Real Estate Journeys

Ashwin Rathi

A Real Estate Educational Podcast. Exploring the journeys, challenges and triumphs of real estate from those who shape it!

Episodes

  1. FEB 1

    Real Estate Tax Secrets Explained | For Homebuyers & Developers – EP12

    This week on Real Estate Journeys, we dive into one of the most misunderstood yet most critical — aspects of Indian real estate: taxes, audits, and financial structuring.We’re joined by CA Neelesh Khandelwal, Partner at Shah Khandelwal Jain & Associates, a Pune-based Chartered Accountancy firm with a legacy of over 50 years. The firm advises real estate developers, corporates, and high-net-worth individuals across India, with a strong reputation for clean books, compliance-driven growth, and long-term financial discipline.With decades of hands-on experience working closely with developers and homebuyers, Neelesh sir brings rare clarity to complex topics like capital gains, GST, entity structuring, audits, and compliance pitfalls — areas where small mistakes can silently cost crores over time.Beyond numbers, this conversation explores how financial decisions shape the sustainability of real estate businesses, why shortcuts eventually hurt scalability, and what both homebuyers and developers must get right from Day 1.This episode is especially valuable if you are:• Buying a home• Developing real estate• Planning to enter the real estate business• Or want to understand the financial reality behind projects🎯 What You’ll Learn in This Episode✅ Tax benefits and capital gains explained for homebuyers✅ Old vs new tax regime clarity (₹15–16 lakh income scenarios)✅ Why “bank-approved” doesn’t always mean safe✅ How auditors evaluate developers’ books✅ Cash flow vs profit — what actually keeps developers alive✅ GST myths and current project economics✅ Choosing the right entity structure✅ Audit mistakes, black money consequences & long-term risks✅ Financial habits that separate disciplined developers from the rest⏱️ Timestamps(00:00) – Introduction(00:40) – Start of the podcast(01:10) – Early life & upbringing(05:42) – Should children follow the same profession?(07:20) – Major changes in the firm over the years(15:20) – EY acquisition offer(21:58) – Tax benefits for homebuyers(27:08) – Old tax regime vs new tax regime(28:20) – ₹15 lakh income perspective(30:30) – Husband & wife buying a house jointly – benefits(32:30) – ₹16 lakh income: husband–wife scenario(34:03) – Was the new tax regime a good decision?(34:33) – Capital gains explained(39:46) – Indexation for capital gains(43:48) – Capital gains time frame(46:51) – Maximum cap on capital gains(47:26) – Buying property individually vs jointly(48:17) – Most common tax mistakes homebuyers make(52:19) – First things to analyse in a builder’s file(58:00) – Biggest share in a project: the government(01:02:00) – Key financial metrics for a developer(01:07:10) – Profit vs cash flow: what matters more?(01:08:00) – Profitable on paper but actually in loss(01:09:20) – GST input tax credit(01:14:08) – Best entity structure for a developer starting out(01:19:00) – Factors to consider while choosing an entity(01:22:43) – Developers setting up offices overseas(01:28:14) – Common audit mistakes made by developers(01:30:13) – Long-term impact of black money(01:33:59) – Financial advice for young developers(01:35:40) – Habits of financially disciplined developers(01:41:30) – Advice to keep finances in control(01:42:40) – Quick Fun Round👉 Follow Real Estate Journeys for more real-world insightsInstagram: @realestatejourneysLinkedIn: / ashwinmaheshrathi#RealEstateJourneys #NeeleshKhandelwal #RealEstateTaxes #HomebuyersIndia#RealEstateDevelopers #CapitalGains #GSTinRealEstate #AuditAndCompliance#IndianRealEstate #FinancialDiscipline #PropertyBuyingIndia #PodcastEpisode

    1h 48m
  2. 06/01/2025

    From Theme Parks to Real Estate | Structuring & Diversifying a Family Business |Ashish Malpani –EP11

    This week on Real Estate Journeys, we’re joined by a leader who redefines what it means to build with vision, values, and versatility —Mr. Ashish Malpani, Director at the Malpani Group.With a legacy spanning over 60 years, the Malpani Group is one of India’s most diversified and respected business families — making its mark across:🏗️ Real Estate🌿 Renewable Energy🏫 Education🛍️ FMCG🎢 And iconic entertainment ventures like Imagicaa and Wet N JoyBut behind the large-scale operations lies a deeply family-oriented leader — someone who continues to lead with an ever-learning mindset, a commitment to construction quality, and a benchmark-setting approach in commercial real estate.The Malpani family is a model for how generational businesses can thrive in India — with Mr. Ashish Malpani at the heart of its next chapter.This episode is packed with insights on:✅ Leadership with humility✅ Balancing scale with legacy✅ Learning, even after success✅ How to build right — in both structure and cultureTimestamps(00:00) – Trailer and Introduction(03:01) – Story of Malpani Group(08:46) – Diversification into other industries(10:09) – Water park business(14:39) – Takeover of Imagicaa(17:03) – Structuring of the business(19:05) – Family-focused business(20:57) – Criteria for family members to enter the business(28:22) – Discussing business at the dinner table(31:36) – Holding equal share of family members(32:32) – Timeline for idea testing for family members(33:48) – Conflict resolution in family members(36:36) – Financial matrix (IRR, ROI)(42:12) – Design aspects you review as a builder, owner(46:11) – Decision-making process to choose a contractor(50:14) – If you have the best contractor, do you still need to monitor?(54:31) – Finishing at Malpani buildings(58:21) – Finishing on another level(1:01:01) – Quality control and safety team(1:06:59) – Cleanliness at an under-construction site(1:09:46) – BIM technology(1:16:57) – Project names after scientists(1:21:09) – Buying Imagicaa(1:27:38) – Any chance of bringing Disneyland to India(1:28:22) – Upskilling your workforce(1:32:05) – Goal setting of your team / performance management(1:35:29) – Why doesn’t KPI work in real estate(1:38:06) – Community marriage(1:41:43) – Favourite book(1:44:43) – How does a day in your life look like(1:46:25) – Quick 5 (Rapid fire)👉 Follow Malpani Group:Website: https://www.malpaniestates.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/malpaniestates/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/malpani-group-real-estate-div/👉 Follow us on Social Media for Updates!Instagram: / @realestatejourneysFacebook: / yqyrrtd7tdorbdukLinkedIn: / ashwinmaheshrathi#AshishMalpani #MalpaniGroup #RealEstateJourneys #FamilyBusiness #Imagicaa #WetNJoy #CommercialRealEstate #LegacyLeadership #ConstructionQuality #LearningMindset #PodcastGuest #IndianEntrepreneurs

    1h 48m
  3. 01/27/2025

    Selling Homes in SOBO vs Central Bombay | REITs, Airbnb & Data Centers | Dr. Adv Harshul Savla -EP08

    oin us for an exciting episode of Real Estate Journeys featuring Dr. Adv. Harshul Savla, a record-holding entrepreneur, author, and thought leader in the real estate industry. In this episode, we explore Dr. Savla’s inspiring journey, from his early education and corporate experiences to achieving world records and excelling in real estate development. Dr. Savla shares invaluable insights into navigating the South Mumbai real estate market, analyzing high-value projects, and selling luxury homes. We also dive into emerging real estate investment trends like REITs (Real Estate Investment Trusts), data centers, Airbnb opportunities, and the impact of the Coastal Road project on Mumbai's market dynamics. With his diverse expertise, Dr. Savla provides a fresh perspective on alternative real estate investments, project analysis, and what it takes to succeed in one of the most competitive markets in India. Whether you're a developer, investor, or real estate enthusiast, this episode offers invaluable insights into Mumbai’s evolving real estate landscape and the future of alternative investments. 👉 Follow Dr. Adv. Harshul Savla: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-harshul-savla-d-litt-a826a21a8/ 👉 Follow us on Social Media for Updates! Instagram: @realestatejourneys Facebook: @realestatejourneys LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashwinmaheshrathi/ 👉 Don’t forget to subscribe for more insights into real estate trends and success stories!

    1h 32m

About

A Real Estate Educational Podcast. Exploring the journeys, challenges and triumphs of real estate from those who shape it!