Housing is one of the three basic needs which are necessary for human survival. It is perhaps such a need for which human being has to strive a lot. Cloth and food the other basic needs are relatively easy to fulfill but it requires a lot of money and effort to own a house.

Gone are the days when average age of owning a house was higher in comparison to present average, i.e. these days average age of house owner is around 32years while a decade and half earlier it was above 48 years. The availability of finance for housing at much liberal terms and introduction of novel concepts of sales in reality sector has helped in reducing it. Likewise, the enhancement in earnings of masses has also prompted them to own a house in an early age. The Realty companies facing shortage in demand are on outlook for lucrative and exiting ways to lure the potential buyers.

Anukampa Group, a leading and pioneer realty group in Rajasthan has come up with a unique offer to prospective buyers with EMI free possession in their ready to shift property Platina Terraces. Situated in Asia’s largest residential colony Mansarovar, Platina Terraces has many exiting features to boast of, which include individual terraces for each apartment and a world-class health club, Club-21 to name a few. Elegantly and aesthetically constructed apartments at Platina Terraces are available without pre-EMI.

Anukampa Group understanding the aspirations of would be apartment buyers has extended a helping hand to them which will make their dreams come true.

Summer is at its zenith. The scorching heat and rising temperatures have badly interrupted the daily routine of people. There are many ways to beat the summer heat out of which some are mechanical and some of them are natural. Among the prevalent mechanical systems installation of water based Cooling and gas based Air conditioners.

Both systems though provide respite from heat and help bring down the temperature to desired level, but they are not environment friendly. Desert or room coolers consume water which is day by day becoming scarce commodity and Air conditioners run on Gas which is detrimental to our Ozone cover which protects us from radiation. We shall suggest some ways which are eco-friendly and help bringing down the temperature.

1. Plant trees and vines: These green-house coolers shade your home’s exterior and keep sunlight out of window. Plant them by west facing wall where the sun is strongest. Climbing vines are good outside insulators. The plant and trees grown in terrace and balcony also act as an insulator.

2. White lime wash: If you are living in an independent house or an apartment situated on the top most floor of the building, then this tip will help you bring down the internal temperature. All you have to do is to lime wash your terrace. This will work as a reflective layer and keep the slab cool throughout summers.

3. Layers of stacked up straw: Another eco-friendly way to keep terrace and internal environment of the house cool. Straw is a natural insulator of heat and lets the terrace remain cool. You can even put a layer of plastic gardening sheets and stack the bundles of hay on top. Either time set a sprinkler or wet the hay three to four times a day to obtain desired results.

4. Cross Ventilation: Keep as many windows/ ventilators open as possible, during early mornings and late evenings. Around 5 am- 8 am and 7 pm- 10 pm. During this time of the day, the air gets replenished without all the harsh heat from the sun. Do not forget to put mosquito nets on them,

5. Use of light colors: In summers, use lighter colours for the interiors. Eg- Bed sheets, Sofa, Curtains etc. Using dark colours will absorb much more heat. Use neutral colours like- whites, cream, peach, sky blue etc.

6. Use Bamboo blinds: Using blinds along with curtains again acts like an insulator to heat from the sun. They can be installed in any existing window, and they look beautiful!

The above tips plus judicious use of electronic gadgets like Refrigerator, Microwave and Heaters etc. during the day will also keep the environment of your house as per your liking.

Out of the numerous supports that family extends to an individual, one is financial. Apart from helping one with finances family can help in saving taxes too. Though all the investments and expenditures incurred by an individual are not eligible for Tax deductions, but there are many rules though some complex that provide for tax rebates.

Hereunder, are few salient points to explain how one can legally save taxes with family’s assistance especially in context to parents. Parents not only provide protection physically, emotionally, mentally, financially etc. but help one save substantially on taxes too.

1. Buying health insurance for the family: Under the provisions of section 80D, buying health insurance and preventive health check-up costs for individual, spouse and children up to Rs. 15,000 are entitled to deduction and if one includes parents who are senior citizens will fetch another Rs. 20,000 as an additional deduction.

2. Invest through parents and gift them: If one invests through parents the advantage is that no clubbing rules are applicable on one’s income. Money or gift made to them will not attract gift tax if the cost is Rs. 2 lakh for parents aged up to 60 years, Rs. 2.5 lakhs for parents above 60 years and Rs. 5 lakhs for parents above 80 years.

3. Pay rent to your parents: Another way to save tax is to buy and gift a house in your parent’s name and then pay rent to them if one is living with them. It will not only enable one to claim House Rent Allowance but the parents getting rent can claim a flat 30% of the annual rent in the form of maintenance expenses whether or not they match the actual expenses incurred.

We have suggested some ways how one can save tax through parents. There can many more ways one can make tax planning involving parents.

With about 6.3% Contribution to GDP, Real Estate sector plays a vital role in Indian economy. The path Real estate market in India has been treading for last two or more years is sluggish as the buyer’s sentiments are rock bottom resulting no fluctuation in prices and dimmer chances of capital appreciation in short-term. But there is silver lining this year in the form of some positive factors which are bound to give a boost to this sector.

1. Interest rate cut: This year witnessed two interest rate cuts of 50 bps in total by Reserve Bank and some more attractive cuts are expected which will certainly brighten the property prospects and a solid base will be established for a surge in demand may be by the end of current year or start of next year.

2. Liberalized payments: This period of inactivity has taught a crucial lesson to developers and they have converged on the path of easy payment plans to call buyers back to the residential home market. Such schemes are bound to enhance the demand.

3. Increase in number of affordable units: The general dilemma of an average Indian household whether or not to initially buy housing units much bigger than their present need has been taken care by the developers these days when they are coming up with more affordable units which will attract small families to buy property.

4. Government’s policies: The declaration of smart cities concept by the central government and their naming is bound to provide enough impetus to Realty sector which was otherwise in deep dumps during past years. The concept of smart cities has fascinated NRI and other communities and a jump in FDI is bound to take the sector to dizzying heights. A lot of money is going to be pumped in through private equity or seed funding. The government on its part has made foreign direct investment in such smart cities easier by carpeting the path for such investments.

There are numerous other factors such as the strengthening of infrastructure in the country and its rapid pace , enhanced industrialization etc. which will also  serve as an impetus to the growth of this sector. It is rightly said that there are periods of leans and highs in every sector and as the realty sector has seen lean periods, its leap to newer heights is inevitable.

The fashion and decoration trends tend to repeat themselves periodically. Like old fashion, living room decoration trends also returns back whenever you plan a revamping of the interior decor. These days the trend for retro interiors is back in the offing. The decor which was a trend during ‘60s and early ‘70s is back. Bright colours have returned and wallpapers, carpets, sofas, cushions et al bear the bright colour look. This brings livelier feel to the decor and as one has an entire range for overview the scope of experimentation has expanded. Here under some tips on the trend to make you abreast with it.

Walls: Walls can have funky and bold patterns using distinctive colours Peppy colours such as red, purple, yellow, orange and pink can be used to paint the walls.

Furniture: Retro furniture made from metal or steel of heavy gauge with pale shades having bright coloured palettes can be an ideal combination. Another alternative is to have wide sofas having tie-dyed fabrics. The cloth can have chequered designs or a detailed paisley prints. Though the barstools may have chrome barstools or side tables or stools made of plastic but the dining space should be made of wood to give a natural and fulsome look.

Floor: When taking a peep into retro style floors you will find they had wooden texture. You can experiment by giving modern tinge with use of retro styled vinyl flooring tiles. You can also make it vivid with different coloured terrazzo having checkerboard designs on them. Try complementing the floor with traditional throw or shag carpets.

Accessories: No decor of a living room is complete without accessories complimenting it. When one is designing the room in retro design, how can accessories be modern? Some retro accessories such as wall clocks and frame with looks of that era along with lava lamps, pendants fitted with lights or arc shaped floor lamps with huge lampshade were use used to go along with decor in that period. High up wall shelves designed as puzzle pieces can be used for keeping trophies, memorabilia and books etc. Traditionally designed vibrant coloured cushions and covers on furniture will give your living room an authentic retro look.

We have come up with our suggestions, what are yours to make retro look more attractive.

Vastu Shastra , an ancient Indian architectural science insists upon outlay of any constructed structure in such a manner that the inhabitant lives with maximum peace tranquility and prosperity. This science details about the placement of different rooms in a house or a factory or a business place or an office in such a manner that that the user of the place gets optimum benefit out of it. Vastu Shastra is still relevant in modern house setup.  It provides for spots where different utilities in the house should be located. Likewise,  specification regarding Kitchen to be placed in which corner of the house, placing of windows and doors, electric and electronic gadgets, gas cylinder, exhaust in an elaborate manner. A few of which are summarized below, so that the residents of the house lead a healthy and prosperous and a tranquil life.

. The kitchen in a house is ideally to be placed in the South-Eastern corner of the house as it is said to be governed by fire element. If not possible, North West corner of the house can be another option.

. As the food cooking process is done in Kitchen which involves gas stove in modern setups, it is necessary to ideally place Gas stove in such a manner so that food cooked on it provides full benefits to residents. The gas stove should be placed in the south-east direction of the kitchen and the person cooking food on it should be east facing.

. Water and fire are opposite and repellent to each other. This is why it is recommended to have sinks and taps opposite to the place where the gas stove is kept. The best location for sinks and taps to be installed is north-east corner of the kitchen, away from the stove.

. Modern Kitchens incorporate Refrigerators in them. Vastu Shastra advice that refrigerator should be placed at a place which is minimum one feet away from the south-west corner of the kitchen, Never place the refrigerator in the north-east corner of Kitchen.

. Windows and exhaust fan as per Vastu Shastra should be placed in the east of the kitchen. Ventilators if any should be placed at the southern end of the kitchen.

. Electronic equipment is a must for any modern kitchen setup. Ovens, Microwaves heaters are few of the plethora of electronic equipment that graces a kitchen. As most of these appliances have fire element in them, therefore, they should be placed in the south or south-east direction of the kitchen. It is prohibited to place them in north-eastern direction of the kitchen.

. Vastu Shastra has recommended directions for storages in the kitchen. It will be beneficial to have cupboards for storages built in south or west walls of the kitchen. Always avoid north and eastern wall to make cupboards for storage.

. As the northeastern corner of a place incorporates water element. It is advisable to place drinking water vessels including RO in this corner.

.  Vastu Shastra also specifies the flooring, use of color in the kitchen. Ceramic, marble or mosaic tiles are recommended for the kitchen as they are hard and easy to clean. Food cooked in a congenial and happy environment conveys liveliness to one consumes it. Thus, it is advised to get the kitchen painted in vibrant colures as Yellow, Rose, and Chocolate etc.

There are much more Vastu norms for a kitchen which may be are practically difficult to incorporate in a modern kitchen but these practical tips will help you in making your kitchen Vastu friendly.

A solid Infrastructure base is necessary for a country’s rapid development. For a leap in a country’s GDP Infrastructure development plays a vital role. Real estate sector, being a major ingredient of Infrastructure base of country caters the residential and commercial needs of a country.

Real estate sector contributes around 7% to GDP of India. India’s growing Infrastructural needs are subjected to rise in retail, hospitality and commercial subsectors. After the introduction of business reforms in India, urbanization coupled with easy financing option brought a boom in the sector and real estate sector surged ahead at an astronomical pace with NCR Mumbai and Bangalore, being the cities who led the real estate revolution in the country. Large scale activities hit the sector and many new players joined the league.

Resultant, the supply factor increased sharply in context to demand factor of the sector. There was an oversupply situation in most of the cities which created a glut-like situation. This situation created a platform for Government’s attention and intervention to revive the sector and to create a regulatory authority through Real Estate Regulation and Development bill. The introduction of Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT), changes in SEZ policy, easing of external commercial borrowing norms and enhancement of limits for listed NCD’s are other positive steps taken by the government for the benefit of Real estate sectors. There were changes in context to Real estate sector made in Companies Act 2013, some of which implicating the sector are:

• Depreciation
• Consolidated Financial Statement (CFS)
• Dividend
• Financial statements authentication and board’s report Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)
• Restriction on noncash transactions involving directors
• Loans and Investments by the company
• Mergers and acquisitions
• Audit Committee, Nomination and Remuneration Committee.
• Establishment of Serious Fraud Investigation office (SFIO)

The Industry estimates are that the Indian real estate market in FY 17 may grow to approximately US $ 140 billion. This will be possible if the government eases the FDI norms for the sector which include 100% FDI in Multi Brand Retail Sector too.

The Real estate Regulation and Development Bill after gaining the assent of both houses of Parliament will soon become an Act. The present government’s initiative to boost the infrastructure sector and serious contemplation of the authorities to look into the just demands of the sector will certainly bring back the golden days for the sector in future.

Urban living has changed radically and the concept has changed from a house with basic amenities to a house with lots of modern amenities. The thought of luxurious apartment with all modern facilities has gained pace and the occupants place amenities at par with the location of the property. When the trend for an apartment loaded with latest facilities in the vicinity of urban facilities is fast gathering pace in other metros of the country then how could people of Jaipur lag behind to be abreast with the trend?

Fitness has become the buzz word with urbanites. Time constraints due to modern lifestyle have made it difficult for them to fix their fitness regimen to a schedule. People want to carry it out whenever they are free from their daily chores. Apartment seekers in Jaipur are looking for properties which have a ultra-modern club house with Swimming pool, Gymnasium, all weather walk way amidst a serene and congenial natural environment.

Platina Terraces by Anukampa Group a leading and established brand in urban housing is the apt answer to the above-mentioned requirements. Hardly a ten-minute drive from International Airport in Mansarovar is well connected with all happening commercial and residential addresses of the town. The main attractions of Platina Terraces are its private terraces and Club 21 a global standard compliant Club house with swimming pool gymnasium and a vast range of all most all sports facilities and leisure features required to rejuvenate one after a rigorous daily routine.

Platina Terraces is loaded not only with modern recreational facilities, the construction aspects have high aesthetic value and durability with  use of Natural stone tile, Premium vitrified tile, UPVC French windows, evenly painted wall with POP finish, Anti skid tiles wherever required and other modern fitments which are highlight of a modern home in Terraces, Living room, Kitchen, Bed Rooms and Bathrooms of its apartments

Platina Terraces with a vast and magnificent entry gate which casts an impression of grandeur and luxury these apartments provide, has three living options to offer:

1. 2BHK A Type Unit: A unit designed for providing ample space to your own world measures 1066.79 sq. ft. in the area. The living room maintains family individuality and bedrooms are provided with wardrobes who acquire zero negative space. Of course ,the compliance of Vastu norms has been taken care of in this Unit.
2. 2BHK B Type Unit: This unit measuring 1089.4 sq. ft. is designed to augment significance of time and money. The wardrobes are designed to save and give absolute wall to wall space. This unit is also Vastu complied.
3. 3BHK B Type Unit:  This housing unit measuring 1499.51 sq. ft. is loaded with luxurious amenities along with personal requirements. Being provided with extra space than other options it is spacious and Vastu compliant. Wardrobes are distinctively designed to carve out more room space.

Your search for a luxurious yet affordable house will certainly end up with Platina Terraces as it complies with all talked about amenities that a modern house should have.

In a welfare state, Government in order to provide shield to its citizens against frauds and cheating by unscrupulous people and organizations regulate the operations which involve masses set up regulatory authorities which regulate a particular operation. Presently India has Reserve Bank of India regulating monetary and banking operations, Telecom Regulatory Authority of India regulating Telecom and DTH operations, Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority controlling Insurance sector of the country to name a few. Like previously mentioned sectors Real Estate or Realty sector involves masses as housing is one of the primary needs of a human being and accordingly a lot of people spend their hard earned money to fulfill the dream to own at least one house during their lifetime.

Rajya Sabha , the upper house of the Parliament recently gave its approval to a bill which is meant to create a regulatory authority of Real State sector which is unregulated. The bill has received consent from Lok Sabha too. This unregulated regime brought a bad name to sector and many fly by night operators were in fray only to deceit poor consumer who invested their hard-earned savings simply to realise the dream of own house. This bill when converted into an act will though bring in plethora of reliefs to consumer, will also benefit not only the builders but Real estate sector too where fraudulent  will be weeded. Below we shall brief the salient features of the bill:

• Real estate sector will get a regulator who will ensure a healthy, patterned and specific growth to the sector. The consumer and builders can seek redressal from the regulator.
• All commercial and residential real estate projects built over more than 500 sq. mtrs. or eight apartments will mandatorily register themselves with regulator before initiating the project. Project marketing and execution will have less or almost nil opacity.  Failure to adhere to this mandatory provision can attract a levy of 10% of project cost or a jail term on repetition of this offence.
• A sum equivalent to 70% of amount collected from a buyer is to be deposited in a separate account by the promoter to meet the construction cost requirements. This will safeguard consumer’s interest as the developer will not be able to divert the deposit in another project and ensure timely completion of project.
• This bill is likely to boost activities in this sector which has seen a long lean period. The regularization of the sector will enthuse confidence for the sector among the consumers who will put in more money in the sector and stabilization of prices.
• The bill ensures strict adherence to the specifications regarding dimensions and time limit  given by the developer during booking of the project. Failure to stick to the specification will be severely detrimental to the erring developer.
• With the passage of this bill Carpet Area of an apartment has been clearly defined where usable spaces as kitchen and toilets have been included
• The liability of developer regarding repairs to structural errors has been escalated to 5 years from earlier 2 years. Regulator estate tribunals and regulators have to mandatorily dispose of the complaints within 60 days.

Though this bill is more consumer oriented and tilted against builders but an initiative taken
to regulate a business is beneficial both for operator and beneficiary where at least a set of norms for regulation of a business has been taken.

The moment which falls on last day February every year, witness to unveiling of most enigmatic civil document of country, the central budget finally arrives with some good news for housing sector in the budget speech of Finance Minister.

The fact that, ’Not everybody can be satisfied’ can be aptly applied on this budget too. There has been a mixed response to budget proposals pertaining to housing sector in this year’s budget presented on 29^th February. Some hail the initiative taken by the government but some are discontented with non-fulfilment of some long awaited demands of the sector. Below, we shall discuss in brief the budget proposals that shall decide the future course of the sector:

• A fillip given to realty sector in this year’s budget is removal of Dividend Distribution Tax (DDT) on Real Estate Investment Trusts. This will allow both commercial developers a liquidity option and retail investors to be a part in office realty market growth.
• An assessee who is into development and building of affordable housing projects in conjunction to  “Housing for all by 2022” will get 100% deduction subject to certain conditions on profits earned in such projects.
• This year’s budget has also ended ambiguity in respect to determination of full value of consideration for the purpose of calculating stamp duty value. It has been proposed to base the date of agreement for calculating full value of consideration for property sold as Stock in trade.
• . Another booster for housing sector is simplification of provisions in regard to unrealised rent and arrears. A new section (sec.25) is proposed to be inserted in which amount of rent received in arrears or amount of unrealised rent consequently shall be taxed in the financial year it is received or realized. A standard deduction of 30% on such has also been proposed.

These reliefs were a long standing demand of the industry and when provided will certainly be a booster for the sector. The thrust of the government on providing affordable housing has been propelled further with concessions it has proposed for houses costing less than Rs. 40 lakhs.

Realty sector with its contribution of 7.5% to the National GDP can increase it with more such incentives.