In-built fears

Till recently, realtors were concerned about plummeting sales owing to the slowdown with a hope that things would improve after the general elections this year. But now, developers, brokers and agents say they have a new fear to tackle - the Aam Aadmi Party's recent drive to curb corruption. This is no surprise, given the rampant illegal cash transactions involved in real estate dealings. Though brokers and developers agree - on the record - on the need for more honest practices, they say - off the record - they may have to shut shop if they have to give up their more questionable practices as a result of AAP. And it's not only local brokers who are worried, even franchisees of international realty corporations fear shrinking business if anti-corruption practices are implemented.