Why investing in Nerul realty now makes great business sense

A prominent residential and commercial node of Navi Mumbai, Nerul is also one of the biggest and most populated residential nodes of the city consisting of over 50 sectors.

The second most developed node of Navi Mumbai after Vashi, Nerul is also one of the most expensive real estate destinations in the satellite city catering to a huge floating population and an increasing number of people moving in from Mumbai city in search of larger homes and a better quality of life here.

So what are the key factors that set Nerul apart from other nodes of Navi Mumbai and are driving its growth as a real estate destination?

Connectivity & Infrastructure:

Nerul is connected by rail to destinations across Mumbai on the harbour line, part of the Mumbai Suburban Railway and Thane as well. Buses starting from or passing through Nerul allow passengers direct and fast passage to destinations across Mumbai.

Nerul is the only node that has two railway stations namely Nerul railway station and Seawoods–Darave railway station. An estimated one lakh people travel from Nerul by train everyday while an estimated 50,000 people commute from the Seawoods–Darave railway station.

Auto rickshaws provide the primary means of personal local transportation, though BEST and NMMT buses serve as a much cheaper means of transportation.  Nerul is also blessed with near constant water supply for nearly the entire year, though May does witness the occasional shortage.  Roads in the township are of excellent quality and are regularly maintained by the NMMC.

The proposed Navi Mumbai International Airport and the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL), also known as Sewri-Nhava Sheva Trans Harbour Link, are expected to further boost development activities here. The 22-kms-long Trans harbor Link will connect Navi Mumbai with Mumbai on completion and is also slated to be the longest sea-bridge in the country.

Well-developed Social Infrastructure:

Having recorded a fast growth in its population in recent years, Nerul today also offers a wide network of leading educational institutions that cater to the academic aspirations of its residents.

Some of the noteworthy names include: DAV Public School, Ryan International School, Apeejay School, DY Patil International School,  Don Bosco Senior School,  Ramrao Adik Institute of Technology, Terna Medical College, Terna Engineering College and Dr. D.Y. Patil Polytechnic to name a few.

For shopping enthusiasts, this planned township offers options like the Centurion Mall that includes a good mix of eating out and shopping options. The influx of people has triggered the opening of several branded eateries here that offer everything from Indian, Chinese, Punjabi and Italian cuisine.

Other popular eating out QSR outlets here include: Barbeque Nation, Café Coffee Day, Naturals Inc-Cream, Baskin & Robbins and a popular pub and youth hangout called Ice-N-Spice.  Nerul also has several reputed hospitals both government and privately-run that offer the latest in terms of healthcare facilities, in addition to many nursing clinics spread across the township.

Also located here is the famous DY Patil Cricket Stadium that has hosted many a cricket match for the IPL, the Neral Gymkhana which offers several facilities for multiple sports disciplines and an upcoming golf course.

Realty Outlook:

Nerul currently has realty options catering to all budgets and choices.  While end users can find properties that suit their budget, investors have ample emerging precincts to invest in. The ready availability of land and improving connectivity with Mumbai is expected drive the investment potential of this prime node of Navi Mumbai.

With its good connectivity and rentals, commercial office occupiers (especially IT/ITeS) find it a suitable location. According to realty experts, Nerul is getting developed in a planned manner and with the completion of proposed infrastructural developments some pending issues of internal commuting are also likely to be rectified.

Future Trends:

Due to its strong connectivity with Mumbai, Pune and Thane, less congested living environment and availability of space at better price points, Nerul is now fast developing as an all-round realty destination with housing options which were priced from approx INR 9,000 to INR 12, 500 psf during the first quarter of this year.

The proposed INR 4,000cr Special Economic Zone (SEZ) at Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT) is expected to have a major impact on realty prices across Navi Mumbai, including Nerul where prices are expected to increase once the SEZ is operational.

Local property consultants opine that the new employment opportunities created by the coming of the SEZ is likely to boost the demand for homes in Nerul and other nodes of Navi Mumbai.

Citing the example of Pune, which has witnessed high realty growth due to the coming of the IT sector, experts expect the erstwhile industrial belt of Thane-Belapur to transform into a dedicated services zone which is also likely to have a positive impact on the real estate fortunes of areas like Nerul.