With dramatically improved lifestyles and a burgeoning budget at their disposable, Mumbai’s rising affluent class are no longer haggling over current real estate prices when it comes to choosing their dream homes. In most cases they are even looking at second or third homes, seeking the best there is to lifestyle and quality. Builders too are no longer a chip off the old block. From glossy brochures to ‘intelligent’ advertising they too have gone all out to seek buyers who are willing to roll out the dough for a good piece of property. Of course it all depends where this prime piece of property is sought.
 
Going by the location would also determine rising prices. It further boosts the buyer’s credibility and social standing if he happens to be in the elite list of “Only by Invitation,” from the builder. Just getting an invitation is not the end of this exclusive affair. It is backed by a thorough screening of the buyer’s lifestyle followed with a series of personal interactions, rather a comprehensive background check and interviews. But then again if this buyer is part of the list, then the elite and the luxury section calls for a different story altogether.

Meanwhile the bourgeois Indian from the rising fourth generation, is seeking comfort akin to international standards with the addition of modern conveniences such as spas and saunas, swimming pools, gymnasiums, gardens, jogging tracks, etc. Thanks to the increased spending power of the buyer and the rising economy of the state, there is a growing demand from young turks and executives across the new economy. This has been more than a good boost to builders who are certainly not shirking from the demands and offering the very best that money can buy. Most builders even lend a touch of discretion to the entire buying experience, providing an aura of exclusivity to the buyer.

It doesn’t matter whether the city aims to be the new Shanghai or is referred to as New York of India, or even if some parts of the city have so rapidly deteriorated over the years that it is no longer recognizable. What matters is that today’s buyer, from the new rising generation, is well aware of the deep implications that property buying holds for the future.

There is a good blend of high rise residential and commercial townships if the buyer is learned enough to realize the amount of profit that could be garnered from further renting or leasing the property he has purchased. Moreover with the advent of multinational organizations in the city, the city has never had it so good. Taking a cue from this trend, builders have grown exponentially over the last few years, which is a clear indication that the demand and need for luxury real estate will continue to rise making a win-win situation for all.
 

“Luxury for All” -  the motto of buyers and the Indian property developers it seems. Everyone wants everything within arms reach today. The spending power of Indian consumers has increased along with the booming IT Sector, real estate and readily available, hassle-free bank loan facilities.

Due to widespread development and increased knowledge of tourism in India, it seems as if luxury properties have emerged from nowhere. Actually, we can’t really say from nowhere. We Indians have been and still are intelligent enough to and educate ourselves wisely in the ways of many other foreign countries. Our youngsters are taking degrees and diplomas from foreign universities and putting their intelligent brains to use in their own country. Thus we have many high-tech strategies for the improving the Indian economy.

Since 1999, India has seen a high growth rate in the IT Industry; the idea of luxury properties, homes and apartments has been brought into focus by the blossoming real estate market. The Indian approach to study, perseverance, enthusiasm and the desire to improve the financial position of every citizen has pushed the Indian economy forwards.

There are a number of  luxury properties which are famous both within the country and overseas. Amongst them are NCPA Towers, Buckley Court and Hiranandani in Powai, Mumbai. The first view of Hiranandani Gardens Township as you get into the wide Jogeshwari-Vikhroli link road pretty much leaves you gasping for air. It’s a wonderful sight.  From nowhere, a skyline suddenly appears with regal arches, royal and palatial domes. They have amenities like Hiranandiani School, a Club house, the famous galleria shopping mall, a beautiful Nirvana park, Hiranandani Hospital, Hakone Entertainment etc..

Unlike the capital, Delhi - Mumbai has two main advantages. First , Mumbai is never in darkness- due to the privatization of power. Second and something that affects the whole community - the water chaos during peak seasons. The smallest luxury can make one feel luxurious if you are satisfied with the basic amenities. So, in Mumbai, one really enjoys luxury, even in a small apartment which is equipped with small luxuries.

Some luxuries remain out of reach, of course. Mukesh Ambani, India’s wealthiest man, is busy creating what will be one of the most expensive private residences in the world. Rumored to be costing in excess of $1 billion, his 27 storey building, “Antilla,” will be complete with private helipad, internal waterfalls and an attempt to recreate the hanging gardens of Babylon.

The outer skin of the building has been designed to have entwined plants running through to the top of the building and will reach a height of 170 meters making it one of the highest buildings in Mumbai. The top four floors will be given over to personal space for the Ambani family, and much of the space on the lower floors to guest residences, parking spaces, and, amongst other luxuries, a movie theater.

Ambani has come in for some considerable criticism over the design of this building, mostly over the fact that it is being touted as an “eco-skyscraper,” and such a gross display of personal wealth in a city that houses one of the largest slums in Asia.