Should we buy a ready-to-move home or invest in a plot of land? While both options have their advantages, owning land is proving to be the smarter and more flexible choice for young buyers. Here’s why:

1. Better Investment Growth

Pune is growing very fast, with new infrastructure development, IT parks, and industrial areas increasing land prices. While apartments lose value with the passage of time due to depreciation, land gains value consistently. Areas such as Hinjewadi, Wagholi, and Talegaon have experienced high price increases, and plots have become a profitable long-term investment.

2. Freedom to Build Your Dream Home

A plot provides absolute freedom. It gives the freedom to plan and build a house that reflects your taste, requirements, and future growth needs. In contrast to ready apartments with predetermined floor plans, land ownership allows you to choose the size, layout, and amenities of your house.

One of the major disadvantages of living in apartments is the maintenance charges. In gated communities, there are facilities , security, and maintenance charges every month. With a plot, the charges are much lower, so it is a cheaper option in the long term.

3. No Depreciation Issues

As Pune expands, plots in prime areas will become even more valuable. Whether you decide to construct a house or sell the land later, the resale potential is much higher compared to apartments, which might lose appeal due to age and outdated designs.

4. Higher Resale Value

If you choose to build a house or sell the property in the future, resale value is far greater than with apartments, which may become unattractive as they age and their designs go out of fashion.

Conclusion

For millennials who seek a secure investment and a house that appreciates with them, investing in a plot is a future-proof choice. With the fast growth of Pune, the moment to invest in property and get long-term financial security is now.

Planning to purchase a plot in Pune? Discover the best locations with Genuine Plots and make the wisest investment today!

Buying land in Maharashtra can be rewarding, but when it comes to green zone land—commonly known as agricultural land—the rules are very specific. These areas are protected to ensure agricultural activity, ecological balance, and sustainable land use. Before investing, it’s important to understand who can buy, what permissions are required, and what hidden costs to expect.

​What Is a Green Zone?

In planning terminology, a green zone refers to land reserved for:

• Farming and cultivation
• Horticulture
• Plantation and allied activities
• Nature and environmental conservation

These zones act as buffers against uncontrolled urbanisation and are not meant for heavy commercial or industrial development. Any change of land use requires official permission.

Can Anyone Buy Agricultural (Green Zone) Land in Maharashtra?

1. Only Agriculturists Can Buy Agricultural Land

Maharashtra law states that only an agriculturist can purchase agricultural land.

An agriculturist is someone who is:

• Actively engaged in farming, or
• Belongs to a family that owns or cultivates agricultural land.
• If you’re not an agriculturist, you cannot legally buy this land unless you meet specific exceptions.

​2. Non-Agriculturists – Limited Access

Non-agriculturists generally cannot purchase agricultural land. However:

• If the land is already converted to NA (Non-Agricultural), anyone can buy it.
• In rare cases, government permissions may allow non-agriculturists to buy land for special approved purposes (e.g., agro-industry), but this is uncommon.

Essential Legal Checks Before Buying Green Zone Land

Whether you are eligible to buy or not, legal due diligence is mandatory.

​Clear Title

The land must have:

• No ownership disputes
• No outstanding loans or mortgages
• Proper and updated land records
• Legal Due Diligence

​Consulting an experienced property lawyer. They will verify:

• Ownership history
• Encumbrances
• Revenue records
• Zoning classification
• Mutation entries

​A small legal mistake can lead to heavy penalties or even loss of land rights.

Usage & Permissions: What You Need to Build Legally

Buying agricultural land does not give you the automatic right to build on it.

To legally construct a house, farmhouse, resort, or commercial structure, you need:

1. NA Conversion (Non-Agricultural Conversion)

This is the process of converting agricultural land for:

• Residential use
• Commercial use
• Industrial use

Without NA conversion, any construction is illegal.

2. Local Zoning Approval

Local planning authorities must confirm:

• Whether the land can be used for the intended purpose
• Whether the Development Plan permits it

3. Construction Permissions

You must obtain:

• Building permission
• Commencement certificate
• Layout and structural approvals
• Skipping these steps can result in:
• Demolition orders
• Heavy fines
• Legal disputes
• Location & Future Growth Factors

Even if you can legally buy and develop the land, location determines long-term value.

Key factors influencing appreciation:

​Road Connectivity

Land accessible from main roads, state highways, or expressways appreciates faster.

Markets & Hospitals in Close Proximity

Basic facilities around the area make the land more usable and desirable.

Tourism Potential

Areas like Karjat, Lonavala, Alibaug, and Mulshi attract hospitality and second-home investments.

Upcoming Infrastructure

Any proposed highway, ring road, metro line, airport, or industrial corridor adds immense value to it in the future.

Hidden Costs Most Buyers Overlook

Many who buy land for the first time assume that land cost is usually the only cost. In reality, agricultural land investment involves some other costs:

1. Legal & Registration Fees

Stamp duty, registration, lawyer fees, and documentation costs.

2. NA Conversion Charges

The conversion charges will depend on the following

• Area of land
• Location
• Zoning category

These can be significant.

3. Fencing & Maintenance

Agricultural land requires:

• Fencing
• Soil care
• Periodic Maintenance
• Security

4. Construction Approvals

Architect fees, Government approvals, Engineering plans, Compliance charges.

5. Unexpected Compliance Costs

​Sometimes, environmental permissions or local authority requirements may arise later.

Conclusion

​Buying land in Maharashtra’s green zone can be valuable—but only if you fully understand the legal and regulatory framework. Since only agriculturists can buy agricultural land, non-agriculturists must either seek permitted exemptions or look for land already converted to NA.

Whether your goal is farming, investment, or building a home, always:

• Verify the zoning
• Check the title
• Understand long-term restrictions
• Consult a property lawyer
• Factor in hidden expenses
• With proper due diligence, green zone land can be a safe and rewarding investment.

India is experiencing one of the most transformative phases in its economic story, and at its core is a rapidly evolving warehousing and logistics sector. From being recognised as a highly fragmented industry with poor infrastructure to becoming a strong backbone for growth, efficiency, and global competitiveness, logistics in India is emerging with great vigour. Policy reforms, the expansion of e-commerce, improved infrastructure, and technological innovation are strong forces reshaping how goods are stored, moved, and delivered across the country.

​A Sector Fueled by Unprecedented Demand

​The warehousing market in India has witnessed tremendous growth over the past few years. The demand for organised Grade-A warehousing space has grown significantly, driven by requirements from 3PL players, e-commerce giants, the manufacturing sector, the pharmaceutical industry, and the retail segment. Today, corporations demanding large spaces for storage are also wanting dedicated warehouse infrastructure designed for automation, quality control, and efficiency in flow. The result is transforming warehouses from being cost drivers to value drivers.

One key trend is the rise of large distribution centres near major consumption hubs. Cities such as Delhi-NCR, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Pune, and Hyderabad have experienced a huge rise in the construction of warehouses. But that is not the end of it—the rise in warehousing demand is also increasing in Tier-II and Tier-III cities in India. These places are becoming essential nodes in a supply chain and helping products reach the final mile of delivery.

​Policy Reforms Changing the Game

​The involvement of the government has been catalytic in transforming the sector. The implementation of Goods and Services Tax has ensured ease in inter-state supply, thus eliminating the need to have small warehouse spaces, which were mainly used for tax exemption purposes.

​The National Logistics Policy, Gati Shakti, Dedicated Freight Corridors (DFCs), and Multimodal Logistics Parks (MMLPs) are facilitating an integrated approach to logistics through road, rail, air, and seaports. These factors are gradually reducing logistics costs and making India an even more favourable destination for manufacturing and distribution on a global platform.

E-Commerce: The Acceleration Engine

​There is not a single industry that has disrupted the Indian logistics market as much as e-commerce has done so far. Millions of deliveries and ever shorter time limits have forced the entire logistics system into a change that has happened overnight because now every company needs regionally scattered micro-warehouses, automatic sorting stations, and last-mile delivery stations for same-day deliveries.

This has ushered in an entirely different warehouse paradigm—one that’s small, tech-enabled, strategically located, and speed-optimised. The trickle-down impact is immense, ranging from automated packaging systems to artificial intelligence-powered inventory routing, all of which cut from the same cloth of innovation in the e-commerce space.

 Technology: The New Backbone

​The days when shelving and pallet jacks were prominent by their presence in a warehouse are over. Today, the list encompasses automation, robots, tracking systems by IoT, digital inventory management, sophisticated material movement equipment, and even drones to monitor activities. AI and analytics are used to predict consumption, cut wastages, and optimise routes. Blockchain is making its presence felt in documentation and even supply chain transparency.

This will help ensure minimal human error, decrease costs, and remarkably optimise efficiency. They also ensure that Indian logistics services are globally competitive and hence provide opportunities related to export-oriented production.

​The Rise of Integrated Logistics Hubs

​India is transitioning to mega integrated hubs that encompass warehousing, transportation, cold storage facilities, and added-value services altogether. Such hubs integrate roadways, freight rail corridors, and seaports for easy long-distance transport. The hubs symbolise India’s alignment with the best international practices as far as its logistics system is concerned.

​A Future Built on Efficiency and Scale

​The future will see an acceleration in the warehousing and logistics evolution in India. The coming trends will witness a focus on automation, sustainability, and multimodal routes. The coming years will see an increasing focus on Tier-II and Tier-III cities and an increasing inflow of investment and innovation in this space.

What was a patchwork system is rapidly developing into one of India’s most exciting and tech-savvy industries,  to build a quicker, brighter, and stronger logistics system for the future. 

Land remains among the strongest and safest asset classes because it naturally appreciates over time. But what makes the value of one piece of land shoot up while the other remains stagnant? The answer to this question can be found in understanding the basics of what makes land appreciate.

1. Location: The Eternal Value Driver

Location remains the best determinant of land appreciation. Land near cities, roads, commercial centres, schools, and hospitals commands higher prices due to its accessibility and high demand.

A "well-located plot" appreciates in value faster – always2. Infrastructure & Connectivity

Roads, flyovers, Metro lines, airports, expressways, and even the provision of basic services affect land prices significantly.

Better connectivity = easier life = greater appreciation.

Even the announcement of new infrastructure can push land prices upward before the project is undertaken.

3. Zoning and Government Approvals

The zoning by-law determines what land use can be allowed on the land, such as residential, commercial, industrial, agricultural, or a mixed

When land undergoes zoning or the level of its development appreciates, its value can increase exponentially.

Government policies, incentives, and guidelines ease the process.

4. Economic Growth and Population Increase

As cities expand, more jobs are created. This brings more people closer to major economic centres. This increases demand not only for housing, shopping, and services but also for land.

High Demand + Low Supply = Increased Value.

5. Neighbourhood & Social Infrastructure

Facilities located in the surrounding area are an important factor in the attraction of land:

• Schools
• Hospitals
• Consumer belts
• Retail
• Parks
• Cultural spaces

A well-built neighbourhood enhances livability as well as appreciation values.

6. Physical Features and Natural Resources

The natural qualities of the land affect the degree to which it is considered

Flat or raised ground:

• Hill views
• Water bodies
• Stable soil
• Scenic Surroundings

plots which have natural beauty or where it is easy to construct buildings usually entail higher charges.

7. Utilities & Development Readiness

Land equipped with:

• Water
• Electricity
• Sewage systems
• Internet connectivity

"Developable" land is regarded as being of greater value than "raw" or undeveloped land. This is because developable land causes fewer delays during the construction process.

8. Lack of Land Availability

"Land is a finite commodity, and when we deal with areas of high growth or regions with geographic constraints, the scarcity of land becomes the driving factor for land to be important."

Areas surrounded by hills, lakes, or already developed land appreciate in value at a higher rate due to the shortage of land.

9. Potential for future development

When large areas of land are available for the establishment of new enterprises, land prices soar.

New townships are planned.

Industries or IT parks are proposed.

Tourism zones start taking shape.

New expressways or metro lines are announced.

Smart investors study up-and-coming master plans and get in early to capture the long-term appreciation.

10. Market Demand, Trends & Timing

Land markets often have a tendency to move in cycles. Early entrants in emerging locations benefit from the steepest appreciation curve. Values go up if demand spikes due to lifestyle changes, migration, or investor trends.

Conclusion:

Whether you're the first one to buy property or a savvy investor, understanding these basics can allow you to discern plots that appreciate in value and make effective, future-oriented choices.

1. India’s economy is growing fast

More people are moving to cities, leading to higher demand for housing and offices.

Land prices remain lower than in many global cities.

New regulations (such as RERA) have made the sector more transparent.

India is building metros, highways, and airports—boosting the value of nearby land.

Global companies seek to invest in stable, long-term markets; India is well-suited.

2. How Foreign Money Enters India’s Real Estate

Main ways international money comes in:

• Investment funds and private equity buy land or partner with developers.
• Sovereign wealth funds (government-backed global funds) invest in big projects.
• Multinational developers bring money + expertise to build modern projects.
• NRIs buy homes, land, and commercial property for investment.
• Global companies set up offices, tech parks, and warehouses.

3. How International Investment Boosts the Land Market

a) More Money for Land Buying

Foreign investors give developers the money needed to buy large land parcels.

This increases land demand → land prices rise.

b) Faster and Bigger Projects

Foreign partners help build:

• townships
• malls
• office parks
• warehouses
• data centres

This increases land values in surrounding areas.

c) New Types of Real Estate

International investors support new-age sectors like:

• logistics parks
• industrial corridors
• co-working spaces
• senior living
• student housing
• data centres

These require large tracts of land, thereby increasing land demand.

d) Higher Standards and Better Design

• Foreign developers bring:
• modern architecture
• global construction standards
• eco-friendly buildings
• smart technology

This improves the overall quality of real estate in India.

e) More Jobs and Economic Growth

International investment accelerates construction, which creates:

• direct jobs (construction workers)
• indirect jobs (material suppliers, services)
• A healthier economy → higher land demand.

4. Why NRIs Play a Big Role

NRIs invest heavily because:

• They want to build assets in India.
• They earn in stronger currencies → property feels “cheaper.”
• They prefer long-term investments like land and real estate.
• Digital buying and virtual tours have made it easier.

NRIs are major buyers in:

• luxury homes
• plotted developments
• vacation homes
• commercial property

Their investments push demand and raise land prices.

5. Positive Effects on India’s Land Market

The land boom happens because foreign money:

• increases demand for land
• speeds up project launches
• improves market confidence
• brings better technology and design
• increases transparency
• makes real estate more professional
• supports new infrastructure around land parcels

Overall result → land becomes more valuable, more usable, and more productive.

6. Challenges to Keep in Mind

Even though international investment helps, it also brings risks:

• Land prices may rise too fast
• Foreign funds can pull out during global crises
• Land acquisition issues can slow projects
• Some cities may get overheated due to too much investment
• India must manage this growth carefully.

7. Conclusion

International investment has become a major fuel for India’s land boom.

It brings:

• capital
• confidence
• expertise
• global quality standards
• long-term stability

This combination has made India one of the world’s most attractive real estate and land markets.

Purchasing property in India can be an NRI’s dream fulfilled – it could be a part of one’s homeland, a safe investment opportunity, or a holiday destination in the future. However, many NRIs make common mistakes that could make their “dream” a “nightmare.” Research is required before purchasing any land.

1. Not Verifying the Land Title and Ownership

Purchasing land without properly verifying the title documents is one of the most common mistakes made by NRIs. There may be disputes over title papers or legal issues associated with them.

Tip: Always check the original title deed and encumbrance papers and any pending litigation on the said property. Get a lawyer to check its validity.

2. Ignoring Local Regulations

Land in India is governed by various rules regarding zoning, uses, and construction, which vary from state to state and even municipality to municipality. At times, NRIs fail to account for this and find themselves in a tricky situation later on.

Tip: Check if the property is a residential, commercial, agricultural, or restricted one for NRI purchase. Take advice from local sources before signing any agreement.

3. Skipping Physical Inspection

Most NRIs rely on pictures, videos, or an agent for property evaluation. This may prove dangerous since the property may have disputes, boundary problems, or may not even be suitable for construction.

Tip: If possible, visit the property yourself or appoint a representative to view the property in-person.

4. Overlooking Future Development Potential

Purchasing land without a concern for its connectivity and infrastructure can reduce its value. It may look ideal today, but it may remain so or become a difficult-to-sell land property in the future.

Tip: Make sure to check out local developments, roads that are going to be built soon, utilities, and the surrounding area expansion before. 

5. Relying Solely on Agents or Relatives

Though these recommendations from agents or family members are useful, NRIs can sometimes rely solely upon them. This can cause miscommunication and even deception if not checked.

Tip: It is essential to validate all details independently. Please seek legal and property counsel.

6. Ignoring Tax and Compliance Rules

NRIs must comply with Indian regulations for land purchases, including FEMA guidelines, remittance limits, and tax obligations. Skipping this results in penalties or lawsuits.

Tip: Get legal and professional advice on NRI property laws from a tax consultant or Genuine Plots.

Conclusion

Buying land as an NRI can be a rewarding investment, but due diligence, research, and legal verification must go into it. Steer clear of these common mistakes and seek professional advice for an informed decision-one that will surely help you protect your investment and your peace of mind.