The RBI, on Tuesday, July 31, kept the repo rate or the rate at which banks borrow from RBI unchanged at 8% and also the reverse repo rate at which, the banks lend to RBI unchanged at 7%. However, it has lowered the statutory liquidity ratio (SLR) to 23% from 24% earlier. The realty sector, reeling under liquidity pressure and low demand due to high interest rate, has reacted sharply over this status quo.
According to the latest RICS India Commercial Property Survey, sentiment in the Indian real estate market has been adversely affected in the second quarter, as the economic picture in the country continues to remain bleak with the declining value of the rupee and growth forecasts being revised lower, along with a deteriorating global climate.
The Union Cabinet is expected to consider the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Bill within a fortnight. However, while the Government intends to present the Bill during the monsoon session of Parliament, scheduled to start from August 8, single window clearance to the projects is the only stumbling block in its way.
Global experience has it that typically convention centres are done as part of a large integrated township, commercial complex (hotel, office and convention center). Hence such projects are of more interest to large developers.
DLF on Sunday, July 15, said it planned to cut its Rs 23,000-crore debt to about Rs 17,000 crore in this financial year and asserted that it was not unduly “perturbed” by the massive load.
CHD Developers has acquired Empire Realtech, a company holding about 12.34 acres of land at Sector 106 in Dwarka Expressway, Gurgaon. This land is licensed and has all approvals in place. CHD Developer acquired entire shareholding of Empire Realtech, pursuant to which it has become a wholly owned subsidiary of CHD Developers Ltd.
Quality has suddenly become the buzzword in the realty sector to tide over the unprecedented crisis meet with the uncertain times ahead. Builders are now hiring quality surveyors, construction project manager, energy efficiency specialists and others who can get them quick buyers.
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.
During the boom, many developers dreamed of transforming the urban landscape with millions of square feet of homes, offices and malls and set off on an aggressive expansion financed with debt that at 6 percent interest was cheap by Indian standards.
Some developers believe in the age when everybody is constantly looking forward to upgrade, luxury residences should not be seen just in the premium super category. As a matter of fact, Purvankara has successfully initiated the concept of luxury affordable as well. According to him there is no dearth of buyers; rather the challenge is for the developers to execute a luxe living.