Track2Realty Exclusive: Slow economic growth affecting housing market
The recent Indian economic growth has been hampered by several domestic and global factors, resulting in the GDP growth plunging to 3 years low at 5.3% in 2QFY13[1]. Factors such as weak global economy, high interest rates, high inflation, high fiscal deficit, and lack of reforms were the primary reason affecting the GDP growth.
Track2Realty: India’s urban housing shortage is estimated at nearly 18.78mn households in 2012. By 2050, 900mn people will be added to Indian cities. The rapid pace of urbanization owing to the rural–urban migration is putting a strain on the urban infrastructure in these cities, indicates the KPMG – NAREDCO study on Real Estate and Construction industry, “Bridging the Urban Housing Shortage in India”.
Real estate and construction has been voted as the most corrupt sector in India, according to a survey by global consultancy firm KPMG.
Across the built environment of the Indian real estate the two question that are on everyone’s lips is about the recovery timelines and segment to recover first. Track2Realty finds this uncertainty about the possible recovery, or rather the lack of it, has also kept the fence sitting home buyers on the edge.
Track2Realty Exclusive: In 2014, India elected a new Central Government with absolute majority after three decades. The absolute majority helped in the formation of the strong government capable of taking decisive steps without much opposition. Likewise, several pro-business reforms were introduced to propel the infrastructure growth and to infuse a positive sentiment for the future of the real estate sector including revitalising Special Economic Zones (SEZs), development of several industrial corridors, creation of 100 smart cities, relaxation in FDI norms in real estate, supporting affordable housing sector, introduction of REITs and InVITs etc
Track2Realty Exclusive: 2014 was an eventful year for the commercial real estate market in India. The economic outlook in the first half of the year was uninspiring. Coupled with political uncertainty this resulted in investors and occupiers stalled making any real estate decisions. Business confidence was at its lowest. The sentiment changed dramatically in the second half post the national elections as it became clear that there would a ‘new’ stable government.
Track2Realty Exclusive: Though, a strong branding strategy could help deliver significant economic gains to developers, too much branding must be avoided as it doesn’t add any value. Developers should avoid excessive branding such as branding every single building or every single aspect of a project.
Track2Realty Exclusive: A sound marketing and communication strategy is essential for supporting the brand and its activities. Over last few years, several new marketing and communication channels have opened up. Among the most prominent channel is the internet.
Track2Realty Exclusive: Branding is about building strong relationship between an organization and its stakeholders, which are generally its customers. It involves establishing strong trust, connection and affinity with the general public.
Global experience has it that typically convention centres are done as part of a large integrated township, commercial complex (hotel, office and convention center). Hence such projects are of more interest to large developers.