Will India’s real estate market be hurt by high housing prices and rising interest rates in 2023–24?
The real estate sector in India has been one of the primary drivers of economic growth over the past few years. However, the sector is facing several challenges in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. One of the significant concerns is whether high home prices and rising interest rates will dent India’s real estate sector in 2023-24.
Home prices have been on the rise in India, driven primarily by demand-supply imbalances. Despite the economic slowdown, demand for homes has remained robust, with a growing population, urbanization, and rising income levels. The pandemic has also contributed to the demand for homes, as people spend more time at home and prioritize homeownership over renting.
However, high home prices may not be sustainable in the long run. The pandemic has led to job losses and income uncertainty, making it difficult for many people to afford a home. Additionally, rising inflation and interest rates could also impact home affordability.
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has been gradually increasing interest rates to control inflation, which has been on the rise. Higher interest rates mean higher borrowing costs for homebuyers, making homes less affordable. As a result, demand for homes could decline, and prices could drop.
Moreover, the pandemic has led to a shift in homebuyers’ preferences, with a growing preference for larger homes with open spaces. This trend has led to an increase in demand for properties in the suburbs and smaller cities, away from the high-priced central business districts (CBDs). The rise of work-from-home culture has also contributed to this trend, as people can now work from anywhere, reducing the need to live close to their workplaces.
However, this shift in preferences could lead to an oversupply of homes in the CBDs, leading to a drop in prices. Additionally, the pandemic has also led to a rise in remote work, reducing the demand for commercial real estate, which could impact the sector’s growth.
The government has taken several measures to boost the real estate sector’s growth, including the introduction of the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016 (RERA), and the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) scheme. These measures have helped regulate the sector and increase affordability for homebuyers, but their impact may be limited in the face of rising interest rates and high home prices.
In conclusion, the real estate sector in India is facing several challenges in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. High home prices and rising interest rates could dent the sector’s growth in 2023-24. However, the sector’s long-term prospects remain strong, driven by a growing population, urbanization, and rising income levels. The government and industry players need to work together to address these challenges and ensure sustainable growth for the sector.
Disclaimer: The views expressed above are for informational purposes only based on industry reports and related news stories. PropertyPistol does not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information and shall not be held responsible for any action taken based on the published information.
