Sameera Reddy Actor
THE HOMECOMING This is a special time for all of us. As Diwali approaches, some of us are busy giving our old homes a fresh touch, while some are preparing to move in to their new homes. Sameera Reddy too, who has just bought a house in Bandra, is making elaborate plans to hold a traditional Lakshmi Pooja to bring in some good luck..
GREAT HOMES
FRIDAY 21 OCTOBER, 2011. MiD DAY 2
NEW HOTSPOTS BEYOND
MUMBAI
Mumbai’s saturated property market has given scope for brand-new areas to evolve into flourishing residential markets. Razvin Namdarian explores the buzzing suburbs beyond Mumbai OWNING AN ADDRESS ANYWHERE between Bandra to Virar was considered to be a status symbol. However, with the ever growing population of Mumbai, people and developers alike have pushed back the boundaries and definitions of Mumbai's suburbs. So this festive season, we a bring you some of the newly developing suburbs of Mumbai where houses can still be bought at a modest `20 lakh:
Asangaon
Asangaon has great potential in terms of good connectivity and affordability. It is only about 30 minutes from Kalyan. According to Shailesh Sanghvi, director, Sanghvi Group and secretary, MCHI Mira-Virar City unit, "We have recently acquired several land parcels over 100 acres in the Dombivali to Asangaon region. With the vision of affordability beyond MMR, we have identified affordable destinations in Dombivali, Shahapur, Vasind, Asangaon, Karjatand Mira Road. “The group is offering a festive discount till Diwali of `1 lakh on properties in Dombivali’s Shankeshwar Nagar and Asangaon’s Sanghvi Paradise," he continues. Asangaon presents a great opportunity for affordable housing. The LIG and the MIG (low and middle income group) families can purchase a 1BHK flat in the `10- 15 lakh price range here. But since it is just starting to develop, there are some shortfalls in the infrastructure. The government
needs to improve the connectivity from the highway, provide proper internal roads, constant electric supply and water supply, etc. But the good thing is that with the growing number of housing projects, infrastructure is also improving.
Badlapur
According to Rahul Panvelkar, MD, Panvelkar Group of Companies, "The reason our company is operating in the Badlapur-Ambernath area is because they are right for economy and affordable housing with budgeted flats can be made available." Connectivity is not a problem with NMMT buses to Navi Mumbai and rail connectivity as well. In Badlapur, the infrastructure compared to areas like Ambernath is good. The MIDC road enables connectivity to the Mumbai-Pune expressway and Navi Mumbai. A bridge over the Ulhas river connects Kulgaon to Badlapur. The MMRD is also taking initiatives for widening of roads and improving the drainage system. The Panvelkar Group currently has 6 - 7 projects being developed in the area. These include a project for weekend bungalows in the `45 lakh price range which is 15 - 20 minutes walking distance from the station. There is also an integrated township, Panvelkar Sankul, with 1BHK flats for `5 lakh and 3 BHK flats for `17 lakh. "Working couples can easily afford to get good flats in the `1530 lakh price range," says Panvelkar. page 4
GREAT HOMES
FRIDAY 21 OCTOBER, 2011 MiD DAY
NEWER HORIZONS... page 2
Airoli
The availability of infrastructure, connectivity, utilities and employment opportunities have all worked towards Airoli's development as a residential hot spot. The establishment of several good educational institutions in the area has had a domino effect and spurred on the development of more residential projects in the area. The Mulund-Airoli Bridge has greatly contributed to the development of this node of Navi Mumbai. Airoli's connectivity to the developed areas like Vashi, Nerul and Mulund has provided an added impetus. The Airoli railway station falls on the Vashi- Thane route. Mindspace - an IT SEZ designed specifically for IT/ ITES/ BPO companies - is located close to the Airoli railway station. Further, transport within the node is facilitated by BEST (between Mulund/ Nahur and Navi Mumbai) and NMMT (between Thane and Airoli) bus services. Airoli's real estate is priced between `5000 - `7500 per sq ft depending upon the project and its location.
Kalyan-Dombivili
For those looking for quality homes and construction with a limited budget, the KalyanDombivali belt offers a good alternative. One can reach CST in little over an hour, thanks to the Central railways local train network. Connectivity by road also makes this an ideal location for those working in Mumbai. In addition, the local authorities are working towards upgrading the infrastructure. Availability of basic amenities like adequate water supply, good schools, ample markets and upcoming malls, are some of the other rea-
sons for the region becoming popular among homebuyers. The MCHI has also set up its Kalyan-Dombivili chapter which will help to bridge the gap between developers and buyers. Shamal Modi, director, Raunak Group points out that "Kalyan is more economical than Thane and moreover, getting a 1BHK in Thane is not easy, as the market there is now catering to 2-3BHKs. Also the rates are very high, about `36 lakhs in Thane as opposed to `20 lakh in Kalyan. The infrastructure in Kalyan is set to improve with the Monorail project that will connect Kalyan-Thane-Bhiwandi. Also, the Thane-Bhwandi bypass is coming up which will allow better access to Kalyan by road, currently one has to use the Thane-Nasik highway." The average rate for a 1BHK home in an integrated township in Kalyan is about `20 lakh.
companies like Tata Housing and Usha Breco Realty have set up townships in Boisar. Kothari quotes the average cost of real estate in the area as `2,200 per sq ft.
Kamothe
Kamothe can well be called one of Navi Mumbai's fastest developing nodes. Kamothe's location is quite ideal for both businesses and residential complexes. Kamothe has two railway stations — Mansarovar and Khandeshwar, that lie on the Harbour Railway Line. The first phase of Navi Mumbai Metro Railway is likely to be operational in later half of 2011-20 decade and Kamothe will have its metro station in Sector-10. Roads here are very well developed. The new wide road that connects Mansarovar and Khandeshwar Railway Stations has become operational. Kamothe adjoins the Central Boisar Business District of Belapur This is a small town in Thane (Belapur CBD) of Navi Mumbai district. Located close to the and is surrounded by Kharghar Gujarat border, it is well con- in its north, Taloje MIDC nected to Mumbai and under in north-east, Kalamboli in an hour away from Virar by its east and Panvel in its south. train. Today, there are over 100 According to Sampatlal high-rises ready for occupancy Kothari, Parasmani Developers, and almost twice that number "A local train station at Boisar being planned or under-conwill also be functional by 2012." struction. Retail brands and Boisar can be reached by road supermarkets are a part of using the National Highway kamothe's infrastructure. NH-8. "Besides being close to The property prices have Mumbai, Boisar has the advan- kept pace with development tage of many industries being and are now in the range of located here," avers Kothari. `4000 per sq ft. With the Tarapur Industrial So if you prefer the Central Estate located close by, employ- or the Western suburbs, travel ment in the area is not an issue. by train or by road — Mumbai's Basic infrastructure like power suburban network is rapidly and water is available. Asia's growing to fulfil all the dreams first nuclear power plant, the and aspirations of those who Tarapur Atomic Power Station seek affordable housing away (TAPS) and the Bhabha Atomic from the city and yet be close Research Centre (BARC) are enough not to cut the connecalso located close by. Real estate tion with Mumbai.
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GREAT HOMES
FRIDAY 21 OCTOBER, 2011. MiD DAY OBEROI EXQUISITE Oberoi Exquisite is one of the New Residential Projects at Goregaon East, Mumbai with luxurious 3 BHK apartments on offer. These are 3 residential towers consisting of 45 stories each. The apartments are hugely spacious. Amenities include a swimming pool, tennis court, skating rink, a club house, landscape gardens and a children's play area.
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THARWANI’S ROSALIE Tharwani’s Rosalie at Kalyan is a world-class, residential apartment complex offering a clean, green, natural ambience. A grand entrance lobby, club house, gym, steam, sauna & jacuzzi, swimming pool, landscape garden, and a well-planned children's play area form the basic amenities here. The exclusive residential grandeur comprises of 5 towers and 18 stories and 4 towers of 12 story each offering 2 and 3 BHK flats allowing for maximum personalization. The group presents 1 BHK of 453 sq ft. at 21 lakhs and 1000 sq ft 3BHK at 49 lakhs.
NEIGHBOUR’S ENVY
OWNER’S PRIDE Here are some brand new state-of-the-art residential projects across the city TROPICAL LAGOON THANE Tropical Lagoon is a luxurious residential project spread over nine acres on Ghodbunder Road. It has five towers. One of the highlights is the 80,000 sq ft podium garden filled with water bodies, terrace flats and sky gardens. The two towers Bougainvillea and Dahlia have 104 apartments each. Most of the apartments are 2-3BHKs. The sky gardens are for the exclusive use of the residents. The possession for tower one is expected by June 2012 and one for tower two is by Decemeber 2012. It is also a very eco-friendly project
LIFESTYLE CITY Lifestyle City at Kalyan by Nirmal Lifestyle is an upcoming locality and boasts of some of the most modern amenities to be found in a housing complex. Each housing complex is designed amidst beautiful landscapes with modern architectures. The buyers need to pay 20% of the cost as deposit, and remaining in staggered phases. A loan can be procured for the remaining 80-85%. HDFC has pre-approved the home loans for this property. The township is offering various configurations starting from 1 BHK of 558sqft right up to a 3BHK of 1062 sq ft.
ACKRUTI HILLCREST ANDHERI (EAST) Located strategically opposite SEEPZ on the East- West corridor of the Jogeshwari- Vikhroli Link Road, Ackruti Hillcrest offers scenic views of the Aarey Milk Colony. It is a 22-storeyed tower with 426 apartments. It has 1-3.5BHK flats. Amenities include air-conditioned lobby entrance, clubhouse, wellequipped gym, kid’s play area, multipurpose hall and rooftop terrace garden. The flats start at around ` 85 lakh each. The estimated completion and possession is early 2014
LODHA AQUA Located on the Western Express Highway just 3 kms from Dahisar and Mira Road railway station, Lodha Aqua makes an impressive presence on the Western Express Highway. This rapidly developing suburb boasts of good infrastructure as also of first-rate educational, shopping and recreational facilities. It is 30 minutes away from Thane via Ghodbundar Road and Dadar is a 40-minute drive via the Western Express Highway. There are six ICSE schools in the vicinity with the upcoming Metro station just 2 kms away from this residential complex.
Compiled by Sukanya Ghosh
GREAT HOMES
FRIDAY 21 OCTOBER, 2011. MiD DAY
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PIC/ SAFFRON ART
NO SECOND THOUGHTS FOR
SECOND HOMES Second homes are no more an indulgence of the rich. Razvin Namdarian lists out areas that are hot with home-buyers MUMBAI MIGHT BE A CITY OF opportunities and perfect to make some serious money, but it is also a city which is highly congested and polluted. It is not surprisingly then that whenever a long weekend presents itself, you find streams of cars heading out of Mumbai. Weekend or second homes are now an important part of a successful Mumbaiites wishlist. While earlier a small bungalow in Lonavala or Alibaug was the definition of a weekend home, today these places have become the victim of their own popularity, with high congestion and even higher realty rates. So, developers and buyers alike are seeking new environs. The main aspects which buyers look for in a new home are proximity to the city, the cost factor, infrastructure and possibility of appreciation. We list some of the new locations that are the preferred destination for second homes:
Murbad
According to D S Kulkarni, MD, Soft Corner Marketing Pvt Ltd, "Murbad along the NH222 state highway is just two-and-a-half hours, away from Mumbai." It is on route to Malshej Ghat. Murbad can also be accessed by the Nasik highway. Being a primarily agricultural area, there are no industries in the area, making it green, silent and pollution-free.
Neral
Located at the foothills of Matheran, Neral is perfect for those who wish to live in a peaceful environment, as well as within a town setting. Several bungalows and flats are being developed here as well. It can be accessed easily by road along the Mumbai-Pune highway and by train. Matheran, which is close-by, is a great picnic spot.
Karjat
Quite a convenient location, Karjat is well-connected by local trains to Mumbai, Khopoli and Panvel. Regular shuttle trains also run between Karjat and Lonavala and Karjat and Pune. The planned trans-harbour link between Sewri, Mumbai and Navi Mumbai will further shorten the travel time taken to reach Karjat. It lies on the banks of the River Ulhas. Santosh Naik, of Disha Direct, also says, "Khopoli and Khalapur, close to Karjat, are also popular weekend home locations."
Wada / Vikramgad
Located along the MumbaiAhmedabad highway, Naik, points out that these two locations, "have good water front properties. The river Vaitarna flows in the area."
Shahpur
Kulkarni states, "There is a good demand for projects in Shahpur, along the NH3 highway linking Mumbai to Nasik. Here the expressway is also almost completed, making travel to Shahpur very easy. We have the option of tailor-made projects in the area where a person can buy town planning sanctioned plots and then build later." They have a project called Rainbow Park in Shahpur. Disha Direct has a wellness resort and spa called Wellness City in Shahpur. Even if you are not planning to buy a second home right away, it is better to invest in the land plots. Kulkarni points out, "The cost of land is rapidly increasing while the cost of construction increases at a slower rate, so buyers should invest in land now and could build homes later." For a stress free break, plan for a second home today!
GREAT HOMES
FRIDAY 21 OCTOBER, 2011. MiD DAY
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A SLICE OF
OFFICE
New businesses and expanding corporates have spurred the demand for office spaces in the city, resulting in a steady rise in rates of commercial real estate in SoBo as well the suburbs, finds Aruna Rathod EVEN AS THE RESIDENTIAL REALTY rates are steadily on the rise after hitting a plateau over the past few months, the commercial property prices have also been steadily firming up, albeit in a low profile manner. While the residential properties have appreciated more than 15 per cent, prices of commercial property have seen a 7-10 per cent increase across the city. Irrespective of the location, office spaces have seen appreciation across the city, right from Cuffe Parade, the southern commercial tip of the city, to the office complexes in Goregaon-Malad on the northern outskirts.
of office space being absorbed. Mindspace in Airoli, Navi Mumbai accounted for a large chunk of this absorption," said Ramesh Nair, managing director, West India, Jones Lang LaSalle, adding that rentals have still not gone through the roof because Mumbai's office property market is in the midst of a major supply cycle that is focused mainly in the central suburbs, western suburbs, Thane and Navi Mumbai. The sharpest rise in the commercial sector has been witnessed in the island city, with the average rate for premium office spaces moving from `30,000 to 35,000 per square foot. "The entire stretch from Nariman Work zone Point to Worli today commands more "The first two quarters of 2011 made or less the same price, with specific for a record first half for the Mumbai underdeveloped pockets like Tardeo, office real estate market, with Mumbai Central, Grant Road and approximately 5.5 million square feet parts of Lower Parel going for 25 per-
cent lesser," says S G Maheswari of Maheshwari & Maheshwari, a leading broking firm in South Mumbai. Though the final price depends on each individual building and its exact location, the entire stretch from Cuffe Parade to Worli has emerged as the commercial hub of the country's financial capital, housing the headquarters of major corporate houses.
made offices built to their specific needs, which is not possible in the existing office buildings of South Mumbai," says realty consultant Prateek Mehta. On the other hand, offices in South Mumbai enjoy the advantage of proximity to major government offices, financial hubs and courts, attracting businesses like consultancies and law firms. Compared to commercial Hot hubs buildings in South Mumbai, the new While Nariman Point and commercial premises in the suburbs Churchgate are still the most pre- offer more in terms of technology and ferred destinations for foreign firms facilities, which in turn, leads to betand consultancies setting shop in ter synergy of resources and India, companies with requirement increased work efficiency. for larger spaces are identifying offices in the mill land havens of On rent Parel, Elphinstone and Lower Parel. With India Inc on an acquisition "The new commercial conclaves spree in the realty market, the setting being developed in Central Mumbai up of new offices and outlets for the offer the corporates a choice of tailor- expanding operations are proving to
be key drivers of even the rental market. "Corporate bodies are emerging as key players in the rental market, with their sustained demand driving the boom in rents on commercial properties," says Harish Sharma, owner of a Prabhadevi-based realty consultancy. He adds that office rents in South Mumbai have shot up by more than 10 per cent in the past six months. "Where the range was between `125 to `150 per square foot till last year, the current range for office rentals is between `150 and `175 per square foot," says Sharma. It's not just office rents that are on the rise, but also that of commercial spaces for retail business. "Organised retail business is on an expansion spree across the country and retail chains are driving the demand for commercial space — both in terms of value and volumes," says Sharma.
GREAT HOMES
FRIDAY 21 OCTOBER, 2011. MiD DAY
VASTU MUSTS FOR
A WOW HOME
Dr Snehal Deshpande lists out 10 Vastu and Feng Shui tips that will draw positive energy BUYING A HOUSE IS A VERY expensive dream for the common man and needs a lot of sacrifice. At this point of time, some knowledge of the dos and don'ts of vastu — Feng Shui will surely save a person some unwanted difficulties. Here are 10 tips that you need to follow before buying and moving into a new house:
be facing the North and the North-East direction as that might cause financial, health and education problems.
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8
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Your house breaths from the centre. Avoid a house having a toilet or a bathroom in the centre.
Evil energy resides in the deep Avoid a property which has a holes of the South-West. Avoid door facing the South-West as a house which has an underit is the entry of the devil’s ground water tank or a well in energy and brings in struggle and that direction. misfortunes. Select a house which has a It is ideal if the house is a North-South magnetic axis square or a rectanglar in either perpendicular or horishape as a cut in any direction zontal. Angular North indicates a can cause problems. For example, major vastu defect. a cut towards the South-West may bring problems in your business Avoid a top floor flat as the and relationships. Select a house heating of the roof disturbs in which the South-West and the and scatters the energy of the North-East are protected. house. A house which has a kitchen in the South-East will enhance your health and wealth, but make sure that you avoid a kitchen in the North or the North-East as it may bring in financial and health problems.
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It is good if a house is open from three sides and closed from one side. It helps to have windows on opposite sides. This attracts good energy, thereby increasing your wealth.
Select a house which has a You can give 10 marks to each master bedroom facing the commandment and select a house South-West as it is the key to which scores higher. However, the door of stability. many of the above defects can be taken care of by some remedial Bath rooms and toilets are measures. So here’s raising a toast best located in the West or the to a perfect home. South. Ideally, the should not
This will be my first Diwali in my new home. I will deck up my flat to the hilt with diyas, lights and flowers. There will be a traditional Lakshmi Pooja to usher in good luck and prosperity. Buying a home is like a landmark achievement for me. I feel proud to say that I have financed my house totally with my own earnings. I have purchased a flat in the same building where my parents live. So, we’re going to be neighbours. My sister (Sushma), has a great knack for interiors, so a lot of her creativity has gone into designing my house. My favourite corners will be the kitchen and den. I love cooking and lounging in front of the TV watching films or cricket. I feel that every woman should aspire to buy a home as that gives her a great sense of independence and security.
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GREAT HOMES
FRIDAY 21 OCTOBER, 2011. MiD DAY 14
QUEEN OF PARTIES Make sure you throw a smashing cards’ party this Diwali. Here is an ace for your sleeve DIWALI — THE TIME FOR lights, sweets, fire crackers, merriment and that of course means a party! Organising and attending card parties is almost a tradition for some families. It not only is a great way to socialise and celebrate the festive season, but some also believe that winning at cards at Diwali time signifies the blessings of the Goddess Laxmi (Goddess of Wealth) throughout the year. So what can you do to throw a card party that will be the talk of the friend circuit? Read on: Get them to come: Let's face it; most of those on your guest list are probably going to get invites from several others as well. So to ensure that they don't give your party a miss, impress them with your invite. Sending a creative invitation card or email or even one that spells a little mystery will create a curiosity factor making people want to come to your party. Decor: Plan the theme of your party and get your decor to match. Most prefer to go traditional with the rangoli, diyas, streams of flower garlands et al. Else, one can go with different themes like Arabian, Hawai... remember to keep it something that all your guests can relate to. The seating should be comfortable and make arrangements to ensure that a few card tables are around to ensure that all your guests get a chance to play. The spread: No party is complete without food and drinks. Plan your menu according to the events of the evening. Serve finger foods and bite-sized canapés which people can just pop while
paying cards and don't get their hands messy. Remember, the party is likely to continue till the wee hours so make arrangements for enough food to deal with those mid-night cravings. Get the service personnel to circulate with drinks and clear the empty glasses from the tables. Cocktails and mocktails with interesting flavours and mixes are attractive but keep the whisky for the diehard traditionalists. Play the game: After all the main event is playing cards, so make all the arrangements geared towards that. Decide if your guests are playing with cash or counters. If cash is preferred ensure you have currency in different denominations available. Also, mark the different tables as high, medium or low stakes so your guests can decide what group they would like to join. Rummy and flush are the preferred games to play but you can mix it up with some 'just for fun' card games like trace the ace; 2,3,5 etc. Keep them occupied: It isn't necessary that all your guests or their spouses like to play cards, so have something planned for them to do as well. Games like Housie, Truth or Dare, Pictionary etc can be fun for these 'card wallflowers'. Above all, when planning a party, don't forget the most important person — You! Ensure all the preparations are done well in advance so you can enjoy the party as well. Be a responsible host and keep a driver on call to drop some of your inebriated guests' home. A well-planned party is a great party!
GREAT HOMES
FRIDAY 21 OCTOBER, 2011. MiD DAY
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MANISH GETS THE
FESTIVE FEVER
Diwali means family time to Manish Paul. So before the Star Ya Rockstar contestant and his wife Sanyukta fly off to Delhi to celebrate the festival with their families, Payal Kamat Samant gets a peek into their decked up home SINCE HE TRAVELS TO HIS hometown, Delhi, every year for Diwali, television actor Manish Paul and his wife Sanyukta deck up their spacious 1200 square feet 2BHK flat in the buzzing suburb of Malad a little bit in advance. The duo loves to shop for the house and has designed a lovely mix of traditional and modern decor. Manish and Sanyukta invite us in:
prefer ordering stuff home instead of getting jostled in the crowd. There are a number of restaurants and eateries as Malad (W) is also the BPO hub.
Diwali delights
Manish: To us, Diwali means Delhi as we both come from there and our families are still based there. Every year I go to Delhi prior to Diwali, but this year I’ll go there on the Laxmi Pujan day because of my shooting schedule. The house hunt Manish: When I came to Mumbai from We love the season as there’s we get to Delhi about five years back, I rented a exchange gifts, hog and of course, decplace in Malad as it is convenient to orate the house. travel to the shooting places. Then Sanyukta: Cleaning the house is a big after Sanyukta and I got married, we activity. Post that, we paint the diyas started looking out for a bigger house. ourselves and decorate the house with We finally came upon this house and flowers. This Diwali is extra special as rented it in March 2o10. it is Saisha’s first Diwali. My mom-inSanyukta: We were the first ones to live law makes awesome food and mithai. in this house and loved the vibes that There’s always suji-ka-halwa as Manish we created here. So we decided that we loves the delicacy. wanted to buy this house itself. We didn’t want a too contemporary nor a too Film fundas Sanyukta: This is our fifth Diwali traditional look to the house. And so we bought solid wood furni- together and we’ve made a rule to buy ture in dark brown and have painted gold on Dhanteras every year. Last the walls in off-white. One wall has Diwali, we bought a silver idol to place been painted golden as it looks con- in the mandir. My mother-in-law too temporary yet traditional. Bright gifts us a silver coin and Laxmi idol. cushions in red and orange give the Manish: On our agenda this festive seahouse a cosy feel. Also on one wall, son is to do up our second bedroom. I’ved framed Turkish carpets, We recently decided that the theme has Madhumanis, Warli carpets and so on. to be films as both of us are movie buffs. So I’ve purchased loads and loads of Elvis Presley, Marilyn Comfort zone Manish: Both Sanyukta and I love this Monroe and other such classic posters locality as all the malls are located just for the wall. During one of our recent decor store within walking distance. In fact, before my daughter Saisha was born, we rounds, we came across a sofa that would hangout at Hypercity on most transforms into a huge bed. So that days when I had an off or just roam on item is on our buying wishlist. However, our first priority is to get the the streets. Sanyukta: Earlier, we’d just spend lighting right in the den before we start hours in the malls, but now it gets too the painting and moving in stuff. crowded on the weekends and so we payal.kamat@mid-day.com
PICS/ NIMESH DAVE
FRIDAY 21 OCTOBER, 2011. MiD DAY 18
GREAT HOMES
A villa on my wish-list Yes, I am interested in buying a terrace flat as the property rates have just got corrected. During Diwali, you get to see many ads in newspapers, which is a big help. You see all the prime properties on a single page and it really helps in zeroing down on a select few. I want to own a bungalow in Lonavala or Pune with a huge garden in future. These days you see so many ads selling villas, and that’s what is catching my eye ROMIT RAJ
A HOME ON MY MIND THIS
DIWALI Celebs share their home-buying aspirations for the festive season
Malad is the next hotspot Yes, I already own one house but am looking for another house for investment purposes. I feel Malad is the best area to invest in with the kind of projects that are coming up in the vicinity. Malls like Infiniti and InOrbit have increased its value. While rates haven’t lowered drastically, they have been pretty stable. There are some festive offers as well. I have been seeing quite a few flats since many days but I haven’t zeroed down on a particular one. But Diwali is a great time to buy property as you can avail the festive discounts and bargains. I guess I will buy something in this period. As I live in the suburbs, I would prefer to buy something close by. I love the location of Rustomjee’s project in Malad. The upcoming projects in Lower Parel also look very interesting. ANGAD HASIJA
Naigaon is a future hotspot
I did step out house hunting this festive season. However, the rates seem more or less the same. There is no dip per se. The recent upheavals in the US economy also affected investments in real estate. So, I hope this gives buyers an added point to negotiate with developers. I am not in a hurry to buy a house this Diwali as I believe that the right deal is more important than the right time. If not now, I will go house hunting in a couple of months. I want to invest in some property. The areas I am looking at is Naigaon and further as that belt has tremendous potential for development. I think a house there will fetch me rich benefits in less than five years. MANISH RAI SINGHANIA
Prices should be stable
Every year, I step out house hunting during the festive season. While prices of electronic goods and household items come down during Diwali, the prices of properties rise further. I wonder why prices rocket during the festive season. The common refrain heard throughout the year is, “Abhi khareed lo, warna Diwali mein rates badh jaayegaa.” I think there needs to be a law that prevents builders from increasing rates during festive season. Property rates across Mumbai haven’t lowered for Diwali. In fact, there has been a marginal increase in per sq ft rates in the areas where I was looking at buying. If everything works out well, and all my investments appreciate nicely, I might be able to buy a flat this Diwali. The recent project that has caught my attention is Lodha’s World One project that’s coming up at Lower Parel. I feel it will add a new dimension to the concept of lifestyle homes in the city. While it will be a extremely high-priced investment, the kind of lifestyle offered by the project seems simply out of the world! ARIF ZAKARIA
Found the perfect home at Four Bungalows Yes, I did step out house hunting this festive season. We checked out properties in Lokhandwala, Four Bungalows, 7 Bungalows and Goregaon. As the rates are continuously rising, it’s better to invest at the earliest. I have finalised a flat in HDIL’s project at Four Bungalows on the 26th floor. It’s a very centrally located building close to 7 Bungalows and Lokhandwala Market. I chose this project because it’s very luxurious with state-of-the-art amenities. It has spacious 3BHK flats with swimming pool, clubhouse and even a multipex in the compound. The views are also terrific. VAHBBIZ DORABJEE
GREAT HOMES
FRIDAY 21 OCTOBER, 2011. MiD DAY
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PIC/ KANCHI DESIGNS
DAZZLE ALL WITH YOUR DIWALI
DECORATIONS
Diwali isn’t complete till you give your home a makeover. Interior designer Sadiya Chowhan tells you how to deck up your home DIWALI GIVES YOU A GREAT excuse to do up your home. From walls to the furnishings — there is a lot that you can do to add drama to your home. We tell you how to get started:
Wall of fame
Come Diwali and there is always a host of new offerings in the market. Different kinds of paints, textures for the walls, wallpapers in an array of colours are available to suit every taste, space and pocket. White washing or painting the walls is a great way to usher in the festive spirit. This brings out a vibe of newness and freshness coupled with positivity in personal as well as professional spaces. For those who have a time crunch, a practical yet interesting option is wall papering. You can now give your room an affordable makeover in a jiffy.
Uptown upholstery
Fabrics like linen and jute are selling like hot cakes this season. Even silk is a great option for a more festive look. Just throw in a couple of fancy cushions and bolsters in these elaborate fabrics on basic couches and watch your home get
transformed. This season, the pastel shades make a comeback. Of course, these need to be combined with strong colours and motifs or prints. Embellishments also work really well this season.
easy-to-use option for diyas are the chai glass diyas which float. They have the quaint, rustic feel and are well moulded so the flame is not completely exposed. Place them in a water dish, throw in a few flowers and voila! Add nice Just arrived drapes in warm colours and a Doing up the entrance of the home splash of colour on the floor in the has always been an age old tradi- form of a rug. tion. Torans, rangolis and diyas can make the entrance very Bowled over balconies welcoming. There are an Green is soothing on the eyes, genassortment of diyas in various erates positive vibes and in some shapes and designs available cultures signifies growth. So take a nowadays. For those who cannot few plants, line them along the draw rangolis with a free hand, wall, or hang them from the ceiling there also are ready-made molds in the balcony and you are good to available in the market. go. If you can maintain flowering plants, it’s a bonus. Accentuate this Living it up setting with some good soft lightThe hall is probably the most ing, throw in a bench or a small important room in the house. After swing chair, space permitting, all, this is where all families and maybe a tepoy and you would have friends meet for celebrations. So, successfully created your own little the living room should exude a green haven. warm yet festive atmosphere. It should be comfortable, dressed up Mandir magic yet not over-the-top or filled with Marble mandirs look great when too many fragile items where chil- decorated with flowers and the dren would have to tip toe. Chic smell of incense. Wallpapers also candle stands, used either on cen- are being commonly used nowatre tables or even the dining tables days to give various textures to the and diyas, are a great idea. An mandir area. Another all time
favourite is the classic jaali. These jaalis are convenient to use as partitions where there is not a special room dedicated to a mandir. Adorn the mandir with small bells, flowers, some traditional rangoli and you are set.
Mandir magic
Buying lamps, lights or lanterns adds colour and flavour to the festivities. Lighting plays a very important role during this festival, for obvious reasons. We suggest you decorate spaces with various lanterns and lights available in the market. Play with a blend of diyas and light fixtures. During the day, use natural light. During the evenings, light up the house. Do keep in mind the various energy savers available in the market especially for this season. They not only conserve energy but prove to be cost effective as well. Bright yellow lights always give a feeling of instant festivity and glamour along with a warm glow. White light is calming. Various kinds of fairy lights and lanterns, ranging from glass to the traditional paper lanterns, ensure there is something for every taste, space and budget.
GREAT HOMES
FRIDAY 21 OCTOBER, 2011. MiD DAY
What: Clay Ganesha diyas Where: Haiko Mall, Powai Price: `40 each
What: Silver Nut Bowl Where: Episode, Grand Galleria, High Street Phoenix Price: `1,250
What: Horizon Trophy Where: Address Home Price: `22,900
SOAK IN THE
FESTIVE SPIRIT Lighten up your home with diyas and some bright trinkets
What: Floral Foil Orange Cushion Where: Address Home, Raghuvanshi Mills Compound Price: `1,400
What: Festive collection Where: Bianca, Juhu Scheme Price: `395 onwards
What: Furniture at 50% discount Where: Tangent-The Furniture Mall
What: Lantern Where: Serenity, Bandra (W) Price: `1,400
What: Oil Burner Bliss and Diya Sparkle Where: Episode Price: `1,200
What: Candle holder Where: @home stores Price: `950 onwards
What: Festive decor Where: Freedom Tree, Mathuradas Mills Compound Price: 30% discount
What: International Furniture Festival Where: Living In Style, near InOrbit Mall, Goregaon (W) Price: 30% discount on all products
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