Pune’s real estate market gaining at Mumbai’s Expense

Investors and property buyers have started showing a lot of interest in real estate market of Pune. The distance between Mumbai and Pune has been greatly reduced because of the Mumbai-Pune Expressway. The Housing Sentiment Index for buyers of Pune has been positive for the past 2 quarters of 2014.  The HSI of Pune increased by almost 3 percent in the first quarter of 2014 whereas it was 9 percent in the preceding quarter. In comparison, the HSI rose in Mumbai by only 1 percent in the second quarter of 2014 whereas it rose by 24 percent in the first quarter of 2014.

Investors belonging to Mumbai have made investments or bought second properties in areas close to the Mumbai-Pune Expressway. The areas which are seeing a lot of interest from buyers are Dhanori, Wakad, Ravet, Dabhade, Wagholi, Hadapsar and Ambegaon aside from others.

Growth Consistency :

Even though there is much uncertainty politically, the realty market of Pune has been positive in the past 6 months. The market in Mumbai on the other hand has been quite volatile and has shown downs and ups in the past 6 months. Even though property markets in Pune have slowed down a little, there has been a good momentum in the market which defines the stability of the real estate market.

When it comes to initial investment, the appreciation scope is higher in Pune than Mumbai. This can be attributed to the fact that there are more numbers of investors in a proposal which demands lower investment compared to a higher one. The higher the demand-supply gap, faster would be the appreciation.

The main reason behind this is the opportunity generated by IT and ITeS concerns along with manufacturing and automobile sectors which have made sure of a steady demand stream. A lot of industries are paying salaries as high as what one would earn in Mumbai’s job market.

Mumbai’s High Expense :

Price of property in Mumbai is much higher than what is being asked for in Pune. Even for buying a small 1BHK flat in Mumbai of 600 sq. ft. or so, people have to pay Rs 1 crore or so for staying in main city otherwise they have to move out to Navi Mumbai, Thane and the city’s fringes for low cost investments. However, there are many flats in Pune available with Rs 30 lakhs to Rs 1 crore or more in the city.

Simple Lifestyle :

Those Mumbaikars seeking a home away from home prefer to stay in Pune. Even though it is not a metropolitan area, the city is quite cosmopolitan in its approach and offers affordable living. It is an IT and educational hub and Pune’s lifestyle is easy and friendly, much apart from the hustle and bustle in Mumbai. Pune’s cost of living is cheaper than Mumbai by almost 10 to 20 percent.

Off late, a lot of celebrities are also investing in Pune. Because of the growth in real estate and the closeness to Mumbai, they have been attracted to Pune. Moreover, the ambience in Pune is serene and peaceful and in complete contrast to Mumbai’s hectic life which is why they are investing in the city.

The Mumbai Pune Expressway has fuelled growth to a good extent in nearby areas. Areas of Pune which have an easy access to the Mumbai Pune Expressway have the potential to attract both investors and buyers. The expressway is now being touted as a real estate growth corridor which is coming up with great prospects of real estate growth. A lot of industrial and manufacturing industries are present on a side of the Mumbai Pune Expressway and this has caused an increase in economic activity level which has in turn brought in a higher interest in residential investment of the area. Also, the Navi Mumbai airport which has been proposed is fuelling growth further. The CIDCO has started off on an infrastructure development project worth Rs 20,000 crores and it shall manage nodes close to the airport. Lakeside views, scenic beauty, natural surroundings and pollution free environment along with the nearness to Lonavla and Khandala has caught the attention of builders, buyers and investors. A large number of residential projects are coming up along the expressway.

The Mumbai Pune Expressway exhibits long term gain potential is what experts believe. Since the government could not monetise the expressway, the immediate potential of it could not be realized. Development of a highway infra-development may have been possible with service and manufacturing hubs on both service sides and expressway ends. The expressway would be more attractive for real estate and industrial development as Mumbai-Pune-Bangalore expressway corridor has been planned.

Advantages offered :

One of the biggest advantages of these properties is that they have lots of natural and green environment available close by. Moreover, a lot of landscaped area is there near the residential places. Along the expressway, bungalows, farmhouses and row houses can be seen. Terrain and natural beauty also makes this area quite attractive. For those in Mumbai and Pune who are used to living in cramped areas, this area is quite relaxing and rejuvenating. The per square feet value of space available here is quite less when compared to other secondary and central business district areas.

A lot of office and IT hubs are located along this stretch. Those residing in Hinjewadi or Pimpri Chinchwad see the expressway as an investment or second home option. Prices of properties tend to rise a lot every 3 years and the rise is almost twice the price which is prevailing currently. A lot of people buy flats in Pune along the expressway for their preference and not only monetary returns. Therefore, those buying flats in Pune in Ravet or Baner do so for their closeness to important hotspots.

 What attracts investors?

The top condition of the road and pollution free node which has a lot of scenic beauty primarily attracts buyers. A lot of manufacturing industries are located nearby which generates lots of economic activities. Proximity to tourist locations such as Kaset, Lonavala, Alibaug and Khandala is what adds value to this location.

Given the way things are happening, more number of investors may be interested in flats in Pune along the expressway compared to end users. However, in the longer term, end users too would be attracted to property here. Currently, Pune and Mumbai properties have very few limits.