Latest news with #Sardana
Economic Times
17-07-2025
- Business
- Economic Times
HNIs, NRIs focus on quality, sustainability in Indian real estate: Navdeep Sardana
HNIs and NRIs are increasingly shifting their focus towards quality-driven and sustainable real estate developments in India, according to Navdeep Sardana, Founder of Whiteland about evolving buyer preferences, Sardana noted that today's affluent investors are drawn to branded residences that offer global design standards, eco-friendly features like solar rooftops and water-positive systems, and hospitality-inspired services. Beyond location and size, modern homebuyers are prioritising spaces that deliver a premium living experience while ensuring long-term value appreciation and environmental responsibility. Edited Excerpts – ADVERTISEMENT Q) How do you define 'premium living' in the context of real estate today? Is it more about experience, price, or still driven by size, location, and materials?A) Today, premium living transcends traditional metrics like price, square footage, or even a prestigious pin code. It's defined by curated experiences — from personalised interiors and smart home technologies to wellness-focused environments and an innate sense of exclusivity. Increasingly, homebuyers are gravitating toward spaces that resonate emotionally and elevate daily life. Branded residences are gaining traction by delivering consistent quality, global aesthetics and hospitality-inspired services. Premium today is not just what you own, but how it makes you feel. Q) The RBI has maintained a consistent stance on the repo rate, with recent cuts in the last three terms. How has this impacted buyer sentiment and activity in the residential segment?A) The residential market has responded positively. Lower EMIs have made homeownership more accessible, especially for first-time buyers. With borrowing becoming more affordable, there's renewed energy in the market — more site visits, quicker conversions, and stronger buyer too are seeing faster decision-making cycles and increased traction across product segments. ADVERTISEMENT Q) Do you expect the current interest rate environment to accelerate home-buying decisions in the coming quarters?A) Absolutely. With the repo rate at 5.5%, there's a growing sense of urgency among buyers to lock in favourable rates. We're witnessing increased activity, not just from new buyers but also from those upgrading to better-located, amenity-rich shift towards thoughtfully designed, wellness-oriented homes — particularly in branded and gated communities — is becoming more pronounced. ADVERTISEMENT Q) What are the key investment trends you're seeing among HNIs and NRIs in the Indian real estate space today?A) HNIs and NRIs are increasingly prioritising branded residences and quality-driven developments that align with global benchmarks. They're drawn to homes that offer sustainability features like solar rooftops and water-positive systems, along with hotel-style services, concierge and asset management. ADVERTISEMENT Branded developments, with their strong design language and service-led living, offer both lifestyle value and long-term security, making them highly attractive, especially in urban hubs like Gurugram, Mumbai and Bengaluru. Q) How has the average unit size evolved across metros and tier-2 cities over the past year?A) There's been a definitive move toward larger homes. In metros, this is driven by multifunctional living — spaces that allow for work-from-home, wellness zones and family-centric living. In tier-2 cities, with better land availability, developers are offering even larger the board, buyers are placing a premium on space, light and adaptability — features that define quality living today. ADVERTISEMENT Q) How has the idea of premium evolved for homebuyers post-pandemic?A) Post-pandemic, buyers are no longer seeking just a roof over their heads. They want homes that nurture well-being and emotional connection. Airy layouts, access to nature, and wellness amenities — such as fitness pods, meditation corners, and biophilic design — have become also a rising demand for secure, gated communities that foster a sense of community. Branded residences deliver these evolved expectations with precision, making them a natural choice for the post-COVID homebuyer. Q) Are HNIs and UHNIs looking at premium housing more as a lifestyle upgrade or a long-term investment asset? A) It's both. For today's evolved buyer, premium housing reflects a refined way of living while also serving as a strategic investment. Branded residences offer the assurance of quality, location and service continuity — elements that ensure long-term value emerging corridors like Dwarka Expressway, such homes are becoming coveted for their dual promise of elevated living and sound capital growth. Q) How are real estate investors managing risk in the current market, especially across residential and mixed-use portfolios? A) Investors are becoming far more data-driven and discerning. There's an increased focus on developer credibility, market fundamentals and micro-location potential. Many are diversifying into mixed-use formats and branded residential projects that offer asset management support ratings, rental yield analysis and digital tools for forecasting are all part of the toolkit. Overall, there's a strong preference for safer, high-quality residential assets backed by reliable developers. Q) What strategies do you recommend to homebuyers or investors looking to diversify their real estate holdings while balancing yield and safety? A) Residential assets remain the cornerstone of a robust real estate portfolio, especially when backed by strong design, location and developer reputation. With rising interest in branded residences, investors are increasingly viewing these homes as stable, appreciating assets with global those seeking yield flexibility, REITs are a smart way to gain residential exposure without the operational key is diversification across high-potential micro-markets and aligning investments with long-term trends like wellness, sustainability and experience-led living. (Disclaimer: Recommendations, suggestions, views, and opinions given by experts are their own. These do not represent the views of the Economic Times) (You can now subscribe to our ETMarkets WhatsApp channel)
India Today
03-06-2025
- Health
- India Today
World Environment Day: 9 easy and impactful ways to protect our planet
On World Environment Day, it becomes increasingly vital to recognise a fundamental truth: the health of our planet and the health of its people are deeply interconnected. Environmental degradation isn't just a threat to biodiversity or the climate — it's a direct concern for public Dr Anupama Sardana, General and Critical Care Physician at Holy Family Hospital, Bandra, Mumbai (MBBS, DNB Medicine)advertisementDr. Sardana explains that, as a practising physician, she frequently witnesses the impact of environmental factors on her patients' health. 'Whether it's deteriorating air quality, contaminated drinking water, or an unsustainable food system, all these environmental issues eventually manifest in the clinical setting,' she says. However, she emphasises that it goes beyond just medical symptoms or hospital visits. According to Dr. Sardana, our personal choices, everyday actions, and overall attitudes toward the environment play a pivotal role in shaping not only the planet's future but also our well-being. By embracing sustainable habits and advocating for eco-friendly practices, individuals can actively contribute to a healthier world — and, in turn, healthier lives. This World Environment Day serves as a timely reminder that protecting nature isn't a distant or abstract concern — it begins with each one of of the simple and effective methods to help one become healthier and at the same time make the planet healthier are:1. Eat mindfully:An environmental diet rich in fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains greatly reduces the carbon footprint. It also plays a major role in preventing non-communicable diseases that are induced by hypertension, Type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. At least one plant-based meal a day goes a long way for both your body and the environment.2. Type 2 diabetes: Walk and cycle more, drive lessAlong with lower carbon emissions, choosing to walk or cycle a short distance instead of the car may increase ability, reduce stress levels, and maintain a healthy body weight. It is a simple way to keep your heart and lung systems working for you.3. Plastic-free: Endocrine health protectionThis includes materials that wreck the environment in ways similar to endocrine disruption. Better options are glass bottles, steel bottles, and BPA-free reusable bottles, along with natural food wrapping.4. Invite nature insideConsistent exposure to fresh air and natural sunlight supports good moods, circadian rhythm, and seasonal affective disorders. Ventilating your house and bringing in natural daylight help conserve energy and promote good sleep as well as emotional Choose clean, safe productsCommercial cleaning and cosmetic products often contain chemicals that are environmentally toxic and too harsh on skin, lungs, and immunity. Switching to natural, fragrance-free, or eco-certified products lowers exposure to allergens and carcinogens, as a better long-term health choice for your family.6. Dispose of medical waste responsiblyThrowing expired drugs in the rubbish or flushing them down contaminates soil and water. Unused medicines should always be returned to a chemist or hospital collection point. At Holy Family Hospital, biomedical waste disposal procedures are strictly adhered to, and communities are also encouraged to do the same.7. Address eco-anxiety and emotional wellnessYoung patients now report feeling helpless and anxious about climate change; this is what is called "eco-anxiety." As physicians, we suggest individuals channel those feelings into small, fruitful actions, such as participating in cleanups, planting trees or cutting down on waste, that provide a greater sense of purpose and optimism.8. Community health is climate healthParticipating in community activities, whether tree-planting, rainwater harvesting, or waste segregation programs, not only helps serve the environment, but it also builds social cohesion and mental well-being. It is terribly uplifting and empowering to belong to an active community so conscious of the Preventive health means health promotionPreventive health largely concerns minimising the stress imposed on health infrastructure in terms of resource use and long-term effects. This has basically reduced preventive measures such as regular check-ups, immunisation, stress management, and screening for very early stages of illnesses. A healthy population demands fewer resources and generates less medical this World Environment Day, let's understand that taking care of the Earth isn't a separate task — it's part of our personal, professional, and public health responsibilities. Sustainable living is smart medicine.
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Business Standard
30-05-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
Whiteland Corp launches Marriott's first branded residence in Gurugram
Delhi-NCR-based Whiteland Corporation on Friday announced the launch of Marriott International's first Westin-branded residences in India, with the development expected to have a projected topline of ₹15,000 crore. This comes after the company signed an exclusive agreement with Marriott International in June 2024 to collaborate on the project. Navdeep Sardana, founder of Whiteland Corporation, told Business Standard that the total investment in The Westin Residences, Gurugram, would be ₹5,600 crore, with the project expected to be completed by 2031. Expected to be the largest standalone branded residences project announced in India, the 20-acre development will include 1,700 three and four BHK residences, ranging from 2,673 to 4,328 square feet in size. Sardana stated that currently 1,464 units are being launched in the first phase. 'Phase 1 of the launched project will include a select offering of residences, whereas Phase 2, which will include towers, is planned for a future launch,' he added. According to people in the know, the price range for The Westin Residences, Gurugram, is between ₹6 crore and ₹12 crore, depending on size, configuration, and location within the development. Sardana added that The Westin Residences, Gurugram, will be a 100 per cent Whiteland Corporation development, with complete investment and execution managed by Whiteland, while Marriott International has extended its brand under a licence agreement. 'As part of our agreement with Marriott International, Whiteland holds exclusive branding rights for Westin Residences in the territories of Gurugram, Dwarka Expressway, and select parts of Delhi until 2032,' he said. The company is not planning to launch any other Westin-branded residential projects within this exclusive territory during that period.
India Today
22-04-2025
- Lifestyle
- India Today
Would you break up over a bad carbon footprint?
2025 has really been introducing us to some savvy lingos, which are kind of getting challenging to keep up with (most of you will agree). Having said that, we also believe representation is power and if that means naming every new way we date or break up, so be the new buzzword - actually, it isn't something new, it has been around for a couple of years now, but slowly gaining momentum. So, we thought it was time we could revisit what the deal is all about: has gone green, and we don't just mean jealousy. We're talking full-blown eco-consciousness as the new romantic to a new survey by happn, a dating app, 60% of singles now say sustainability is a green flag, quite literally. So, if you're recycling religiously, bringing your own tote bag to the farmers' market, and ordering oat milk without flinching, congrats. You just became more dateable. But if your mindset fails to align, you might just get 'eco-dumped.'Yes, 'eco-dumping' is a real thing. It involves breaking off a relationship because a partner's environmental habits don't align with one's vibes to valuesIt is no longer just about the good vibes when it comes to compatibility anymore. At the end of the day, it is the values that make or break the deal—and it seems like environmental awareness holds a prominent position in many (if not most) people's cafes, movies or restaurants—52% of Gen Z and 58% of women prefer sustainable first dates, like park walks, vegan cafes, or local flea markets. Even Millennials are on board, with nearly half saying eco-friendly plans make them feel more in sync with their Sardana, 22, an aspiring journalist in Delhi, says, 'I'm an environmentally conscious person, and I'd really appreciate it if my partner—or someone I'm dating—shared that mindset. Nothing extreme, just doing what's reasonably possible to live a more sustainable life. What I've noticed is that most people who actually walk the talk when it comes to sustainable practices often have a side that genuinely cares about society. That's a quality I truly value and would cherish in a partner.'Beware of the greenwashingWhile environmentally conscious individuals are a green flag, people want to stay clear of the pretentious ones—if you know what we mean. Fake eco-consciousness is a dealbreaker, and 37% of Gen Z say sustainability is only attractive if it feels imagine someone who uses steel or bamboo straws instead of plastic ones, uses a wooden brush instead of a plastic one, and of course reaches out for reusable cutlery—but when it comes to travel, it's always business class. No accountability for carbon footprint at all. That's your cue. That's the one pretending out Dasgupta, 31, an IT professional, says, 'A lot of people do it just to impress others. It doesn't come from a sense of responsibility or accountability—it's more about looking cool. That's a massive red flag. You should be able to stand by what you do, I believe.'And get this: 25% of Gen Z and Millennials admit they would actually reconsider a connection or outright dump someone if their sustainability values didn't here's the twist: 26% of Gen Z (and 24% of Millennials) confess to pretending to be greener than they really are to impress a potential calling it what it is: greenfishing (ROFL).For happn's CEO, Karima Ben Abdelmalek, this evolution in dating isn't surprising—it's necessary. 'Being eco-conscious isn't just an ethical choice,' she said. 'It's a green flag for authentic bonds.''For many, shared environmental values are no longer a mere preference—they are a must-have in building a genuine connection,' she would you dump someone over a plastic straw?(Please note: This is based on a survey by happn with 1,000 respondents.)Trending Reel advertisement
