The onslaught of international IT companies, who are setting up their units in the state, is fuelling the demand for commercial as well as residential properties in Andhra Pradesh state, particularly Hyderabad. “The real estate market in Andhra Pradesh is quite favorable.” “Apprehensions regarding the slowdown are completely untrue”, says Vikas Tiwari, Sr Marketing Executive, Aparna Construction and Estate Pvt Ltd. Upcoming residential developments “The residential market in the state,” says Faiyaz Shaikh, Marketing Executive, Bharat Infratech Projects Pvt Ltd, “is quite stable.” Residential space of approximately 87.2 million amounting to 53,000 units is likely to come up in the state by 2011. “One of the most important emerging trends is affordable housing,” Shaikh informs. Developers are focusing on 2 and 3 BHK flats in the range of Rs 25-35 lakh; as against the 4 and 5 BHK and penthouses witnessed few years back. Some of the upcoming residential projects in the state include: West Metro: This project by Shriya Infrastructure Pvt Ltd at Chandanagar comprises 5 blocks of G+5 floors having 255 flats of 2-3 BHK with amenities like gym, health centre, community centre, etc. Silveroak Bungalows: Project at Cherlapally by Modi Properties & Investments Pvt Ltd comprises 400 bungalows of 3 BHK with amenities like swimming pool, gym, clubhouse, etc. Shiva Sai: This project by SYR Constructions at Hyderabad comprises 1 tower having G+5 floors of 90 apartments of 2/3 BHK. Vishwashakthi: This project by the Marg Group over 17 acre in Renigunta comprises residential blocks of G+7 storey having 2/3 BHK apartments with amenities like grocery shop, carwash bay, clubhouse, swimming pool, badminton court, gym, etc. Upcoming commercial developments There is a growing demand from corporates for ready-to-occupy properties in Andhra Pradesh. IT and ITES continue to drive the market, and in the next two years, BPOs, call centres, software offices and back offices for financial institutions will occupy the maximum space. Land availability is facilitating the creation of corporate office space in the state, which has resulted in many new projects being launched. Some of these upcoming commercial projects in the state include: DLF Towers: This project by DLF Ltd on 1.48 acre in Banjara Hills will offer 10 floors of commercial and retail space. Jubilee Hills Project: Jubilee Hills Landmark Projects Ltd will develop a residential-cum-commercial complex at Jubilee Hills in Hyderabad. The housing complex tower will comprise 315 apartments, and the commercial complex will have a 5-star hotel with three basements, ground floor and 15 floors with 324 rooms. Hyderabad–Vijayawada Corridor: The state government proposes to build a Rs 3,000 crore corridor which will reduce the distance between Hyderabad to Vijayawada.