RIDING THE AFFORDABLE HOUSING WAVE

RIDING THE AFFORDABLE HOUSING WAVE

Dharuhera is positioning itself as a prime residential destination.
Dharuhera has emerged as a promising destination as far as real estate in and around the National Capital Region (NCR) is concerned. As Gurgaon reaches a saturation point in terms of the population it can accommodate, development of infrastructure, residential and commercial real estate, in the adjoining locations are being sought by state authorities as well as private developers to meet the seemingly insatiable need for housing here. Further, development of transport links like the National Highway 8 (NH 8) have ensured a significant reduction in travel time, so much so that executives working in Gurgaon may reside at Dharuhera and not lose sleep over the commute to their workplace.
Dharuhera is situated in the Rewari district of Haryana and is fast emerging as an industrial hub of Haryana. Hero Honda, Lumax and SAB Miller are among the major industries located here. The level of infrastructural and industrial development being higher than most neighbouring areas, a number of Indian corporates and MNCs are making a beeline for Dharuhera. Commercial expansion will naturally entail real estate development - to provide accommodation for those employed in these industries. Moreover, the demand would be for affordable housing options priced under Rs 50 lakh. This is being cashed in by a number of developers like Vipul Group, Bestech and Parsvnath who have launched affordable housing projects in Dharuhera.
The Vipul Group's "Vipul Gardens" is an affordable group-housing project strategically located on NH 8. This project was launched in early 2010 and is expected to take approximately 30 months to complete. It offers 1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartments in a price range of Rs 15-35 lakh. According to Dipankar Chaudhury, marketing manager of the Vipul Group, "The response so far has been decent considering that the project is still in its early stages and gives reason to be optimistic about the future." The target end users for Vipul Gardens comprise people employed in the neighbouring industrial areas of Bhiwadi and Rewari, in addition to those working in Dharuhera itself. Moreover, the commercial hub of Industrial Model Township (IMT) Manesar, 24km away, is expected to provide ample clientele for this project.
The Parsvnath Group launched "Parsvnath City", an integrated township in Dharuhera, comprising three residential projects - Parsvnath Pleasant, Parsvnath Elite Villas and Parsvnath Elite Floors - all expected to be completed within the next two years. While all three projects have residential options available at sub-Rs 50 lakh range, Elite Floors is being tagged as the flagship affordable housing project offering builder floor apartments within a price range of Rs 17-23 lakh. These are G+2 storey apartments covering 240, 300 and 400 square yards. Parsvnath Pleasant and Elite Villas are airconditioned luxury housing options priced at Rs 40 lakh and above.
According to Sachin Chopra, senior marketing manager of Parsvnath Developers, "The response has been fairly good and there is a significant demand from end users, especially for Elite Floors." He further says: "People currently residing in Gurgaon as well as other localities in the Delhi NCR have expressed interest in this project due to the low price range and the advertised facilities within the integrated township of Parsvnath City. Good connectivity - the site is strategically located on a national highway - is an added advantage. Parsvnath's projects break the clutter by offering low-rise structures and luxurious facilities at very affordable price ranges."
Bestech City is an integrated township launched by Bestech Developers at Dharuhera on NH 8. Its major residential project is "Bestech Park View Delight", which comprises 2, 2+study and 3 bedroom multistorey apartments with a starting price range of Rs 18-22 lakh. In addition, Bestech City offers within the township facilities like a nursery and primary school, nursing home, among other.
According to Kumar Shashi, marketing manager of Bestech Group: "The response has been very good and only 20-30% of the residential options are still available for sale. The clientele is varied and comprises people from Gurgaon, other regions of the Delhi NCR, as well as executives working in the neighboring industrial areas." He adds that Bestech's reputation with regard to timely delivery of apartments is what makes it stand apart from the rest. Park View Delight is expected to be completed in the next year and a half.
Residential development in Dharuhera is being driven by the affordable housing bandwagon. While distance from the more developed regions of Delhi and Gurgaon may work against it, the availability of low-cost housing options is expected to bring in the masses due to the rapidly rising property values in Delhi and Gurgaon. The proposed widening and expansion of the NH 8 bodes well for the upcoming residential projects in this locality as it will further cut travel time.