Mangaluru: The second Estrade Real Estate Awards powered by housing.com were hosted at the Grand Copthrone, Waterfront, Singapore. Estrade Awards 2016 saw an overwhelming response with over 200 nominations received this year. The judges had a grueling task of choosing 29 awardees, who were felicitated at the awards night held on Friday October 21 at Singapore. For the first time, Estrade Media Pte Ltd also introduced Estrade Built Awards Category that included companies from the building Utilities sector.

The panel discussion on the challenges faced by India’s real estate sector was the highlight of the evening. Vishwasjeet Singh, editor-in-chief, www.estrade.in moderated the power-packed session which included Amit Bhasin, head strategy, Housing.com along with renowned architect Christopher Benninger and Estrade jury member Arshi Pathan. The topics discussed included, Government of India’s smart cities project, affordable housing – which is PM Narendra Modiji’s dream project, housing for all by 2022, funding in the real estate/infrastructure sector and new trends in real estate architecture. This is the first time challenges faced by India’s real estate sector were discussed at an international public forum.

Speaking at the awards night, Jason Kothari, CEO, Housing.com said, “The real estate sector is projected to grow 14% year on year and grow to US$ 850 billion by 2028, accounting for about 13% of the GDP. Economic growth is projected to be 8% over the next 10 years, the highest in the world. Urbanization is expected to grow from 32% to 50% by 2050, this means that around 400 million people will be moving to urban areas.The government’s introduction of various initiatives, such as RERA (Real Estate Regulatory Authority), housing for all by 2022 and easing of norms for FDI, make this the most exciting sector in not just India, but globally. I think that we are all very lucky to be at this time and place, and be part of this exciting story in India over the next 10 years.”

Vishwasjeet Singh, editor-in-chief, www.estrade.insaid, “Real estate sector alone contributes more than US$ 100 billion to India’s economy, accounting for roughly 5% of the GDP. With the Government’s push for better infrastructure, the potential for growth and opportunities is endless for all players.” He further added,“When you see that Real Estate and Building Utilities players complement each other, a combined platform to bring them together is a major win for all. Moreover, Singapore being the financial and technological hub, and a leader across industries, offers great learning to Indian professionals. Estrade awards bring together the key stake holders every year.”

Estrade jury member Arshi Pathan, director, Moonpool Consulting Pte Ltd said, “There has to be an amalgamation of commercial and residential players to create better funding opportunities and make self-sustaining townships.” Adding further, “You cannot retrofit old cities with haphazard new technology and call them 'smart' cities. We need a holistic and inclusive approach from the inception stage of such projects.”

This awards night was attended by who’s who of India’s real estate and building materials industry professionals. Estrade Awards, Singapore, is a strong networking platform to recognise the contribution of Indian professionals that include the real estate developers, building utilities, architects and interior designers.

Second Estrade Real Estate Awards and inaugural Built Awards 2016 – awardees list:
Oscar & Ponni Architects were awarded for architect of the year on commercial buildings for Accord Hotel Puducherry

Oscar & Ponni Architects for interior designing on private residential buildings for Urban Home, Chennai

About Estrade Media Singapore:
www.estrade.in the digital media editorial brand of Estrade Media Pte Ltd, Singapore Estrade is a Singapore based digital media company. The company has its India office based out of Mumbai which currently has two editorial brands namely www.estrade.in, www.theonside.com. Estrade is a corporate news focused site, launched in 2014. Estrade helps to provide a platform of diverse opportunities to businesses and corporate entities focused on carving a niche out for themselves. The world of business is always in a flux, more so in the emerging economies of Asia. Estrade recognizes the efforts and innovation of companies who are on a growth trajectory of their journey.

Estrade as a media house is dedicated to recognize the efforts of individuals and teams working behind the scenes to make their corporate entities reach the pinnacle of success. It is their endeavor that these teams’ success stories are shared in the public domain as case studies for the benefit of all.

More details on Estrade can be found at http://www.estrade.in

For further details please contact: Divya Thakker: +91 9029868692 email id: estradenews@gmail.com