Property developers are now trying to woo prospective buyers with the promise of providing high-end smartphones on buying a flat.
According to industry sources, such offers are better than those, which involve slashing rates of the property, especially because of the slump in the real estate sector.
Rajesh Menon of the underconstruction Poonam Palash Housing Complex in Nallasopara (west) said that they are offering smart phones worth `20,000 and `29,000 to buyers of 1BHK and 2BHK flats
respectively.
“Earlier, we offered free VAT, service tax and registration to the buyers. We have also offered electronic appliances like television, refrigerators and washing machines in the past,” he said, adding, “The phones will be given to the buyers at the time of handing over possession of the flat.”
Arch Gardens developers from Mira Road East reduced the per square feet rate by `150 for Dussehra. “It is a one-day festival offer and will be withdrawn from Thursday,” said Ashok Bhai from Arch Gardens.
A Thane-based real estate agent Ramesh Singh, however, pointed out that these new sops are an attempt to woo more buyers, in light of the current slump in the real estate sector.
“There has been a slump for quite some time in the real estate market. The rates have gone very high and it is very difficult for salaried people with limited incomes to buy a flat,” he said.
Ashish Bhatt, an automobile professional, who is house hunting said that a smart phone was a welcome gift, but that would not be his parameter for making the final decision.
“For me, it is the quality of the construction, background of the builder, amenities and location that are of paramount importance. A phone will be an incentive, but it won’t affect my decision,” he said.