Anil Pharande In Interview With The Realty Paper

Anil Pharande, Chairman – Pharande Spaces in interview with The Realty Paper

• How is the current scenario in the Pune real estate market?

Pune is a powerhouse of potential when it comes to real estate. It is a city of learning and entrepreneurship, and there is a distinctly progressive flavour to everything that happens there. Thanks to the fact that it has become a magnet for IT/ITES and manufacturing companies, the real estate market in Pune is not likely to lose its forward momentum. That said, I always had misgivings about the opportunistic manner in which property development was taking place within the PMC limits, and was far more interested in the holistic approach being adopted in Pimpri-Chinchwad.

• What are your focal points of a real estate development firm?

In terms of locations, we have so far concentrated on the PCMC area and West Pune. My passion for real estate in PCMC has its reasons – the idea of being involved in the raising of a planned city on the lines of Chandigarh, so close to Pune, excited me. My primary objective has been to help steer the path of this planned development, which is why I got involved with CREDAI. Getting into the creation of township properties that would take the best advantage of the benefits that the PCMC offered in terms of superior infrastructure and phased real estate growth was the next logical step.

• When was Pharande Spaces established?

Pharande Spaces was started in 1994 with negative capital. We launched purely on bank borrowings and goodwill.

• Where are you most involved in the development of projects?

Since I come from a technical background, I have always placed great emphasis on employing the latest construction techniques in our projects. Our primary focus is on high-quality, visually aesthetic and lifestyle-oriented township projects that are environmentally sustainable and add to the grandeur of Pune’s real estate landscape.

• Is Pharande Spaces involved in any other business verticals?

Apart from residential real estate, we are already into the manufacture of non-conventional energy equipment as well as distribution and power transformers. We have also forayed into the construction of malls and multiplexes. As already mentioned, we have so far concentrated on PCMC and West Pune, but are now firming up plans to expand into Goa as well.

• Were you impacted by the slowdown in the real estate market?

Along with all other real estate development firms, Pharande Spaces faced all the ups and downs of the real estate market. We did not incur losses during the downturn, but we certainly did not experience much growth during the phase. Thankfully, the slowdown is now over and demand for quality housing is back with in force.

• How many residential townships have you built till date?

We have built more than 25 residential projects to date, which include large integrated residential projects and two fully integrated townships.

• L-Axis was Pharande Spaces’ first ultra-luxury township. Could you tell us more about the latest township you announced?

L-Axis is definitely one of the largest luxury projects we have launched. More recently, Pharande Spaces launched Puneville, a one-of-its-kind ultra-luxury township at Punavale in West Pune. The project is being developed on the 50-acre plot of a de-notified SEZ. The location in the heart of West Pune is literally perfect, being one kilometre from Wakad and with ready access to Aundh and Hinjewadi and further on to Lonavala and Mumbai via the Pune-Mumbai Expressway.
Puneville is a top-of-line luxury residential project designed on the lines of a luxury resort by Aedas, the global award-winning architects who have master-minded Venetian style hotels in Las Vegas and Macau as well as the Financial Centre in Shanghai and Marina Bay Sands at Singapore. Aedas ranks second among the world’s top architectural firms and will bring its full expertise to bear on Puneville. This project is by far the best in the country and incorporates every conceivable luxury feature, and outshines anything so far seen in residential real estate in Pune.

• How do you view the real estate business at a personal level?

I am passionate about what I do, but have to admit that this business literally leaves no spare time at all. Relaxation is not even a factor.

• Do you family members complain about your constant non-availability for them? This is a known syndrome among successful developers…

Quite possible, but I haven’t heard the complaints because I’m constantly on the phone.

• Where do you and your family go for vacations? Do you have any favourite destination?

We have explored the world, mostly in context with my constant search for architectural inspiration for our projects. During these trips, my family members certainly enjoy themselves. We are particularly fond of Turkey, Singapore, Malaysia, Greece and China.
(As featured in: The Realty Paper)