Rustomjee Group, one of Mumbai’s most trusted real estate developers, has partnered with the Rotary Club of Bombay Airport to support the Kawale Check Dam project in Vikramgad Taluka, Palghar District, Maharashtra. The project, which will be inaugurated on June 7, 2026, is expected to improve water security, boost agricultural productivity, and create sustainable livelihood opportunities for nearly 1,800 farming families across 18 villages. Developed as a long-term water resilience solution, the check dam is designed to capture and conserve rainwater, addressing the region’s persistent challenge of water scarcity despite seasonal rainfall abundance.

Rustomjee Partners with Rotary Club of Bombay Airport to Advance Water Security and Sustainable Livelihoods in Palghar

As part of its ongoing commitment to sustainable community development, Rustomjee is supporting this transformative initiative in a tribal belt of Maharashtra where limited year-round water availability has constrained livelihoods and agricultural growth. The dam is expected to store water for nearly two kilometres upstream, enabling groundwater recharge and improving access to water throughout the year. Implemented with active community participation, the project promotes local ownership while helping ensure its long-term sustainability and impact.

With a total project investment of approximately Rs. 70.58 lakh, the initiative represents a collaborative effort between development stakeholders, local communities, and institutional partners to create lasting impact through sustainable water infrastructure. The project has been designed not only to address immediate water needs but also to generate long-term social, economic, and environmental benefits for the region.

Commenting on the initiative, Mrs. Namrata Nulwalla, Chief Sustainability Officer, Rustomjee Group said, “At Rustomjee, we believe meaningful sustainability is rooted in creating lasting impact for communities. Water security remains one of the most critical enablers of economic resilience and social progress, particularly in rural regions where livelihoods are closely linked to natural resources. The Kawale Check Dam project demonstrates the power of collaborative, impact-driven interventions in addressing systemic challenges while creating opportunities for growth and self-reliance.

Being a Rotarian with the Rotary Club of Bombay Airport, I have seen firsthand the impact that collaborative, purpose-driven initiatives can create. Through its support of the Kawale Check Dam project, Rustomjee aims to contribute to the development of resilient rural ecosystems that generate long-term social, economic, and environmental value. This initiative reflects our broader commitment to sustainable development through solutions that are community-led, scalable, and built to create lasting change. “

Commenting on the partnership, Ms. Pragna Mehta, President of Rotary Club of Bombay Airport, said, “The Kawale Check Dam project is a powerful example of what can be achieved when organisations come together with a shared purpose and a long-term vision for community development. At the Rotary Club of Bombay Airport, we strongly believe that sustainable change begins by addressing fundamental needs, and water security remains one of the most critical enablers of health, livelihoods, education and economic progress.

We are deeply grateful to Rustomjee Group for its generous and visionary support towards this transformative initiative. More than a water conservation structure, the Kawale Check Dam has the potential to become a lifeline for local tribal and farming communities, driving socio-economic development, strengthening livelihoods, supporting year-round agricultural activity, and contributing to environmental restoration through groundwater recharge and ecosystem preservation.

Our partnership with Rustomjee reflects a shared commitment to creating meaningful and enduring impact. What makes this initiative particularly significant is that it is not merely an infrastructure project, but a community-led effort designed to strengthen resilience, empower local communities and create opportunities for future generations.

By combining Rotary’s ethos of Service Above Self with Rustomjee’s commitment to responsible development, we hope to create a model of collaboration that delivers lasting social, economic and environmental value for the region. This project truly embodies the spirit of ‘Together We Rise’ and ‘Unite for Good’, demonstrating how purpose-driven partnerships can create lasting change for generations to come.”

Through initiatives such as this, Rustomjee continues to advance its commitment to creating value beyond real estate by strengthening communities, promoting environmental stewardship, and contributing meaningfully to India’s sustainable development goals.

About Rustomjee Group

Incorporated in 1995, Rustomjee Group (Keystone Realtors Limited) is one of the prominent MMR based real estate developers and a leader in the redevelopment space. The company has a substantial portfolio of projects spanning the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), with 39 Completed Projects, 17 Ongoing Projects and 21 Forthcoming Projects that cover all price points from Mass Market to Luxury. So far, the company has delivered over 29+ million square feet of construction area, with a pipeline of over 46 million square feet of construction area in the works. A strategic asset-light approach, an integrated real estate development model, and a strong eye for quality and detail gives the Company’s management team an edge over its peers. By successfully housing 19000+ families including re-housing 1900+ existing families through several redevelopment projects, the company has detailed understanding of (re)development process and is committed to generating value for all its stakeholders.

Hong Kong

To welcome the peak summer travel season, the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) will launch a brand-new promotion, “Hong Kong Summer Fun”, from June 19, 2026 connecting a series of citywide highlight events and enticing offers to energise the summer season. The HKTB will work with the business community to roll out a wide range of offers covering attractions, dining, transportation and shopping, enhancing Hong Kong’s appeal as a summer destination, attracting more overnight visitors and boosting overall spending.
 

From dragon boats to dining deals, Hong Kong invites the world to its most vibrant summer ever

Kicking off the summer season will be the 50th-anniversary edition of the “Sun Life Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Races,” organised by the HKTB, co-organised by the Hong Kong China Dragon Boat Association (HKCDBA), and proudly title-sponsored by Sun Life. The event will be fully upgraded into the “Sun Life Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Festival” and will debut at the Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade this month.

HKTB Chairman Dr Peter Lam said, “The summer holidays are a golden period for travel, and with a wave of mega events this summer, the HKTB is proud to present the new summer promotion ‘Hong Kong Summer Fun’, leveraging different events to strengthen promotion and partnering with the business community to roll out hundreds of thousands of offers covering attraction, dining, transport and shopping. We aim to attract more overnight visitors to Hong Kong and boost consumption across more sectors. As the headline international flagship event of ‘Hong Kong Summer Fun’, the ‘Sun Life Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Festival’ not only runs over a longer period, but also features a stronger race line-up and more vibrant entertainment programme than in previous years, offering an experience found only in Hong Kong for locals and visitors, while showcasing Hong Kong’s position as the Events Capital of Asia.”

Kicking Off the Summer Season: Sun Life Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Festival Debuts in an Upgraded Format

Over 220 Dragon Boat Teams from Around the World Compete in Victoria Harbour

This year’s races will be held on 27 to 28 June, with the number of participating teams, countries and regions higher than last year. Teams from 16 countries and regions will take part, including the Chinese Mainland, Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand, Qatar and Indonesia. Over 220 teams and more than 4,500 athletes will compete in 21 races.

Special “50th Anniversary Fishermen Invitational Cup” Preserves the Traditional Spirit of Dragon Boat Racing

First held in 1976 by the then Hong Kong Tourist Association (the predecessor of the HKTB), the Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Races began as competitions among fishermen’s dragon boats in the Shau Kei Wan Typhoon Shelter. They have since developed into a unique international mega event in Hong Kong, bringing together top teams from around the world in Victoria Harbour and integrating sport, culture and entertainment.
 

This year, the “50th Anniversary Fishermen Invitational Cup” has been introduced, inviting six local fishermen teams from areas such as Aberdeen and Chai Wan to compete using traditional wooden dragon boats. In addition, a new “50th Anniversary Championship” has been added, bringing together champions from nine major race categories to compete for the title of “Ultimate Dragon Boat Champion”.

Extended to 13 Days with Double the Dragon Boat Festival Excitement

For the first time, the Dragon Boat Festival held at the Tsim Sha Tsui promenade will be extended to 13 days (19 June to 1 July), spanning from 19 June (Dragon Boat Festival) to 1 July to encourage visitors to stay longer and enjoy a cultural experience that blends tradition and modernity.

The Avenue of Stars will feature a Dragon Boat Food Lane, complemented by four themed photo spots: Sun Life HK Dragon Boat Co-Creation Zone, a 22-metre traditional wooden dragon boat; a dragon boat-themed installation in collaboration with the new film Minions & Monsters; and a Giant Coca-Cola® Bottle and Dragon Boat-themed Photo Spot. Together, these elements offer a new festive experience for locals and visitors.

The festival will also debut a series of intangible cultural heritage workshops, where visitors can experience activities such as fishing net plaiting, blown sugar making and lye rice dumpling making. Visitors can experience dragon boat racing through virtual reality (VR), using innovative technology to explore this traditional festival. On weekends and public holidays, there will be a vibrant lineup of intangible cultural heritage performances, including Wing Chun, diabolo, ruan and guzheng. As evening falls, the atmosphere will come alive with a series of live music performances. In addition, a dedicated live broadcast viewing zone will allow both the public and visitors to watch the thrilling action of the Victoria Harbour races up close.
 

The Sun Life Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Festival has received support from 14 sponsors. The HKTB has also partnered with the Tsim Sha Tsui East Property Developers Association, collaborating with over 30 shops to roll out hotel, dining and shopping offers during the festival period to boost spending in the area.
 

“Hong Kong Summer Fun” Offers Hundreds of Thousands of Deals to Attract Overnight Visitors and Boost Spending
 

Exclusive Travel Packages Featuring Attraction Tickets and Transport Discounts

During the “Hong Kong Summer Fun” promotion period, the HKTB will collaborate with Trip.com Group, the Quality Tourism Services Association (QTSA), the Hong Kong Retail Management Association (HKRMA), Alipay, and various merchants to launch “Summer Deals,” offering hundreds of thousands of offers.

The offers start the moment visitors begin planning their trip to Hong Kong. The HKTB will partner with Trip.com Group to launch promotions worth over HK USD 20 million, covering 19 local attractions and three transport operators. From 15 June to 31 August, visitors who book hotels in Hong Kong via Trip.com or Ctrip for the period from 1 July to 14 September, with a single transaction of HK USD 1,500 or above, will enjoy double rewards: one attraction ticket offer and one public transport offer of choice, with discounts of up to 50 per cent. The promotions cover a wide range of popular travel products, including the Peak Tram, theme parks, the Hong Kong Observation Wheel, Noah’s Ark tickets, round-trip Airport Express tickets, and bus day passes. After booking, visitors can redeem the offers directly through the platform, with redemption valid for two weeks from the hotel reservation date. Each Trip.com and Ctrip account can redeem the offer once, on a first-come, first-served basis while stocks last.

Multiple In-Town Spending Rewards and Half-Price Deals

From 1 July to 31 August, the HKTB will collaborate with AlipayHK, Alipay, and Alipay+ to leverage Alipay’s vast international partner e-wallet user base. Visitors simply need to scan designated QR codes at nearly 100 participating shopping malls across Hong Kong—including Central Market, Hysan Place, ifc mall, Hong Kong International Airport, K11, Mira Place, New Town Plaza, Olympian City, Peak Galleria, SOGO, Stanley Plaza, Times Square, Windsor House, and more—to join the activity and receive a random spending reward of up to HK USD 500 or RMB 500, which can be used at any merchant displaying the AlipayHK, Alipay or Alipay+ payment acceptance mark.
 

At the same time, the HKTB will partner with the QTSA and the HKRMA to roll out a citywide series of offers. Arriving visitors can enjoy shopping and dining discounts of up to 50 per cent at various merchants. Details will be announced later.
 

“Hong Kong Summer Fun” covers cultural, entertainment, sports, and music programmes, including Hong Kong ICH Month, the Chinese Culture Festival, the Hong Kong Football Festival, the Football Summit, the Volleyball Nations League Hong Kong, the Fencing World Championships 2026 Hong Kong, the FIDE World Team Rapid and Blitz Chess Championships, and Hong Kong Reunification Raceday. To help visitors plan their itineraries, the HKTB has consolidated Hong Kong’s summer mega events and promotional offers on its Discover Hong Kong website under the “Hong Kong Summer Fun” information platform (www.discoverhongkong.com/eng/events/summer-fun.html), allowing locals and visitors to access event and offer details in one place and easily enjoy a vibrant summer experience in Hong Kong.

Prateek Group, one of NCR’s leading real estate developers, has recorded sales exceeding Rs. 300 crore during Q4 FY26, reflecting sustained demand across its residential portfolio and reaffirming the growing preference among homebuyers for trusted, quality-driven and delivery-focused real estate brands.
 

Prateek Group surpasses Rs. 300 crore in Q4 FY26 sales, driven by strong buyer demand
 

The strong quarterly performance comes amid continued momentum in the NCR residential market, driven by increasing demand for premium and luxury housing, expanding infrastructure, enhanced connectivity, and a growing preference for integrated township developments that offer a comprehensive lifestyle ecosystem.
 

Prateek Begonia, which is a premium residential development within the landmark Prateek Grand City Township at Siddharth Vihar, has emerged as one of the most sought-after residential offerings in the micro-market, benefiting from robust end-user demand and rapidly improving regional connectivity. Industry estimates indicate that Prateek Begonia carries a revenue potential of approximately Rs. 5,000-6,000 crore. While the company has currently launched Phase 1 for sales, construction of Phase 2 is already ongoing without opening for sales, showcasing the group’s financial strength. Further strengthening the Group’s portfolio is Prateek Canary in Sector 150, Noida, a low-density luxury development that is widely regarded as one of Noida’s most luxurious residential projects. Offering exclusive golf-view residences, the project represents the company’s vision for ultra-luxury living and continues to witness strong buyer interest and encouraging market response.
 

Over the years, Prateek Group has established a diversified portfolio spanning luxury, premium and ready-to-move residential developments across Noida, Greater Noida and Ghaziabad. Its landmark developments include Prateek Grand City, Prateek Begonia, Prateek Canary, Prateek Edifice, Prateek Stylome, Prateek Laurel, Prateek Fedora, Prateek Wisteria, Prateek Royal Cliff and Prateek Aurelia, among others.
 

With more than two decades of experience, the Group has delivered over 20 million square feet of real estate and today serves a growing community of more than 50,000 customers. The company’s consistent focus on quality construction, timely delivery and customer-centric development continues to strengthen buyer trust and create long-term value.
 

Prateek Group is widely recognised as the pioneer of luxury residential development in Noida, having introduced the city’s first luxury residential projects—Prateek Stylome and Prateek Edifice. Today, these developments remain among the most premium and highly valued resort living residential addresses in the region.
 

Commenting on the achievement, a spokesperson for Prateek Group said, “Crossing the Rs. 300 crore sales milestone in a single quarter is a reflection of the trust and confidence that homebuyers and investors continue to place in the Prateek brand. Today’s buyers are increasingly choosing developers with proven credentials in quality, transparency and timely delivery. This performance validates the strength of our portfolio and reinforces our commitment to creating thoughtfully designed communities that deliver both exceptional lifestyle experiences and long-term investment value. As NCR continues to evolve into one of India’s most dynamic real estate markets, we remain focused on developing benchmark projects that meet the aspirations of the next generation of homeowners.”
 

The Group believes that rapid infrastructure development, improved connectivity, rising aspirations for larger and better-designed homes, and increasing preference for reputed developers will continue to support housing demand across NCR. Backed by a robust development pipeline and strong market fundamentals, Prateek Group remains well-positioned to further strengthen its leadership in the region’s residential real estate sector.

Neurealm, an AI-first technology services company, today announced the launch of GovernOps, a portfolio of AI-powered cloud governance and operations offerings under its NeuGAIN AI platform, powered by CoreStack‘s intelligent cloud governance capabilities.

The announcement builds on the strategic partnership between Neurealm and CoreStack established in 2025, expanding the collaboration through enterprise-ready GovernOps offerings designed to help organizations optimize, govern, and scale cloud and AI environments with measurable business outcomes.

The GovernOps portfolio combines Neurealm’s AI-led managed services, platform engineering, cloud transformation, and operational expertise with CoreStack’s AI-powered governance and automation platform to deliver continuous optimization across CloudOps, FinOps+, SecOps, and AI governance.

GovernOps Portfolio: Purpose-Built Enterprise Offerings

The initial GovernOps portfolio includes three bundled enterprise offerings:

• Cloud Visibility & Cost Baseline – Designed to help organizations rapidly gain visibility into cloud environments, identify optimization opportunities, and establish governance baselines.

• FinOps Optimization Program – A managed optimization offering focused on continuous cloud cost reduction, policy enforcement, operational efficiency, and financial governance.

• Kubernetes Optimization & Resilience Operations – A platform engineering and operations offering designed to improve Kubernetes efficiency, resilience, scalability, and BC/DR readiness.

Together, the offerings help enterprises move from fragmented cloud management approaches toward intelligent, AI-driven operational models with continuous governance and optimization.

“Organizations are looking for operational models that can keep pace with accelerating AI and cloud adoption,” said Harmeet Chauhan, CEO of Neurealm. “Through NeuGAIN and our collaboration with CoreStack, we are bringing together intelligent governance, automation, and operational expertise to help enterprises scale securely, efficiently, and with greater operational visibility.”

“At CoreStack, we believe the future of enterprise operations will be driven by intelligent governance, automation, and continuous optimization,” said Ezhilarasan (Ez) Natarajan, CEO of CoreStack. “Our partnership with Neurealm enables enterprises to move beyond visibility into real operational outcomes through AI-powered governance and intelligent cloud operations at scale.”

GovernOps offerings will be delivered through Neurealm’s RunOps, Cloud Transformation, AI Engineering, and Cybersecurity Practices, with an initial focus on healthcare, financial services, and other regulated industries.

About Neurealm

Neurealm is an AI-first technology services company helping enterprises build the intelligent systems that power the future. We work across the full Physical AI to Agentic AI spectrum, from edge devices to autonomous agents, and help enterprises move from AI experimentation to production-grade deployment, powered by NeuGAIN, our unified AI platform. Our outcome-driven, engineering-led approach spans AI, Engineering, Data, RunOps and more, serving 250+ enterprises worldwide.

About CoreStack

CoreStack is the leading Agentic Governance OS for FinOps, security, and compliance in the AI-accelerated enterprise. It enables organizations to achieve Velocity with Control by continuously and intelligently governing cost, risk, compliance, and operations across cloud, SaaS, and AI-driven systems – operating at machine speed so enterprises can scale faster without increasing risk or cost. Trusted by over 1,000 global enterprises and partners across 40+ countries, CoreStack governs more than USD 3B in annual cloud consumption and is a Microsoft Azure (Legacy) Gold Partner, AWS Technology Partner with Cloud Operations Competency, Oracle Cloud Build Partner, and Google Cloud Build Partner.

Realty player SKA Group launches a new iconic tower, SKA Imperia, at Wave City, NH-24, Ghaziabad. Spread across 5,874.31 sq. mtr., the project is designed as a contemporary 30-floor residential offering 224 premium residential units. The project will offer 3 BHK units with spacious configurations of 139.73 sq. mtr. (1504 sq ft.), 155.63 sq. mtr. (1675 sq ft.), and 179.86 sq. mtr. (1936 sq ft.), catering primarily to homebuyers from Ghaziabad and nearby NCR regions who are looking to upgrade to a more elevated and well-connected lifestyle.

SKA Group Unveils Iconic Tower “SKA Imperia” in Wave City, Ghaziabad

SKA Imperia has been conceptualised as a modern high-rise development that blends elevated living with lifestyle-driven experiences. One of the defining highlights of the project is a standalone iconic tower featuring 6 lifts, with a grand double-height entrance lobby complemented by water-inspired design elements, creating a distinctive arrival experience for residents. Featuring two side open homes, the development aims to offer enhanced openness, natural ventilation, and panoramic skyline views.

The terrace-level lifestyle amenities will include an infinity-edge swimming pool, floating seating lounges, steam and sauna facilities, jacuzzi, yoga spaces, and a viewing deck allowing residents to experience leisure and wellness nearly 300 feet above the ground. The project will also integrate IGBC green building features, including solar systems, WTP, and STP infrastructure, reflecting the company’s focus on sustainable and future-ready urban living.

Commenting on the launch, Sanjay Sharma, Director, SKA Group, said, “With SKA Imperia, our idea was to create a development that feels aspirational yet practical for today’s urban families. A large section of new-age homebuyers and families today prefers high-rise living that offers openness, better views, and spaces where families can genuinely enjoy their everyday lifestyle, especially through thoughtfully designed terrace experiences and community amenities. Buyers today are increasingly drawn towards homes that go beyond conventional living by offering lifestyle-driven spaces where they can relax, stay active, socialize, and enjoy a more elevated urban experience within the development itself. NH-24 has emerged as one of the most promising residential corridors in NCR, and Wave City is steadily evolving into a preferred destination for end-users. Through this project, we wanted to introduce something distinctive with the iconic tower concept and elevated rooftop amenities that truly enhance everyday living.”

Positioned strategically on the widest road of Wave City, along the NH-24 Expressway, SKA Imperia offers strong connectivity to key regional destinations, including a 35-minute drive from Akshardham, 6 minutes from the Eastern Peripheral Expressway, and nearly 20 minutes from Ghaziabad Railway Station. The project is expected to benefit from the growing residential demand emerging along the NH-24 growth corridor, driven by infrastructure upgrades and improving urban connectivity. Planned as an exclusive residential development, SKA Imperia is scheduled for completion by 2031.

The launch of SKA Imperia further strengthens SKA Group’s presence in the Ghaziabad residential market, where the developer has consistently focused on quality-driven housing developments aligned with evolving consumer aspirations. The company continues to follow its T3 philosophy: Transparency, Timely Delivery, and Technology across its developments, while also maintaining a strong delivery track record with seven projects completed before their respective RERA timelines.

Renowned film actress Neha Saxena has been appointed as the new brand ambassador for Quikzii.com, the UK’s favourite delivery platform. Neha Saxena has become a beloved figure among Indian audiences through her notable performances in Malayalam, Kannada, Tamil, Telugu, and Hindi cinema. She is well-known for her prominent roles in hit films such as Kasaba alongside Mammootty, Munthirivallikal Thalirkkumbol and Aaraattu with Mohanlal, Dandu in Kannada, Lalbagh in Telugu, and Chef alongside Saif Ali Khan in Hindi. Beyond acting, Neha possesses a strong background in sales and is a highly proven professional in project management and sales management. Quikzii officials stated that Neha’s professional excellence in business communication, combined with her widespread popularity, will help make the brand’s communication more heartfelt and engaging.

Renowned actress Neha Saxena unveiled as the new face of Quikzii.com, the UK’s fast-growing delivery platform

Launched in the UK in December 2025, Quikzii has successfully completed 6 months of operation, earning the trust of its customers. The delivery platform is spearheaded by Sarath Jose, a prominent entrepreneur and investor with years of rich experience in FMCG, FMCD, and retail management. Quikzii’s comprehensive product range has been carefully curated by understanding the exact daily needs, culinary preferences, and lifestyles of various diaspora communities in the UK, including Malayali, South and North Indian, Arabic, Bangladeshi, Sri Lankan, South Asian, and African communities.

Powered by modern technology, Quikzii operates through two distinct delivery models. The first is the ’24-Hour Delivery’ system, which ensures ordered products reach customers within 24 hours. Additionally, Quikzii offers a superfast ‘1-Hour Delivery’ service in selected cities across the UK, delivering products to doorsteps within an hour. Customers can quickly order a wide array of essentials through Quikzii, ranging from fresh vegetables, fruits, high-quality meat, fish, and groceries, to fashion & trendy fabrics, electronics, mobile accessories, small appliances, and office stationery.

The platform has introduced numerous attractive offers and benefits for its users. Highlighting these is ‘The First 100‘ offer, where 100 selected customers will receive a specific product of their choice with completely free delivery. Additionally, the ‘Refer & Earn’ scheme allows users to earn ‘Super Coins’ by referring friends, which can be redeemed for excellent cash discounts during purchases. Beyond this, Quikzii provides special loyalty programs, cashback offers, membership programs that offer exclusive benefits and priorities, and enticing seasonal discounts.

Sarath Jose, Founder and CEO of Quikzii, stated that the platform aims to elevate the shopping culture in the UK to a new level by blending high quality with high-speed service. He emphasized that the brand’s mission is to make the customer shopping experience more expansive, rapid, and trustworthy. Customers can order products with just a single click via the website quikzii.com, or through the Quikzii mobile app available on both the Google Play Store and Apple App Store.

With the RBI repo rate held at 5.25% in June 2026, home loan rates remain stable, and borrowing up to Rs. 15 crore is within reach for eligible applicants. Review what you qualify for before you choose a lender.

Home loan demand rises in 2026 as Indian homebuyers explore affordable financing options

More Indian households are actively seeking home loans in 2026, driven by stabilising interest rates, rising incomes, and growing housing demand in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities. The RBI’s Monetary Policy Committee held its repo rate at 5.25% in June 2026, which has helped keep home loan rates of interest relatively stable for borrowers.
 

A home loan today can go up to Rs. 15 crore* with a tenure of up to 32 years*. EMIs can start as low as Rs. 671 per lakh*. But affordability depends on more than just the rate – your income, credit score, existing obligations, and down payment all shape what you can actually borrow. This article walks you through each of these factors so you can make a clear, informed decision.

Why is home loan demand rising in 2026?
Several factors have come together to make 2026 a particularly active year for home loan applications across India.

• Stable repo rate: The RBI’s MPC voted unanimously to hold the policy repo rate at 5.25% in June 2026. This gives lenders room to maintain current lending rates, and borrowers can plan their finances with more certainty.

• Improving affordability: With income levels rising in urban and semi-urban areas, monthly EMI payments now represent a smaller share of household income for many buyers than they did three years ago.

• Growing housing demand: India’s urban population continues to expand. Demand for owned homes, not rented ones, has increased, especially among households in the 30-45 age group.

• First-time buyers entering the market: Many first-time homebuyers who postponed purchases between 2022 and 2024 are now actively looking, supported by better loan products and longer tenures.

• Tier 2 and Tier 3 city growth: Cities like Lucknow, Coimbatore, Rajkot, and Nagpur are seeing a sharp rise in housing projects and home loan applications. Lower property prices in these markets make entry more accessible, and lenders are expanding their reach into these geographies.

How does the home loan rate of interest affect what you can buy?
The rate of interest on your home loan directly changes what you pay each month and how much the loan costs you over its full life. Here is how each element is affected.
 

• EMI: A lower rate means a smaller monthly payment. On a Rs. 50 lakh loan over 20 years, the difference between 7.25% p.a. and 8.5% p.a. amounts to over Rs. 4,100 per month.

• Total interest paid: Over 20 years, even a 0.5% difference in rate can add up to several lakhs. 

• Monthly budget impact: A higher rate can push your EMI above what fits your monthly income, forcing you to either reduce the loan amount or extend the tenure.

• Loan eligibility with the same income: Lenders calculate eligibility partly based on whether your EMI will exceed a set percentage of your monthly income. A lower rate increases your eligible loan amount without requiring a higher income.

• Tenure choice: When rates are lower, you can comfortably opt for a shorter tenure and save on total interest. When rates are higher, a longer tenure may be the only way to keep the EMI manageable, but that trade-off increases your total borrowing cost.

What makes a home loan affordable for you?
Rate alone does not determine whether a home loan fits your life. Six factors shape your actual affordability.

• Income: Lenders typically allow an EMI of up to 40-50% of your net monthly income. A higher income gives you access to a larger loan at any given rate.

• Existing obligations: If you already have a car loan, personal loan, or credit card debt, these reduce the EMI capacity available for a home loan. Clearing smaller debts before applying can improve your eligible loan amount.

• Credit score: A CIBIL Score of 725 or above is generally required for home loan approval. Scores above 750 can help you access better rates. A score below 700 can result in rejection or a higher rate of interest.

• Down payment: Lenders in India fund up to 80% of the property value, as per RBI guidelines. The remaining 20% is your down payment. A larger down payment reduces your loan amount and, consequently, your EMI and total interest.

• Property value: The market value and location of the property affect how much a lender will sanction. Properties in approved projects often get faster processing.

Scenario: Take Richa, 34, a salaried employee in Pune with a CIBIL Score of 760 and a stable monthly income. She earns Rs. 1.20 lakh per month and wants to buy a flat worth Rs. 80 lakh. With a 20% down payment of Rs. 16 lakh, she needs a loan of Rs. 64 lakh. She’s comparing two tenure options on a Rs. 50 lakh home loan at 7.50% p.a.:
 

 
Her EMI for a 20-year tenure is approximately 43% of her monthly income – within a typical lender’s threshold. If she extends the tenure to 25 years, the EMI drops to approximately 39.4% of her monthly income, giving her more monthly room. But over 25 years versus 20, she pays Rs. 18.15 lakh more in interest. 

Richa’s decision will depend on whether she is comfortable with her current income absorbing the higher EMI, or whether she’d rather keep her monthly outgo lower and use the freed-up cash for other goals. A CIBIL Score above 725 puts her in a strong position to negotiate better terms.

What should you compare before choosing a home loan?
It’s easy to focus on the rate alone, but the overall cost of a home loan includes fees, penalties, and conditions that vary significantly across lenders.
 

Reviewing all six before you apply can save you a significant amount over the loan term.

What financing options are available today?
If you are looking to buy a home, refinance an existing loan, or access additional funds, there are three structured options from Bajaj Finance worth knowing about.

 
Bajaj Finance offers home loans of up to Rs. 15 crore*, with tenures extending to 32 years* and approval in 48 hours* of application. A top-up loan of up to Rs. 1 crore* is available for balance transfer customers, usable for home repairs, medical expenses, or other needs. Interest rates for salaried applicants starting at 7.25%* p.a.

There’s no foreclosure charge for individual borrowers who choose a floating interest rate, which is a meaningful saving if you plan to repay early.

Who can apply?
Check these criteria before you apply. Meeting them clearly improves your chances of approval and can reduce processing time.
 

How to apply for your Bajaj Finance Home Loan online
 

• Click on the ‘APPLY’ button on the Bajaj Finance home loan page.

• Enter your full name, mobile number, and employment type.

• Select the type of loan you wish to apply for: fresh, balance transfer, or top-up.

• Generate and submit your OTP to verify your phone number.

• After OTP verification, enter your monthly income, required loan amount, and confirm whether you’ve identified the property.

• Enter your date of birth, PAN, and other details as requested based on your occupation type.

• Click ‘SUBMIT.’

• A Bajaj Finance representative will contact you and guide you through the next steps.

Is now a reasonable time to apply?
Affordability in 2026 is not just about finding the lowest home loan rate of interest – it depends equally on your tenure choice, total borrowing cost, credit profile, and down payment. Before you apply, compare processing fees and foreclosure terms alongside the rate, and calculate total interest across different tenures. Review your eligibility criteria to avoid unnecessary credit enquiries. If you are ready to take the next step, the Bajaj Finance Home Loan offers amounts up to Rs. 15 crore*, tenure of up to 32 years*, and approval within 48 hours* – check your eligibility and apply online today.

For years, Noida stood in the shadow of Gurugram. It was more affordable and more practical, yet rarely seen as aspirational a perception that is now steadily changing. Along the Noida Expressway, a new narrative is emerging. What once attracted buyers for value is now shaping into a more intentional and refined residential landscape. Luxury residential developments are rising with increasing confidence, HNIs and NRIs are committing capital with long-term intent, and sectors that were peripheral addresses 5 years ago are now being discussed in the same register as NCR’s most established luxury destinations. 

Noida Expressway is rapidly redefining luxury living in NCR, driven by world-class infrastructure, rising investor confidence, and premium residential developments

The infrastructure driving this shift is both specific and substantial. The Noida-Greater Noida Expressway ensures smooth connectivity southward, thereby connecting the belt not only to Delhi but also to the Yamuna Expressway and the Noida International Airport at Jewar, which will be operational and set to emerge as one of India’s largest aviation hubs. Simultaneously, the last-mile connectivity is being upgraded by the extended metro network through Aqua Line, which has augured well for the realty sectors’ growth. 

According to the Residential Market Viewpoints report compiled by ANAROCK, Q1 2026 witnessed approximately 15,200 units sold compared to Q1 2025, which is an increase of 21%, while new launches also witnessed a y-o-y increase of 44%. Amidst this, the Noida Expressway corridor stands out, supported by the constantly progressing infrastructure developments. At the micro-market level, Sector 150 has emerged as one of the clearest indicators of where the Noida Expressway’s luxury residential story is headed. Designed with an expansive green cover, with a significant portion of its footprint dedicated to open spaces, the sector has steadily attracted CXOs, senior professionals, NRIs, and long-term investors. Importantly, these buyers are not viewing it as an alternative to more established addresses, but increasingly as a deliberate first choice.

According to ANAROCK, average property prices in Sector 150 have shot up by 128% over the past 3 years from Rs 5,700 per square feet in late 2021 to Rs 13,000 per square feet by the end of 2024. Rental values grew by 66% during the same period. Prateek Group has been one of the leading developers, with one of its flagship projects in Sec-150, scripting the luxury residential story of the Noida Expressway corridor. Prateek Canary in Sector 150 is a well-thought-out blend of low-density planning, large green areas, high-end amenities, and a location offering seamless connectivity as well as an exclusive lifestyle experience. The project is currently priced at around Rs. 19,000 per sq ft, with good appreciation potential expected to touch Rs. 25,000 per sq ft. and beyond by possession in 2027, driven by its location, product quality, and brand trust.

The Jewar Airport corridor’s lifestyle quotient, appreciation potential and long-term economic viability is now witnessing high-net-worth individuals, NRIs and senior professionals undertaking a significant chunk of luxury transactions along the expressway. Prateek Canary, catering to the aspirations of HNI buyers, offers a unique dual-view advantage that allows residents to enjoy uninterrupted panoramic golf views on one side and the serene Yamuna & Hindon River on the other, providing breathtaking views and a truly tranquil living experience. As the corridor continues to attract discerning homebuyers and investors, Prateek Group is likely to soon introduce an ultra-luxury development in the region, which will further uplift the luxury narrative here.

Looking ahead, the Noida Expressway corridor is entering a phase where supply quality will determine which developments sustain luxury positioning and which do not. The corridor is not at the end of its appreciation cycle. It is, in all likelihood, approaching its most consequential phase — one where infrastructure that was once anticipated is now delivering, and where the buyers arriving today are doing so with a clarity of intent that the market has rarely seen before.

As Central Noida continues to evolve into one of NCR’s most sought-after business and lifestyle hubs, Anthurium by Sundream Group has emerged as one of the region’s most active and thriving mixed-use commercial destinations. Strategically located in Sector 73, Noida, Anthurium has successfully transformed into a vibrant ecosystem where businesses, professionals, retailers, entrepreneurs, and consumers converge every day.
 

Anthurium Redefines Commercial Real Estate in Central Noida with Retail, Offices, Dining and Lifestyle Experiences Under One Roof

What sets Anthurium apart is not merely its infrastructure, but the fact that it is already a living, breathing commercial hub with more than 300 operational offices and a growing lineup of nationally recognized retail and food & beverage brands. Unlike many commercial projects that continue to await occupancy, Anthurium is already witnessing strong daily footfall, active business operations, and a dynamic community of professionals and visitors.

Today, leading brands such as McDonald’s, KFC, Barista and several other renowned retail and food chains have chosen Anthurium as their address, reinforcing its position as one of the most preferred commercial destinations in Central Noida. The presence of these established brands has not only enhanced consumer engagement but has also created a complete work-live-leisure environment for office occupants and nearby residents.

Developed by Sundream Group, Anthurium spans nearly five acres of prime three-side open land and offers a thoughtfully curated blend of premium office spaces, high-street retail, restaurants, cafés, wellness facilities, rooftop dining experiences, and community spaces.

Its strategic location in the heart of Central Noida gives it a significant competitive advantage. Situated amidst a dense residential catchment and enjoying seamless connectivity through the Sector 52 Metro Station, FNG Corridor, and DND Flyway, Anthurium benefits from a large captive audience comprising residents, working professionals, entrepreneurs, and daily commuters.

The project has been conceptualized to meet the evolving needs of modern businesses and consumers who increasingly seek integrated destinations rather than standalone office buildings or isolated retail centres. From morning coffee meetings and business interactions to evening dining and family outings, Anthurium remains active throughout the day, creating a sustainable ecosystem that supports both commercial and retail success.

Adding to its appeal is its future-ready infrastructure, AI-enabled workspace environment, platinum-rated green building credentials, premium architecture, landscaped public spaces, rooftop sky gardens, and lifestyle-oriented amenities that elevate the overall experience for occupiers and visitors alike.

Industry trends continue to indicate a strong preference for mixed-use developments that combine commercial, retail, hospitality, and social infrastructure. Anthurium is among the few projects in Central Noida that has successfully translated this vision into reality, evidenced by its growing occupancy levels, operational offices, and strong retail presence.

As Noida continues its journey towards becoming one of India’s most important business and investment destinations, Anthurium stands out as a benchmark for next-generation commercial development – offering businesses a prestigious address, retailers a high-footfall environment, and consumers a destination that seamlessly blends work, dining, shopping, and leisure.

With over 300 operational offices, marquee brands including McDonald’s, KFC, Domino’s and Barista, premium commercial infrastructure, and a strategic Central Noida location, Anthurium today represents not just a commercial project, but one of the most successful and vibrant business destinations in the region.

For more information, please visit www.anthurium.in.