The Indian economy is growing at a huge pace. Middle class affluence is expanding. Attitudes are changing. Especially about what people want in terms of a lifestyle and from their home. Many want what is easily found in California, Paris or London: seclusion, privacy and style. Or simply the opportunity to mix and be with one’s own kind.

No wonder that Jaypee Greens’ new 452-acre Greater Noida development in Delhi NCR, India, is attracting such huge amounts of interest, especially from India’s key decision makers. “This is something that you won’t find anywhere else in India,” says Manu Goswamy, head of sales and marketing at Jaypee Greens. “This is a great opportunity. Usually, developers will buy small lots of land and then attempt to market their project. But we wanted to do something much more ambitious than that and offer investors a truly world-class lifestyle in India within the heart of their new investment.”

Evidently. You won’t find emerald green spaces, exclusive club houses, conference and banquet facilities plus a host of recreation and entertainment options just a few minutes walk from your apartment in most other developments. Entrepreneurs and CEOs populate much of the Jaypee Greens community.

Despite the peace and stunning grounds, there is also a huge energy about the place. It’s a place for people who want the best and have achieved the best for themselves. It’s about a quality of life that was once only reserved for the Indian elite. No more though. The lifestyle at Jaypee Greens is also tempting many Indians to come home from overseas, say the directors. When you look around, you understand why.

Teeing off
Oh, did anyone mention golf? The integrated course at Jaypee Greens’ Greater Noida is designed to push the thinking golfer to his limits, says Manu Goswamy. It’s designed by Greg Norman and is India’s first championship golf course, though there is plenty of playability for all skill levels, he assures. “It’s actually the longest golf course in Asia,” he says, “and on a par with anything else in the world too.” The Jaypee Greens Clubhouse is located just a short distance from the first tee with magnificent views of the course as well as the whole resort.

But the Greater Noida community isn’t just about the golf (although some members do join just for this). The quality of the real estate built on the site is truly world class, with plenty of floor-to-ceiling light filling the apartments and houses. “Our principal architects were very keen to emphasise airiness, space and light,” says Mr Goswamy. “Traditionally many Indian architects focus on mass housing. So we only deployed architects who had plenty of experience designing upscale houses and apartments; they knew how such housing and sites operated, offering residents the right blend of privacy and outside ambience. You won’t find that balance is achieved in many developments, but we think our architects have got this exactly right here.”

Serenity and style
The atmosphere of Greater Noida is certainly a world away from the chaos and atmospheric bustle of New Delhi. The peaceful feeling of seclusion and security is something everyone notices when they pass through the entrance of the Jaypee Greens compound. The outside world is left behind, but your own world opens up. It’s a wonderful feeling of ease and tranquillity. “When you pass through the gates, you feel you could be almost anywhere in the world,” says Mr Goswamy.

“An exclusive safari centre in Africa or a luxury development in California; it’s simply worlds away from the immediacy of everything outside.”

Certainly the need to create a very different type of real estate and supporting infrastructure was a key part of the vision from Jaypee Group, the company behind the development. “The sheer size of the site enabled us to plan and build something that would make a really meaningful difference to other people’s lives,” says Mr Goswamy. “Often in India, the surrounding infrastructure is not so good. Whether it’s the water supply or the condition of the roads; that’s the government’s job, and it’s often done poorly. So investing in a development that makes such things a priority is good for long term investment security and values, as well as providing the ‘feel good’ factor for investors and residents.”

Racing stripes
Jaiprakash Associates Limited, the company responsible for the development of Jaypee Greens knew what it was getting into when it commenced building seven to eight ago. They’ve completed three similar major projects and are now deeply involved in creating new Formula One track facilities in Sports City, a 5,000-acre site. “What we’re doing in India really is unparalleled,” says Mr Goswamy.

Life beckons
As well as a golf course and entertainment centre there is a wonderful nature reserve. Views from, for example, the 15-storey tower apartments overlooking the nature reserve and lake are stunning. But while one can spend much time enjoying the tranquillity and lushness of the surrounding grounds, Mr Goswamy admits that most residents will be drawn not only to the golf but also to the huge range of other sports facilities on offer.

For example, the tennis facilities include six synthetic and two clay courts, with world-class coaching offered alongside state-of-the-art training methods. In terms of indoor sports, there is a state-of-the-art squash facility including six climate-controlled courts. Gym? Of course.

Prices – considering the lavish grounds, security and ambience – appear good value, with 2-bedroom apartments starting from just £100,000 rising to more than £2m for top of the range villas. Indians have always taken a lot of pride in their homes. But often the outside environment was something many could not control. Pride is returning to Indian real estate, particularly in Delhi, and golly, it shows. This is the beginning of a groundswell that must reward investors in the medium and long-term.

www.jaypeegreens.com