India’s prime residential market remains resilient in 2019

Despite wealth growth and record low interest rates in most advanced economies, the global economic slowdown has weighed on prime property prices across the globe. This is according to Knight Frank’s Prime International Residential Index (PIRI 100), part of Wealth Report 2020, which tracks the movement of luxury residential prices in 100 cities and second home markets globally for the 12-months to the end of December 2019. And the survey reveals that – 1. Frankfurt and Lisbon top the PIRI list with an annual price change of 10.3% and 9.6%, respectively 2. Seoul and Taipei are now the Asia’s frontrunners with annual growth of almost 8.9% and 7.6%, respectively. 3. Hong Kong (+2.9%) surprised on the upside in 2019, with a mortgage cap reduction and three interest rate reductions mitigating some of the impact of the political volatility. 4. Singapore (+1.2%) is firmly back in the spotlight. 5. Indian cities- Delhi registered 4.7% annual growth, followed by Bengaluru (2.1%) while Mumbai saw a tepid growth of 0.5%. Victoria Garrett, Head of Residential, Asia Pacific,Knight Frank said “Supported by low-interest rates, prime residential markets in Asia Pacific were able to weather market volatility in 2019. In Seoul, a lack of prime residential supply within the city coupled with strong demand and easy access to credit has significantly bolstered the performance of its prime residential market. While in Taipei, prime residential prices were up similarly due to a lack of available supply and higher demand from cross-border investors seeking to diversify their risks.”

How much space can $1 million buy?

When it comes to luxury properties, Monaco remains the world’s most expensive city where US$1 million can buy you a mere 16.4 square metres of space. Comparatively in Mumbai, you can buy 102.2 square metres (approximate size of a decent two bedroom flat in the city)

 

Shishir Baijal, Chairman & Managing Director, Knight Frank India, said, “While prime property prices have stayed stable in the past 5 years, the relative stability of the Indian Rupee still allows investors and end users to buy more prime real estate in India today, compared to 2015. At -1% for 2020, prime property price growth in Mumbai is expected to face challenges, as the current economic slowdown will continue to influence market liquidity.”