Demonetisation, RERA changes real estate dynamics
Demonetisation and real estate regulatory (RERA) have structurally changed the dynamics, says a Macquarie Capital Securities report. Demonetisation has especially hit demand hard. End-user markets (with more reliance on mortgages) like Bengaluru have fared better than investor/speculator markets like NCR. While the real estate regulatory (RERA) will come into effect across most states by May 2017, the idea is to protect consumers. "That will elongate working capital cycles. But implementation is the key and developers are holding back new launches till final implementation," the report says. A significant shift in market share to organised segment is likely over a medium term. The luxury segment with large ticket prices remains weak compared to mid-income housing (interest rate cuts are meaningful). Developers prefer to restrict launches to clear inventories in ongoing projects. The mood in the commercial (office) sector is also optimistic with 5-10 per cent rent hikes. REIT regulations are boosters and listings likely to happen over the next 12-18 months. There is a limited supply of grade A commercial real estate assets, the report says. It also sees retail and warehousing as possible dark horses. Good quality retail malls enjoy 10 per cent vacancy while rent growth tracking trading density growth. The warehousing sector is attracting interest from investors. India's real estate market is expected to reach $180 billion by 2020 from $93.8 billion in 2014. Emergence of nuclear families, rapid urbanisation and rising household income are likely to remain the key drivers for growth in all spheres of real estate, including residential, commercial and retail.
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