In an unprecedented turn of events, the Indian real estate market experienced a remarkable surge throughout 2023, exceeding all anticipated levels and establishing new benchmarks. This thriving market has become a beacon of opportunities, attracting both domestic and international investors, thereby propelling the nation’s economy to greater heights. The influx of investments into the Indian real estate sector skyrocketed to an impressive $5.1 billion in 2023, with land acquisitions constituting a remarkable 40 percent of this surge. Domestic developers took the lead, securing 42 percent of the overall investments, while international investment funds exercised a cautious approach. Despite projections hinting at a potential slowdown in capital inflows, strategic investments in residential and industrial sectors persistently propel the market forward.
The fractional ownership market, valued at $5.4 billion in 2020, is anticipated to reach $8.9 billion by 2025, boasting a robust Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 10.5 percent. This innovative approach provides retail investors with access to Grade A office properties, encouraging portfolio diversification within SEBI’s regulatory framework. The residential sector emerges as a focal point for growth, driven by sustained demand, stable interest rates, and robust GDP expansion. Notably, there is a notable surge in demand for mid- and high-priced residential properties.
Vineet Dawar, Senior Vice President, Sales and Strategy at Elan Group, commented, “This year, the real estate sector showcased its resilience, navigating challenges and emerging stronger than ever. The residential segment, particularly luxury housing, outperformed expectations, attracting both end-users and buyers. In the NCR region, Gurgaon, complemented by booming infrastructure developments, emerged as the most sought-after location. The Dwarka Expressway within Gurgaon stood out as the preferred micro-market, especially for the residential segment. 2023 marked a year of new heights for the Indian real estate market, with significant improvements in new launches and home sales expected to continue the momentum into 2024.”
A Q3 2023 report by Knight Frank reflects stakeholders’ optimism, with 63 percent anticipating an upswing in residential launches over the next six months, further fueling the market in 2024. The current quarter underscores this positivity, showcasing strength in residential sales and pricing parameters, instilling confidence among stakeholders for sustained growth.
Vivek Singhal, CEO of Smartworld Developers, noted, “Today’s homebuyers seek more than just a residence; they seek a lifestyle that encompasses exclusive amenities like expansive leisure areas and fitness facilities. In 2023, the real estate landscape underwent a significant transformation, witnessing a shift towards luxury housing. This evolution reflects a nuanced change in buyer preferences, where larger, multifunctional spaces that seamlessly integrate work and leisure have become paramount.”
The surge in sales of luxury units, as highlighted by reports from Anarock and CBRE South Asia Pvt Ltd, underscores this paradigm shift. Notably, the 151% YoY increase in luxury residential property sales during Q1 2023, with a staggering 216% surge in high-end unit sales in Delhi-NCR, reinforces this trend.
Singhal added, “The National Capital Region (NCR), notably Gurugram, widely recognized as the Millennium City, has consistently spearheaded this growth trajectory. The upcoming residential areas of Golf Course Extension Road and Dwarka Expressway have emerged as prominent destinations for premium residential projects. Ongoing infrastructure development and urban planning initiatives have further enhanced the appeal of these areas. As disposable incomes rise and the cohort of high-net-worth individuals expands, these trends are poised to define the real estate landscape in 2024.”
Knight Frank’s New Horizon Outlook 2024 report unveils a promising forecast for the Asia-Pacific real estate landscape, encompassing commercial, residential, and capital markets. Projections indicate a substantial 43.7 percent increase in logistics supply in 2024, alleviating tight supply conditions in the region. Despite this surge, the average rent is expected to maintain an upward trajectory, albeit at a more moderate pace due to resilient demand.
Mohit Malhotra, Founder & CEO of NeoLiv, observed, “2023 was a landmark year for the Indian residential real estate market, with continued consumer demand resulting in strong annual sales. Reports indicated a surge in the Mumbai real estate market, where mid-segment home sales outpaced affordable housing, signifying a distinctive shift in homebuyer preferences. This shift underscores a rising demand for top-quality communities along with increased levels of focus on post hand-over living experience. As we venture into 2024, the prevailing momentum is expected to continue as a large segment of the urban middle class is looking at buying their first home or upgrading their existing dwellings. Navigating this industry shift, well-funded, professionally-managed, and with a continual focus on customer-centricity, new age development companies are coming to the forefront to fulfill the aspirations of mid-income homebuyers.”
The increased interest from homebuyers is attributed to favorable dynamics around homeownership, stable mortgage rates, and rising property prices, making India an attractive investment destination. The exceptional growth trajectory of the Indian real estate market in 2023 not only signifies resilience but also points toward a promising future, offering a myriad of opportunities for investors across various segments. As the market gears up for 2024, all indicators point to a sustained and robust growth phase, bolstering the nation’s economy and investor confidence alike.