PANAJI
The government notified a hike in base land rates in a probable bid to discourage outstation buyers from snapping up properties across the length and breadth of the State. However, the experts are sceptical about the impact of this move.
Noted Goan architect Dean D’Cruz expressed that the rate hike will benefit the government coffers but will not deter the second home buyers. “They (buyers) are generally paying much higher rates than indicated by the government. In fact, the high-value money transactions need to be looked into for black money and corruption links in the various departments,” he said.
Former Chief Planner of the Town and Country Planning Organisation, Government of India, Edgar Ribeiro has criticised that focus has shifted from sustainable development to mere development, as he echoed that the hectic inflow of second home buyers won't stop soon. He questioned how real estate lobbies are blatantly purchasing large tracts of land notwithstanding the situation in Goa.
“Goa is a small State, not a large one. Some developers are just going berserk. How is FAR (Floor Area Ratio) controlled? No one seems to be monitoring them,” he alleged.
Several non-Goans including celebrities across sectors have turned heritage properties and sprawling villas into ultra-expensive holiday rentals, locking out local access while cashing in on Goa’s charming allure.
Just recently, actor couple Ajay Devgn and Kajol’s Portuguese-style villa, located in one of the most exclusive locales, was put up for rent for a massive Rs 50,000 per night. A similar listing was by cricketer Yuvraj Singh, who, two years ago, put his Morjim villa ‘Casa Singh’ on the homestay market for Rs 1,212 a night. Despite the lower rent, Singh’s listing stirred significant controversy after local authorities issued a notice over non-compliance with tourism regulations.
These purchases, often marketed as ‘second homes,’ have not only become highly profitable rental venues, converted into luxury restaurants or other commercial venues, but it has made properties beyond the reach of the sons of the soil.
D’Cruz lamented that Goa’s land is fully saturated. "Genuine buyers are welcome, but speculative buyers drive up land prices, making it unaffordable for locals. Speculative purchases have significantly inflated land prices," he noted.
He also alleged that developers’ entry into Goa has been putting pressure on the government, prompting the latter to convert land for projects, which has ultimately contributed to inflated prices.
“The developers/real estate community plays a significant role in this market distortion. Years ago, government-built row houses were a solution for affordable housing but due to escalating prices, future generations may struggle to afford housing,” he stated.
Ribeiro further opined that real estate agencies are using Goa’s land not for Goans but with an eye on non-Goan buyers. “Now I see that developers are targeting buyers from Bombay and Delhi for properties in Goa, in their advertisements. That's my impression,” he said while congratulating the Goans for fighting back. “Let’s hope a sustainable development plan emerges.”
D'Cruz pointed out that the government lacks effective strategies to address the issue and alleged corruption, particularly in catchment areas.
“Areas like Assagao are facing crises in water, power and infrastructure. The local resources and services are under strain, yet planning is random and inadequate. The hike in tax is just a reflection of the increased selling rates and to tap into the market run. The rates will not have the desired effect on controlling land prices… The Porvorim PDA colony where the planning department actually worked towards caring for the people and now it is just a rubber stamp licensing plans, indeed instructions from politicians,” he noted.
“Goans are struggling to make ends meet while these luxurious rentals have put a major economic gap in our society. The government must take concrete steps to protect our land from becoming just another playground for the wealthy. We will be able to save whatever little is left for our future generations,” another architect, wishing anonymity said.
Ribeiro, who along with Cruz and others drafted Regional Plan 2021, strongly advocated that Goa's 2007 FAR regulations are still relevant. “We should restrict FAR to the 2007 standards because one reason is that Goa still depends on neighbouring States for resources like water and power. Goa has a unique natural environment but, unfortunately, it is now under threat. Non-Goan developers are creating layouts and setting exorbitant prices, which is terrible," he said.
D'Cruz also expressed concern that the influx of activities is eroding Goa’s cultural identity. "We need a government and tourism policy that preserves our cultural heritage and land,” he urged.
