Track2Realty Exclusive: Clash of generation in Indian business is no secret. However, when it comes to the second generation in Indian realty, the gap gets even wider since suave & sophistication that often comes with their foreign degree is in sharp contrast to the complex nature of business.
Track2Realty: The real estate sector has been hoping against hope that the rates will be marginally cut in order to keep the sentiments bullish. Reports of foreign funds warming up and the substantial contribution of the sector, 6 plus to the Indian GDP was also being seen as an indication of why the policies would be eased.
Track2Realty Exclusive: The multiplier effect of real estate sector and its capacity for generating employment is well recognized. It is estimated that the sector contributes close to 6 per cent to the gross domestic product (GDP) of India and is estimated to be growing at 20 per cent per annum.
Track2Realty Exclusive: The TINA factor also poses the biggest risk for investors in real estate at current level. The fact that real estate prices are all time high at a time when the economy is faltering with GDP growth coming off from a 8.4 per cent in 2010-11 to level of 6.5 per cent and below forecast ahead should ring a warning bell for investors.
Track2Realty Exclusive: We are all well aware that the Indian real estate and construction sector is predominantly unorganized and fragmented and lacks professionalism. Given the free reign provided to stakeholders, consumers have often been at the receiving end of misconduct and malpractice indulged in at the hands of both developers and brokers with no mechanism available for redressal or recourse.
Track2Realty Exclusive: Realtors are also increasingly smarting to deal with the criticism as digital media is proving to be a deadly two-way weapon. Ravi Saund, COO of CHD Developers asserts it has not deterred them in any way; it has only helped in getting closer to the customer base and understand their needs and expectations from a developer in today’s market.
Track2Realty Exclusive: Data for the past few years show that real estate has been a rewarding asset class. For example, in 2011, one of the worst years for equities when the Sensex fell nearly 25 per cent, prices of homes in most Indian cities remained firm despite the overall economic uncertainty, both in global and domestic markets.
Track2Realty Exclusive: The digital medium, however, seems to be evolving fast and some of the realtors have adopted pro-active social media strategy to focus on consumer connect, feedback, consumer research to identify their needs and requirements.
Track2Realty Exclusive: Real estate continues to be the best investment instrument of the Indians and it does not seem to be changing in the year ahead. Despite of cribbing, Indians’ investment portfolio will comprise of a house for emotional connect. Return on investments (ROI) also suggests there is no alternative (TINA) to it. However, over reliance on TINA factor may disappoint them in future as it works best in the bull run but is worst indicator of future as well.
Track2Realty Exclusive: Customer chasing yet skeptical of their frank opinion and two-way communication, the internet revolution has exposed the Indian real estate to pretty uncomfortable zone where they can hardly ignore what they by and large believe to be a necessary evil.