Global real estate players, insurance and finance majors are all set to invest over 30 billion dollars in developing townships, residential condominiums and commercial spaces in the next three years.

Global infrastructure majors will be investing over 50 billion dollars in India’s massive infrastructure construction, especially airports, metro rails and expressways, especially in the major metros and second tier cities over the next ten years.

India and China will compete over the next ten years to try and become the world’s biggest economy. India’s economy rose an average of 8.1 percent in the last three years increasing the purchasing power of individuals.

A report on real estate trends by Merrill Lynch said that the number of malls in Mumbai, Bangalore, New Delhi, Hyderabad and Pune was expected to grow to about 250 by 2010 as against 40 now.

India opened up the real estate sector to Foreign Direct Investment earlier this year. This compounded with its political stability, excellent banking infrastructure and other investor friendly regulations make it an ideal investment destination. The FDI policy allows foreigners to own property with such friendly changes as dropping the minimum size for housing estates built with foreign capital from 100 acres to 25 acres.

Groups showing an interest in India include Keppel Land, Lee Kim Tah Holdings and Cesma International from Singapore; American International Group Inc (AIG); High Point Rendel, UK; Edaw, USA, Kikken Sekkel, Japan.

Dubai-based Emmar Properties, the largest listed real estate developer in the world has tied up with the Delhi-based MGF Developments to invest over US$ 500 million in projects having a capital outlay of US$ 4 billion.

Vancouver-based Royal Indian Raj International Corporation (RIRIC) is investing US$ 2.9 billion in its Royal Garden City project in Bangalore over a period of 10 years. The retail value of the project is estimated at US$ 8.9 billion.

Morgan Stanley Real Estate has invested around US$ 68 million in Mantri Developers Private Ltd, Bangalore.

Two Israeli companies, Property & Building and Electra Real Estate have announced they will invest $100 million in the real estate and property market. The joint venture will focus on the construction of thousands of residential units as well as commercial and office space in Chennai and other areas. The Israeli companies are likely to partner with the Murugappa Group.

HDFC, India's largest home financier, has received approval for a property fund to raise $720 million from overseas investors. The money will be raised through India Offshore Real Estate Investments, based in Mauritius so foreign investors can save on tax. In addition, $30 million is planned to be raised from the domestic market.

Indian Universities churn out over 2.5 million doctors, engineers, architects, chartered accountants and other professionals including graduates and post-graduates every year who find jobs in India and abroad, further adding to the economy and keeping industry buoyant.

Over a hundred Fortune 500 companies have already set up base here and IT, aerospace, pharmaceuticals, motor vehicles and other sectors are on an upward swing.

Ever increasing demand during the last five years has led to a boom in the real estate market in the commercial, residential and retail sectors. Supply just about matches demand.

The returns from rental incomes on investment in commercial property especially in metros like Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, Mumbai and Delhi is around 10.5%, the highest in the world.

Capital value of commercial office spaces has increased by up to 40% owing to the increase in the demand from IT / ITES and the BPO sector.