Luxury Housing Sales Surging in Top Indian Cities

Sales of affordable apartments, priced below Rs 50 lakh, saw a 14% decline to 38,626 units in 2024 in seven major cities due to fewer launches and increasing costs, according to JLL India. Despite this, overall apartment sales in these cities surged by 11%, reaching 3,02,867 units, marking a record high compared to the previous year. The cities included in this analysis are Mumbai, Delhi-NCR, Bengaluru, Pune, Chennai, Hyderabad, and Kolkata. Specifically, sales of apartments priced between Rs 1-3 crore and above saw significant growth in 2024. Sales in the Rs 1-3 crore range increased by 18%, while those in the Rs 3-5 crore and above Rs 5 crore brackets surged by 86% and 80% respectively. Looking ahead, JLL forecasts a robust performance in the housing market for the current year. Factors such as urbanization, infrastructure development, and a growing demand for premium homes are expected to sustain the market's strength. Particularly noteworthy is the continued interest in luxury properties priced between Rs 10 crore and Rs 200 crore in cities like Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Delhi-NCR, driven by changing consumer preferences among high net-worth individuals, corporate executives, and non-resident Indians. CBRE reported a 53% annual increase in sales of luxury homes priced at Rs 4 crore and above in the top seven cities, emphasizing the strong demand in this segment. The definition of luxury varies by location, amenities, developer reputation, and the community it fosters. Experts highlight that luxury extends beyond price and encompasses exclusivity, comfort, and lifestyle offerings. In Bengaluru, while the mid-segment remains popular, the luxury housing supply shortage, especially in the Rs 4 crore and above segment, has led to fewer transactions. The market dynamics in cities like Delhi-NCR and Mumbai are driving significant luxury home sales, with transactions exceeding Rs 100 crore becoming increasingly common. Overall, the Indian residential property market experienced an 11% growth in 2024, with Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Pune contributing significantly to the sales volume. A 30% increase in sales of homes above Rs 1 crore indicates improved affordability. The year also witnessed a rise in new launches and residential rates across the top seven cities, with Delhi-NCR registering the highest growth at 20%. With reduced unsold inventory levels and faster clearance times, driven by the demand for under-construction properties, the market is showing signs of strengthening. The rising capital values further reflect the sustained demand for housing.

Union Minister of Electronics and Information Technology, Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw, together with Gujarat Chief Minister Shri Bhupendra Patel, inaugurated India's first end-to-end Semiconductor OSAT Pilot Line Facility at CG Power in Sanand, Gujarat. This event marks a significant milestone in India’s semiconductor journey, aligning with Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi's vision. The pilot line's launch signifies a crucial step towards realizing India's ambition in semiconductor design, manufacturing, and downstream capabilities, with Gujarat becoming a central hub in this endeavor. The facility will play a pivotal role in customer qualification for chips, facilitating the transition to full-scale production at commercial plants. This inauguration is a key achievement under the India Semiconductor Mission, which has already sanctioned ten projects. The initiative also emphasizes the importance of nurturing a skilled workforce. The India Semiconductor Mission aims to address the projected global shortage of one million semiconductor professionals by 2032. To achieve this, the government has collaborated with 270 universities to provide advanced semiconductor design tools, empowering Indian youth and positioning the country as a global semiconductor talent hub. The CG Semi OSAT Facility in Sanand, Gujarat, is among India's first full-scale Outsourced Semiconductor Assembly and Test (OSAT) plants, enhancing the nation's semiconductor capabilities. With an investment exceeding ₹7,600 crore (~USD 870 million) over five years, CG Semi is developing two cutting-edge facilities in Gujarat to cater to traditional and advanced packaging technologies. The G1 facility, inaugurated recently, will operate at a maximum capacity of around 0.5 million units per day, handling end-to-end chip assembly, packaging, testing, and post-test services. Additionally, the G2 facility, currently under construction, is expected to be operational by the end of 2026, scaling up to process approximately 14.5 million units daily. This venture is anticipated to create over 5,000 direct and indirect job opportunities. With a team backed by over 1,000 years of combined experience in semiconductors, CG Semi is poised to contribute significantly toward India's semiconductor manufacturing and design capabilities. By sending engineers and technicians for hands-on training, the company aims to achieve a faster learning curve for high-volume operations and strengthen the Atmanirbhar Bharat vision. In conclusion, the inauguration of India's first end-to-end Semiconductor OSAT Pilot Line Facility at CG Power embodies a remarkable feat in India's semiconductor sector. This advancement not only strengthens the nation's self-reliance but also propels India towards global leadership in semiconductor design and manufacturing.

India's Changing Consumption Patterns Shed Light on Economic Progress India's economic evolution is not just visible in bustling factories and increasing investments but also in the changing consumption patterns of its households. The recently released Household Consumption Expenditure Survey (HCES) 2023-24 by the Ministry of Statistics reveals a nation on the move, spending more, diversifying diets, and bridging rural-urban living standards. The survey shows a notable decline in rural-urban expenditure gaps, with rural areas spending an average of ₹4,122 per month per capita, while urban areas spend ₹6,996. The significant shift in consumption patterns includes a decrease in the share of food expenditure, aligning with Engel's Law as incomes rise. This has led to a transition in food choices, with a decrease in cereals consumption and a rise in proteins, processed foods, and beverages. Non-food expenditure has also increased in areas like transport, education, and consumer durables. The rise in mobile phone ownership in rural areas symbolizes enhanced access to information and opportunities. Furthermore, there's a positive trend in reduced consumption inequality, with improvements in the Gini coefficient indicating more even distribution of economic gains. Despite commendable progress, challenges like the consumption of unhealthy processed foods and regional consumption disparities persist. Tailored policy interventions are necessary to address these issues and ensure inclusive growth. As India aims to become a $5 trillion economy, understanding these consumption dynamics becomes crucial for achieving sustainable and equitable development.')], 08/29/2025 at 03:23 am EDT.

Surging bond yields have created a disparity between central and state bonds, making central bonds an appealing option for long-term investors. The 10-year risk-free rate has reached a five-month high at 6.60%, prompting investors to consider this asset class. With an annualized yield of 6.71%, the 10-year bond offers a significant premium compared to fixed deposits by major banks like State Bank of India and HDFC Bank. Experts suggest that the current scenario presents a lucrative opportunity for investors, especially on a post-tax basis. Vishal Goenka, co-founder of IndiaBonds.com, anticipates a bond rally following reductions in federal borrowing concerns and interest rates. This trend is further supported by factors such as potential rate cuts by the Federal Reserve and recent upgrades in credit ratings. State Development Loan (SDL) yields have risen notably, providing retail investors with a chance to earn higher returns with quasi-sovereign safety. The attractiveness of government bonds is evident in the recent auction results of state bonds like Rajasthan and Tamil Nadu, offering yields well above fixed deposit rates. While deposit rates are expected to decrease with the central bank's rate cuts, state-backed bonds present a compelling alternative for stable and higher income. Retail investors can access government bonds through debt mutual funds or platforms like RBI Retail Direct Scheme. These avenues offer investment opportunities in central and state government bonds and treasury bills with minimal initial investments. Despite the current bond market volatility, experts emphasize that it has created a favorable entry point for investors seeking enhanced returns. The combination of safety and higher yields in government bonds compared to fixed deposits makes them an attractive investment option in the current economic landscape.

Eighteen equity mutual funds have shown remarkable performance over the past year, with returns exceeding 30% since the last Ganesh Chaturthi. A significant number of these top-performing funds are international, showcasing their superior performance compared to domestic peers. Leading the pack are Mirae Asset Hang Seng TECH ETF FoF and Mirae Asset NYSE FANG+ ETF FoF, with returns of 83.25% and 64.40%, respectively. Invesco India – Invesco Global Consumer Trends FoF and Mirae Asset S&P 500 Top 50 ETF FoF have also delivered impressive returns of 54.31% and 47.33%, respectively during the same period. Edelweiss Greater China Equity Off-Shore Fund, Mirae Asset Global X Artificial Intelligence & Technology ETF FoF, and Axis Greater China Equity FoF followed closely with returns above 38%. Notable Nasdaq-focused funds such as Invesco India – Invesco EQQQ NASDAQ-100 ETF FoF, Navi US Nasdaq 100 FoF, and others have generated returns ranging from 32% to 33%. DSP Global Innovation FoF reached a return of 31.13%. On the flip side, some funds experienced negative performance. Samco Flexi Cap Fund saw the most significant decline of about 19.30%, followed by various funds from Quant Mutual Fund. Motilal Oswal Focused Fund was the worst performer among mutual funds, delivering a negative return of 15.74%. Investors are advised to consider their risk tolerance, investment horizon, and financial objectives before making any investment decisions. The article serves as an informative look into the performance of equity mutual funds and should not be the sole basis for investment choices.

Microsoft India (R&D) has recently secured a substantial office lease in Hyderabad's financial district, marking a significant expansion in the city. The tech giant has leased 264,000 square feet at Phoenix Centaurus through managed workspace operator Table Space Technologies. This five-year agreement, effective from July 2025, involves a base rent of INR 1.77 crore per month, with an annual escalation of 4.8%. When factoring in additional expenses, the total monthly cost amounts to INR 5.4 crore. Microsoft's move emphasizes its commitment to enhancing its research and development capabilities, particularly in Hyderabad's thriving tech ecosystem. This lease adds to the company's existing presence in the city. Microsoft established its India Development Centre in Hyderabad back in 1998, which has since become its largest R&D base outside the US. The company's Gachibowli campus focuses on engineering, artificial intelligence, and cloud projects. The new space at Phoenix Centaurus is expected to accommodate additional R&D teams and technology units, further solidifying Microsoft's long-term commitment to Hyderabad. A senior workspace real estate consultant highlighted that large tech occupiers continue to invest in Hyderabad due to factors such as talent availability, infrastructure, and cost advantages. This move signifies global corporations' not only consolidation but also expansion in the city, especially in premium Grade-A spaces. In an interview, Microsoft India President Puneet Chandok expressed India as an exciting market for technology and AI. The company is committed to India, evident through its investments and initiatives aimed at fostering growth and development in the country. With this latest lease agreement, Microsoft aims to strengthen its presence in Hyderabad and continue driving innovation in the region.

India is set to witness its first domestically produced chip in the market by the end of 2025, announced Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday. The PM highlighted the significant progress in developing a 'Made in India' 6G network as well. He emphasized India's potential in the semiconductor industry, pointing out missed opportunities in the past and the recent surge in manufacturing initiatives that aim to boost technological self-reliance. Furthering India's technological advancement, the PM discussed the government's focus on exporting electric vehicles to over 100 countries. Modi also emphasized the transformative reforms taking place in the country, mentioning the introduction of a new Income Tax Bill to benefit the common man and various sector-specific reforms promoting economic growth. India's prominence on the global economic stage was underscored by PM Modi, who stated that the country is on track to become the world's third-largest economy. He attributed this growth to India's resilience, supported by macroeconomic stability and successful financial market operations, even amidst challenges like the Covid-19 pandemic. Diving into the history of India's semiconductor industry, the article sheds light on the challenges faced and the recent initiatives to boost chip manufacturing. It discusses how India has been a significant player in chip design since the establishment of design centers in the country in the 1980s. The piece also highlights the government's recent efforts, such as substantial subsidies and incentives, to accelerate semiconductor production in India. The complex global landscape of chip manufacturing and the geopolitical factors influencing different countries' participation in this sector are also detailed in the article. It discusses India's journey in the semiconductor industry vis-a-vis other nations like China, the US, and Taiwan, providing insights into the reasons behind India's delayed foray into advanced chip manufacturing. Moreover, the article delves into recent policy changes and developments catalyzing India's semiconductor industry and the significant role played by key players in pushing the nation towards technological prowess and manufacturing self-sufficiency. Overall, the narrative encapsulates India's evolving semiconductor industry, the challenges faced in the past, the current government's efforts to propel chip manufacturing, and the nation's aspirations to carve a niche in the global semiconductor market.