Track2Realty: India faces shortage of fresh supply of houses, the Technical Group on the Estimation of Housing Shortage projects the total shortage of dwelling units in urban areas in 2012 to be 18.78 million, said a report by Knight Frank Research.
Track2Realty Exclusive: West Zone Analysis–The cumulative take-up levels recorded between Q1-Q3 2012 in Mumbai and Pune were the lowest when measured up against transaction activity recorded during similar time frame since 2009. In Mumbai, the first three quarters of 2012 witnessed a total take-up of 2.4 million sq ft which was approximately 44% lower when compared to 2011. Similarly, transaction activity registered in Pune were in 2012 were down by 36% during the same time frame.
Track2Realty Exclusive:
India Offices 2012
Markets remained cautious but poised for an upturn
The year 2012 began on a cautious note, in the wake of a slowdown in domestic economic growth and a tepid outlook on the performance of the world economy. So far during this year (Q1 2012 to Q3 2012), the overall performance of the office real estate market in the country remained mute compared to the same period in 2011.
Track2Realty: The real estate sector has welcomed the Union Housing Minister Ajay Maken’s move to accord infrastructure status to affordable housing on expected lines. The industry body CREDAI has nevertheless called for extending similar treatment to the entire housing sector again on expected lines. However, the market dynamics defy any dreams of mass housing or cheap housing even for the economically weaker sections.
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-Agencies: Real estate industry and property consultants today hailed the RBI’s decision to cut key policy rates, saying that it is a positive step that would boost housing demand and encourage foreign investment in the sector.
Track2Realty Exclusive-Yearly Analysis: DLF is raising funds by selling non-core assets, Godrej Properties raised funds through a QIP and HDIL is generating funds by selling transfer of development rights (TDR) and floor space index (FSI) — all to lighten the debt burden. Earlier, companies were building land banks and were rewarded for it in the stock market. Now, they are conserving cash to payback creditors.
Track2Realty-Agencies: The Finance Ministry has expressed the view that the Reserve Bank should allow real estate companies and broking firms to set up banks as adequate safeguards will be there to prevent exposure of promoters to related entities.
Track2Realty: India Ratings has revised its outlook for the Indian real estate sector to negative to stable for 2013, from negative in 2012. Demand remains subdued and EBITDA margins low, leading to weak credit metrics for companies in the sector. The agency however sees signs of improvement, in terms of stability of margins and the easing of liquidity pressures, with free cash flows turning positive since H2FY12.
Track2Realty: New real estate launches in 2012 declined by 30% in 2012, versus a 7% decline seen in 2011. Slowdown in bank credit to real estate amid economic slowdown was attributed to the stagnancy in new ventures, a Knight Frank report said.