All eyes on banks to act on repo rate cut, inflationary pressures
By ANUJ PURI
Chairman – ANAROCK Group
In terms of the impact on the housing sector of the RBI’s decision to reduce the repo rates by 25 bps, this piggybacks on the recent taxation benefits announced in the Union Budget.
As such, it is undeniably a major boost to the homebuyers, particularly for affordable housing buyers. Many first-time homebuyers who had been hesitating to take the plunge are likely to make their move now as home loan rates will reduce – as long as banks pass on the key benefits to buyers.
This dovetails well with recent trends in the housing market, which continues to see strong momentum. Reduced home loan rates can help the overall positive consumer sentiment. Given that housing prices have risen across the top 7 cities in the last one year, this breather is welcome and timely.
As per ANAROCK Research, 2024 saw average housing prices rise by anywhere between 13-30% in the top 7 cities, with NCR recording the highest 30% jump. The average prices in top 7 cities collectively stood at approx. INR 7,080 per sq. ft. in 2023-end, while in 2024-end it increased to approx. INR 8,590 per sq. ft. – a collective increase of 21% annually.
Commercial real estate, especially office spaces, can also benefit from lower borrowing costs for businesses, and lower rates also make REITs more appealing since investors look for stable returns in a falling interest rate environment.
That said, the rate cut may be less effective by rising property prices if inflation remains as high as it is now.
Also, it remains to be seen if banks pass on the full benefit to borrowers in a timely and seamless manner.
