and seller in close proximity to each other irrespective of the physical miles that separate them. In direct contrast to the current volatility of the stock market, the real estate market provides a long- term stable investment with high probability of attractive returns and we want to provide people with tangible alternatives in investment. The recession as well as consequent depreciation in rupee has resulted in attractive real estate prices that would allow NRI’s to get great deals!” says Mr. J S Augustine, MCHI’s Coordinator, exhibition committee.

Mr. Zubin Mehta CEO MCHI while reaffirming Mr. Augustine’s viewpoint also adds, “It is a pleasure to be trail blazers in the Indian real estate market. Our exhibitions have always succeeded in providing appropriate guidance, support and assurance of safety to prospective global investors and we are proud to launch yet another- one of its own kind- event in our own country.”

Investors will find it heartening to know that financial support for their housing aspirations will be offered by participating financial institutions such as SBI, LIC Housing Corporation, ICICI and HDFC. A fall in the interest rates on home loans makes this the right time to capitalize on such opportunities.

Ms. Minal Arora, CEO, Propertymixer.com says “We are the only real estate business networking platform in the country and are honored to present aspiring home owners with the chance to realize their dreams. After the highly successful online exhibition in Dubai last year we wanted to emulate the model for India. We have equipped the exhibition with user friendly navigation tools to enable potential investors to take a well informed tour of the properties on offer. As a support mechanism we also provide a continuous communication channel with the developers and builders. Our aim is to ensure that investors are able to take well informed decisions. With this initiative, we hope to go beyond the success we have already experienced.”

With all prevalent trends pointing to a buyers market it is the right time to take the plunge into property by pre registering for the exhibition on http://OnlineExpo.mchi.net Take a forward step towards making your dreams realty!

ABOUT MCHI

MCHI started its operations in 1982 and has emerged as the leading body among real estate builders and developers across the company. It provides a popular and informative platform to those involved in real estate where they can meet and discuss relevant issues. With over four hundred reputed builders and developers as its members it plays a pivotal role in advancement of the real estate market. It is affiliated with leading bodies like FICCI, IMC and CREDAI.

ABOUT PROPERTYMIXER.COM

Propertymixer.com, started by an enterprising visionary Ms.Minal Arora, is a unique platform that provides all those interested and involved in real estate an opportunity to network and build business relationships. Today, it has a multitude of satisfied members and continues to mark its presence by undertaking leading initiatives in the real estate industry.

For more information contact: media@propertymixer.com

MCHI Dubai expo evokes encouraging response despite Mumbai terror attacks

Mumbai, December 09, 2008: Maharashtra Chambers of Housing Industry (MCHI), the most prominent body of real estate builders and developers in India has received an encouraging response to their recently organized property exhibition the ‘India Realty Expo 2008’ held in Dubai, though it was mellowed down to a great extent due to the terror attacks in Mumbai on the same days.

“We have seen a reduced response but with very genuine enquires, with 367 families aggregating to around 1,100 walk-ins at the exhibition, despite the tragic events in Mumbai towards end November,” said Mr Zubin Mehta, CEO MCHI. “A high number of walk –ins was serious buyers,” he added.

Twenty five leading developers and builders had participated in the same property exhibition out of which Rustomjee, Neelkanth, Aakar, Kalpataru, Better Homes, G.C. Group, Kanakia, Godrej and Hiranandani has successfully managed to boost their sales. As per the overall response and analysis of the exhibition sales has been expected to increase during the holidays and the vacation period in the month of December 2008.

“The biggest challenge which the exhibition faced was almost all the NRIs in the U.A.E. being stuck inside their homes, watching the news channels and worrying about their near and dear due to the Mumbai terror attacks. However, despite the 'challenged sentiment' of the overall market scenario in Dubai and the Mumbai crisis, the turnout was an achievement in itself”, said Mr Mehta.

“Over 60% of the walk-ins were Mumbai specific and this created an opportunity for the Developers to close few sales on the spot. The customers have had their initial dialogue with the Developers and have shown keen interest to conclude the sales during their visit to India in this vacation.” says Mr. J.S.Augustine, Co- Chairman, International Exhibitions, MCHI.

About MCHI

Maharashtra Chamber of Housing Industry (MCHI), formed in 1982 is the most prominent body of real estate builders and developers bringing together members dealing in real estate and construction industry on one common platform to address issues facing the industry. Members of MCHI account for providing more than 80 % or 90% of residential accommodation in Mumbai and its vicinity and helps both the Central and State governments in meeting their objectives or providing shelter. MCHI works towards raising awareness among the general public, real estate and construction industry while providing them with exhaustive information on projects and new developments in and around Mumbai. With over 400 well-recognized and reputed member builders, developers MCHI is affiliated with leading industry associations like FICCI, IMC and CREDAI.

For more details please contact :

Adfactors PR (022 22813565)

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Kavita Nagavekar (96191 38779)