First Ever "ONLINE EXHIBITION" to be launched for India Realty Expo 2008

MCHI & PropertyMixer.com, join hands to launch the "FIRST EVER ONLINE EXHIBITION" for MCHI’s India Realty Expo to be held from 27th to 29th Nov 08, in Dubai

Dubai – The Oasis of the Gulf will witness MCHI‘s India Realty Expo 2008 in association with CREDAI showcasing some of the most exquisite properties in India. For many years Dubai has been home to large number of Indian expatriates. This event becomes an excellent opportunity for them to take a peep at the realty developments in India.

INDIA REALTY EXPO 2008 – DUBAI will be held on 27th, 28th & 29th Nov 2008 at the Renaissance Hotel, Diera, Dubai and the timings are 5pm – 9pm on Thursday 8th May & 11 am – 9 pm on Friday & Saturday 9th & 10th May respectively.

Inspite of the sloppy stocks and the gloomy world economy, Indian Real estate has not really seen any signs of a slowdown, owning to the increasing number of NRIs who at the very least, wish to be prepared to move back by having at home at home. Owing to the increasing number of visitors visiting the MCHI exhibitions and the fact that investors for Indian Real estate are really spread across the globe, MCHI has for the first time ever, launched an "ONLINE EXHIBITION" that will run from 27th to 29th Nov 08, parallel to it's India Property Show at Renaissance Hotel in Dubai.

The "Online Exhibition" is a unique initiative, where visitors will be able to view "Online Stalls" of all participant developers of the India Property Show and they not only will be able to access all properties showcased during the show, but will be able to interact with all developers, one-one as they would in a real exhibition. This initiative will help investors sitting anywhere in the world to be able to access the latest projects launched by some of the premium developers of Maharashtra namely Rustomjee, Hiranandani Constructions, Kalpatru, Mahar Group, Builders etc and also shortlist properties based on prices, locations and other facilities.

This will provide a unique opportunity for those who wish to invest in India, specially Maharashtra and can’t make it physically to the exhibition, to be able to address their queries and concern through the live support offered online. All properties will be available on Maps, with exact locations plotted, making it easier for investors to identify a price versus location matrix and hence shortlist properties.

The Online Exhibition will begin from the 27th Nov 08 and end at midnight 29th Nov 08 at http://VExpo.propertymixer.com. Investors and all real estate enthusiasts can pre-register for the event and the online exhibition at the same URL.

Investors who missed investing in Dubai during its early days...will they try out Abu Dhabi?

With the recent success of Cityscape Abu Dhabi, it is said that the emirate plans to invest Dhs1 trillion, or $270 billion, in new construction projects.

Abu Dhabi, which is just a 2 hrs drive from Dubai, which is the capital of the United Arab Emirates and the richest city in the world. The emirate's 420,000 citizens, who sit on one-tenth of the planet's oil and have almost $1 trillion invested abroad, are worth about $17 million apiece. (A million foreign workers don't share in the wealth) .

Abu Dhabi has been relatively slow in joining the global real estate boom, but now, with great investor interest and good public appetite for owning properties in the region, it is seen as one of the most upcoming investment destinations in the middle east.

The development pattern in Abu Dhabi is noticably similar to the inch to Dubai it is seen to follow the pattern of growth similar to that of Dubai by many. Attractive financing schemes are being offered to investors but yet, one thing that could decide the fate of investments in Abu Dhabi is that in the initial days, Dubai properties were priced on the lower side. Slowly when Dubai became a global hub for investments, coupled with a great government and infrastructural support, now Dubai properties are reasonably on the higher side. In contrast, for example, launched with prices from $2.2 million upwards which might be considered on the high side, although in a new real estate market this could be cheap for a luxury, Maldives-style location.

Currently, where Dubai properies are not really selling on a premium anymore, the growth of a similar opportunity Real Estate market right in the beighbourhood is more seeming like unwelcome competition for Dubai. Since both the emirates belong to UAE and with the growth of tremendous real estate in both these areas, which in Dubai's case have not only been successful in getting investors from Europe and accross the world but people have moved there to make it their home, it probably will do some good to Dubai too in the long run.

Now, it is yet to be seen if Abu Dhabi is able to attract similar interest from investors accross the globe and if investors who put their money comparing it to Dubai actually can makeup for the money they could create at some point by investing in Dubai. Only time will tell!

Contributed By : Pankaj Thukral

Is buying home abroad a fashion or it really makes sense for an Indian?

Well, two years before when I moved from London to India, I always thought buying home in India was cheaper and made more sense and those who invest abroad mostly do it for flaunting…but two years living here and seeing the entire lifecycle of real estate development and growth, I am not so sure if its for the snob value alone that people are investing abroad.

During the last quarter of 2007, I did visit a few exhibitions in Delhi and Mumbai, where the most exotic real estate was showcased from across India with very fashionable tags attached to them. When I saw developers like DAMAC, Al Fara, Dubai Properties, Kuala Lumpur Metro Group and many other foreign developers wooing buyers in the Indian market to invest in Dubai and Malaysia, my first reaction was….nah…it isn’t going to work.

I thought Indians are traditionally not the people who would buy houses abroad, but I was most certainly wrong.

I actually have discussed this with executives from leading developers from these countries and found out that its pretty interesting but not only do their investments give better returns but it also comes coupled with lucrative bonuses like holidays, lucky draws to win cars, luxury apartments, sometimes maybe even jets.

Typically, Dubai, Malaysia and Singapore are the few attractive destinations where Indian residents are looking at investing or have been investing for a while now. Due to the slowdown in US and the falling property prices, a lot of US developers are seen moving to India…expecting to attract them to invest in various parts of US.

With Indian residents having the flexibility to invest $100,000 per head every year in foreign property, it makes a lot of sense for foreign developers to get to India since their investments now only offer better rental incomes but in Dubai and Malaysia they come with tax holiday on any money you make out of the property appreciation, which sure is a big bonus. Dubai goes one step further and offers a citizenship also on investing in a property there, which has proved to be a major plus when it comes to the Dubai based groups winning over the investment game.

Contributed By : Rahul Gandhi

Singapore-based Cinnovation Group acquires Nova Island in "The World"

Singapore-based Cinnovation Group on Monday said it has acquired the Nova Island in Nakheel's The World islands project.

The company also revealed plans to build a luxury hospitality haven on this 400,000 square foot island - a project valued at $200 million (Dh730 million). Cinnovation's acquisition of the island and its development is in partnership with Dubai-based Global Realty Partners (GRP) Group.
The hospitality arm of Cinnovation Group owns resorts in Maldives, Sri Lanka and Malaysia. Other projects include management and development of boutique resorts in the Middle East, South East Asia, India and China, business hotels in the Middle East and India, and eco-tourism resorts in Africa.

On Nova Island, Cinnovation plans to create an island paradise reflecting the best aspects of its flagship property Taj Exotica Resort & Spa (Maldives), a Leading Hotel of the World.

Contributed By : Shivang Prabhakar

SKY IS THE LIMIT for Burj Dubai !

Burj Dubai: Pride of Dubai

Burj Dubai will be described as a tall, breathtaking and aesthetic master piece by one and all but will provide haven only to a fortunate few.

Burj Dubai not only symbolises the world’s highest building but also signifies the world’s highest objectives. An awe inspiring and dynamic edifice, Burj Dubai is an immaculate symbol of the Middle East. Being constructed in Downtown Burj Dubai, an inspired urban concept, Burj Dubai has set new benchmarks for the entire world to follow suit. This tower is undoubtedly the fundamental axis for the revolutionary development in Downtown Burj Dubai.

Burj Dubai is not just a structure but a prestigious monument and an icon of the Gulf. The primal progress in Downtown Burj Dubai, Burj Dubai stands out from the rest of the developments in terms of quality, design and individuality. Under construction since 2004, this 160 storey tower will encompass residential, commercial as well as retail components, all under one roof. Privileged group of people will call it their home, some will make important business decisions whereas some others will benefit from the high class restaurants.

Burj Dubai developed by Emaar properties is designed by Adrian Smith, the world renowned architect who has also had a hand in several of the world’s tallest buildings. Burj Dubai certainly reflects the unique culture and environment of Dubai. The tower design is derived from the geometries of a native desert flower and Adrian Smith has also incorporated patterns from the traditional Islamic architecture into Burj Dubai. This super tall structure has indeed set the standard for high class quality as a result of making use of the world’s finest concrete and steel, suitable structural engineers as well as top designers.

The interiors are planned in such a manner whereby this global monument befalls to be a personal one. The 3-wing plan maximises the amount of exterior window area, and thus natural light without compromising on the privacy. The homes at Burj Dubai are individual, custom and unique. They are designed so that the owners can easily express their own tastes and preferences. Living in the world’s tallest building and a luxurious home will definitely pose a creative challenge to the owners in terms of decorating their homes.

Burj Dubai will have the finest amenities designed for offices and recreation purposes. Facilities will consist of exclusive corporate suite offices, residential suites, four luxurious pools, a cigar club, observation platform, restaurants, library, exclusive residents’ lounge and 15,000 sq ft for fitness.
Despite Burj Dubai still under construction, downtown Burj Dubai has welcomed its primary residents. The residents can now experience the sheer manifestation of high-rise living. In addition to this, the largest mall in Dubai called the Dubai Mall will open up in 2008. Vivacious entertainment choices, boulevard pedestrian pavements as well as retail components will complement the lives of the residents in future.

One of the must see places in downtown Burj Dubai is the Giorgio Armani hotel in the Burj Dubai tower. A joint venture between Emaar Hotels and Resorts and Giorgio Armani, this hotel will have the Italian designer’s distinctive style imprinted on everything from the interiors, furnishings to the amenities. According to Giorgio Armani, the new Armani hotels and resorts, the first of which will be the hotel and suites in Burj Dubai mark the beginning of a new chapter in Armani history. The hotel will become a flagship for a new international chain.

Burj Dubai is an unparalleled illustration of international cooperation, a symbol and a beacon of progress for the entire world. Burj Dubai is not crafted by chance but it is an outcome of the transformation of the city from a local centre to a global one. This tower is a concrete testimony of Dubai’s position and abilities in the growing and competitive world. Burj Dubai goes beyond physical specifications. Rather it is a source of inspiration and an architectural feat. With the completion of the Burj Dubai tower in late 2008, Dubai’s vision of attaining impossible goals will be successfully accomplished.

FACT FILE:

• The estimated building cost is US $1 billion. Samsung Corporation from South Korea is the contractor for the main building.


• Downtown Burj Dubai will offer 30,000 homes, world’s largest shopping mall, nine hotels, six acres of parkland and 19 residential towers.


• Many of the tower floors will be occupied by the 175 room Armani hotel. In addition there will be 144 luxury residential suites designed by Giorgio Armani and kitted out with his home furnishing line.


• Floors 17 to 108 will have 800 private apartments.


• Most of the higher floors will be offices and private suites.


• An observatory 442 metres above ground on the 124th floor will be open to public; the highest publicly accessible observation desk in the world.


• There will be a club on floors 144 to 146.


• The tower’s external surface is the size of 17 football fields.


• The tower will be built of glass, aluminium, concrete and steel.


• The external surface is made up of unitised panels made of aluminium, glass and various brackets. They interlock on site and are two storeys tall. They improve the quality and speed up building work.


• The rods that reinforce the structure weigh a total of 31,400 tonnes.


• The concrete used is equivalent to a solid cube of concrete 61 metres in size or a 1.5. metre wide pavement.


• Water system will supply about 250,000 gallons per day.


• At peak cooling times, the tower will require approximately 10,000 tonnes of cooling per hour, which is equivalent to the capacity provided by 10,000 tonnes of melting ice in one day.


• Peak electricity demand of the tower is the same as 360,000 100-watt light bulbs all operating at the same time.


• Burj Dubai has been designed to maximise occupant comfort and safety. Extensive wind tunnel testing enables the building to resist high wind loads while minimising vibration. Reinforced concrete slabs and corridor walls provide an inherently high resistance to fires.


• A major factor in designing the tower was fire safety and evacuation. As it is impossible for people to walk down 160 floors, pressurised air conditioned refuge areas will be made available approximately every 25 floors where people could wait safely or rest on their way down.

Contributed By : Aarti Prashant

Dubai Sports City - Another wonder in the making!

Dubai Sports City, the world's first purpose-built sports city, by late 2007, is on its way to open new horizons for sports and hold hands to walk the future of sports into a new era.

Dubai Sports City, will incorporate state-of-the-art sporting venues and academies along with residential and commercial developments. These will combine to offer a world class venue for sports events and activities at all levels with a residential lifestyle unrivalled in the region and possibly the world.

A place where sport is life, champions live, and legends are made. With over 50 million square feet of sporting venues, academies, exceptional homes, cultural activities and retail opportunities, Dubai Sports City is inspired by the greatest cities in the world, but at its heart beats the very essence of sport.

Venues

The state-of-the-art venues at the heart of Dubai Sports City will form a new international arena for world-class competition. The venues, each built to the specifications of the global governing bodies for the relevant sports, will host major events in football, cricket, rugby, golf, field hockey, tennis and other sports.

Academies

Dubai Sports City is home to a range of world-class sporting academies which will offer customized training programmes to participants of all ages and abilities.


Being a part of the city…living in it

Luxurious Luving

This is what Luxury finds its meaning. Here, life is surrounded by infinite options from restaurants, cafes, shopping opportunities, hotels, parks and family activities. In short, everything the modern metropolis has to offer is located in Dubai Sports City.

With Victory Heights, Gallery Villas & Canal Residence all set to redefine the definition of stylish and luxurious living set beside The Dunes, the 18-hole golf course designed by champion Ernie Els and each of them providing a masterpiece and architectural wonder ranmging ftiom Arabian to Spanish, one who has deep pockets will have what they could never have imaged before.

Community Facilities

Dubai Sports City is a carefully master planned community offering all vital facilities such as schools, medical facilities, emergency services, restaurants, cafes, entertainment venues, shops, community centres, mosques and a multitude of other facilities and services.

Retail & Leisure

Dubai Sports City offers an unprecedented shopping experience, from one of the largest malls in the region to an array of retail plazas and boutiques. With such a multitude of shops, everyone can find anything they need at Dubai Sports City.

Located just 20 minutes outskirts of Dubai, the entire development is under the ownership of Dubai Properties, the Sports City is expected to be in a unique entertainment complex and not to mention that the world is eyeing for this amazing city to be felt and lived for its wonders.

Source: Official website of Dubai Sports City

Contributed By : Rejoy Thomas

PropertyMixer and its need

PropertyMixer is the only real estate networking portal.

PropertyMixer offers a platform for estate agents, investors, investment consultants, bankers, insurance agents, developers, interior designers, architects and all those who ahve any interest in the Real Estate Industry to interact with each other and benefit from the relationships.

The portal is not restricted to any country or location but because India and Dubai are the two markets which are the focus of International Real Estate, we would encourage people belomging to these countries to definately take advantage of the platform.

Indian Real Estate is a very lucrative market, attracting a lot of Foreign Direct Investment, though this is also one of the most unorganised markets where for a foreign buyer to enter, they need help and advice a lot more for the channels to begin with are very unstructured. According to a research published by Deutsche Bank about the Indian Market,

• Above-average economic growth in India. Strong population growth, a large pool of highly-skilled workers, greater integration with the world economy and increasing domestic and foreign investment are expected to drive India’s real GDP by 6% p.a. over the next 10 to 15 years.
• Services outsourcing revving up office demand. India is the prime destination for IT services outsourcing. In the coming five years, at least 55 million m² of extra office space must be completed in the premium office segment alone.
• 600 new shopping centres by 2010. India’s burgeoning middle class will drive up nominal retail sales through 2010 by 10% p.a. At the same time, organised retail is becoming more important. At present organised retail accounts for a mere 3% of the total; by 2010 this share will already have reached 10%.
• By 2030 India will need up to 10 million new housing units per year. Rapid population growth, rising incomes, decreasing household sizes and a housing shortage of currently 20 million units will call for extensive residential construction. The financing of owner-occupied housing in particular holds out
  enormous market potential.
• Capital market still underdeveloped. The total stock of commercial property is estimated at over USD 300 bn. So far the invested market accounts for only USD 4 bn of this. Capital market products, such as commercial mortgage-backed securities or listed property vehicles are still almost entirely lacking.
• Heed risks. Property investments in India are not risk-free. Market transparency is far behind European or US standards. It is therefore vital for foreign investors to have a professional local partner. The lack of liquidity and upward pressure of pricing remain the main concern within the market.

Dubai is another very lucrative market which is attracting a number of foreign buyers. Dubai is strategically being developed as a tourism based economy and because of the exquisite infrastructure and interesting promotions, dubai is attracting people to buy real estate there.

The flattening world has given rise to a need within the Real Estate fraternity to conenct, to network, to know more people, to be resourceful, to be able to identify where lies a new opportunity and who will be able to help one capitalise that and this is where PropertyMixer has a big role to play.

Contributed By : Minal Arora