The Union Budget 2012-13 has left the Indian real estate sector grope with the indecision yet again and everyone is wondering whether the Finance Minister’s offer is glass half full or half empty for them.
Our reaction to Union Budget 2012-13 is mixed at best. It seems fair to state that the Indian real estate sector does not have much to cheer about.
Pranay Vakil: Let’s start by introducing ourselves. I am Pranay Vakil, Chairman of Knight Frank India. We are a brokerage and consultancy group, positioned as second in the business.
In contrast to what was been witnessed in many of the more volatile cities over the last couple of years, Chennai’s residential property market saw steady growth in terms of pricing, demand and supply. Chennai’s residential property market is predominantly end user driven, and this fact did a lot to sustain consistent absorption throughout 2011.
It has been a difficult market to be in as a developer. Rising interest rates have impacted the customer interest in new properties moderating the flow of new funds and in addition to that high inflation and rising commodity prices have increased substantially the delivery cost for existing projects.
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.
Residential property buyer sentiments in Hyderabad have improved considerably over the last three quarters. There has been a gradual but certain increase in residential demand and absorption. That said, the market is still a long way from touching the 2007- 2008 levels.
Hyderabad continues to be a favoured destination for investments due to its unique infrastructure, and real estate prospects are promising despite the Telangana agitation.
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.
What Government can look at is to increase the demand and continue interest reduction in housing or enhance the deduction limit. Government can also provide special tax incentives for budget housing.