Latest StoriesResidential

Govt to Launch SWAMIH-2 Fund for 1 Lakh Stalled Homes

NEW DELHI: The government is in the final stages of shaping the SWAMIH-2 Fund, aimed at providing last-mile financing for the completion of delayed housing projects, according to sources. The introduction of the ₹15,000-crore fund is expected to benefit nearly 100,000 middle-class homebuyers whose investments are in limbo despite ongoing EMI payments on their housing loans. To support this initiative, the government has set aside ₹1,500 crore as seed capital for the Special Window for Affordable and Mid-Income Housing (SWAMIH) Fund in the 2025-26 budget. The mandates for the new fund are currently being finalized, with clearance anticipated soon. It…

Housing FinanceLatest Stories

LIC Housing Finance cuts new home loan rates to 7.15%

NEW DELHI: LIC Housing Finance Ltd announced on Monday that it has lowered its interest rate on new home loans to 7.15 percent. The new rates will take effect from December 22, 2025, with interest starting at 7.15 percent for newly sanctioned home loans. This decision comes as homebuyers continue to cautiously evaluate their purchasing choices, and the reduction is anticipated to enhance homebuyer sentiment. LIC Housing Finance aims to make home ownership more accessible with this initiative. This reduction follows the Reserve Bank of India’s Monetary Policy Committee’s recent 25 basis points repo rate cut. Published On Dec 22,…

InfrastructureLatest Stories

Public Transport Should Lead Urban Mobility, Says Housing Ministry

NEW DELHI: Union Minister of State for Housing and Urban Affairs, Tokhan Sahu, emphasized on Tuesday the need for public transport to become the primary mobility option in Indian cities. He highlighted that the increasing reliance on private vehicles is worsening air quality and traffic congestion, especially in the national capital. During a conclave hosted by the Delhi chapter of the National Real Estate Development Council (NAREDCO), Sahu stressed that urban planning should prioritize public mobility, enhance last-mile connectivity, and encourage housing developments near workplaces to boost the overall quality of life. He also noted that development must strike a…

Housing FinanceLatest Stories

Ajai Kumar Shukla Appointed MD and CEO of PNB Housing Finance

India’s PNB Housing Finance has appointed Ajai Kumar Shukla as its managing director and CEO for a five-year term starting December 18, resulting in a 5% increase in the mortgage lender’s shares. Shukla brings over 30 years of experience in housing and mortgage lending and will take over from Girish Kousgi, who was instrumental in accelerating the company’s growth in the affordable housing sector, outperforming its competitors. The announcement comes as significant home financiers face growing challenges from banks in the luxury home lending market, while affordable housing has become more appealing due to higher yields and limited competition. Currently…

Housing FinanceLatest Stories

Home Loans Rise 14%, Buyer Growth Only 7% in Gujarat

AHMEDABAD: While Gujarat’s housing finance numbers are on the rise, homebuyer sentiment remains stagnant. According to SLBC data for the September 2025 quarter, housing loan disbursements have increased by 14% year-on-year, climbing from ₹14,266 crore to ₹16,264 crore. However, the number of borrowers has only grown by 7%, from 95,532 to 1.02 lakh. This disparity highlights a healthy flow of credit but a lack of purchasing momentum, particularly among mass-market buyers. Banking sources indicate that most lending occurs in major cities such as Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Surat, and Rajkot. “Despite substantial lending activity, there is a notable decline in demand for…

IndustryLatest Stories

Punjab Cabinet Approves Stilt-Plus-Four Floor Building Rules

CHANDIGARH: On Tuesday, the Punjab cabinet approved the Punjab Unified Building Rules, 2025, which will permit the construction of stilt-plus-four floors in newly developed urban sectors. This decision was made during a council of ministers meeting led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann. According to officials, those owning a plot of at least 250 square yards will be eligible to construct stilt-plus-four floors in urban areas. A representative from the Chief Minister’s office stated that the new rules aim to establish a comprehensive and standardized framework for building and development across the state. These regulations will apply uniformly to both the…

Housing FinanceLatest Stories

Skybridge Ventures Acquires 24.5% Stake in India Home Loan

MUMBAI: Skybridge Ventures LLP has announced its acquisition of a 24.5% stake in India Home Loan Ltd through an off-market transaction. This acquisition underscores Skybridge Ventures’ confidence in the future growth prospects of affordable housing and retail financing in India, as stated by the Mumbai-based firm. Skybridge acquired over 34.99 lakh shares, constituting the 24.5% stake in India Home Loan Ltd, although specifics regarding the deal size were not disclosed. Based on the closing share price of India Home Loan on Friday, the value of the acquired stake amounts to Rs 14.85 crore. “India Home Loan Ltd has developed a…

IndustryLatest Stories

Chandigarh Admin Berates CHB for Poor Performance

CHANDIGARH: Punjab Governor and UT Administrator Gulab Chand Kataria criticized the Chandigarh Housing Board (CHB) for its inadequate performance in fulfilling its mandate of providing affordable housing in the city. The board has faced scrutiny for its long-standing stagnation, failing to initiate a single housing project in almost a decade. During his inaugural visit to the CHB building in Sector 9, the administrator led a performance review meeting on Thursday, where various aspects of the board’s operations were discussed. He emphasized the need to reactivate the CHB to meet its objectives. Present at the meeting were CHB officials, including UT…

Latest StoriesResidential

PM to Inaugurate PMAY Homes in Gujarat

AHMEDABAD: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will embark on a two-day visit to Gujarat starting August 25, during which he will inaugurate 1,449 houses and 130 shops constructed under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban), with a total investment of Rs 133.42 crore, according to officials. The inauguration of these houses is a key event during his visit, as per an official statement. “As part of the in-situ slum redevelopment initiative under the PMAY (Urban), the Prime Minister will inaugurate rehabilitation efforts encompassing 1,449 houses and 130 shops at a cost of Rs 133.42 crore, located in sector-3 of the slum…

Housing FinanceLatest Stories

Ummeed Housing Raises ₹250 Crore from BII for Affordable Homes

NEW DELHI: Ummeed Housing Finance Pvt Ltd (UHFPL), based in Gurugram, announced on Tuesday that it has raised Rs 250 crore in funding from British International Investment (BII), the UK’s government development finance institution. This investment aims to enhance Ummeed’s capacity to offer affordable, long-term housing finance to low-income groups across India. The funds will primarily be used for mortgage-backed loans, targeting underserved borrowers and promoting property ownership and financial inclusion. In line with its mission for inclusive growth, Ummeed stated that these loans will facilitate homeownership among beneficiaries. This new capital injection is expected to assist up to 3,000…