At the CREDAI PROFEST 2011, a mega property exhibition, there were innovative stall designs and a plethora of choices that left people impressed, but visitors said most of the options were too expensive to be within their reach
At the CREDAI PROFEST 2011, a mega property exhibition, there were innovative stall designs and a plethora of choices that left people impressed, but visitors said most of the options were too expensive to be within their reach.
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| President of CREDAI, Pune, Satish Magar. PIc/Jignesh mistry |
Exhibition visitors also complained that builders were charging on the basis of super-built-up area and not carpet area. But exhibitors claimed that response was high for their projects.
The annual mega property exhibition is organised by the city chapter of the Confederation of Real Estate Developers Association of India (CREDAI). With over 100 builders and developers showcasing 234 projects, from lakeside villas to plush apartments and high-end commercial spaces, the exhibition gave a good idea of the city's booming real estate scenario, which is now virtually on par with the scenario in Mumbai.
Wakad, Baner hot spotsWakad and Baner seemed to be the most sought-after real estate destinations, attracting the maximum number of builders and buyers. Almost every major builder had a project in these areas, with most of them being plush high-rise apartments.
"The response at the expo has been more than satisfactory," said Rajan Narang, vice-president (marketing) of the Pride Purple group.
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Costly homesThe exhibition saw a large number of visitors right from Day One, with some coming from places as far as Bhusawal to find homes in the city. Visitors were in awe of the grandeur and magnitude of the expo and posh homes, but many had to go back disappointed after doing what they called "window shopping".
Rowhouses, lakeside villas, independent bungalows with garages, fully developed cities with every other amenity were on display.u00a0
Ankur Patil (35), a businessman, said that almost all the projects were terrific and worth their price, but were beyond his reach.
"The quality of the projects and the other facilities offered deserve the high prices but I, unfortunately, cannot afford any of them. I had hoped to see some affordable, simple home for me and my family but it seems it is not promoted by any of the builders. The expo is otherwise terrific and has given me a really god overview of the real estate scenario in Pune," said Patil.
Vijay Joshi (40), a consultant with a private firm from Bhusawal, also marvelled at the expo, but expressed the same reservations about pricing. "A newcomer to the city like me gets a lot of knowledge about the housing options but plush accommodation is not meant for everyone," said Joshi.
HR consultant Sandeep Khilare (31) from Appa Balwant Chowk said, "It seems as if the houses are meant only for the elite. The papers say things like 'big on saving' but a look at the prices suggests otherwise. Not everyone wants a state-of-the-art flat, but simply a home to live in."
Khilare added that the fear of rates increasing with every passing month forces people "to strain their financial resources and buy such homes".
Vasant Muzumdar (65), a retired professional, complained about the practice of mentioning the carpet area on the official agreement and but charging the built and super built up during the sale.
"This practice is highly unethical and has to stop with immediate effect. CREDAI should really do something about it," he said.
Exciting stall designsDesigning stalls in the most attractive and innovative ways possible is another new development that MiD DAY saw at the expo. While some were designed like actual flats giving a realistic feel, some were designed on various themes like eco-friendliness, lounge bar type enquiry counters and hi-tech digital exhibits with superb lighting arrangements.
One stall had projections of the group's various projects on wall screens. There was the projection of a water body on the floor with fish swimming and if walked or stepped upon, it gave the rippling effect one sees on water.
