Property-2022 Thane

Your author reports on an event that showcased a plethora of high-rise structures with vertical transportation to match.

Making the transition from online to offline mode for any aspect of life has not been easy, especially with the pandemic still making its presence felt. However, as they say, fortune favors the brave, and the Confederation of Real Estate Developers’ Associations of India-Maharashtra Chamber of Housing Industry (CREDAI-MCHI) Thane team recently exemplified this adage by conducting Property-2022 Thane, the 19th edition of its realty and home finance expo at Raymond Grounds on March 11-14.

The four-day event, held for the convenience of home seekers, highlighted the fact that Thane’s real estate not only retained its vibrancy and price stability during the pandemic, but also saw sales unaffected by the lockdowns. The event, which returned after a two-year break during the COVID-19 pandemic, offered home seekers more than 30 real estate developers, banks and home finance companies from which to choose their dream home, as well as finance for the same.

The inauguration featured dignitaries including Rajesh Narvekar, district collector, Thane; Dr. Vipin Sharma, Indian Administrative Service (IAS), municipal commissioner, Thane; and Pravin Raghavendra, chief general manager Mumbai (Metro) Circle, State Bank of India (SBI), gracing the occasion. The extended weekend witnessed a huge number of visitors, as well as the presence of other dignitaries such as Eknath Shinde, guardian minister, Thane.

As the numbers grew, it was apparent that those who had pre-registered enjoyed the advantage of “express entry.” Staff at various pavilions and stalls at the venue were busy answering queries from expo visitors, and it was apparent that buyer sentiment is positive.

Ajay Ashar, immediate past president, CREDAI-MCHI Thane, said the event saw many real estate developers and leading home finance providers offering some of the best options a home seeker would want. The advantage of having a wide array of options under one roof, with the option of directly interacting with representatives of real estate brands and home finance providers, would see many a home-seeking family select their dream home and make it a reality.

The venue for this edition was new compared to the previous few editions of the expo, pointed out Manish Khandelwal, Hon. secretary, CREDAI-MCHI Thane. He added that the expo also reflected upon the type of homes required in the “new normal,” post-pandemic, and was planned keeping COVID-19-appropriate behavior in mind.

Gaurav Sharma, Hon. treasurer, CREDAI-MCHI Thane, emphasized that, as one of India’s fastest-growing urban conglomerations, Thane has been a favorite destination for home seekers and, post-pandemic, is witnessing higher levels of demand by discerning home seekers from Mumbai city, suburbs and the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), apart from Thaneites who look forward to upgrading their living standards and moving to bigger homes.

Jay Vora, the Youth Wing president of the association, underlined that CREDAI-MCHI Thane is one of the most respected associations, and the confidence that a home seeker gets while buying a home from a member of the association — especially during the annual property expo organized by it is immense.

Sandeep Maheshwari, Exhibition Committee chairman, shared that the property and home finance expo had been organized at this point in time following continuous feedback received from home seekers who were looking forward to being able to check out various property and home finance options under one roof. This year, entry for home seekers to the expo was free; transport had been arranged from Anand Cinema, Thane East, and Modella Mills, Mulund Check Naka, to the expo venue.

Jitendra Mehta (JM), president, CREDAI-MCHI Thane, provided your author (YP) with perspectives on a wide range of relevant aspects:

YP: What was the significance of Property-2022 Thane? 

JM: In the “new normal” post-pandemic, home buyers have missed the advantage that the property expo provides. It is about selecting a home from a wide choice, across different segments and price points, created by a wide variety of leading real estate brands — all under one roof. We expect the serious home buyers completing their deals either during Property-2022 Thane or after the event. The advantage of comparing various options under one roof, along with the advantage of home finance options being available at the event, makes it a win-win for home seekers. For us, at CREDAI-MCHI Thane, it is a simple endorsement of the trust and confidence we have gained over the years. The right time to buy a home is now, given the situation fast developing where various reasons will see price points of homes rise.

YP: What makes Thane unique?

JM: It is the perfect city for all segments of home seekers, across budgets and sizes. A culturally rich city that offers a safe and secure lifestyle, it is blessed by Mother Nature in the form of the verdant greenery and bodies of water. The existing infrastructure is good, and the on-going projects will enhance the city’s future-preparedness. For all home seekers, there’s a project in Thane where your dream home will become a reality.

YP: How has Thane developed beyond just residential real estate?

JM: There are many aspects of commercial real estate that are witnessing growth in Thane and peripheral areas. While organized retail and office spaces have traditionally had good numbers year on year, the city has also seen growth in IT and ITeS, as well as sunrise sectors like data centers and warehouses and logistics. Corporate India has found Thane the ideal place to relocate and centralize office spaces into a single space across the MMR, and offering homes across a wide spectrum of price points is icing on the cake.

YP: How has CREDAI-MCHI Thane made a difference?

JM: CREDAI-MCHI Thane has always considered itself part of the social fabric of Thane. As an association of real estate developers, CREDAI-MCHI Thane has always been a part of Thane’s development. Going beyond just square feet of space, we have also been ready to take on responsibilities and support authorities in all sorts of situations. For Thane to evolve into a city that is best in every way, authorities including the state government and the TMC play an important role. To make the city better, it is our joint responsibility — all of us, stakeholders in Thane’s development — need to work as a team, and ensure we co-script new chapters on the city’s evolution and growth.

YP: How have its members dealt with the “new normal” and pandemic?

JM: Humankind co-exists with the pandemic and its different variants; the vaccination program enabled us to recover from the negative effects of the pandemic. Across our project sites, CREDAI-MCHI members have ensured a safe and secure working environment, ensuring time-bound possession of homes.

Traditionally a stable real estate market, during the pandemic, Thane did not see any wild swings in price. The growth is steady and stable — this has been the story of Thane’s real estate sector over the years. It has remained so even during the pandemic.

YP: How are homes in the “new normal” different?

JM: The “new normal” sees demand for homes that are a bit different from what was the norm before the pandemic; Thane offers home seekers the perfect homes to meet the new needs brought about by the pandemic. Be it flexible home interior spaces or an additional room for work from home or e-study, Thane’s residential offerings are “just right” in the new normal.