The fair, into its fifth edition, aims to promote the real estate sector by providing a platform for housing developers and buyers to meet each other directly.

During the inauguration, Nembang urged the housing developers to make homes and apartments in classic design with the conservation of Nepali culture on mind. “The housing design plays very important role not only in personal life but it also affects the country’s art and culture. So we all need to focus on the use of old-styled doors and windows that will add beauty to our the city areas,” he said.

Nepal Rastra Bank Governor Chiranjeevi Nepal said that real estate had been playing an important role in the economic development and that everyone needs to promote the sector. He also urged the developers to help in the planned urbanisation. “Everyone wants to own a small home and I hope that the fair would be helpful in catering to people from all income levels,” he said.

NLHDA President Ichchhya Raj Tamang said this year’s expo was being held in perfect time for home buyers as many developers would be offering their homes and apartments at cheaper rates.

“Realty sector started recovering from this year and the price would most certainly rise after this expo. So this expo is the right time to buy homes and apartments,” he said, assuring the customers the products at the rates of 3-4 years ago.

According to him, apartments ranging from Rs2 million to Rs15 million will be on offer during the expo.

“Out of 8,500 apartments made ready in the valley, 1,500 will be available for sales at this expo,” said Minman Shrestha, the NLHDA general secretary and coordinator of the expo.

The fair features 125 stalls where the developers will be showcasing their latest apartment and housing projects. Also on display will be furniture and furnishing, plumbing and sanitary, housing construction materials, interior design, paint, pipe and fittings, among others. There will also be a UN habitat stall to promote green housing.

“Bank and financial institutions will also have their stalls,” said Shrestha.