Housing Information Portal
Although housing is a basic need of every one and as a sector a very important
sector of the economy, yet it is difficult to obtain in-depth information about
housing in India. The housing property markets are highly localised - to the
extent of being non-existent - as any one looking for a house can confirm. The
information about housing laws, procedures, can be obtained only after intensive
individual efforts. The information thus obtained may not be reliable or up-to-
date. The problem of non-availability of information is not confined to
individual’s level. There is a problem about availability of structured and
comprehensive information for policy formulation also. Most of our policy
documents are based on estimates prepared by specialised agencies.
At the government level the information about housing activity is generated /
collected by several different agencies based on their specific roles and needs.
Being a state subject, the central agencies do not have primary information on
housing. The diversity of state institutions, their methods of functioning and the
variations in rules and procedures from state to state only adds to the complexity
of the problem. Integration of the information thus collected in different pieces is
a mammoth task.
It is, however, noted that there is a felt need for integration of housing related
information. The first attempt can be to place the information about sources of
information on housing and the available information in a structured fashion at a
single place. It is, therefore, proposed to build and launch a Housing Information
Portal.
The portal will be designed to address or highlight the requirements of a very
wide group of audience. This will help create a forum or community which can
act as a catalyst for integration of the housing related information as a long term
goal. The portal will present information on a variety of topics in housing in
national and international context and in the process will also highlight the huge
gaps in the information available at the national level. It will provide interactions
with experts, sharing of information among the visitors,
Initially it is proposed to address the following issues.
1. Concepts of housing and housing finance.
Introduction to basic concepts of housing and housing finance such as
land records, lien/charge, emi, different types of mortgages, fixed and
floating rates, etc, would be covered.
2. Statistical data on housing
Statistical data collated from various sources such as the Census,
research agencies apart from our own sources. Information on
RESIDEX- Real Estate Price index which is being currently being
developed by NHB under guidance from Ministry of Finance.
3. Information on agencies in the industry and associated industries in
domestically and internationally
4. Profiles of activities of Indian states related to housing and related
areas
Housing profiles of the Indian states covering the current status of
housing and infrastructure, housing policies of the state, housing
schemes, initiatives in housing, etc.
5. Profiles of activities of various countries related to housing and
related areas.
6. Regulatory and fiscal aspects related housing and housing finance.
7. Major news relating to housing in India and aboard.
Here we would display the latest developments/trends in housing in
the country and abroad.
8. Indicative interest rates on housing loans as well as general
information on market.
9. Reports on success stories in housing and innovative initiatives
10. Articles, research papers and presentations relating to activities in
housings.
Research papers, articles
We will attempt to collect the information and place it on the portal in
a year’s time.
The portal would improve the visibility of NHB, project its role and highlights of
NHB’s activities.
If approved, the Board may kindly pass the following resolution:
“Resolved that the proposal for development of a Housing Information Portal as detailed
in the Board Memorandum NHB/BD/ /2006 dated __-06-2006 be and is hereby
