When you plan to buy a house, the most important decision you have to take is whether to go for a ready-to-move or an under-construction one. We take a look at the taxation aspect of the key purchase of your life.

The rentals for shops in good locations are shooting through the roof. Does it make sense to buy retail spaces at this stage, especially when many experts are predicting slowing demand from shoppers?

Over the last few years, many developers have launched projects to capitalise on the demand from people looking for homes in the land of their deities. Investing in such properties for long-term gains is not a bad idea.

Indian cities, struggling with expansion amid the huge influx of people, are working overtime to improve their transport systems. Many are betting big on modern monorail and metro rail networks.

The much-awaited price correction seems to be finally happening. In the April to June quarter, house prices fell in 22 out of 26 cities tracked by NHB's Residex compared with the March quarter.

In today's complex world of real estate, which offers choices that are mindboggling, let's look at the forces that are driving the markets, so that you can take an informed decision about buying a house.

Investing in offices - one of the two components of commercial real estate, the other being retail - is a good way to earn high rental income and gain from capital appreciation.

Some of the common ways in which real estate developers try to cheat property buyers.

Buyers are now quite comfortable ordering apparel, shoes, electronics, among others, online. With improving comfort with online payments, selling groceries online has become relatively easy. Selling groceries online can open up a sales avenue for retailers at little extra cost.

Developers are becoming savvy about brands. In a bid to boost the value of their properties, they are tying up with brands such as Disney, Swarovski and Armani. Investing in such projects is not a bad idea.

Integrated self-sustaining townships include independent houses, apartments, offices, shopping malls, cinemas, schools, hospitals and all other facilities that are there in developed urban centres.

Until the real estate regulator becomes a reality, buying property remains a risky task. Buyers often find themselves stuck with properties that are on the wrong side of law or paying for things they don't need.

With the increase in e-commerce, many companies have started offering services such as payment collection and logistics to online retailers.

Mixed-use property projects offer the best of residential and commercial real estate. At least that's what developers say. Let's see how good are these projects- which have residential as well as commercial spaces-for end-users.

Demand in India for Bitcoins, a virtual currency maintained by peer networks, is largely from speculators - as it is worldwide.

There is a growing population of entrepreneurs seeking freedom from regular jobs and setting up own businesses. If you, too, hate working for others and have an idea for a marketable product or service that you are passionate about, it is a good time to start your own venture.

Are you looking to buy a house but don't want to wait for three to four years that developers take to complete projects? Or do you want to live in an area where basic infrastructure is already in place? If yes, your best chance is buying a house in the resale market.

Demand in India for Bitcoins, a virtual currency maintained by peer networks, is largely from speculators - as it is worldwide.

The Budget 2013-14, presented by Finance Minister P Chidambaram on the last day of February, dashed taxpayers' hopes of more exemptions and proposed quite a few changes that may impact your finances.

With improving connectivity, expanding cities and rising property prices, more and more home buyers are looking at places close to metro cities. Developers are also betting big on such locations. We look at emerging areas away from metros that promise good returns.