Introducing ZERO-DOWN: A Revolutionary Homeownership Plan for VIMAN Ja-Ela by John Keells Properties & Union Bank

November, 27, 2024

In a groundbreaking partnership, John Keells Properties (JKP) and Union Bank are proud to offer the ZERO-DOWN homeownership plan for buyers of the VIMAN Ja-Ela project. This first-of-its-kind financing solution was born out of a shared commitment by these two industry leaders to make homeownership more accessible, with a unique model that allows buyers to purchase their VIMAN Ja-Ela apartment without the burden of an upfront payment.

With Zero Down, Union Bank will provide 75% of the project funding upfront to customers as a Union Bank home loan, and will be disbursed in stages as per a milestone plan. During the project period, customers will pay only the monthly equated Union Bank home loan installment. The final payment of 25% equity by the customer has to be made directly to JKP at the end of the project, in approximately two years.

ZERO-DOWN by John Keells Properties & Union Bank is more than just a financial product; it’s a promise of security and opportunity and aims to transform the real estate landscape by making VIMAN Ja-Ela more within reach than ever before. This unique homeownership solution comes at a crucial time, as demand for flexible, affordable financing options is on the rise among young professionals and families. The ZERO-DOWN plan enables potential prospects of VIMAN Ja-Ela to secure their apartment with no upfront costs, breaking down the initial financial barriers that have traditionally deterred buyers, and also help buyers approach their financial planning with clarity and confidence.

"ZERO-DOWN represents a visionary approach to homeownership in Sri Lanka," said Nadeem Shums, Head of Sales and Marketing for John Keells Properties and Vice President of John Keells Group. "We’ve seen how upfront costs can discourage even the most determined buyers. With ZERO-DOWN, we’re making it possible for Sri Lankans to own a VIMAN Ja-Ela apartment sooner and with greater financial flexibility. This initiative reflects John Keells Properties’ commitment to Creating New Worlds - not just through our developments but by reshaping how people experience homeownership itself."

"Union Bank is proud to collaborate with John Keells Properties to introduce ZERO-DOWN, a truly transformative financial solution," said Chaya Jayawardana, Senior Vice President – Retail Banking at Union Bank. "This initiative empowers buyers with the flexibility and confidence needed to secure their home at VIMAN Ja-Ela without the financial strain of an upfront payment. It’s a direct response to the changing financial landscape and our customers’ evolving needs."

Photo Caption: From left to right: Chamal Fonseka (Head of Brand Strategy and Customer Experience for John Keells Properties and Assistant Vice President of John Keells Group), Roshanara Hatch (Senior Manager - Sales for John Keells Properties), Nadeem Shums (Head of Sales and Marketing for John Keells Properties and Vice President of John Keells Group), Rusiru Abeyasinghe (Head of Asset Management for John Keells Properties and Vice President of John Keells Group), Dilshan Rodrigo (Chief Executive Officer of Union Bank of Colombo PLC), Chaya Jayawardana (Senior Vice President of Union Bank of Colombo PLC) and Malinda Perera (Vice President of Union Bank of Colombo PLC)