01 Jul 2024

The GST Council's recent decision to waive Goods and Services Tax (GST) on rentals below INR 20,000 per month is set to ease financial burdens for tenants in apartments and co-living spaces. Effective for stays exceeding 90 days, this exemption clarifies tax obligations and is expected to stimulate demand in the co-living sector. Experts anticipate reduced rental costs will benefit tenants and spur growth in student housing and co-living segments. While stakeholders applaud the move, they advocate for broader exemptions to further bolster affordability in India's urban rental markets, potentially fostering a more dynamic housing ecosystem across cities.Read more

01 Jul 2024

The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) saw a surge in land demand during an online auction, with four out of six plots surpassing their base prices. The sales totaled INR 60.34 crore, significantly higher than the combined starting price of INR 37.32 crore. Notably, a commercial plot in Isanpur sold for INR 10.03 crore at INR 1.57 lakh per square meter, exceeding its base price of INR 60,000 per square meter, while a prime plot in Motera sold for INR 9.73 crore. This auction is part of AMC's broader land sale, which has generated INR 997 crore from 10 out of 22 plots over four days, reflecting strong market demand.Read more

01 Jul 2024

Gurgaon's office market sees a substantial boost with Daibiru Corporation's landmark INR 1,000 crore investment in the Atrium Place office complex, marking their debut in India. This investment, backed by Hines and spanning 2.88 million sq ft, underscores Gurgaon's emergence as a prime destination for global investors. The move reflects growing confidence in India's real estate sector, driven by robust economic growth and improved market transparency. Experts predict increased investment momentum in 2024, propelled by favorable global economic conditions and heightened investor interest following significant exits in 2023. Daibiru's entry sets a promising precedent for future foreign investments in India's commercial real estate.Read more

01 Jul 2024

The Indian real estate market is poised for a major boost, driven by a surge in debt financing opportunities. A report by JLL India and Propstack reveals that between 2018 and 2023, the sector saw INR 9.63 lakh crore in debt sanctions, averaging INR 1.61 lakh crore annually. Looking ahead, the market is predicted to see INR 14 lakh crore (USD 170 billion) in debt financing from 2024 to 2026. Mumbai, Delhi-NCR, and Bangalore are key beneficiaries, receiving 80% of past debt. Despite challenges like the IL&FS crisis and COVID-19, the sector's strong resurgence since 2021 indicates a promising future.Read more

28 Jun 2024

Investors in PNB Housing Finance, a housing finance sector serving over 6 million customers, may soon see a significant shift as US-based investment firms General Atlantic and Asia Opportunities V (Mauritius) plan to sell a combined INR 830 crore stake. This sale, facilitated by BNP Paribas and UBS Securities, represents 4.16% of the company's equity, valued at over INR 20,000 crore. Each firm aims to offload around 1.08 crore shares, potentially impacting the share price on the National Stock Exchange (NSE), where PNB Housing Finance currently trades at approximately INR 840 per share.Read more

28 Jun 2024

Maharashtra's property market is thriving, with a notable increase in registrations and revenue in the first quarter of FY 2024-25. Despite unchanged ready reckoner (RR) rates, registrations rose slightly from 3.34 lakh in April 2023 to 3.35 lakh in April 2024, while revenue surged from INR 2,876.40 crore to INR 3,767.12 crore. This upward trend continued in May and June, driven by stable RR rates and higher average transaction values. Analysts credit the surge to increased demand for luxury properties. Data from Anarock indicates a 21% share for luxury homes in 2024, up from 4% in 2019, reflecting shifting buyer preferences.Read more

28 Jun 2024

The Hinduja Group has initiated a substantial fundraising endeavour amounting to INR 7300 crore through the issuance of non-convertible debentures (NCDs), marking a critical milestone in their acquisition bid for Reliance Capital. 360 One, a prominent wealth and asset management firm, has been tasked with arranging INR 5000 crore worth of NCDs, underscoring their pivotal role in the financial services sector. Barclays will arrange the remaining INR 2300 crore. The NCDs, offering an attractive 16% per annum interest rate over a four-year period, aim to attract diverse investors and bolster financial flexibility amid the complex acquisition landscape.Read more

28 Jun 2024

Infosys, India's second-largest IT firm, reveals in its latest ESG report a significant shift towards remote work. With 84% of employees opting for flexible work options in FY24; up from 75% in FY23 and peaking at 97% during FY22; the company emphasises a commitment to adapt to evolving work cultures. By 2030, Infosys aims for 33% of work to be remote or flexible, reducing environmental impact and enhancing accessibility for talent in tier-2 cities. Strategic expansions in Visakhapatnam and Coimbatore further support this initiative, aligning Infosys with a progressive workplace model that prioritises employee well-being and operational efficiency.Read more

27 Jun 2024

PropEquity data reveals a 2% decline in the Indian housing market for Q2, with sales totaling 119,901 units across nine major cities, down from 121,856 units last year. Delhi NCR and Navi Mumbai show growth, with sales rising to 10,198 units and 9,035 units respectively. Bengaluru and Kolkata see marginal increases, while Pune and Hyderabad face declines of 15% and 20%. Mumbai and Chennai experience slight drops, while Thane sees a 9% rise. The overall slowdown is attributed to seasonal patterns and follows a record-breaking Q1. Interest rate hikes and monsoon season may further impact the market.Read more

27 Jun 2024

The Indian real estate sector is set for a transformation with a projected INR 14 trillion (USD 170 billion) debt market surge between 2024 and 2026, per a JLL-Propstack report. Key drivers include high demand for construction finance, estimated at INR 4.3 trillion for residential projects, and lease rental discounting (LRD), expected to exceed INR 8 trillion in the commercial segment. The commercial real estate sector is projected to grow by 35-40%, requiring INR 5.5 to 6 trillion in debt. Increased bank participation and alternative investment funds (AIFs) are set to boost funding, particularly benefiting smaller developers.Read more