Residential Foreclosure Temptation

Making money by purchasing foreclosed homes sounds like an easy way to turn a profit, but buyer beware: The unwary purchaser may be buying a financial disaster.

Residential real estate foreclosures have been on the rise nationwide for the past several years with little sign of slowing down in the near future. The adjustable rate mortgage phenomenon coupled with general economic factors of our time have created a perfect storm of disaster for many homeowners, and the result is that many homeowners are finding their homes in foreclosure. With these foreclosures comes an excellent opportunity for a knowledgeable investor.

For the ill-informed, however, buying a foreclosed property at a sheriff’s sale can be confusing at best, and at worst it can be financially disastrous.

Become Familiar With The Foreclosure Process In Your State
The foreclosure process in each state is dictated by statute and case law, and the procedure differs greatly from state to state. In some states, such as Texas, the entire process can take less than three months. In other states, such as Wisconsin, the process can easily take nine months to a full year, or even longer if the homeowners file for bankruptcy protection or otherwise work to delay the process.

Each state has its own methods and procedures, and the first step to success is understanding the foreclosure process for your state in its entirety. If you plan on making foreclosure investment a serious venture, you may even wish to enlist the assistance of an attorney who can advise you on the foreclosure process and help you better understand the full procedure for your state.


Do A Thorough Title Search
In many states, properties are sold at foreclosure sales subject to any liens and encumbrances already on the property. This can include judgment liens, tax liens, prior mortgages, real estate taxes or any number of other financial or title issues which the purchaser at the foreclosure sale can inherit. An unwary purchaser may buy a property that seems like a great bargain only to find out that it was sold subject to tens of thousands of dollars worth of other liens, or worse.

Do not rely on the statements of other potential purchasers, the attorneys for the foreclosing bank, or even those of the homeowner when it comes to the status of the title to the property. Either enlist the assistance of a title company or become familiar with searching the judgment rolls, tax records and real estate records. It is absolutely essential to exercise due diligence and research the status of title for each property before even considering placing a bid at a foreclosure sale.

Be Skeptical About The Property’s Condition
Unlike a traditional real property transaction, there is rarely an opportunity to view the interior of the foreclosure property prior to purchase. Further, the properties are purchased as-is with absolutely no warranties as to their condition. Some interested buyers do contact the homeowners and ask to view the interior of the property, but not all owners are willing to show their houses and in many cases the property has been abandoned or the owners are difficult to locate. As your only evaluation of the property’s condition is likely to be from the exterior, it is essential to think critically about the interior’s condition.

When residential properties go into foreclosure it almost always related to the owner’s financial difficulties. This means that there may be maintenance issues with the property that were ignored due to their expense, or serious repairs that should have been done but were neglected due to the cost. As a purchaser of a foreclosure property, you must be willing to take on whatever problems the interior or structure of the property may have.

There Will Always Be More Properties
Foreclosures are showing no sign of slowing down. If you have serious reservations or unanswered about a property it may simply be best to hold off and wait for the next one. If you cannot go into a foreclosure sale armed with complete knowledge of the property you want to bid on – knowledge of the status of title, the interior and exterior condition, and any other issues that might be of concern to you – you may be better off waiting for the another property.

Mortgages on property

The basic mortgages available and what they are.

You’ve gone out and bought a new home, but can’t afford to fork over the $300,000 in full right away, so you’ve applied for a mortgage with your financial institution. You’ve been approved? That’s great! Was it the right mortgage?

Essentially, a mortgage is a loan. Mortgages can be taken out on any property owned by someone – a boat or a car for example – but typically are used for real estate. Like everything in life, there are ups and downs to taking out a mortgage on real estate, regardless of whether it is for personal or commercial use. The positive is that whoever is purchasing the property doesn’t have to fork over the full amount right away and can make monthly payments until it is paid off. The downside is that interest is going to build up on the balance and the amortization period chosen determines just how much.

The amortization period of a mortgage is how long the term is. This time period is usually chosen by the person taking out the loan. Each individual financial institution determines the minimum loan period and the maximum loan period – for example, in Canada, the minimum is usually 15 years and the maximum recently was moved up to 35 years. The United States has a fairly similar demographic as Canada, and while most mortgages have amortization periods of 40 years, some banks have started toying with loan period of 50 years.


You can’t have a mortgage without the rates involved. No bank would willingly approve a mortgage loan without getting anything in return. That $300,000 you just paid for a new home? If you have a fixed interest rate of 4.5%, assuming you make all your payments on time and pay off extra when you can, the bank is going to make $135,000 in interest. That’s almost half the cost of your new home!

There are many types of mortgages, including but not limited to:

Fixed Rate Mortgages have set interest rates. If your mortgage starts with 4.5% interest, it is going to stay at 4.5% interest even if the interest rates increase or decrease over time.

Variable Rate Mortgages are just what they sound like. When interest rates increase or decrease over the loan term, your interest rate will increase or decrease with it. So your payments and interest will vary from month to month.
Pre-Approved Mortgages allow you to shop around for your new home or property and know just how much you can afford!

Remember that when you take out a mortgage on a property, it belongs to the bank you took the loan from. This bank can repossess the property at any time you fall into arrears – have missed several payments. Be sure to do your research before applying for a mortgage and know what you can afford. With the many types of mortgages that are available and the right guidance from your financial adviser, it is easier to choose the mortgage that fits your financial position.

Real Estate Fund Returns

The interest for real estate fund is disappearing. The current representative poll of "TNS" on behalf "Robeco Germany" among 350 investment advisers shows that sales of real estate fund is currently declining. In the 3rd Quarterly assess only 48 percent of the sales consultant position to be positive - that is nine percent less than in the previous quarter.

The economy is recovering in Germany. In October, corrected-known economic institutes, the forecast for gross domestic growth in 2010 was clearly up.
The positive outlook for property funds do not apply, however: Your paragraph is to date. Attesting to the latest survey of "Robeco" under 350 investment advisers:
Assessed in the previous quarter 57 percent of respondents still on the market for real estate funds as well, are now only 48 percent - almost a tenth less.
The view forward is obscured. For the next six months expect 38 percent increases in unit sales of the consultants. That's 4 percent from the previous quarter.
"Trust in the property fund last through the settlement of individual funds suffered greatly," says Kai Röhrl, Head of Third Party Distribution of "Robeco". "Sometimes in error, for we are not real estate funds be lumped all. Generally, investors, business, the result of economic data brightened again strengthened to equity funds. Particularly the emerging markets continue to score points with a positive outlook. "

Mutual funds: paragraphs back, expectations remain positive

The sale of mutual funds in the 3rd judge Quarter, 27 percent of the consultants as well. They are 8 percent less than in the 2nd Quarter. By contrast, the expectation of good sales. More than a third of respondents - 37 percent - credit for the next six months with good sales figures. This is an increase of 2 percent compared with the previous quarter.

Equity funds: Paragraphs pull slightly, expectations little changed

The paragraphs in equity funds have increased slightly. Compared to the previous quarter sales position to assess the 3 per cent more consultants to be positive. That's 16 percent of all respondents. Few consultants have their positive sales expectations compared to 2 Quarterly change (-1%). Sun expects at least half of the surveyed consultants (45%) for the next half-year with increasing sales.

Bond funds: paragraphs and prospects virtually unchanged

Compared to the 2nd Quarter, the sales situation and the expectation with respect to pension funds has remained virtually unchanged. With a drop of 1 percent report 16 percent of respondents good sales figures. The number of consultants, the increase in sales for the next six months expect to remain, 13 percent of unchanged (+ / -0%). The current survey results confirm the slight upward trend in pension funds.

Money market funds: sales situation further act, expectations of positive

After the depression in the 2nd Quarter is sales of money market funds continue to behave. Only 14 percent of the consultants to assess the sales situation in money market funds as well. This is only 1 percent more than in the previous quarter. Although the advisers remain cautious for money market funds. But now believe at least 9 percent of the investment adviser - and 2 percent more than in the 2nd Quarter - from increasing sales in the next six months.

Hedge Funds: paragraphs and prospects remain low

According to the survey quarter, the sales situation of hedge funds in the 3rd hardly improved. After all paragraphs valued just under 1 percent of the investment adviser as well. In the last quarter of the consultants had not drawn a positive conclusion. Also for the next six months, the consultants expect any major changes: The number of those paragraphs, the increased number is expected to remain unchanged at 1 percent (+ / - 0%).

The adviser sentiment index for mutual funds decreased slightly: Compared with the previous quarter, the index falls by 0.3 percent and now stands at 99.8 points.

Russian buyers in Bulgaria

The property market in Bulgaria continues to be the first in the list of Russian property portal Prian.ru, which oversees the interests of Russian buyers of overseas property, two years now. Accordingly, in July the country's share of total search queries in the database offers the portal has grown to a record 21.55 percent. For the previous June, he was just under 20%.

Previous record in list Bulgaria has made in November 2008 - 21.27%.

Although the increased interest in Bulgaria difference between coming home and favorites do not increase as interest ranks second to Germany in July also increased compared to June

The ranking of the most popular destinations from Russian property buyers abroad remained stable third consecutive month, in top 10 occur only one amendment - Turkey gave the eighth place of Montenegro.

Estimated share continues to decrease the interest of Russians to the United States and Finland indicated by the portal. The property market in the Republic has ceased to decline in the rankings in May and June and again closer to fifth place, now occupied by Italy.

Reported by analysts on the site in May and June increased interest in "warm" countries in July has stabilized and even begun to decline. This is not surprising - in Moscow and St. Petersburg thermometers showed between 30 and 40 degrees. Most interest has fallen to the Russians to Turkey (from 3.93% to 3.32%) and Egypt (from 2.04% to 1.79%).

Outside the top 10 in July significantly increased interest in Thailand, Estonia, Sweden and Cyprus, while losing positions Lithuania and Hungary.

Top 10 countries in the interest of Russian property buyers abroad in July 2010
(The share of total search queries)

Bulgaria - 21.55%
Germany - 10.86%
Spanish - 7.22%
USA - 5.62%
Italy - 4.78%
Republic - 4.47%
Finland - 3.85%
Montenegro - 3.77%
Turkey - 3.32%
France - 2.88%

Monaco expensive housing markets in world

Monaco remains the most expensive housing market in the world class - the secondary housing market there seems to average 45 thousand per square meter, a study by the London-based real estate agency Chesterton Humberts.

Its closest competitor is the favorite destination of Millionaire - French resort of Saint Jean Cap Ferrand, where the price is 32 500 square meters, followed by London in third place with a price of 22,500 euros for a square.

However, London could claim that it is the most expensive housing in the world after the recent sale of the apartment complex at One Hyde Park for 220 million dollars, says the Real Estate Channel.

New York and Paris are lagging behind in this ranking, respectively, with prices from € 15,500 / sq. m and 13,500 euros / sq. m. From a total of 22 markets examined Mauritius Phuket and go with the most advantageous price of 3 thousand square meters of

For sales of new homes have led Hong Kong, New York and London respectively, with prices from 19,500 euros, 16,750 euros and 16,500 euros per square meter

Monaco is not the first time she decorates with that title, but lately there are some disagreements as to which particular area is currently the most expensive housing market.

According to the Financial News survey of the most expensive street to buy a home in the world is Severn Road in Hong Kong. The apartments there sell for an average of 54 thousand square meters, or about 70 thousand dollars. For comparison, the Avenue Princess Grace in Monaco, the average price is 60 thousand dollars since last year prices fell by 50%, reported by Financial News, as based on data from the consulting company Knight Frank and Savills.

European hotels attract investors

European hotels attract investors for stable values

Real estate investors will invest more money this year in the purchase of hotels in Europe than in the U.S. because European hotels managed to maintain its value due to poor construction, writes Bloomberg.

Acquisitions of hotels in Europe will amount to a total of about 5.5 billion in 2010 compared with 4.5 billion in North and South America, predicted by the consulting firm Jones Lang LaSalle Hotels. The transaction is expected to form in the U.S. about 90 percent of all purchases in the Americas, cited by London-based company for services in the field of investment in hotels.

Last year prices fell hotels in the U.S. than in Europe, as new buildings have increased the number of properties on the market, according to Real Capital Analytics Inc. However occupancy levels and room rates in Europe rose faster than America, led by Germany and France.

"In most American cities, if you can not get a hotel you want, you just have to wait 12 to 18 months and will be able to buy one that is being built now and is exactly what you want," said David Mongo, President and Founder of London-based investment banking company Avington Financial Ltd.

In Europe under way are projects to build 587 hotels with a total of just over 100 thousand rooms, according to analysis from December 2009 to STR Global. The U.S. plans are to be built hotels with a total of 3829 just over four hundred and one thousand room.

"The properties in Europe are more expensive, but tends to lose its value less because it is much more difficult to find a replacement asset," says Mongo.

Transactions this year is expected to grow more rapidly in the U.S. than in Europe because investment in the U.S. in 2009 were much less. The total cost for the U.S. is projected to increase more than twice that 2.1 billion dollars last year, while Europe is expected rise 25 percent to 4.4 billion dollars.

Employment in Europe increased 61% to 58% in the U.S. - 56% to 54%, according to the company in Tennessee based on studies in the field of hospitality Smith Travel Research Inc. The price per room per day in the U.S. fell 2 percent to 97.18 dollars, while Europe has registered a growth of 1.9 percent to 97 euros.

Greatest American Trust for investment in hotel properties by market capitalization - Host Hotels & Resorts Inc., In July announced the purchase of hotel Le Meridien Piccadilly in London, which has 266 rooms, 64 million pounds. 95% of the rooms of the company in the U.S..

"Many European markets have a very high barrier to entry for new construction, explains Gregory Larson, Executive Vice President Corporate Strategy at Host Hotels. "This limited growth in supply in the future. Such asset markets tend to retain high value, which in terms of the owner of the hotel is perfectly obvious. "

Chain Hyatt Hotels Corp., Controlled by Chicago Pritsker family, expected to have a higher share of rooms abroad than in the U.S. within the next 10 years, announced in January, its chief executive Mark Hoplamazyan. Company is looking for acquisitions in Italy and Spain.

Listnatata London company for real estate investments Redefine International Plc, formerly known as Ciref Plc, announced last month that it had bought five Holiday Inn hotels in London by the British operator Splendid Hotel Group for over 106 million pounds. Redefine considering other properties in London and other European cities.

As another advantage of Europe shows that markets are more diverse and less susceptible to overall economic crisis in December said Arthur Haas, CEO of Jones Lang LaSalle Hotels in July. Properties in countries such as France and Germany as well as in cities like London, has done "reasonably well" even when global economies shrugged last year, he added.

Many U.S. hotels, bought in 2006 and 2007 peak years were financed with a high percentage of debt, which has an additional pressure on the value.

"The European market fell so much in 2008 and 2009 and remained in liquidity from the U.S.. Also in Europe there is more capital. Overall debt levels in Europe are lower, "says Haas December.

Housing Markets in Scandinavia

Housing prices in Sweden, Finland and Norway can be thrown, which would put some of the strongest recoveries in Europe and threaten to return to their economies in recession.

The property market in Sweden could fall as 20 percent of borrowers with loans biggest difficulty with the payment of its debts, which are up to 46 times greater than their disposable income, considered by the Royal Bank of Scotland. The Central Bank of Norway said that low interest rates carry a risk of overheating of the property and credit markets in the country while in Finland said the housing market might be shaped balloon.

"I am very worried," said in an interview with Finnish Finance Minister Jyrki Katainen. 'Maybe there is a housing bubble in Finland. There is a risk that mortgage costs are too low. "

Housing prices in the three countries increased last year, although their economies are shrugged, and unemployment rose, sparking imbalances that must now be corrected. Higher interest rates in Sweden may lead to failure of some borrowers, said the RBS. The cost of loans in Finland, a member of the euro area does is determined by the European Central Bank, which makes more difficult the management of the local economy.

Housing prices in Swedish, the largest northern economy grew by 7% annually for the three months to July, which is the 15th consecutive period of increase. In Norway, it has risen by 19.6 percent from the end of 2008 until the past quarter. In Finland the prices of existing homes rose by 10% annually the past quarter, having recorded growth of 11.4 percent for the three months to the end of March.

Lars Magnusson, Director of the National Board to guarantee loans to the Swedish Finance Ministry, said in an interview a few days ago that housing in the country will lose a fifth of its value in the coming three to five years.

"A drop of 20% would probably cause or contribute to the deepening of re-recession," said Parr Magnusson, chief economist for RBS economies in northern Stockholm. "Re-recession may occur in all cases, the deterioration of international conditions for growth."

Liabilities of households in Sweden have equal 167% of disposable income at the end of last year to 104 percent a decade ago, according to calculations of the Riksbank. In Finland, this ratio has increased to 107% at the end of last year from 65 percent in 2000, according to central bank data. In Norway, the debt ratio is expected to increase to 197% of disposable income this year, which would have increased by 14.5 points compared to 2005, calculated by Norges Bank.

The main interest of the ECB of 1% may be inadequate for the needs of the Finnish economy.

"To prevent balonizirane would be better, of course, if Finland could become self-determined monetary policy," said Mikko Force, an economist at Roubini Global Economics in London. "Yet this is not enough in itself, as they say and the central banks in Sweden and Norway. Regulation is perhaps the best tool. "

Otherwise, the three economies are about to commemorate one of the most successful recovery in the EU. Finland's GDP may grow by 1.5 percent this year after declining from 8 percent in 2009, according to government estimates. In Sweden the central bank expects economic growth from 3.8 percent this year after last year's contraction of 5.1 percent. GDP in mainland Norway will increase by 1.75 percent this year after a decline of 1.6 percent last, predicted the central bank there.

According to RBS, however, risks to the real estate market today are greater than before the credit crisis, as well as households are more indebted and less unprotected from interest changes.

Decline of construction in Bulgaria

Bulgaria is among the countries with the largest decline in construction in June

For the tenth consecutive month Bulgaria ranks in the top three EU countries with the largest decline in new construction. This show Eurostat data for the construction sector of the EU in June.In this month Bulgaria reported 17.5% decline on an annual basis in its new building.

Larger decreases in June recorded only Hungary and Slovenia. Since September last year, Bulgaria every month located among the three countries, where annual new construction declined the most. The largest decline recorded our country in December, when the index plummeted 33.3% yoy.

A monthly basis (compared to May) the new construction in Bulgaria, however, reported growth of 0.2 percent. This corresponds with a monthly increase of construction in the EU from 3.5%. In some countries such as Romania, is adjusted monthly growth of over 16%.

Steady increase compared to May shows and new construction in Spain, which increased by over 7 percent (and annual - with more than 18%). Zhilishshtniyat sector of the country suffer even before the economy went into recession. This led to a decline in property prices, financial problems for many construction companies and growth in unemployment among Spaniards - currently the second highest after that in Latvia.

Pan-European data show that annually, on a monthly basis and there is growth in constructing a building within the EU. Over the past 12 months the new building is maintained primarily by infrastructure projects, while construction of buildings declined dramatically.

Therefore, these data can be taken as a signal that investment in property recovered smoothly after declined substantially in 2009 In June, constructing a building in the EU increased by 7.5% annually, but growth in the euro area is 6.4 cent.

Some of the most expensive real estate markets - such as the British already seen a small increase in housing prices. According to GDP data express the EU economy has expanded in the second quarter by 1.7% yoy. This is the biggest growth in gross product of the union since the economic crisis.

Despite these statistics, some analyst companies such as Yurokonstrakt "not optimistic. A month ago the agency launched an analysis in which the expected construction sector in Europe to shrink this year.

In 19 European countries with the largest construction market is expected to decline in the sector of 4% by end of 2010 because the suspension of state aid and the economy slow recovery. The construction sector in these countries declined by 3.1 percent in 2008 to 8.8 percent in 2009 and is expected to start growing before 2011, according to economists' Yurokonstrakt.

Garden Therapy

Some have a green thumb and forget all the problems taking care of plants and flowers in a garden or a terrace. But even those who have never tried it, can try this therapy, achieving great advantages.

The Garden Therapy, or ortoterapia, is a genuine alternative medicine for 'soul and body.
Founded in 1300 when Irish monks tended gardens to combat depression, but is now used throughout the world, especially in rehabilitating people with Alzheimer's, disabled and as supportive therapy in the treatment of addictions.
This form of natural medicine has proved very useful in treating forms of stress and anxiety, more and more present today.
Busy with a piece of land or of any vessel combines an excellent exercise to practice relaxation.
In addition, the garden ol 'garden requires constant care that requires commitment and passion.
Verder satisfaction from growing the plants and nurtures a deep trust even the most pessimistic.

Herbs
If you are new to gardening, but want to use this method as stress, one can begin to cultivate herbs: they are the most robust and easy to grow even on the balcony.
Their scent communicate messages that awaken awareness and invite you to establish a relationship with them.

In one corner of the balcony, try putting those most important to health: melissa sleeping good for digestion, marjoram, thyme against bronchitis, rosemary to have more energy.

Automatic Foreign Investment in India

A month and a half before the unveiling of India’s consolidated foreign investment policy, the government on Thursday doubled the ceiling on automatic foreign investment from Rs 600 crore to Rs 1,200 crore. Union commerce minister Anand Sharma, who announced the decision, said the move is expected to make India a more attractive destination for long-term investment. Under the current rules, long-term investments into most Indian sectors are ‘red-tape free’, subject to a cap on the amount of money invested. “We have got a good response from companies and investors, both from India and abroad,” he said, referring to his Christmas-eve invitation for suggestions from the public on simplifying foreign investment policy.

Sharma also announced that existing investors need not seek the government’s nod for incremental investments in sectors where a fresh investor would not be required to do so. Similarly, a single no-objection certificate from business partners would be enough for all subsequent investments of a company into India, he said. For calculating the investment, the government will look at actual capital inflow rather than the projected cost of the project, he said. The simplifications are seen as the result of the feedback given by the industry on the complexities of the existing policy. Sharma had, in December last year, urged companies and investors to give their suggestions on simplification and consolidation of India’s foreign investment rules.

Sharma said that long-term foreign investment (FDI) into India has remained at levels comparable to the year before. December saw inflows of $1.5 billion, taking the nine-month total to $20.9 billion against $21.2 during the same period a year ago. FDI flows, a signal of long-term confidence in India’s economic future, have remained flat for the last three years at around $35 billion even as the country moved up to top 3 in international ratings on investment friendliness. Sharma said the year may see record FDI inflows, despite starting off slowly. “Keeping the momentum in view, it is quite likely that FDI flows this year exceed those of last year’s,” he said. Meanwhile, India’s exports, which moved back into the positive territory in November, continued to grow in January. Total exports during January clocked $14.36 billion, clocking a growth of 11.5% compared to January 2009.

Sharma said the incentives announced by his ministry, such as cash support to exporters, would remain as they are even beyond the upcoming Budget, but some of the finance ministry-related sops, such as lower excise duties may be rolled back in a “cautious and considerate” manner in the Budget. Sharma said the government is in trade agreement talks with a number of countries, including Japan, the European Union, Turkey, New Zealand and Malaysia.

Home Prices in 2010

Apartment prices at Planet Godrej, a premium residential property developed by Godrej Properties in the tony Mahalaxmi area of Mumbai, had come down to as low as Rs 17,000 to Rs 18,000 a sq ft in the property market slowdown last year. The flats now sell at Rs 27,000 to Rs 30,000 a sq ft — just short of the peak rate of Rs 32,000 a sq ft in 2007-08. It’s not the commercial capital alone that has seen real estate prices on fire. Last week, the Jaypee group sold 600 plots on the Greater Noida Expressway, near Delhi, within three days at Rs 36,000 a sq yd (one sq yd equals nine sq ft). Brokers say the plots are now available for only Rs 39,000 a sq yard and will touch Rs 42,000 a sq yard within a few days.

On Pune’s posh Bhandarkar Road, apartment prices have risen 80 per cent in just five months. For example, flats at local developer Avaneesh Construction’s housing project are now available at Rs 9,000 a sq ft, compared to Rs 5,000 in August. Welcome back to the era of crazy rises in home prices. After a year of sanity, when property developers were reducing rates even in premium areas, it’s a rewind to 2007-08, when prices had more than doubled in as many years on the back of strong buyer and investor demand, as the stock markets boomed.

Then, apartment prices had gone down by 30 per cent from their peak, as home sales had almost come to a standstill in the last few quarters of 2008-09, reflecting a worldwide economic slowing. Pranay Vakil, chairman of Knight Frank India, a leading property consultant, says: “We have seen an up to 30 per cent rise in home prices in the last six months. A lot of pent-up demand came into the market around Diwali. That, coupled with strong NRI (non-resident Indian) interest, has led to the rebound in prices. Most NRIs have invested in Mumbai property this time, instead of Dubai.'’

The NRIs were absent from the property market in 2008-09. Vakil says prices have mostly risen in prime areas, where new projects are being sold out within days and where supply is limited. For instance, in the Prabhadevi area of Mumbai, if the delivery is three years away, prices have gone up to Rs 21,000 a sq ft. If the project completion is two-three months away, prices are Rs 25,000-Rs 27,000 a sq ft. But, if a house is ready to be moved into, it could go for Rs 30,000 a sq ft, Vakil adds.

The Maharashtra government has been quick to cash in on the rise in property prices and has increased stamp duty and registrations charges by 15 to 20 per cent in Mumbai, depending on the locality in the city. Last year, it did not revise these rates, as the property market was down. Analysts clearly see the return of investors in the residential market as stock markets have started booming. In the slowdown of 2008-09, investors had vanished from markets such as the National Capital Region.

Religare Capital Markets’ Associate Vice-President P Suman Memani attributes the rebound in property rates to the stock market boom. “Till August 2009, the price rise was moderate. But, after September, when indices shot up, investor and speculative interest returned to the real estate market. Sale prices have gone up by 50 per cent in some cases. It hurts genuine buyers and is not good for the market,’’ Memani says. Take Parsvnath Developers’ premium project, La Tropicana, in the Civil Lines area of Delhi. Brokers say prices have risen to Rs 12,000 a sq ft, from Rs 8,000 a sq ft in April 2009, a rise of 50 per cent. The developer has sold 415 apartments out of the 450 they have planned. The project is nearing completion.

In Mumbai, in the Oberoi Woods project in Goregaon East, prices have risen 50 per cent in the past nine months, from Rs 10,000 a sq ft in April to Rs 14,000-15,000 a sq ft now. “It is dangerous if prices go up from Rs 2,700 a sq ft to Rs 4,000 a sq ft even if the delivery is four years away,’’ Memani adds. Realty research firm Liases Foras’ Managing Director, Pankaj Kapoor, is also not happy. “The government is helping the developers to increase prices. They allowed restructuring of loans,” he adds.

Some developers do not agree and say price increases are just a function of the market. “We will go along with interest rates. If the annual interest rate is 10 per cent, we will raise it by 10 per cent. Customers will run away if you increase it irrationally. You have to increase it only to the level where it does not affect your sales,” says Unitech MD Sanjay Chandra. Adds Hiranandani Constructions’ Managing Director Niranjan Hiranandani: “I think such an increase is only in some isolated cases. If prices are reasonable, volumes will be good. If they are too high, volumes will come down.’’ So, where are the prices headed from now on? “The acid test for the property market will come in March, when the pent-up demand goes away and NRIs pull back. If stock markets continue to do well, demand will sustain. Otherwise, it will not,'’ says Vakil of Knight Frank.