RBI Rate Cuts Could Boost Home Affordability in Next 12 Months: JLL

A potential 50 basis point (bps) rate cut by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) over the next year could significantly enhance home affordability, reversing the challenges faced by homebuyers due to stagnant interest rates and rising property prices since 20

Rbi Rate CutsHome AffordabilityIndian Real EstateJll ReportResidential MarketReal Estate PuneNov 27, 2024

RBI Rate Cuts Could Boost Home Affordability in Next 12 Months: JLL
Real Estate Pune:India's residential real estate market is on the cusp of a significant shift in affordability, driven by anticipated interest rate cuts by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), as reported by JLL. The cumulative 50 basis point (bps) rate cut decision over time is expected to bring much-needed relief to homebuyers, reversing the affordability challenges caused by stagnant interest rates and rising property prices since 2022.

According to JLL's Home Purchase Affordability Index (HPAI), the reduction in repo rates over the next few months could enhance affordability in most housing markets by 2025, with the notable exception of Delhi NCR and Bengaluru. While Kolkata is set to maintain its position as the most affordable market, cities like Mumbai and Pune are expected to approach optimal affordability levels by 2025.

The residential market is currently experiencing a sustained bull run, driven by evolving homeownership dynamics. This momentum has led to consecutive peaks in sales and an acceleration in project launches. Residential sales are expected to reach an impressive 305,000-310,000 units in 2024, with further growth anticipated in 2025, potentially creating a new peak at 340,000-350,000 units, as per JLL.

While a rate cut before the end of 2024 is uncertain, experts anticipate a total reduction of 50 bps within the next 12 months. This monetary easing is expected to lower borrowing costs across the economy, benefiting both homebuyers and developers. Mumbai and Pune are projected to approach near-peak affordability levels by 2025, while Kolkata is expected to maintain its status as India's most affordable market among the major cities, potentially hitting new affordability peaks.

Meanwhile, Delhi NCR and southern markets like Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Chennai are likely to see improved affordability levels on a year-over-year basis, although they will remain below their peak values. The anticipated interest rate reduction, combined with moderate price growth and sustained income increases, is expected to create a conducive environment for home purchases over the next 12-18 months. This will maintain buoyancy in homebuyer behavior and market activity is expected to have a long and resilient runway, even with continued economic challenges.

Dr. Samantak Das, Chief Economist and Head of Research and REIS, India, JLL, noted, 'The anticipated interest rate reduction, combined with moderate price growth and sustained income increases, are expected to create a conducive environment for home purchases over the next 12-18 months with affordability levels set to improve to their best since 2022 for all cities. This will maintain buoyancy in homebuyer behavior, and market activity is expected to have a long and resilient runway.'

With 2011 as the base year, Hyderabad leads in price growth with a 132 percent increase, followed by Bengaluru at 116 percent and Delhi NCR at 98 percent. On the income front, Mumbai has seen the highest growth at 189 percent, with Pune and Hyderabad following at 173 percent and 163 percent, respectively, over the same period. The combination of healthy income growth, potential interest rate reductions, and moderating price growth is expected to improve affordability levels over the next 12 months, paving the way for sustained market activity and continued strong performance in India's residential real estate sector in the medium term.

Siva Krishnan, Senior Managing Director (Chennai & Coimbatore), Head - Residential Services, India, JLL, added, 'The combination of healthy income growth, potential interest rate reductions, and moderating price growth is expected to improve affordability levels over the next 12 months, paving the way for sustained market activity and continued strong performance in India's residential real estate sector in the medium term.'

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the anticipated impact of the RBI's rate cuts on the Indian real estate market?

The anticipated 50 basis point (bps) rate cut by the RBI is expected to enhance home affordability, lower borrowing costs, and benefit both homebuyers and developers, leading to sustained market activity and strong performance in the residential real estate sector.

Which cities are expected to see the most significant improvement in home affordability?

Kolkata is set to maintain its position as the most affordable market, while Mumbai and Pune are expected to approach optimal affordability levels by 2025. Hyderabad, Bengaluru, and other southern markets are also likely to see improved affordability levels.

How has the residential real estate market been performing recently?

The residential real estate market is currently experiencing a sustained bull run, with consecutive peaks in sales and an acceleration in project launches. Residential sales are expected to reach an impressive 305,000-310,000 units in 2024 and potentially create a new peak at 340,000-350,000 units in 2025.

What factors are contributing to the improvement in home affordability?

The improvement in home affordability is driven by the anticipated interest rate reductions, moderate price growth, and sustained income increases. These factors are expected to create a conducive environment for home purchases over the next 12-18 months.

What does the JLL Home Purchase Affordability Index (HPAI) indicate for the future of the residential market?

The HPAI indicates that the reduction in repo rates over the next few months could enhance affordability in most housing markets by 2025, except for Delhi NCR and Bengaluru. This will maintain buoyancy in homebuyer behavior and ensure a long and resilient runway for market activity.

Related News Articles

Experience Luxury and Adventure: Runwal Hosts 2nd Edition of Audi Quattro Drive
Real Estate Mumbai

Experience Luxury and Adventure: Runwal Hosts 2nd Edition of Audi Quattro Drive

Runwal, a leading real estate developer in Mumbai, is gearing up to host the second edition of the Audi Quattro Drive at their 25 Hour Life property in Thane.

June 26, 2024
Read Article
Assotech Group Redefines Luxury Real Estate with a New Era of Excellence
real estate news

Assotech Group Redefines Luxury Real Estate with a New Era of Excellence

With a focus on redefining what luxury living means in today’s evolving market, Assotech Group is relaunching itself as the preeminent luxury builder in the real estate sector.

August 24, 2024
Read Article
Extortion Calls on the Rise: Delhi Businessman Receives Threat from Notorious Gangster Goldy Brar
Real Estate

Extortion Calls on the Rise: Delhi Businessman Receives Threat from Notorious Gangster Goldy Brar

A real estate businessman from Vasant Vihar has been threatened with an extortion demand in the name of gangster Goldy Brar, a wanted criminal by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and various states of the country.

August 31, 2024
Read Article
Indian Real Estate: A Tale of Inventory Overhang and Demand Hangover
Real Estate Pune

Indian Real Estate: A Tale of Inventory Overhang and Demand Hangover

The Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) and Pune are experiencing a paradoxical situation in the real estate market. Is it an inventory overhang or a demand hangover?

October 3, 2024
Read Article
Purva Home Fest 2024: Exclusive Offers for Homebuyers in Mumbai and Pune
Real Estate Mumbai

Purva Home Fest 2024: Exclusive Offers for Homebuyers in Mumbai and Pune

Puravankara, a leading real estate developer, announces the Purva Home Fest 2024 in Mumbai and Pune, offering exclusive benefits to homebuyers in the premium and mid-segment housing market.

October 3, 2024
Read Article
India Requires 10 Million New Jobs Per Year to Maintain 6.5% GVA Growth by FY30
real estate news

India Requires 10 Million New Jobs Per Year to Maintain 6.5% GVA Growth by FY30

Incentivizing affordable housing developments could stimulate the real estate sector and boost job creation in India, contributing to the country's ambitious goal of sustaining a 6.5% GVA growth rate through FY30.

November 2, 2024
Read Article