Trck2Realty Exclusive: Western suburbs of Mumbai are bursting at its seams, and its infrastructure facilities are outdated. Draining systems built in the times of the British era are still prevalent in the city. There is a dire need to overhaul this system.
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 Exclusive: Come budget and the real estate in the last few years seems to have been repeating the rhetoric of industry status. As a result, year after year it has been a case of realty proposes and the Finance Minister disposes. However, the sector on the eve of 2013-14 makes a strategic shift to be more realistic with its causes and concerns.
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: Though redevelopment is the buzz word in Mumbai post the new Development Control Rules (DCR), some of the realty analysts are finding it as a short gap arrangement since the supply will be only marginally increased which can’t even meet the ever increasing demand. And hence short supply of the apartment added to the price appreciation will hardly bring any substantial change in the market dynamics of the island city.
Track2Realty Exclusive: The real estate clan in the NCR region has come a long way ahead particularly with the housing sector most likely to witness a notable recovery, by the second half of 2013. The rising prices and high interest rates of the RBI have caused a drastic slash in sales. Adverse market dynamics such as high debt, piled up inventory and depressed market conditions took the sector for a rather harsh toll.
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: Today there is no entry barrier in the sector for any fly-by-night operator with black money to back his initial pomp and show to lure customers. But for a serious start-up there are many perils that plague. Problem is all the voices are being raised to ease only a section of the developers with often myopic vision with regard to the future of the sector.
Track2Realty-Agencies: The government is likely to come up with a Bill in the forthcoming Budget Session of the Parliament to regulate the real estate sector, Housing Minister Ajay Maken said on Wednesday, Dec 9.