In a move aimed at introducing standardised and transparent brokerage practices in the largely unorganised five lakh-strong real estate broker community in India, leading real estate developer, Tata Housing Development Company is introducing a platform for brokers.
To be introduced on ‘World Brokers’ Day’ on June 9, the social platform (both on-line and off-line) named ‘Bandhan’ aims to connect, educate, train and certify the broker community. It is being set up with the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS). Apart from training, the platform will enable brokers to list the entire secondary market housing stock to be showcased across the country.
Tata Housing is launching the platform on World Brokers’ Day – June 9 |
It is being set up with the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) |
Platform to help train and certify brokers in association with RICS |
Plans to educate, train and certify 1,000 brokers in the first year |
“Bandhan is targeted exclusively for brokers and aims at introducing standardised brokerage practices in India’s large unorganised broker community. It will initially be launched in Mumbai, Delhi and Bengaluru and we plan to educate, train and certify 1,000 brokers in the first year of the programme,’’ Rajiv Das, Head, Marketing & Sales, Tata Housing told this correspondent.
“Despite the size of the fraternity, the broker community is yet an unorganised work force and remains local in nature,’’ Brotin Banerjee, CEO & MD, Tata Housing, said. “With the growing demand from the retail investor segment, brokers are becoming partners in creating wealth and they need to be well equipped to handle their clients like their counterparts in other parts of the world.’’
Through its association with RICS, the platform will offer different communication modules to upgrade broker knowledge and service levels. It will also provide constant updates on developments in the real estate industry.
The brokerage industry has been impacted by the mushrooming of on-line realty portals. Mr. Das said that property buyers were increasingly doing their research on properties on-line before making a purchase decision. “Our research showed that more than 70 per cent of buyers search properties on-line.’’
Tata Housing has a tie up with online marketplace Snapdeal and recently announced the largest transaction to date through this association valued at Rs.1.1 crore.
“Premium and high-end property buyers always prefer a site visit before committing to a purchase. Brokers and the realty portals will coexist with brokers too increasingly becoming better equipped with technology.’’ Mr. Das added.
