Mr. Pradeep Aggarwal, Founder & Chairman, Signature Global (India) Ltd., said, “The Reserve Bank of India’s decision to reduce the policy rate by 25 basis points to 6 percent comes at a crucial juncture when inflation is beginning to show signs of stability and the broader economic environment appears favorable for nurturing growth through lower interest rates. This proactive move is expected to significantly boost homebuyer sentiment, as reduced interest rates translate into improved affordability, thereby encouraging a larger number of people to consider investing in real estate. On the developer front, the lower cost of borrowing will offer a much-needed cushion, enabling them to fast-track project launches, expand their portfolios, and cater to the anticipated rise in housing demand. Overall, this policy rate cut is a timely and positive step that holds promise for stimulating activity across the entire real estate value chain, benefiting both end-users and industry stakeholders alike.”

Mr. Aman Sarin, Director & Chief Executive Officer, Anant Raj Limited, said, “The RBI’s second consecutive rate cut is a welcome move and is expected to provide a strong boost to real estate demand, especially by making home loans more affordable for buyers.

In its latest review, the Monetary Policy Committee not only reduced the repo rate by 25 basis points but also shifted its stance from ‘neutral’ to ‘accommodative’ — a clear signal that, going forward, the MPC is now considering only two possibilities: status quo or further rate cuts.

This change in stance is extremely encouraging, especially for the housing sector. We anticipate more rate cuts in the coming quarters, and the biggest beneficiaries will be home loan borrowers—particularly those taking large-ticket loans for mid and premium homes. Lower interest rates enhance both affordability and loan eligibility, helping many fence-sitting buyers finally make their purchase decisions.

We also expect renewed interest in the high-end and luxury segments as improved purchasing power, combined with softening rates, makes aspirational living more attainable for a wider audience.”

Mr. Ashok Kapur, Chairman, Krishna Group and Krisumi Corporation, said, “The two consecutive policy rate reductions by the RBI, of 25 basis points each, are expected to significantly benefit home buyers. Many prospective buyers who had been cautiously observing the market are now likely to take a decisive step towards purchasing their dream homes. Simultaneously, the reduction in rates will lower borrowing costs for developers, encouraging them to launch more projects in the coming quarters to meet anticipated demand. This dual impact is expected to stimulate both housing demand and supply, providing a positive momentum to the real estate sector.”

Mr. Udit Jain, Director, ONE Group Developers, said, “The RBI’s decision to cut the repo rate is along expected lines. In its previous MPC review, the Governor had already hinted at the possibility of further rate cuts, and we now have a cumulative 50 basis points cut so far. The encouraging development is the RBI’s decision to shift its policy stance from ‘neutral’ to ‘accommodative’. This signals that, barring any major shocks, the MPC is likely to consider only two options going forward—status quo or further rate cuts.

This move bodes well for the broader real estate sector, especially when supported by improved liquidity and relatively stable property prices. If inflation continues on its current downward trajectory and macroeconomic indicators remain supportive, we may witness further monetary easing in the upcoming policy cycles—potentially driving even more momentum in housing demand.

Lower interest rates on home loans will benefit buyers across segments, from affordable housing to premium and luxury categories, making homeownership more accessible and attractive.”

Mr. Raoul Kapoor, Co-CEO, Andromeda Sales and Distribution Pvt Ltd, said, “The Reserve Bank of India’s decision to cut the repo rate by 25 basis points for the second consecutive time—bringing the total cut to 50 basis points—comes as a welcome move for borrowers and the real estate sector alike. This back-to-back reduction is not only a sign of improving macroeconomic stability but also a strategic push to boost consumption and home ownership.

Lowering the repo rate effectively brings down cost of capital for banks and housing finance companies, translating into cheaper home loans for borrowers. This makes home ownership more affordable, especially for first-time buyers and middle-class households.”

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Real estate experts are of the firm opinion that the fundamentals of the Indian economy as well as the dynamics of its market will insulate the country’s housing sector from the global economic slowdown. They are of the view that the sentiment of Indian homebuyers has been positive because of a suitable market ecosystem. Also, a pause in RBI’s rising repo rate and dazzling domestic economic outlook will help the housing market sentiment buoyant.

Housing demand

According to a recent report prepared jointly by Credai, Colliers, and Liases Foras, home price in India has increased 8 percent during January – March period of 2023 with Delhi-NCR registering a humongous surge of 16 percent, closely followed by Kolkata and Bengaluru with 15 percent and 14 percent year-on-year increase respectively. The tangible reason behind such a steep surge in home prices is said to be robust housing demand and consistent quality launches by high-end developers.

Real estate boom in small cities

If the cascading effect of the West slipping into recession and subsequently IT/ITeS companies tightening their budgets reach India, the commercial segment could have some bearing. However, the residential real estate ecosystem in India has been robust with astounding sales records in 2022. In the backdrop of Covid catastrophe that brought the world economy to its knees, the year 2022 witnessed a major real estate boom in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities and continued the growth momentum in hurly-burly of the global slowdown.

Rosy real estate in 2023

The Indian economy is on the cusp of becoming a world leader. Soaring urbanization, larger disposable incomes, and a rise in GDP per capita script a rosy picture for the real estate market in 2023. Despite sluggish trends in the global economy, India’s strong growth potential paves the way for the high demand for offices and commercial space in Tier 1 and Tier 2 cities. Catering to the needs of young growing India, the coworking sector — coworking is a situation that allows several workers from different companies to share an office space– as media report suggests, may cross 50 million sq ft by the end of the year 2023 that would be a year-on-year 15 percent surge.

Strong economic conditions

The real estate market, as experts feel, appears bullish on the future of its economy in 2023. The residential and office market will be spurred by several factors like strong economic conditions, financial stability, GDP growth, healthy supply and demand dynamics, and regulatory framework. The RBI monetary policy, which kept repo rate unchanged, could have far-reaching significance for the home finance and real estate market.

Budgetary boost

For the real estate sector, the Union Budget 2023-24 is conducive in several ways. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has underlined “Green Growth” as a priority. Several organizations are efficiently working on the concept of sustainable and green living which implies a brighter future of sustainable infrastructure in the face of climate challenges.  An increase in the allocation for the Pradhan Mantri Aawas Yojana (PMAY), earmarking around ₹ 79,000 crore for the flagship scheme, will boost the economy related to the housing sector.

In India, real estate has always gravitated investors to grow their wealth. They find alpha opportunities in the investment in the real estate market. Going by careful calibration of market pulse and carrying due diligence, well-informed investors can potentially maximize their returns from the real estate market in the fiscal of 2023-24.

-RAMAKANT CHAUDHARY

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• The announcements were aimed at countering the fallout from the ongoing nationwide lockdown to contain the spread of the coronavirus pandemic, which has pushed the economy into a standstill, hurt businesses and landed thousands jobless.

• In his first address to the media after the government detailed the fiscal and monetary stimulus worth Rs 20.97 lakh crore, Mr Das said economic is expected to remain in the negative territory in the current financial year, due to the COVID-19 outbreak.

• While the repo rate was reduced to 4 per cent, the reverse repo rate – the interest rate at which the RBI borrows funds from commercial banks – was lowered to 3.35 per cent from 3.75 per cent.

• The committee decided to continue with its “accommodative” stance of policy, which means the central bank is ready to ease monetary policy further to support the financial system.

• Five members of the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) voted in favour of rate reduction, RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das said through a video address.

• The RBI extended the term loan moratorium and also relaxed the repayment terms (interest payments) to prevent a cash-squeeze for borrowers.

• The RBI Governor said the combination of fiscal, monetary and administrative measures will create conditions that will enable a gradual economic revival going forward.

• Economists say the transmission of lower interest rates by banks to their customers will be watched closely.

• “The RBI flagged risks of a negative growth print this year, while holding back on a point target. They expect disinflationary forces to dominate, suggest they open for further reduction in cuts,” said DBS Bank economist Radhika Rao.

• In March, the RBI had slashed the repo rate by 75 bps to stimulate growth, and the next month, it unexpectedly lowered the key deposit rate – or reverse repo rate – to 3.75 per cent, in a bid to discourage commercial banks from parking idle funds with it and spur lending.

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The RBI’s liquidity facility for mutual funds will be effective from today till May 11, 2020 or up to utilization of the allocated amount, whichever is earlier.

The RBI also assured that it will review the timeline and amount, depending upon market conditions.
Under this facility, the RBI will provide funds to banks at lower rates and banks can avail funds for exclusively meeting the liquidity requirements of mutual funds.

Banks can extend loans to mutual funds, undertaking outright purchase of and/or repos against the collateral of investment grade corporate bonds, commercial papers (CPs), debentures and certificates of deposit (CDs) held by mutual funds.

The RBI shall conduct repo operations of 90 days tenor at the fixed repo rate.

This liquidity facility is on-tap and open-ended, and banks can submit their bids to avail funding on any day from Monday to Friday (excluding holidays).

The RBI reiterated that it “remains vigilant and will take whatever steps are necessary to mitigate the economic impact of COVID-19 and preserve financial stability.”

The RBI however said that stress is confined to the high-risk debt mutual fund segment at this stage.

“The larger industry remains liquid,” the central bank said.

“Heightened volatility in capital markets in reaction to COVID-19 has imposed liquidity strains on mutual funds (MFs), which have intensified in the wake of redemption pressures related to closure of some debt MFs and potential contagious effects therefrom,” the RBI said.

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-RBI will monitor evolving situation continuously, use all its tool to deal with pandemic fallout.
-Loans given by NBFCs to real estate companies to get similar benefit as given by scheduled commercial banks.
-LCR requirement of banks brought down to 80% from 100%; to be restored in phases by April next year:
-Inflation is on a declining trajectory, could recede even further:
-Banks shall not make any dividend payments until further orders:
-NPA classification for banks will exclude the moratorium period:
-Economic activities have come to a standstill during lockdown:
– ₹50,000 crore special finance facility to be provided to financial institutions such as Nabard, Sidbi,
-No change in repo rate which is decided by MPC:
-Reverse repo rate cut by 25 bps to 3.75%.
New measures aimed at maintaining adequate liquidity in system, facilitate bank credit flow, ease financial stress.
-TLTRO 2.0 operations of ₹50,000 crore will be conducted.
-To maintain adequate liquidity in the system, we have decided to take additional measures.
-Redemption pressures faced by some mutual funds have moderated.
-Automobile production, sales declined sharply in March; electricity demand has fallen sharply.
-Covid-19 impact is not captured in IIP data for Feb.
-ATM operations stood at 91%, no downtime on internet and mobile banking: RBI
-India is expected to post sharp turnaround in 2021-22, says RBI Governor quoting IMF projection.
-IMF projection of 1.9% GDP growth for India is highest in G20, says RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das

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