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.
The Indian real estate sector is set for a major transformation, driven by a potential debt market boom of INR 14 trillion (USD 170 billion) between 2024 and 2026, according to a new report by JLL-Propstack. This surge in financing presents a significant opportunity for both developers and lenders.
The report identifies two key drivers of this debt market expansion. First, construction finance, a long-term funding option for development projects, is expected to see high demand, particularly in the residential market. The report estimates a financing need of nearly INR 4.3 trillion by 2026 just for residential projects. Second, lease rental discounting (LRD) allows landlords to receive upfront payments for rent on their properties at a discounted rate. The LRD market in the commercial segment is anticipated to exceed INR 8 trillion by 2026, with the commercial office segment alone witnessing a projected 30% growth within the next three years. This rising demand is driven by strong market fundamentals and a growing focus on sustainable building practices.
The commercial real estate sector, encompassing Grade A offices, malls, warehousing parks, and data centers, is also projected for substantial growth of 35-40% over the next three years. This translates to a potential debt requirement of INR 5.5 trillion to INR 6 trillion. Currently, the residential sector dominates construction finance, accounting for roughly 70% of the market. However, the report highlights a significant gap between the need and the actual debt sanctioned, indicating untapped potential.
The report also notes an increase in participation from banks, which sanctioned 70% of the total real estate debt in 2023. Reforms like the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) have instilled confidence in the sector, attracting both public and private sector banks. Additionally, the report highlights the growing role of alternative investment funds (AIFs) in providing innovative and customized funding solutions for developers at various stages of construction. Private lenders are also predicted to remain significant contributors, particularly in the residential sector. The report emphasizes the need to bridge the gap by focusing on financing for smaller developers, who represent a large portion (over two-thirds) of the residential market.
This surge in the debt market presents a promising outlook for the Indian real estate sector. With diverse funding options emerging, developers will have greater access to capital, potentially leading to faster project completion and a wider range of property options for buyers. The focus on smaller developers could also lead to a more inclusive real estate market, benefiting a broader section of the industry.