The Realty Investment trend in India has evolved over a period of time. There was a time when people used to invest only in residential segment for the purpose of living, but with time the trend changed and people started investing money in commercial properties as well to fetch higher returns on their investments.
A smart investor, instead of capitalizing the entire sum in a single commercial project, is keen on investing in several small budget projects for capital appreciation and for long term assured rental income.
Here, when small investments are considered for future appreciation and rental income, Virtual Space Investment comes as a great option as it provides:
- Regular Rental Income
- Capital Appreciation
- Easy Liquidity
- Convenience in terms of pre-leased projects
WHAT IS VIRTUAL SPACE?
Virtual Space Investment means investment into non lockable area or space. Virtual space is as good as any other commercial property like a lockable office space. The difference being the fact that investor/owner is given the possession (keys) for a lockable office space whereas in a virtual property, the space gets registered in the investor’s name but one doesn’t get physical ownership of it.
The direct benefit of this investment would be that the investor does not have to worry about the maintenance and care of the ‘owned’ space during and after the construction of the property. Once the space is ready, the investor starts getting rent for it.
In simple terms, a virtual space is just a share of a big office space which is divided and sold into a number of smaller pieces to few buyers and hence a sole possession can’t be given to any specific buyer. It’s like a company offering shares through IPO. Similarly, the investor is free to sell the space at any point of time just like any normal property.
Generally, these commercial projects offer mixed use development comprising of Retail, Offices, Fine Dining Restaurants, Food Courts, Business Centre/ Gym/ Spa and Service Apartments.
Benefits of Investing in a Virtual Space Commercial property:
- Ideal for investments aimed at regular returns
- Capital appreciation similar to other property investments
- Small ticket size investment into commercial property
- Big brand tenants with long term lease agreement ensures stability & better growth of return.
Virtual Space deals:
Virtual commercial space deals are generally well pre-framed with respect to yearly returns ( it could be assured or revenue share) and leasing rights; leasing rights could be with the developer ( for Eg: AIPL) or might be given to a Third party vendor ( like in case of Emprassa ( residential)).
The return earned on the Assured return is treated as interest income under the head income from other sources.
Pricing:
In case of a virtual commercial space, the usage of the space and the floor area plays a very important role in terms of pricing –
For Example:
| Inventory | Rates | Minimum Virtual area | Assured Return | Lease guarantee |
| Ground Floor – Retail | 14000/- PSF | 100 sq. ft. | 12% till Possession | 12% after Possession |
| 5th Floor – Office | 8665/- PSF | 100 sq. ft. | 10% till Possession | 10% after Possession |
In this case there is a substantial difference in Per Square feet cost based on inventory type and utility of the virtual space.
With the above mentioned features, one can say that the “Virtual Commercial Space” is a smart investment tool for a smart investor. The ease of investment and management makes it an appropriate option for a person looking for hands free investment in commercial market.
