Dhaka, Dec 27 – The REHAB fair on Friday experienced a crowd of customers who showed much more interest in buying both apartments and plots, which, according to organisers, might help surpass their last year’s spot order record of around Tk1, 500crore. The five-day exposition, where developers showcase their services and products annually, started Tuesday at the Bangabandhu International Conference Centre (BICC) in the capital.
To lure customers, 230 stalls have been set up at the fair, where real estate companies, land developers, banks, financial institutions and building material companies are coming up with offers on flats, plots, housing loans and construction materials.
Alamgir Shamsul Alamin, president of Real Estate & Housing Association of Bangladesh (REHAB) told The Independent that the spot order depends on the genuine customers, who are coming to the fair targeting purchase a flat or plot.
“We, however, have noticed that the number of genuine customers who actually looking for a flat or plot has increased than the previous Rehab fair. So we hope that the number of spot order will increase significantly that may cross the previous years,” he said.
The participants at the fair said they have come up with small and affordable apartments at this year’s housing fair mainly to cater for the middle-income people, which may lead the spot order.
Most realtors at the ongoing REHAB Winter Fair are offering medium-sized flats of 1,200–1,600 square feet within the price range of Tk. 80 lakh to Tk. 1.5 crore, depending on the location, to keep apartments within the reach of the middle class.
“Although most customers show interest in flats, a big number of them are looking for plots as many consider a piece of land as a future investment because of the rising prices of lands in and around the capital,” said Md Jahiruzzaman, senior general manager of Basundhara Housing Group.
He said they have received bookings several plots in different areas of the capital. “Prices of per khata of land of our project range from Tk 10 lakh to Tk 65 lakh above,” he added.
Kartik Chandra Saha, deputy manager of (marketing and sales) of Assure Group, told The Independent that the number of visitors had increased and they showed more interest in buying flats.
“On the first two days, visitors only moved around to make up their minds on buying or booking apartments and plots. But now they have begun buying,” he said.
He also said the price of apartments became costlier due to the costly construction materials. The price also depends on location, he added. – Staff Reporter
