Known for its tranquility and sugar industry, Kolhapur is emerging as one of the commercial and residential projects, suiting the needs of today’s discerning property buyers and investors. Besides, world class amenities at affordable prices make Kolhapur one of the most sought after destinations in the western Maharashtra.
The city’s realty growth has always been steady and never inflated, the builder fraternity feels. The slowdown hardly affected Kolhapur as prices have always been realistic. Ever since the home loan interests are lowered, the city realty market is abuzz. The past two months have witnessed record sales, developers say. Sales are expected to move up in the coming months. On the occasion of ‘Akshay Tritiya’, many deals were sealed.
Builders, too, are optimistic about May and June. Anand Mane, partner of Suraj Builders and Developers and president of Kolhapur Chambers of Industries, thinks Kolhapur is witnessing a realty boom and outskirts are developing. “People’s mentality has changed. Earlier, they were reluctant to travel long distances now it’s not so. Our two projects at Panhala and Jyotiba had a good response. Township are here. Infrastructural development is giving a boost realty market.”
The development has been gradual but planned. “In metro cities like Mumbai and Pune, the growth was rapid. The cities got saturated. Kolhapur has a lot of potential and quality of life which you don’t get in metros.”
Anand Paradkar of Paranjpe Schemes feels Kolhapur offers realty buyers N number of choices in terms of prices, sizes and locations. “More than compact homes, buyers and investors in Kolhapur opt for spacious homes with no compromise on quality. Our two semi-township projects at Rankala and Tara Rani Park received good response. More than apartments, bungalows are in demand here.”
Due to good connectivity to Mumbai, Pune, Konkan and Karnataka, Kolhapur is one of the most preferred second home choice, thinks Yuvraj Oswal of Parshwapuja Developers. “Earlier, Pune was a major second home destination. Kolhapur has replaced it. Climate and accessibility work to its advantage. In next two years, the city will sport a new”, he concludes.
GRAB THE CHANCE:
Akshay Tritiya’ has just gone by. It’s one of the most auspicious occasions to make new beginnings in life. The day sees people dreaming of owning a home taking final decisions. It’s a boom time for builders too. Developers and builders in Kolhapur are quite upbeat. There is good housing demand in areas like Sambhaji Nagar, Rajendra Nagar, Pratibha Nagar, Tarabai Park, Karande Mala, Rajarampuri, Shivaji Park and Ruikar Colony.
According to Mahesh Powar, proprietor of Joy Construction, the recent slowdown has not affected Kolhapur. “Unlike Pune and Mumbai, there has been no price correction here. The rates are stable. More than investors, there are genuine buyers.” Regarding the projects available, he says, “ People are looking for housing with basic amenities at reasonable rates, so our focus is on providing affordable homes without compromising on quality. Most builders are giving timely possession and also providing assistance in managing finances. In fact, inquiries picked up after ‘Gudi Padwa’ itself and more bookings are in the offing.”
Somraj Deshmukh, proprietor, Deshmukh Developments, feels this is the best time to buy home. “People were expecting price corrections but after ‘Gudi Padwa’ the inquiries have gone up. The market will definitely pick up and rates, too, will climb after Diwali.” Samraj feels clients should not compromise on quality and get the best amenities at reasonable rates. “People should also check builders’ reputation. Along with modern facilities, they should also see to it that the house is built as per ‘vastu shastra’.”
According to Ravi Vijapure, partner, Hindustan Construction, people are giving stress on low budget rather than amenities. “Builders are also making efforts in this direction to provide good facilities at reasonable rates. This is also good time to buy as rates are low. There are indications rates will pick up after Diwali, so buyers should decide now.”
Source : Maharashtra Times : Kolhapur Plus Date 28 April 2009 |
