The bustling winter capital of the J&K administration is geographically and culturally distinct from the rest of Kashmir, having a greater affinity towards the rest of North Indian cities. The city enjoys a steady stream of pilgrims en route to the holy shrine of Vaishno Devi, but has evolved into a major manufacturing hub and a centre of trade.

Investment in Jammu properties is restricted to the permanent residents of the state of Jammu and Kashmir, but property rates in the Jammu have followed the general trend prevailing in the rest of the country.

Jammu real estate has witnessed vigorous growth over the last two years in terms of construction, expansion into newer localities, and prices. The popularity of established neighborhoods like Gandhi Nagar, Shastri Nagar and Trikuta Nagar is being challenged by the upcoming colonies of Greater Kailash, Sainik Colony and Channi Himmat.

Rates of residential plots in sought-after neighborhoods like Sainik Colony and Greater Kailash have tripled over the last two years. The colony has seen accelerated development ever since the Jammu Municipal Corporation extended its limits here.

Flanking the Tawi are the upcoming residential colonies of Janipur and Tallab Tillo. Greater Kailash, along with Sidra, Chowdi Road, Roop Nagar and Valora are stirring the Jammu property market. Property rates in Jammu's future colonies like Sujwan and Chowdi have also multiplied in the last few years.

The upscaling of property prices in Jammu's colonies is matched by the fresh look of the new structures which are slowly transforming the city. The traditional market of Raghunath Bazar visited by tourists for dry fruits and Kashmiri handicrafts is sporting a smarter look with multi-storeyed structures, while Gole Market, Bahu Plaza, Rehari, Pluora and Channi Himmat are dotted with showrooms stocking the latest brands.

Tawi Vihar is Jammu's most fashionable address, occupied by senior government officials. However, the distance from the heart of the city, approximately 9 kms, has proved to be a deterrent for property buyers, and rates have remained sluggish in the area. The Narwal Bypass off the National Highway is pulsating with real estate activity

The migration of Kashmiri Pandits has given rise to new colonies in Ban Talab, Roop Nagar, Gangiyal, Tujwani, Muthi and Durga Nagar

Characterized by independent houses, Jammu's real estate market is now welcoming the nationwide trend of apartment living. United Buildtech and Ansal Housing and Construction have taken the lead, along with local builders for apartments in Jammu.

Heritage by United Buildtech offers a range of 2 to 5 bedroom apartments, and a substantial number of these have already been sold out. Ansals Housing and Construction Ltd (AHCL) launched a 7-acre apartment complex in Jammu in June this year, offering 3 BHK apartments at affordable rates of Rs.17 lakh. The project, with a total floor area of 400,000 sq. ft. is set for completion by 2011.

AHCL is also offering villas and plots in Jammu in the city's first integrated township. Ansal Town will span 125 acres with almost 90,000 sq. ft devoted to commercial spaces, With an investment of 200 crore, the township is expected to be ready by 2011.

Jammu's manufacturing activities centre around Bari Brahmana where over 400 units and more than 16,000 employees contribute to a turnover of Rs.1500 crore. To give a boost to the state's industry, a Growth Centre at Samba, a textile city in Kathua and an Export Promotion Industrial Park at Kartholi, 15 kms from Jammu are being planned.