Real Estate Developers Maintain Steady Growth Despite Market Challenges
India’s top listed real estate developers reported steady growth in Q4FY25, supported by healthy pre-sales, even as earnings reflected signs of moderation amid elevated housing prices and subdued launches. “Q4FY25 was a steady quarter for top listed real estate developers, albeit with some signs of moderation compared to the aggressive growth observed in earlier quarters. Pre-sales remained strong across major cities, backed by continued demand in the mid to premium housing segments,” said Shobhit Agarwal, managing director and CEO, Anarock Capital.
According to Anarock, housing sales across key Indian cities declined by 28 per cent year-on-year (Y-o-Y) in Q4FY25. Despite this, the decline is attributed to a combination of higher housing prices and a reduction in new project launches. This trend highlights the ongoing challenges in the real estate market, where developers are navigating a delicate balance between maintaining profitability and meeting consumer demand.
All the top developers, except Oberoi Realty, posted a growth of anywhere between 7 and 48 per cent in their pre-sales. This growth is particularly notable in the mid to premium segments, where buyers continue to show interest despite the higher price points. The resilience in these segments can be attributed to a combination of factors, including economic stability, favorable interest rates, and a robust demand for quality housing.
However, the market is not without its challenges. Elevated housing prices and a slowdown in new launches have contributed to a more cautious approach from both developers and buyers. Developers are focusing on optimizing their existing projects and ensuring that they meet the high standards expected by consumers. This focus on quality is essential in maintaining market confidence and sustaining long-term growth.
In Mumbai, one of India’s largest real estate markets, the trend is similar. Despite the challenges, developers like DLF, Godrej Properties, and Tata Housing have managed to post significant growth in pre-sales. These companies have leveraged their strong market positions and brand reputations to attract buyers, even in a competitive and challenging environment.
The BSE Sensex, which includes several major real estate companies, has also shown signs of stability, reflecting the overall health of the sector. While the index has not seen the same level of aggressive growth as in previous quarters, it remains a strong indicator of investor confidence in the real estate market.
Looking ahead, the real estate sector is expected to continue its steady growth trajectory, supported by ongoing demand and a focus on quality. Developers are likely to remain cautious in their approach, with an emphasis on optimizing existing projects and exploring new market opportunities. The mid to premium segments will continue to drive growth, while developers will also need to address the challenges posed by elevated prices and a slowdown in new launches.
In conclusion, while the real estate market faces its share of challenges, the steady growth reported by top developers in Q4FY25 is a positive sign. By focusing on quality and meeting consumer demand, developers can navigate the current market conditions and position themselves for long-term success.