Curtains came down on the SBI- The Hindu Home Expo, a two-day property expo organised by The Hindu group of publications, here on Sunday with many spot bookings and site visits for builders from interested buyers.
The expo was aimed at bringing together stakeholders and showcasing their best to readers of the The Hindu so as to meet their requirements.
Thirty leading builders, mainly from Thiruvananthapuram but also from Kochi, participated in the event to present the best of their flats/apartments, villas, and other projects.
The highlight of the expo, powered by iCloud Homes, was that a total of 16 spot bookings, over 40 site visits, and many potential leads were generated at the close of Day 2. As many as 650 people visited the expo held at Trivandrum Club. While apartments and villas were the choice of many, budget homes too got good traction with budget-conscious buyers. Discounts offer ranged from ₹100 to ₹500 per sq.ft by various builders.
The show also provided a platform for both Credai (Confederation of Real Estate Developers’ Associations of India) and non-Credai members to come together to offer their products to readers.
Counters of participating banks received a number of enquiries. State Bank of India (SBI) offered zero processing fee for home loans booked at the venue. A few home solutions companies, including Hettich, Permacool, and Sreemangalam Associates, also took part in the expo.
Another highlight was the consultation desk which provided inputs and advice to visitors on building their living spaces. Experts from the Indian Institute of Architects advised on various aspects of design, construction, and interiors. Vaastu consultation was by Kanipayyur Krishnan Nampoothiripad. Santha Paint House and Agnikone offered inputs on cost-effective painting and setting up customised kitchens, respectively. There was also a legal assistance cell to clear doubts on buying property. The consultations were free, and thus a major differentiator from similar shows. S. Venkataraman, chief general manager, SBI Kerala Circle, inaugurated the show on Saturday morning. Indian Oil Corporation was the energy partner and Red FM the media partner of the show. Based on the success of the maiden show, the expo will be turned into an annual affair.
