The economy is facing difficulties on several fronts, including declining GDP growth, high inflation, high fiscal and current account deficits and depreciation of the rupee. The poor performance of the stock market has attracted a lot of negative press in recent months and this was reflected in the commercial real estate market which remained tepid in Q2 2012, says a DTZ research.
Lanco Infratech Ltd, the power producer, is reportedly seeking buyers for a real estate business it values at 27 billion rupees ($483 million). According to the sources close to the development the company has asked investment banks to submit proposals to manage the sale.
CBRE Group, Inc. has announced that the company has been recognized as the #4 outsourcing services provider across all industries, and the highest-ranked real estate services company, according to the International Association of Outsourcing Professionals’ (IAOP) Global Outsourcing 100. CBRE is the first real estate services firm to break into the elite top 5 on IAOP’s list. The firm improved its ranking from #6 in 2011.
Dewan Architects & Engineers, architecture and engineering consultancy firm, has drawn up an ambitious plan to expand its footprints in the Indian realty business. The company recently announced its venture into the burgeoning Indian real estate market, in a move that comes as part of Dewan’s strategic expansion plans to reach out to more markets in South East Asia.
Real estate-focused Private Equity Funds are looking at investing in pre-leased commercial projects, including IT Parks and Special Economic Zones (SEZs), as they look for assured returns from their investments.
Over the last year, there has been an unequivocal crystallization of Indian cities that continue to attract serious investment into real estate. This is directly correlated to the economic dynamics now working in the country. If India is to achieve even a conservative GDP growth of 6% per year, it emerges that only three cities – Mumbai, Delhi and Bangalore – have the potential to deliver. The reason for this is that close to 2/3rd of the overall development of office space in the country is now taking place in Mumbai, Delhi and Bangalore.
Bandra Kurla Complex was created by MMRDA as an alternate CBD to Mumbai, with the express purpose of halting the further growth of offices and commercial activities in South Mumbai. Currently, BKC has a total stock of 8 million square feet of office space. An additional supply of 2.5 million square feet is expected in 2012 with the completion of The Capital, FIFC and TCG Finance Centres.
The real sector has emerged as one India’s largest drivers of economic growth. As a sector, it provides large scale employment and contributes significantly to the GDP. For decades, environmentalists have been warning that frenetic human economic activity associated with the breakneck speed of economic growth is placing a huge strain on the earth and its natural resources.
Is the Indian real estate sector the right place to make a serious career in now? Compared to more developed countries, the Indian real estate sector still lacks sophistication and transparency. However, it continues to be in the limelight of domestic and international investments. This has naturally brought on the need for better, more capable human resources.
Anmol Shah, the Gujarati businessman settled in Mumbai, has both the emotional as well as rational reasons to invest in property this time on Akshay Tritiya. His astrologer has suggested that very much like a few years back when he bought his first flat in Mumbai, followed by an office in one of the Central Business Districts (CBD) on Akshay Tritiya, he should yet again buy the second house on the auspicious day this year.