A few years back, the scope for investment in India was restricted and govement policies were stricter that refrained any foreign or private investor from investing in this territory. The scenario now is much different than what it was then. The present govement policies are much lenient that have facilitated investments mainly in the economical and industrial sector of the country.

According to a recent survey, India stands as the second-most favored destinations, replacing US in the world for FDI. India has attracted more than thrice the foreign investment at US$ 7.96 billion during the first half of the fiscal year of 2005-06 as compared to the 2.38 billion during the corresponding period of 2004-05. The figures have made India a dominant country for FDI in Asia and the Pacific.

There has been a major contribution of the govement in facilitating the growth in the real estate sector of the country. The liberal stand adopted by the govement has encouraged investments, mainly in the economic and industrial sector. Some of the reasons why investors are keen to invest in the Indian real estate market-

• India has emerged as one of the fastest growing economies in the world with an eight percent increase in the last financial year.

• The booming economy has also increased the purchasing power of the people to a great extent.

• The rising population would create a demand for housing needs in future.

• India would produce 2 million new graduates in diverse fields that would create a requirement of 100 million square feet of office and industrial space.

• There are hundreds of multinationals and reputed companies that have established themselves in India and are operating in the country over a decade now. This would attract more companies to initiate their operations in India for which they require more commercial space.

• Over 70% investors in India have made profits and 12% are said to be at the break-even stage.

• Other industries, apart from the IT and BPO, chemicals, apparels, pharmaceuticals and auto-components have shown a significant growth that contribute to the growth of the economy that attract investors from all across the globe.

• Better infrastructure and mode facilities make it a lucrative option for foreign investors.

With the rapid development taking place over such a short span, India is definitely on the verge of emerging as the ultimate place for real estate investment.