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.
I welcome all the panelists in the final roundtable for Track2Realty Focus 2013. As we come to the end of 2012, it is time to look in & look ahead as far as the prospects of the realty sector are concerned. In this discussion, we would try to wrap up the year 2012, and see where the sector has been heading to in 2013. So, when you look at the year Mr Sharma, don’t you think “oh! what a waste.” So much was expected this year but nothing has moved forward, be it in terms of administrative reforms, fiscal reforms or land reforms; nothing has gone right for the sector.
Track2Realty: The past decade has witnessed a period of economic transformation of the Indian real estate industry. After the global financial crisis, the pace at which the industry has bounced back is magnificent. Our real estate ecosystem typically comprises of architects, developers, Government & regulatory authorities, financial institutions, private equity players, other funding agencies, brokers, property consultants and of course most importantly the buyers.
Track2Realty: The social responsibility part of the Indian developers has been lacking, to say the least. The manner in which the developers have operated in many emerging micro markets leaves much to be desired of their sensitivities to these issues considering the unprofessional and opaque approach to the functioning of the developers where local level leaders are made a party by greasing their palms.
Track2Realty Exclusive: Vidya Basarkod, President, Sales and Marketing, Jaypee Greens believes though the Indian economy has gone through turbulent phase of slowdown, demand for housing has kept the momentum for residential real estate. In an exclusive interview with Track2Realty she asserts though liquidity has been a concern for both the buyers as well as developers, there are more pressing issues hampering the growth of the sector, like delays in approvals, infrastructure bottlenecks and skilled manpower.
Track2Realty: Puravankara Projects is launching a luxury residential apartment project in Rajajinagar, Bangalore. Located in a prime area of Rajajinagar in central west Bengaluru, the project is just 1.4 km from the city railway station and about 2.7 km from the commercial hub, Majestic bus stand.
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: 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 Bombay High Court has cleared the way for construction major Shapoorji Pallonji and Co. to sue Qatar Airways for Rs 59 lakh with interest.
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.