N※N

Anil Singhvi on the Rs 20,000-Crore Block-Deal Frenzy on Delhi's D-Street

  //business-finance.news-articles.net/content/202 .. crore-block-deal-frenzy-on-delhi-s-d-street.html
  Published in Business and Finance on Tuesday, November 18th 2025 at 23:26 GMT by Zee Business

• 🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication
• 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source

2025-11-18 250 x 202 / 5589 Bytes

2025-11-18 205 x 224 / 10475 Bytes

2025-11-18 179 x 224 / 10796 Bytes

2025-11-18 224 x 224 / 4724 Bytes

Anil Singhvi’s Perspective on the Rs 20,000‑Crore Block‑Deal Frenzy on D‑Street

In a recent feature on ZeeBiz, real‑estate veteran Anil Singhvi shares his observations on the astonishing volume of block‑deal transactions—nearly ₹20,000 crore—taking place on Delhi’s coveted D‑Street corridor. The article paints a vivid picture of a market in flux: developers and investors are flocking to the area in droves, but they are doing so against a backdrop of regulatory tightening, shifting investor sentiment, and a real‑estate environment that is becoming increasingly complex.

What Are “Block Deals” and Why Are They Newsworthy?

The term “block deal” refers to the purchase or sale of a large parcel of land—or multiple lots—en bloc, rather than piecemeal. In Delhi’s context, these deals often involve commercial‑grade plots that developers can earmark for high‑value projects such as office towers, mixed‑use developments, or flagship retail centres. The sheer size of the deals discussed in the ZeeBiz article—some involving entire blocks that span several acres—means that the total transaction value is in the tens of thousands of crores, a level of investment that has the potential to shape the city’s skyline for decades.

The article underscores that D‑Street has become a hub of such block‑deal activity because of its strategic location: it is close to key transport nodes (including the newly extended metro line), sits in proximity to the Central Business District, and enjoys a highly coveted address that commands premium rents. For developers, securing a block on D‑Street is tantamount to acquiring a “golden ticket” that can be leveraged for long‑term value creation.

Singhvi’s Take: Balancing Opportunity and Risk

Anil Singhvi, a seasoned developer who has navigated several boom–bust cycles in India’s real‑estate sector, stresses that while the magnitude of the block‑deal spree is impressive, it also comes with heightened scrutiny and risk. His key points include:

1. Regulatory Environment
   Singhvi notes that the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act (RERA), which came into force in 2016, has tightened the rules around land acquisition, project approvals, and consumer protection. “The RERA framework has made developers more cautious,” he says, pointing out that developers now have to invest more in compliance and due‑diligence rather than just focus on the construction phase.

2. Capital Structure and Financing
   “Block deals are capital intensive. Developers need to secure large financing blocks, often from banks or institutional investors, and the terms are more stringent after the Reserve Bank of India’s recent monetary policy tightening.” Singhvi refers to RBI’s 2024 policy statement which highlighted the need for prudent borrowing, especially for projects with longer gestation periods.

3. Demand‑Supply Dynamics
   The article links to a research note from Economic Times that points out a recent dip in office space absorption rates in Delhi. Singhvi argues that while office demand remains robust, the market is becoming more price‑sensitive. He cautions that developers need to factor in this volatility when pricing new projects built on block‑deal properties.

4. Value‑Add Potential
   Despite the risks, Singhvi sees immense upside in block deals because they allow for “value‑add” strategies. Developers can re‑zone, optimise the land layout, or even partner with local authorities for transit‑oriented development (TOD). He cites an example of a developer on D‑Street that is collaborating with the Delhi Development Authority to create a mixed‑use precinct that includes a 200‑meter high office tower and a public park.

The Economic Context

The article anchors its narrative in the broader economic backdrop. It references a link to the RBI’s 2023 Monetary Policy Report, which highlights that interest rates remain high, making borrowing expensive for developers. The article notes that the “block‑deal frenzy” appears to be a response to the expectation that real‑estate prices will continue to climb before the next rate hike. This short‑term speculation fuels bulk purchases.

The piece also touches on the “affordable housing” mandate imposed by the central government, which requires developers to set aside 20% of the floor area in large projects for affordable units. Singhvi points out that block‑deal developers may use this opportunity to comply with the policy while still maintaining profitability.

Opportunities & Challenges Ahead

Opportunities

• Transit‑Oriented Development (TOD) – Proximity to the metro line and major arterial roads makes D‑Street ripe for TOD projects that combine residential, office, and retail components.
• Public‑Private Partnerships (PPP) – Collaborations with local authorities for infrastructure upgrades could unlock additional value.
• Technology‑Enabled Construction – The article briefly mentions a link to a startup offering modular construction services, which can reduce timelines and costs for block‑deal projects.

Challenges

• Land‑Use Approval Bottlenecks – Securing building‑use certificates for high‑rise projects in a dense urban environment can take years.
• Environmental & Social Concerns – Green cover restrictions, noise pollution, and community opposition can slow down development.
• Financing Uncertainty – With the RBI’s recent “prudential” directives, banks may limit exposure to large real‑estate projects, making funding a hurdle.

The Bottom Line

The ZeeBiz article concludes by summarising Singhvi’s nuanced view: block deals on D‑Street are both a testament to the market’s confidence and a cautionary tale of how complex regulatory and financial landscapes can shape the outcome of such investments. For developers and investors alike, the lesson is clear—rigorous due diligence, sound financing strategies, and an eye on long‑term value creation will be the deciding factors in determining whether a block‑deal purchase yields returns or becomes a costly gamble.

In an era where real‑estate assets are increasingly judged on sustainability, regulatory compliance, and integrated development models, the Rs 20,000‑crore block‑deal wave on D‑Street is not merely a headline; it is a microcosm of the broader forces reshaping India’s built environment. Whether these deals prove to be a boon or a bane will largely depend on how developers and stakeholders navigate the fine balance between opportunity and risk that Anil Singhvi so astutely highlights.