The Economic Survey, while recognising the importance of the services sector (it accounts for 59 per cent of gross domestic product), has raised concern over the second largest economic activity–housing & real estate. Three months after the government rolled back its decision to allow 51 per cent foreign direct investment (FDI) in multi-brand retail, the survey referred to it as a major challenge before the sector.
Ahmedabad stands out as a city that weathered the market slowdown most smartly and the property market of the city was the first in the country that showed signs of recovery by June 2009 itself. Since then realty in Ahmedabad is back and booming, with nearly 35% appreciation.
Industry body NAREDCO admits that a lot is needed by the Finance Minister rather than just the tax exemption, which again was needed keeping in view the housing shortage which is one of the biggest challenge for the government of the day.
It seems the euphoria within the realty sector over the proposed income tax exemption limit on housing loans from Rs. 1.5 lakhs to 3 lakhs has faded even before the union Budget 2012-13 is formally presented.
Replicating global trends, the Indian economy is looking towards an impending slowdown in growth due to decline in consumption expenditure, repeated hikes in interest rates and consistently high inflation.
Equinox Realty,an arm of oli-to-steel conglomerate Essar Group,plans to sell a minority stake in its biggest commercial asset in Mumbai to raise between 7.5 billion rupees and 10 billion rupees, sources close to the development said.
In the environment of cut-throat competition which exists in the Indian real estate market today, developers without a forward-looking marketing plan for their projects often lose out.
Recently an acquaintance – a fund manager by profession – relocated to India to set-up a domestic PE fund here. He had invested in a Mumbai residential property strategically located close to the primary business district and an international school for his kid.
In an effort to enhance professionalism in the industry, RICS has launched its Red Book of Valuation Standards and Global real estate agency and brokerage standards at the recently concluded real estate conference in Mumbai.
Come budget and the real estate sector, like any other industry, comes out with its own wish list. Unfortunately, while other organised industry get a patient hearing through their industry bodies, the Finance minister seem to be hardly entertaining the sector representatives till recently.