| That’s really BAD. Actually when you see all the prominent builders of bangalore are non professionals and lack basic knowledge of multi-storeyed building. This is even the case with puravankara, who take ages to complete their project. I saw many ppl staying in still under construction site (only 40% completed). This is ridiculous, high time these builders learn some professionalism and don’t cheat customers |
Showing posts with label Customer Grievances. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Customer Grievances. Show all posts
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Sobha Developers - One among cheats in Bangalore
Sobha Moonstone - Biggest Blunder and no compensation to customers
| I have booked apartment in moonstone in 2006 and till date they have hardly constructed it. After fighting for 6 months they have cancelled it and taken away 80,000 Rs of my money citing service tax and cancellation fees. I am yet to understand how a cancelled apt have service tax. |
Sobha Developers - biggest crooks on Earth
I was stupid enough to fall for the Sobha brandname and book a flat in one of their HSR properties. This is what I got in return:
3. As per CDP 2015 which was released in 2005, a 30-m road is supposed to run through the property cutting it into 2 pieces. SDL kept customers completely in the dark about this. It was only when some local villagers put up some banners in protest that we, the customers came to know about it. Even then, SDL first lied saying it was the act of some local miscreants trying to extract money. Now, the entire issue has come in the open. SDL, not only refuses to come to any solution - they are trying to pass the buck onto customers saying it is our problem. Strangely, even today if you call their marketing posing as a prospective customer, they will say that there is "no issue" with any CDP road.
4. Charges have been hiked by 150% for BWSSB and KEB. SDL says they are not liable to show receipts to customers as it is not "standard industry practice". They have levied an additional 20k for solar lighting to all customers citing a 2006 govt order while most customers purchased the flats well after that. An independent evaluation shows that they are making 6x profit on cost/watt. Service tax refunds are not paid back to customers - instead we are being told to take this up with the govt directly.
1. It’s 16 months past their committed delivery date and still no signs of handover.
2. There is no access road to the property. The 40 ft road that was marketed as access turns out to be pieces of land owned by different individuals who have filed cases of encroachment against SDL. One of them filed a case 4 yrs back and won it recently and has now fenced off his land thereby rendering the apts almost inaccessible. SDL knew about this for at least 4 yrs but still went on with the sale of apts hiding this litigation from customers. When some customers found about this through RTI, SDL flatly denied at first. When pressed further, they lied saying it is about some "other" stretch of land, whoch is NOT part of the access road. It has been 3 months since this road was fenced off and SDL has not been able to arrive at any solution.
4. Charges have been hiked by 150% for BWSSB and KEB. SDL says they are not liable to show receipts to customers as it is not "standard industry practice". They have levied an additional 20k for solar lighting to all customers citing a 2006 govt order while most customers purchased the flats well after that. An independent evaluation shows that they are making 6x profit on cost/watt. Service tax refunds are not paid back to customers - instead we are being told to take this up with the govt directly.
5. A major architectural blunder renders 3 blocks inaccessible from the ground floor level. Residents are expected to go to the basement and enter the blocks. Now, they are trying to make up by putting some iron staircase (remember factories) at the back side.
6. They have not paid compensation for the delay to any customer who have made even the slightest modification like changing a tile, fitting a bathtub or a switch (for which Sobha charged exorbitantly). To those, who did not make any changes (probably only 10% of the owners), they held back compenstation for 69 days citing reasons like Rajkumar’s death, rains in Oct 2005, sand strike of 2006 - events that took place well before most people booked their flats. Wonder why they left out Indira Gandhi’s murder, 1993 blasts, Godhra riots, .... And the list goes on.... Last but not the least, they shout at customers, misbehave with them and have no shame or decency. Their customer service folks never pick up the phones, seldom respond to emails.......
So friends, this is the true picture of the city’s premier builder - arrogant, unethical and full of fraudulent practices. I made the worst decision of my life by going with them. Please don’t go down the same path. If my post dissuades even one person from investing with SDL, I would consider to have done some service to mankind!!
So friends, this is the true picture of the city’s premier builder - arrogant, unethical and full of fraudulent practices. I made the worst decision of my life by going with them. Please don’t go down the same path. If my post dissuades even one person from investing with SDL, I would consider to have done some service to mankind!!
Horrible Experience Dealing with Sobha Developers
I own a Sobha flat. Sobha flats look beautiful and they haven’t fallen down - yet. That’s why I went with them. That’s the good part. The bad part is:
1. They use horrible plumbing and electrical material. They leave wide gaps between the tiles. Anything that can be replaced with cheap material without changing the looks from outside - they will.
2. They cheat and mislead their customers on the sales agreements with fine prints and levy false charges.
3. For customer service they employ people who occasionally take your phone call - and try to be your shrimp instead of taking down your complaint.
4. They will not be there when you need them. They will leave one soul to maintain 150 odd apartments in the name of "maintenance agreement". And you will never hear back from that one bloke unless you chase him down like a maniac.
5. They are way too expensive.
For the amount of money they charge - its just not worth it. The process of handing over was stressful and the realization was sharp that I had paid a premium price to buy a lot of pain. It was a mistake to buy from Sobha.
For the amount of money they charge - its just not worth it. The process of handing over was stressful and the realization was sharp that I had paid a premium price to buy a lot of pain. It was a mistake to buy from Sobha.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Sobha best at only disappointing and cheating its customers
I had booked a flat with Sobha for their reputation. I already own a flat built by a lesser known builder. I know the pain of dealing with builders and getting the job done. But I must say my experience with Sobha has been very very bad.I feel like having made a big mistake by entrusting them with my hard earned money!
They have all the bad things that you may encounter while dealing with builders. And they charge a hefty PREMIUM for it. They have delayed my project by 1.5 yrs as everyone including the lesser known builder is struggling with the liquidity (And I thought Sobha was big). OF course they are smart enough not to pay any money to the customers for the delay. On the contrary they are prompt in charging interest if your payments are delayed by a single day.
Simple stuff like keeping track of changes requested by the customer is made a mess of by the staff. And they want you to accept the poor quality work. They have hidden facts and manipulated the terms.
Stay away from paying premium for poor quality , unprofessional work!
They have all the bad things that you may encounter while dealing with builders. And they charge a hefty PREMIUM for it. They have delayed my project by 1.5 yrs as everyone including the lesser known builder is struggling with the liquidity (And I thought Sobha was big). OF course they are smart enough not to pay any money to the customers for the delay. On the contrary they are prompt in charging interest if your payments are delayed by a single day.
Simple stuff like keeping track of changes requested by the customer is made a mess of by the staff. And they want you to accept the poor quality work. They have hidden facts and manipulated the terms.
Stay away from paying premium for poor quality , unprofessional work!
SOBHA NAHIN DETA HAIN
I made the mistake of buying a flat in SOBHA PRIMROSE. The cheating habits come as a package with the flat. Maybe if one reads the fine print in the agreement, one would find a clause which states that the customer can be cheated to any degree at the discretion of SOBHA. They installed SOLAR HEATERS only for the 9th floor buyers at 60,000/-,while the rest were not forced to buy the same. The best of solar heaters doesn't cost too very much.The damages to the walls etc were pointed out but never corrected.The quality of doors and windows was absolutely disgusting.Luckily i found a buyer, otherwise i had already filed a case in the consumer court. The attitude of the people in the office too is very pompous.They behave as if they are PNC MENON. What started off as a world class product, was reduced to a sham in a very short time, only because of the jokers employed by Mr. Menon.
Monday, April 27, 2009
Sobha Developers - Sending False Status Reports to its Customers
Hi All
How are you all doing ? I found a few discrepancies in the status reporting of Sobha. For my apt they reported the Electrical switches have been fixed. I checked it yesterday, a month after their status report (Sobha Sunscape), and found it is incorrect. There was not even a single switch fixed. Same is the case is with doors. they reported all the internal doors have been fixed. Even after a month of their report I found the door of the balcony door is not yet fixed. These are minor gaps but still I have pointed it to them. I would suggest people to check the actual status w.r.t to what they are reporting.
Follow Ups:
============
what the hell are these Sobha people thinking. They seem to be taking us for a ride in every little thing. That's so damn pathetic.
Hello Guys, On numerous occasions, I felt Sobha has resorted to very cheap and unethical ways in doing business. I feel they are worse than a low class builder. I really doubt their construction quality also now. I will never recommend any of my friends to buy a Sobha apt based on my personal experience.
How are you all doing ? I found a few discrepancies in the status reporting of Sobha. For my apt they reported the Electrical switches have been fixed. I checked it yesterday, a month after their status report (Sobha Sunscape), and found it is incorrect. There was not even a single switch fixed. Same is the case is with doors. they reported all the internal doors have been fixed. Even after a month of their report I found the door of the balcony door is not yet fixed. These are minor gaps but still I have pointed it to them. I would suggest people to check the actual status w.r.t to what they are reporting.
Follow Ups:
============
what the hell are these Sobha people thinking. They seem to be taking us for a ride in every little thing. That's so damn pathetic.
Hello Guys, On numerous occasions, I felt Sobha has resorted to very cheap and unethical ways in doing business. I feel they are worse than a low class builder. I really doubt their construction quality also now. I will never recommend any of my friends to buy a Sobha apt based on my personal experience.
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Troubled Sobha Magnolia Resident
Sorry for the late posting... But I got to check this AM only as the CRM sent a mail, I had asked them to send a mail to all concerned and I am hoping they did so.
The Magnolia Residents continue to be taken for a ride "fullon" and nothing is being done. We cannot simply be mute spectators to happenings over there. I have gotten tired of being voluble in these sites as there is no use other than us exchanging verbose language it falls into deaf ears.
Every possible excuse, denials and delays in completion and handover of Magnolia Property that is the biggest CON GAME going on right now. I have taken possession in Mar09. Regd the flat. Interior work is on expedited pace. But what use? I cant move in May end as I thought.
They promised Mar end power. Then April 15th then 20th. Still no signs of power and elevators. I use the stairs to climb 12 flrs and wanted to do POOJA in April 3rd week again CANT DO IT!
I am just venting what else can I do? I am powerless frustrated and feel wronged and totally made fool of. We are watching and not doing anything.
Friends please come to the occassion and see if we can do something gather with and present with our feet.
In the final analysis I say all the investors, land owners have no interest in fighting. Only genuine owners who want to live there are fighting the nos for these are paltry single digits. So Sobha for all its transparency, honesty, publicly held status does not care a fig for small owners such as me and others.
Please think over the injustice done. It is high time someone pays for this denials & delays and taking responsibility for these and compensating the owners in due ways. It looks are cards are with the builder and we are just living in a Banana Republic with no rights at all.
- Troubled Sobha Magnolia Resident
==========================
Hello,
Fully understand your frustration... Although I am not as eager to occupy the place in May, I am concerned about the lack of communication from Sobha and their inability to forecast anything...
I am going to be in India for a couple of weeks, starting May 01 - partly to get the apartment registered on May 12, but more to understand what else we can do about this....
In addition to the delays, there is over Rs.1 lac of Service Tax that they have collected and over Rs.4 lacs extra they have charged for BWSSB and KEB. In all cases, they are refusing to provide receipts of what they have paid to IT department or the State Bodies... Also they are refusing to pay any compensation for the delay claiming that there were modifications...
I think we ought to formally register the Sobha Magnolia Owners Association (SMOA), and get all owners to formally authorise SMOA to file a case against Sobha for recovering the excess payments made... That may well be over Rs.8 crores (4-5 lacs * 160 apartments) and will pay for the ongoing maintenance of the buildings for many years...
Let me know how the meeting goes...
Regards
The Magnolia Residents continue to be taken for a ride "fullon" and nothing is being done. We cannot simply be mute spectators to happenings over there. I have gotten tired of being voluble in these sites as there is no use other than us exchanging verbose language it falls into deaf ears.
Every possible excuse, denials and delays in completion and handover of Magnolia Property that is the biggest CON GAME going on right now. I have taken possession in Mar09. Regd the flat. Interior work is on expedited pace. But what use? I cant move in May end as I thought.
They promised Mar end power. Then April 15th then 20th. Still no signs of power and elevators. I use the stairs to climb 12 flrs and wanted to do POOJA in April 3rd week again CANT DO IT!
I am just venting what else can I do? I am powerless frustrated and feel wronged and totally made fool of. We are watching and not doing anything.
Friends please come to the occassion and see if we can do something gather with and present with our feet.
In the final analysis I say all the investors, land owners have no interest in fighting. Only genuine owners who want to live there are fighting the nos for these are paltry single digits. So Sobha for all its transparency, honesty, publicly held status does not care a fig for small owners such as me and others.
Please think over the injustice done. It is high time someone pays for this denials & delays and taking responsibility for these and compensating the owners in due ways. It looks are cards are with the builder and we are just living in a Banana Republic with no rights at all.
- Troubled Sobha Magnolia Resident
==========================
Hello,
Fully understand your frustration... Although I am not as eager to occupy the place in May, I am concerned about the lack of communication from Sobha and their inability to forecast anything...
I am going to be in India for a couple of weeks, starting May 01 - partly to get the apartment registered on May 12, but more to understand what else we can do about this....
In addition to the delays, there is over Rs.1 lac of Service Tax that they have collected and over Rs.4 lacs extra they have charged for BWSSB and KEB. In all cases, they are refusing to provide receipts of what they have paid to IT department or the State Bodies... Also they are refusing to pay any compensation for the delay claiming that there were modifications...
I think we ought to formally register the Sobha Magnolia Owners Association (SMOA), and get all owners to formally authorise SMOA to file a case against Sobha for recovering the excess payments made... That may well be over Rs.8 crores (4-5 lacs * 160 apartments) and will pay for the ongoing maintenance of the buildings for many years...
Let me know how the meeting goes...
Regards
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Sobha Developers - Sobha Magnolia - Incomplete Handover
Sorry for the late posting... But I got to check this AM only as the CRM sent a mail, I had asked them to send a mail to all concerned and I am hoping they did so.
The Magnolia Residents continue to be taken for a ride "fullon" and nothing is being done. We cannot simply be mute spectators to happenings over there. I have gotten tired of being voluble in these sites as there is no use other than us exchanging verbose language it falls into deaf ears.
Every possible excuse, denials and delays in completion and handover of Magnolia Property that is the biggest CON GAME going on right now. I have taken possession in Mar09. Regd the flat. Interior work is on expedited pace. But what use? I cant move in May end as I thought.
They promised Mar end power. Then April 15th then 20th. Still no signs of power and elevators. I use the stairs to climb 12 flrs and wanted to do POOJA in April 3rd week again CANT DO IT!
I am just venting what else can I do? I am powerless frustrated and feel wronged and totally made fool of. We are watching and not doing anything.
Friends please come to the occasion and see if we can do something gather with and present with our feet.
In the final analysis I say all the investors, land owners have no interest in fighting. Only genuine owners who want to live there are fighting the nos for these are paltry single digits. So Sobha for all its transparency, honesty, publicly held status does not care a fig for small owners such as me and others.
Please think over the injustice done. It is high time someone pays for this denials & delays and taking responsibility for these and compensating the owners in due ways. It looks are cards are with the builder and we are just living in a Banana Republic with no rights at all.
Srinivas
The Magnolia Residents continue to be taken for a ride "fullon" and nothing is being done. We cannot simply be mute spectators to happenings over there. I have gotten tired of being voluble in these sites as there is no use other than us exchanging verbose language it falls into deaf ears.
Every possible excuse, denials and delays in completion and handover of Magnolia Property that is the biggest CON GAME going on right now. I have taken possession in Mar09. Regd the flat. Interior work is on expedited pace. But what use? I cant move in May end as I thought.
They promised Mar end power. Then April 15th then 20th. Still no signs of power and elevators. I use the stairs to climb 12 flrs and wanted to do POOJA in April 3rd week again CANT DO IT!
I am just venting what else can I do? I am powerless frustrated and feel wronged and totally made fool of. We are watching and not doing anything.
Friends please come to the occasion and see if we can do something gather with and present with our feet.
In the final analysis I say all the investors, land owners have no interest in fighting. Only genuine owners who want to live there are fighting the nos for these are paltry single digits. So Sobha for all its transparency, honesty, publicly held status does not care a fig for small owners such as me and others.
Please think over the injustice done. It is high time someone pays for this denials & delays and taking responsibility for these and compensating the owners in due ways. It looks are cards are with the builder and we are just living in a Banana Republic with no rights at all.
Srinivas
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Sobha Developers - Not Transparent, Cheaters, Never meet their deadlines
Like everyone else, even i am a disgruntled Sobha Customer. Had i known that they would turn out like this, i would have never given them a single cent. Below is the summary of my experience with them.
Booked an apartment in one of Sobha’s Project during November 2006. I was told that the delivery would be sometime during mid 2008. Its now April 2009, but till date there is no final word about handover. They have extended this for about 3 times already now.
Initially due to bank loan and other formalities, my payment was delayed for about 3 days. Just 3 days only, and those crooks charged me an interest @ 24% p.a. Seriously I never expected they would do that. But then it was ok. It was written in their agreement that they would do so, so i was fine with it. After that their CRM use to send me monthly reports by email with photos. But then sometime in Feb 2008, even that stopped. They stopped sending monthly updates and they informed me saying that they would be sending quaterly updates instead. Again, i didnt really have much say in all this, so i just took everything they threw at me.
Till date they have now almost collected 90% of the amount of the house. As per the agreement, they were suppose to pay me Rs.10,000 monthly compensation in case there is any delay beyond Feb 2009. Now this period is also after 6 months of grace. So effectively they were suppose to complete the project by Aug 2008. Now when i ask them about the compensation, their CRM informs me that all of it will be settled during the final handover. Even at my end, i need to do some fair bit of financial planning to cough out the final extra cash that would be needed during the handover. But, Sobha’s CRM just refuses to tell me any average figure. I have some serious suspicions that in the end, they might just add some arbitrary charges and set everything off against it and finally i will have to pay for everything. Already this delay of more than a year has effectively costed me around Rs.10 lacs i don't know whats going to come up next.
Some points i would like to summarize:
1. Sobha is NOT transparent in their dealings with their customers. They arbitrarily include many charges for which there is absolutely no justification or reason. They collect 3 times or even 4 times the actual charges that Sobha incurs for Electricity, Water and etc. The worst is the lawyer fees, if you notice, they charge anywhere between Rs.10000 to Rs.30000 as legal fees. Come on, which lawyer in India charges that much money to draft simple agreements? Even in the US lawyers are not so expensive.
2. Sobha projects are always delayed. So my suggestion to prospective buyers would be to buy only completed flats and never to buy if its incomplete. I repeat, completed means, should be ready to move in. There is a huge difference between completed flats and flats ready to move in.
3. Sobha Agreements are insanely one sided. I have never seen such agreements anywhere. They are not meant to protect the customer, but to kill the customer. Initally the sales guy might give you many sweet talks, but make sure you read the fine lines in the agreement.
4. The main reason why people choose developers like Sobha is because of their so called customer satisfaction, transparency and reliability. Where as now, all of these are simply defeated. So you pay a premium not for these extra services, but to get yourself into an never ending trap.
5. Personally the reason why i chose Sobha and agreed to pay a premium for their apartment, is only for one reason - their commitment to its customers. But now all of that is just broken. If we had to deal with so much issues, then why should we pay premium for their houses?
6. Quality of their houses - Well i havent yet owned any. So i cant comment. But i have read other people’s comments here, so i can safelt assume that its not so great. Its pretty similar to what anyone else would give you.
My Ratings:
Sobha developers - Transparent in dealing : 2 / 10
Sobha developers - Customer Service : 2 / 10 (repeatedly write emails to get one word reply from them)
Sobha developers - In keeping its promises : 0 / 10
A disgruntled sobha customer.
Booked an apartment in one of Sobha’s Project during November 2006. I was told that the delivery would be sometime during mid 2008. Its now April 2009, but till date there is no final word about handover. They have extended this for about 3 times already now.
Initially due to bank loan and other formalities, my payment was delayed for about 3 days. Just 3 days only, and those crooks charged me an interest @ 24% p.a. Seriously I never expected they would do that. But then it was ok. It was written in their agreement that they would do so, so i was fine with it. After that their CRM use to send me monthly reports by email with photos. But then sometime in Feb 2008, even that stopped. They stopped sending monthly updates and they informed me saying that they would be sending quaterly updates instead. Again, i didnt really have much say in all this, so i just took everything they threw at me.
Till date they have now almost collected 90% of the amount of the house. As per the agreement, they were suppose to pay me Rs.10,000 monthly compensation in case there is any delay beyond Feb 2009. Now this period is also after 6 months of grace. So effectively they were suppose to complete the project by Aug 2008. Now when i ask them about the compensation, their CRM informs me that all of it will be settled during the final handover. Even at my end, i need to do some fair bit of financial planning to cough out the final extra cash that would be needed during the handover. But, Sobha’s CRM just refuses to tell me any average figure. I have some serious suspicions that in the end, they might just add some arbitrary charges and set everything off against it and finally i will have to pay for everything. Already this delay of more than a year has effectively costed me around Rs.10 lacs i don't know whats going to come up next.
Some points i would like to summarize:
1. Sobha is NOT transparent in their dealings with their customers. They arbitrarily include many charges for which there is absolutely no justification or reason. They collect 3 times or even 4 times the actual charges that Sobha incurs for Electricity, Water and etc. The worst is the lawyer fees, if you notice, they charge anywhere between Rs.10000 to Rs.30000 as legal fees. Come on, which lawyer in India charges that much money to draft simple agreements? Even in the US lawyers are not so expensive.
2. Sobha projects are always delayed. So my suggestion to prospective buyers would be to buy only completed flats and never to buy if its incomplete. I repeat, completed means, should be ready to move in. There is a huge difference between completed flats and flats ready to move in.
3. Sobha Agreements are insanely one sided. I have never seen such agreements anywhere. They are not meant to protect the customer, but to kill the customer. Initally the sales guy might give you many sweet talks, but make sure you read the fine lines in the agreement.
4. The main reason why people choose developers like Sobha is because of their so called customer satisfaction, transparency and reliability. Where as now, all of these are simply defeated. So you pay a premium not for these extra services, but to get yourself into an never ending trap.
5. Personally the reason why i chose Sobha and agreed to pay a premium for their apartment, is only for one reason - their commitment to its customers. But now all of that is just broken. If we had to deal with so much issues, then why should we pay premium for their houses?
6. Quality of their houses - Well i havent yet owned any. So i cant comment. But i have read other people’s comments here, so i can safelt assume that its not so great. Its pretty similar to what anyone else would give you.
My Ratings:
Sobha developers - Transparent in dealing : 2 / 10
Sobha developers - Customer Service : 2 / 10 (repeatedly write emails to get one word reply from them)
Sobha developers - In keeping its promises : 0 / 10
A disgruntled sobha customer.
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Lack of or No Transparency - Sobha Developers
The association should go to consumer court if Sobha doesn’t respond in right way. In Indranagar, the charges for 14 flats (15 meter connection) is only 3.75 lacs including under table bribes. And BWSSB is about 2.00 lacs, per FLAT it works out to Rs.42,000 (Elec + Bwssb) !!
Moreover Sobha is known to market their flats to techies and soft mannered people only, their ploy is to market flats with ’MBA’ girls who are groomed to rob money.
The registration charges, BWSSB, Electricity and many deposits are nothing but DIRECT robbing.
I have also been cheated by small builder but not to the tune of Lacs of rupees, but few thousands. It’s better to buy smaller flats in small apartments, the charges are ’lot transparent’ compared to the big cheats.
Moreover Sobha is known to market their flats to techies and soft mannered people only, their ploy is to market flats with ’MBA’ girls who are groomed to rob money.
The registration charges, BWSSB, Electricity and many deposits are nothing but DIRECT robbing.
I have also been cheated by small builder but not to the tune of Lacs of rupees, but few thousands. It’s better to buy smaller flats in small apartments, the charges are ’lot transparent’ compared to the big cheats.
Customer is always cheated ~ Courtesy Sobha Developers Ltd
Please beware of Sobha Developers.... Few facts we want to share so that you don’t do same mistake:
One example how Sobha cheats, rather uses its brand to cheat customers. When we booked the Flat, they quoted following charges:
BWSSB - Rs: 63,314/-
KEB Charges: Rs: 55,399/-
But when we went for Registration , they tripled the charges (Given Below). We dont have any choice, as it was delayed 1 year 8 months, we want to register ASAP. More over we trusted the Sobha brand.
BWSSB:Rs: 2,08,935/-
KEB Charges: Rs: 1,07,633/-
Later one gentle man volunteered and collected the information from Bescom and KEB about the Sobha Payments (Given in the following mails from Mr C N Kumar, he requested to remove his mail-Id).
Usually people goto Sobha, because the brand it established. But Sobha used its Brand for profiteering.
Some more facts:
1) Always the sale agreemt is one-sided, this may be true with all big builders. In all cases Customers have to compromise. Because we trust Sobha brand , we blindly sign on the agreement.
2) Please worry about the Carpet area, Sobha is worst in that.
3) Substandard quality (Sewage pipe is broken in one block), water tickling in my bathroom from above flat . They fixed it but chances of repeating are there. Surprised , dont you.
4) Sobha 99.99% of times delivers late. And they evade the late penaly charges 99.99% of times. Take my case, While selecting bathroom tiles i selected tiles which look good. They say its not part of the package, and i should pay extra.I paid it(~ 15,000/-). you should pay extra since the standard tiles they show are so ugly. But the impact of selecting good looking tiles costed us Rs:1,80,000/- later. You know why, Sobha didnt pay us late delivery penalty charges saying you altered the tiles. Any alteration you make, you dont deserve late handover charges. Double whammy.
5)What ever profit loss they make because of later delivery, they recover with triple profits: BWSSB and KEB charges.
6) Always customer is looser, i mean we.
From: C N Kumar
To: Sobha Iris Owners
Sent: Wednesday, March 18, 2009 9:01:46 AM
Subject: [sobhairisowners] BWSSB Charges
Dear Fellow Owners,
Sobha paid as follows to BWSSB for water and sewage connection charges:
For water connection- Rs 2,00,74,100
For GBWSP charges- Rs 53,76,000
Total - Rs 2,54,50,100 say Rs 2.55 crores
I have this information from BWSSB collected under RTI Act. BWSSB also confirms they are yet to provide the connection.
I have been charged Rs 2.21 lacs by Sobha towards BWSSB charges. Assuming each of us have been charged the same Sobha they have collected Rs 7.43
crores. The difference is almost Rs 5 Crores! Worth fighting for?
I am yet to get some information from BDA regarding our OC. Once I have this I will propose a POA to the group.
As of now we have 40 members in this group.
Best regards
C N Kumar
----- Forwarded Message ----
From: C N Kumar
To: sobha_iris@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Friday, March 6, 2009 5:00:18 PM
Subject: [sobha_iris] BESCOM deposit etc.
I have a formal letter from BESCOM regarding the payments made by Sobha for the electricity connections to the flats collected under the Right To Information Act:
Deposit- 28,51,800 ( Rs 7560 per flat for 336 flats. Balance for 2 other connections ( maybe general lighting and club house) plus meter security deposit. These payments were made on 23 May 2007). Supervision charges - Rs 11,94,780
Total= 40,46,580 for 336 flats.
Supervision charges are usually 10 % of the estimated work and material for bringing power from the nearest point. This is about Rs 1.1 crores.
The total cost should be in the region of Rs 1.5 crores. Sobha has collected from each of us Rs 1.14 lacs or Rs 3.83 crores. Should we not get answers for this?
I will similarly get the figures from BWSSB
Best regards
C N Kumar
One example how Sobha cheats, rather uses its brand to cheat customers. When we booked the Flat, they quoted following charges:
BWSSB - Rs: 63,314/-
KEB Charges: Rs: 55,399/-
But when we went for Registration , they tripled the charges (Given Below). We dont have any choice, as it was delayed 1 year 8 months, we want to register ASAP. More over we trusted the Sobha brand.
BWSSB:Rs: 2,08,935/-
KEB Charges: Rs: 1,07,633/-
Later one gentle man volunteered and collected the information from Bescom and KEB about the Sobha Payments (Given in the following mails from Mr C N Kumar, he requested to remove his mail-Id).
Usually people goto Sobha, because the brand it established. But Sobha used its Brand for profiteering.
Some more facts:
1) Always the sale agreemt is one-sided, this may be true with all big builders. In all cases Customers have to compromise. Because we trust Sobha brand , we blindly sign on the agreement.
2) Please worry about the Carpet area, Sobha is worst in that.
3) Substandard quality (Sewage pipe is broken in one block), water tickling in my bathroom from above flat . They fixed it but chances of repeating are there. Surprised , dont you.
4) Sobha 99.99% of times delivers late. And they evade the late penaly charges 99.99% of times. Take my case, While selecting bathroom tiles i selected tiles which look good. They say its not part of the package, and i should pay extra.I paid it(~ 15,000/-). you should pay extra since the standard tiles they show are so ugly. But the impact of selecting good looking tiles costed us Rs:1,80,000/- later. You know why, Sobha didnt pay us late delivery penalty charges saying you altered the tiles. Any alteration you make, you dont deserve late handover charges. Double whammy.
5)What ever profit loss they make because of later delivery, they recover with triple profits: BWSSB and KEB charges.
6) Always customer is looser, i mean we.
From: C N Kumar
To: Sobha Iris Owners
Sent: Wednesday, March 18, 2009 9:01:46 AM
Subject: [sobhairisowners] BWSSB Charges
Dear Fellow Owners,
Sobha paid as follows to BWSSB for water and sewage connection charges:
For water connection- Rs 2,00,74,100
For GBWSP charges- Rs 53,76,000
Total - Rs 2,54,50,100 say Rs 2.55 crores
I have this information from BWSSB collected under RTI Act. BWSSB also confirms they are yet to provide the connection.
I have been charged Rs 2.21 lacs by Sobha towards BWSSB charges. Assuming each of us have been charged the same Sobha they have collected Rs 7.43
crores. The difference is almost Rs 5 Crores! Worth fighting for?
I am yet to get some information from BDA regarding our OC. Once I have this I will propose a POA to the group.
As of now we have 40 members in this group.
Best regards
C N Kumar
----- Forwarded Message ----
From: C N Kumar
To: sobha_iris@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Friday, March 6, 2009 5:00:18 PM
Subject: [sobha_iris] BESCOM deposit etc.
I have a formal letter from BESCOM regarding the payments made by Sobha for the electricity connections to the flats collected under the Right To Information Act:
Deposit- 28,51,800 ( Rs 7560 per flat for 336 flats. Balance for 2 other connections ( maybe general lighting and club house) plus meter security deposit. These payments were made on 23 May 2007). Supervision charges - Rs 11,94,780
Total= 40,46,580 for 336 flats.
Supervision charges are usually 10 % of the estimated work and material for bringing power from the nearest point. This is about Rs 1.1 crores.
The total cost should be in the region of Rs 1.5 crores. Sobha has collected from each of us Rs 1.14 lacs or Rs 3.83 crores. Should we not get answers for this?
I will similarly get the figures from BWSSB
Best regards
C N Kumar
Sobha Developers - Cheating Innocent Customers
Sobha team and brand is not the same what it was 3 years ago. We bought Sobha Daffodill in HSR Layout, Bangalore in September 2006. The delivery date was March 2008 and it has been delayed to November 2009. Sobha has not made any effort to expedite the project, rather they are fooling new buyers by offering crazy schemes like "3bhk at 40% discount, occupation by May 2009". Please do not fall in the Sobha trap, as once you sign the contract and pay money, the builder will take you for a ride.
Sobha is continuously sending us project getting late information. Every time they say the project will be ready in next 3 months, and as a buyer you should start planning the interiors, shifting etc. However, just 15 days to the handover they send you a communication that the project is further delayed by 3-6 months. Reason - downturn in the market & they are having cash problems.
Below is an excerpt from their official communication:
"We regret to inform you that due to the unexpected slowdown, liquidity and financial crunch, the construction work of Sobha Daffodil slowed down over the past 3 to 4 months. We are sure you will understand the situation that we are in; we request you to bear with us for this additional delay and sincerely apologize for it. Commencement for handover of the apartments for interiors will start now wef 30th Nov ’09. Please do understand that the apartment will be handed over for interiors only.
If in their existing projects, if they are having cash problems, how can they start other projects and commit delivery by May 2009. It is nothing but plain cheating and fraudulent activity.
The Sobha brand name is no more. They are here to cheat innocent people.
Sobha is continuously sending us project getting late information. Every time they say the project will be ready in next 3 months, and as a buyer you should start planning the interiors, shifting etc. However, just 15 days to the handover they send you a communication that the project is further delayed by 3-6 months. Reason - downturn in the market & they are having cash problems.
Below is an excerpt from their official communication:
"We regret to inform you that due to the unexpected slowdown, liquidity and financial crunch, the construction work of Sobha Daffodil slowed down over the past 3 to 4 months. We are sure you will understand the situation that we are in; we request you to bear with us for this additional delay and sincerely apologize for it. Commencement for handover of the apartments for interiors will start now wef 30th Nov ’09. Please do understand that the apartment will be handed over for interiors only.
If in their existing projects, if they are having cash problems, how can they start other projects and commit delivery by May 2009. It is nothing but plain cheating and fraudulent activity.
The Sobha brand name is no more. They are here to cheat innocent people.
Sobha Misleading all the way
I would highly recommend that you avoid sobha. I wish i had taken the advice of a friend before i made this booking. Never mind the nearly 3 year delay for the sobha daffodil project or the constant misleading statements that their CRM dept. makes. They are not the "A" grade builders that they advertise. Even in good times they take customers for a ride but now since they are heavily in debt they milk their customers dry.
Consider this that even after paying 80,000 extra for water and electricity post agreement they are now demanding we pay another ~2 lakhs or else no handover. They are also refusing to refund the service tax that government has rescinded stating that they have already made the payments but at the same time are unwilling to provide any receipts. If you are late in making a payment by a single date their ever vigilant finance dept will gleefully impose fines and penalties on you by the thousands but they are delayed by 3 years and you will be lucky to get a paltry sum if at all. Once you sign on the dottled line be prepared for a long list of surprises.
Consider this that even after paying 80,000 extra for water and electricity post agreement they are now demanding we pay another ~2 lakhs or else no handover. They are also refusing to refund the service tax that government has rescinded stating that they have already made the payments but at the same time are unwilling to provide any receipts. If you are late in making a payment by a single date their ever vigilant finance dept will gleefully impose fines and penalties on you by the thousands but they are delayed by 3 years and you will be lucky to get a paltry sum if at all. Once you sign on the dottled line be prepared for a long list of surprises.
Saturday, March 7, 2009
Sobha Developers - Not Giving Refund of booking amount
Fellow folk in woe!
I booked an apartment with Sobha Developers in Aug 08 paying Rs 3 lacs as the booking advance. Since I was having problems getting a bank loan and my financial situation was not permitting me to go ahead with the purchase I canceled the booking in Sept’08 and was promised the refund in a fortnight. After repeated calls/emails and a personal visit to meet the management in their Wilson Garden office, I have been informed in a mail last week that they will refund the amount only when they sell the apartment to another customer. This reportedly is their policy which is not mentioned in any document that I have in my possession.
I need some advise from any of you on how to get my money back and also to alert fellow buyers on this scam perpetrated by Sobha wherein they get interest free sums and sit on it leaving their customers in a lurch. This is from a company that unhesitatingly levies 24% interest for every day’s delay in payment of their dues.
SS
I booked an apartment with Sobha Developers in Aug 08 paying Rs 3 lacs as the booking advance. Since I was having problems getting a bank loan and my financial situation was not permitting me to go ahead with the purchase I canceled the booking in Sept’08 and was promised the refund in a fortnight. After repeated calls/emails and a personal visit to meet the management in their Wilson Garden office, I have been informed in a mail last week that they will refund the amount only when they sell the apartment to another customer. This reportedly is their policy which is not mentioned in any document that I have in my possession.
I need some advise from any of you on how to get my money back and also to alert fellow buyers on this scam perpetrated by Sobha wherein they get interest free sums and sit on it leaving their customers in a lurch. This is from a company that unhesitatingly levies 24% interest for every day’s delay in payment of their dues.
SS
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Sobha Developers - Sobha Hillview: Arbitrary Changes in Maintenance Charges
Sobha has now sent letters to all the property owners in their Hill View project that as against the agreed provision of payment of Rs.2 lacs as deposit for maintenance, they have now proposed Rs.36 per sq.ft. per year as maintenance charge and further Rs.38 per sq.ft. as sinking fund.
This is completely outside the scope of the agreement. All the flat owners must immediately write back to sobha resisting any such move.
Sobha hill view projects are delayed by 12 months. Pls make sure they pay you the rent in terms of the agreement.
This is completely outside the scope of the agreement. All the flat owners must immediately write back to sobha resisting any such move.
Sobha hill view projects are delayed by 12 months. Pls make sure they pay you the rent in terms of the agreement.
Friday, February 27, 2009
An NRI Customer - Sobha has never lived up to my expectations
Hi All,
I am one of those Booked at Sobha Suncrest for a 3 bed room flat. First we have been promised March 2009, now they are sending a mail that for interiors in June 2009, and possession in October 2009, and then later in December 2009 for a livable condition. Sobha is not talking about any compensation for their delay. They had their share from us collecting the Quarterly installments, charging heavy fines as interest even for one day late in payment, and charging heavily on Outstation cheques.(promised no charges for outstation cheques while booking )
Sobha has never lived up to their expectations. All dreams about the Sobha Suncrest is shattered.
Based on their promises as NRI we have had plans of relocating ourselves in April 2009 and it is frustrating dealing with them.
I am one of those Booked at Sobha Suncrest for a 3 bed room flat. First we have been promised March 2009, now they are sending a mail that for interiors in June 2009, and possession in October 2009, and then later in December 2009 for a livable condition. Sobha is not talking about any compensation for their delay. They had their share from us collecting the Quarterly installments, charging heavy fines as interest even for one day late in payment, and charging heavily on Outstation cheques.(promised no charges for outstation cheques while booking )
Sobha has never lived up to their expectations. All dreams about the Sobha Suncrest is shattered.
Based on their promises as NRI we have had plans of relocating ourselves in April 2009 and it is frustrating dealing with them.
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Sobha Developers - Sobha Hillview: Delay in Delivery
Hello all,
By now, you all must have got the mail from Col. Narula regarding further delay in handing over Suncrest flats. My assessment is that this delay will further extend as much of the work has come to a stand still. The common facilities like the club house, parking, STP etc., are not progressing at all. Unless these are completed, Sobha will not register and hand-over the flats. And on top of this, there is no mention of any compensation from them for this delay.
Unless we ALL come together to pressurize Sobha to act and finish the project soonest, things won't move. By all, I mean the entire Hillview project's flat owners. We share all the common facilities with Sunbeam and Sunscape. Plus there is strength in numbers.
I am willing to create an online petition for this purpose. We also need to evaluate what our options are - consumer court, arbitration, bad publicity in various forums etc. If any of you know or is a legal expert, please let me know.
Unless we move fast and decisively, I see no light at the end of this tunnel.
Regards,
Natarajan
By now, you all must have got the mail from Col. Narula regarding further delay in handing over Suncrest flats. My assessment is that this delay will further extend as much of the work has come to a stand still. The common facilities like the club house, parking, STP etc., are not progressing at all. Unless these are completed, Sobha will not register and hand-over the flats. And on top of this, there is no mention of any compensation from them for this delay.
Unless we ALL come together to pressurize Sobha to act and finish the project soonest, things won't move. By all, I mean the entire Hillview project's flat owners. We share all the common facilities with Sunbeam and Sunscape. Plus there is strength in numbers.
I am willing to create an online petition for this purpose. We also need to evaluate what our options are - consumer court, arbitration, bad publicity in various forums etc. If any of you know or is a legal expert, please let me know.
Unless we move fast and decisively, I see no light at the end of this tunnel.
Regards,
Natarajan
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Sobha Developers Ltd - Sobha Moonstone Bad experience
I have paid advance in 2006 for Sobha Moonstone with a promise from builder that permissions would come in 2 to 3 months. At last permission has come in the month of Feb 2008. At the time of sale agreement down payment of 25% is made. Even after one year construction has not started. There is no communication from the builder. Whenever you reach CRM they say "Construction will start very soon". Huge amount of Pre EMI money is lost in this game. Construction is delayed by at least 2 years as of today.
Risks with this builder:
1) Construction agreement is one sided. One particular clause which says "If you modify the apartment builder is not liable for any penality charges for delay". Technically the project can be delayed for ever but till if you changed your flooring from Vitrified tiles to granite Sobha is never liable for any payments.
2) Lack of communication: Once booking amount is paid they will never contact you again. You are at their mercy.
3) Escalation Mechanism: They don't understand nor respect any escalations.
4) Penalty clauses: On cancellation of either parties fault you will lose 25% during booking time and 5% on total construction cost of the apartment (Not on the money you paid so far, total construction cost)
5) For any reason if they are unable to build only option is to move to some other apartment, you will never get back money. You can join http://groups.google.com/group/sobha-moonstone google groups.
Risks with this builder:
1) Construction agreement is one sided. One particular clause which says "If you modify the apartment builder is not liable for any penality charges for delay". Technically the project can be delayed for ever but till if you changed your flooring from Vitrified tiles to granite Sobha is never liable for any payments.
2) Lack of communication: Once booking amount is paid they will never contact you again. You are at their mercy.
3) Escalation Mechanism: They don't understand nor respect any escalations.
4) Penalty clauses: On cancellation of either parties fault you will lose 25% during booking time and 5% on total construction cost of the apartment (Not on the money you paid so far, total construction cost)
5) For any reason if they are unable to build only option is to move to some other apartment, you will never get back money. You can join http://groups.google.com/group/sobha-moonstone google groups.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Sobha Developers - Highly over-rated builder
I fully agree with all the comments made in other reviews. In today’s times of economic turmoil, It is better to go for a readily available apartment than to wait for eternity to get one completed.
However if you choose to go for Sobha and that too one being still completed, then these are the things that you need to be aware of -
- Sobha will make sure that all the terms and conditions are in their favor.
- Any modifications that you ask Sobha to execute, they will botch these up big time. However, they will charge you a bomb for these modifications
- Payment is linked to completed floors. Hence to get money as fast as possible, they just keep on raising floors without completing the apartments on the floor. Once the entire payment is made, they take their sweet time to complete the project
- Their Service team comprises immature folks who do not know how to interact with customers. The turnover of these folks and Sales guys is very high. So you don’t know whom to talk to if anything goes wrong - Believe me a lot of financial stuff goes wrong and no coincidence that this is always in Sobha’s favor
- Sobha is well known for delays in handing over projects. Average is more than a year!
- They will not leave any stone unturned in extracting as much money as possible through heads like VAT, Service tax, BWSSB, KEB and Registration. They do not produce any receipts as proofs of payments made. Nor will they show any proofs when they decide to hike these charges arbitrarily
- The top management is completely unapproachable. Mails and calls will go unanswered.
However if you choose to go for Sobha and that too one being still completed, then these are the things that you need to be aware of -
- Sobha will make sure that all the terms and conditions are in their favor.
- Any modifications that you ask Sobha to execute, they will botch these up big time. However, they will charge you a bomb for these modifications
- Payment is linked to completed floors. Hence to get money as fast as possible, they just keep on raising floors without completing the apartments on the floor. Once the entire payment is made, they take their sweet time to complete the project
- Their Service team comprises immature folks who do not know how to interact with customers. The turnover of these folks and Sales guys is very high. So you don’t know whom to talk to if anything goes wrong - Believe me a lot of financial stuff goes wrong and no coincidence that this is always in Sobha’s favor
- Sobha is well known for delays in handing over projects. Average is more than a year!
- They will not leave any stone unturned in extracting as much money as possible through heads like VAT, Service tax, BWSSB, KEB and Registration. They do not produce any receipts as proofs of payments made. Nor will they show any proofs when they decide to hike these charges arbitrarily
- The top management is completely unapproachable. Mails and calls will go unanswered.
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