Private home prices up 0.4% in Q2

SINGAPORE - Prices of private residential properties in Singapore rose by 0.4 per cent in the second quarter of this year, rebounding from a 0.1 per cent fall in the first quarter.

Real estate statistics released today by the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) showed prices of non-landed private homes in the core central region increased by 0.6 per cent, while those in the rest of the central region climbed 0.4 per cent in the April to June quarter.

These compared with a 0.6 per cent drop in prices for both regions in the January to March quarter.

For outside central region, prices rose at a slower pace of 0.5 per cent in the second quarter, compared to a 1.1 per cent increase in the first quarter.

Rentals of private homes were up 0.3 per cent in the second quarter, similar to the rate of increase in the last quarter.

The URA said the volume of resale transactions jumped from 2,206 units in the first quarter to 3,487 units in the second quarter. Resale transactions accounted for 37 per cent of all sales in the second quarter, compared to 24 per cent in the first quarter.

The number of uncompleted private home units from projects in the pipeline climbed from 78,572 units in the first quarter to 83,251 units as at the end of the second quarter.

URA said the pipeline supply of 83,251 units was the highest ever recorded since such data were first made available in 1999.

Of the supply in the pipeline, 38,175 units remained unsold at the second quarter. 12,124 units (32 per cent) were located in the core central region, while 8,618 units (22 per cent) were in the city fringes. The balance of 17,433 units (46 per cent) were located outside of central region. CHANNEL NEWSASIA
Resource:http://www.todayonline.com/Hotnews/EDC120727-0000093/Private-home-prices-up-0,4-in-Q2

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See Why Solar Powered Lights Can Make a Great Addition to Your Home

If you're reading this then you've probably heard about an extraordinary technology called solar energy but are wondering how it actually works and what can really be done with it. Over the past decades this intriguing category has made strides with many new breakthroughs in the development of new and powerful technology. Because of these advancements a new window has been opened for smaller but practical products like solar powered lights.

In general, solar lights are essentially designed to function as mobile, portable and extremely simple to install lighting fixtures with the ability for use in a wide variety of applications. These practical and useful light sources are designed to serve as a single unit device able to give off illumination created from our most powerful and free natural energy source, the Sun.

Most models of solar powered lights illuminate by using wonderfully efficient and long lasting light emitting diode, LED bulbs, a photovoltaic, PV panel that collects the solar energy, and a storage medium for the collected energy, typically a rechargeable battery. The most popular use for solar powered lights seems to be for marking and lighting pathways, drives, pools and other outdoor areas. They offer a great way for people see where they should and shouldn't go when it is dark as well as provide a lovely ambiance to any location. Many solar powered lights are sold in packs of two, four, six, or even more. Very basic models can be found for as little as $10 each but there are certainly more expensive options. These typically have advantages like having better design, being brighter and have larger batteries providing longer lasting shine time and are more robust and attractive in general.

Another use for solar powered lights that's particularly fun is for the decoration of one's lawn or garden. There are an extensive variety of designs to choose from and they can be found in metal or plastic, with hand blown glass or molded shades. Artistic ones like flowers or animals as well as themed versions for holidays and special occasions. In addition, there are also models designed for indoor use, such as the garage or other similar indoor areas. In most instances this type of solar powered lighting comes with external mountable solar receivers, or PV panels.

With the vast improvements in efficiency, solar powered lighting technology has made it significantly easier to get a good charge from limited sunlight. This issue has plagued would-be users of compact solar powered lights particularly in locations where the perceived amount of sunlight is low. Unlike areas such as the southwestern United States where there is ample sunshine throughout the year and the efficacy of solar energy seems like a no brainer. Indeed with high sensitivity photovoltaic PV panels and nickel metal hydride NiMH rechargeable batteries the rest of North America can now also enjoy the great benefits begotten of solar lighting technology that provides bright and long lasting illumination.

In conclusion it should be noted that solar powered lights are ever increasing in popularity and demand as they're easily installed, virtually maintenance free and prove to be a viable, inexpensive and cost effective alternative to traditional wired lighting. Furthermore they are extremely easy to add to any location regardless of the application. It takes just moments to install and adjust your solar powered lights to get the most out of them and enjoy Eco-friendly, self-sufficient lighting and never get left in the dark again.

Chris Neumann of Go Green Resources is passionate about preserving our environment and keeping our planet healthy for future generations. He believes using items like solar powered lights, energy monitors, smart power strips, lighting timers, and LED lights are among the easiest ways to become less dependent on conventional energy sources. Using energy saving devices such as solar powered lights for pathways, driveways, or security spotlights makes it simple to reduce your carbon footprint. Chris's website sells all kinds of clever energy saving products ranging from energy monitors to LED lighting to hand crank flashlights and chargers and includes a vast selection of solar powered lights for every application.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7124544

How To Rectify An Indian Real Estate Violation

Are you feeling let down because your builder in India has treated you unfairly? Is your money gathering dust in a project that simply refuses to take off or have you landed in an awful mess because you were taken advantage of?

Well, here's help.

This list of contacts, phone numbers and websites will help you register a complaint and correct any wrong that has been done.

However, with that said, you must know that bureaucrats in the Indian government are in no hurry -- your filing a complaint can either hit the target or miss it completely.

What to do when builder lets down buyer/investor

1. First, write a physical letter (registered with acknowledgement due) to:

Economic Offences Wing

The Deputy Commissioner of Police, (Anti Land and Building Racket Section),

Economic Offense Wing,

Crime Branch, C-23/23,

Udyog Sadan, Qutab Institutional Area,

New Delhi-110016

This address is valid for offences committed in the Delhi New Capital Region area. Every police headquarters in every major Indian city has an Economic Offences Wing and therefore if you are located in any other Indian city, you must check online and figure out the local Economic Offences Wing address.

2. Now, write a strong post at the Consumer Complaints website (Google search for the website).

Next, post the situation on your blog, Twitter page, FB page, etc. Check for forums and groups (on Yahoo and Google) and post your grievance there.

Try and find other people who have received the same treatment and make a group that can jointly take on the builder.

3. File a court case with the consumer court. Here is the link to the Consumer Court website: http://core.nic.in/ You can even call the consumer court at 1-800-114000 or 011-27662955-58, or send a physical mail to the Ministry of Consumer affairs, Krishi Bhawan, New Delhi-110001

4. Is your builder registered with Confederation of Real Estate Developers Association of India (CREDAI)? If yes, go ahead and file another complaint at the CREDAI site (just Google it)

Credai maintains very high-quality standards and it will surely help extract you out of your situation.

5. Now, visit the Public Grievance portal and file another complaint there: http://www.pgportal.gov.in/

6. If you have signed an one-sided agreement, then file a protest with the Competition Commission of India.

You can mail your complaint to:

The Secretary, Competition Commission of India, The Hindustan Times House, 18-20, Kasturba Gandhi Marg, New Delhi - 110 001

Tel: + 91 - 11 - 23704651 Fax: + 91 - 11 - 23704652/ 011- 23704651

You must include a statement of facts, which should contain details of the contraventions of the Competition Act. You should also enclose:

a. A full list of all documents presented in support of each of the alleged situation.

b. A narrative that explains the situation.

c. Details of the remedy that you seek from the Commission.

Taking these actions will ensure that your hard-earned money is safe. Investment in Indian realty can be tricky. So, if you feel there's something wrong, follow our guide, and good luck.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7075850