DLF is buying land all over Delhi and Noida, Reliance is investing heavily in the Mumbai SEZ. IT companies are buying land in all IT hubs. NRI's have hugely invested in Bangalore, Pune, Delhi, Chandgigarh and Gurgaon.
Why is everyone talking India when it comes to real estate? Different reasons.
Real estate prices have risen globally in the last few years, risen by unprecedented levels.
Rising as much as 50-100% in the US, Ireland, UK, Australia. Even Dubai now allows foreign nationals to invest in real estate there. India to is following that trend. What works for India is the fact that the economy is booming and more and more people are moving to the job hubs. This creates a housing demand that far outstrips supply. In a lot of places IT folks are willing to pay a premium to buy and this has pushed the price further.
Foreign investment in real estate had grown rapidly in the past 12 months, following the partial relaxation of India's foreign direct investment regulations. Foreigners can now purchase commercial development projects (under construction) of more than 50,000 square metres or plotted residential developments with a minimum size of 10 hectares. Foreign investment vehicles were required to have a minimum capitalization of $US10 million ($13.5 million) for a wholly-owned subsidiary or under $US5 million for joint ventures with Indian partners. Funds had to be brought in within six months of the commencement of the business of the company. Foreign investors were not permitted to sell or trade in undeveloped plots or raw land.
India had a shortfall of 20 million units of housing. Demand had been fuelled by easier access to finance, rising incomes and a young population. Banks are now more than willing to fork out loans. Interest rates at over 8% are the highest in the world, about 40-60% higher than the US. The young crowd that works in IT companies and call centres are into houses in a big way. This has really helped fuel the boom.
Pune is the hottest real estate destination today. More and more IT companies are eyeing India, the IT parks have sold out all available commercial real estate to companies. People are being hired by the droves everyday. Property is selling in the Hingewadi area for around 1000 Rs a sq feet. Flats are in the 1400-2000 Rs per sq ft area.
There are flats on Dhole Patil Road for about a crore. They have a swimming pool attached as well. Kondhwa is the other growing suburb.
Infrastructure in Pune is indeed a mess and with all the people coming in, is not going to get better. Other than this everything including the climate is perfect.
Aamby Valley in Lonavala has properties for Rs 3-4 crore. This is an exclusive township with it's own private airport !! They've got it all covered here. This could be a future retirement hub and is touted as amongst the 4-5 townships globally in that category.
Innovative world class housing complexes are being developed in India. The Indian consumer is finally getting a quality house to live in. The housing boom should continue in India for as long as the economy grows at 8%, which could easily be another 20 years.
