Like most other business sectors, the Indian real estate market holds its breath for a stronger and more determined government. The perception which is currently driving market sentiments is that market momentum can either accelerate, remain unchanged or decelerate depending on which party is voted into power. Speaking purely from the viewpoint of market sentiment, there is some validity to this perception. However, the fact is that the true benefits of political stability and proactive reforms – if these indeed ensue – will not be visible or tangible for quite a while after the new government takes over.
Even if the next government proves to be ‘real estate friendly’, it has its work cut out for it. There are vital regulations and initiatives related to real estate that have been gathering dust on bureaucratic tables which need to be fast-tracked and implemented. Though these regulations and initiatives are crucial for the real estate sector’s growth, there are various complexities that must first be sorted out. One of the challenges is impartially attending to the interests of all industry stakeholders. The other challenge is to shore up all loopholes that could remain and be exploited if not identified prior to a regulation’s implementation.
This is especially true of the pending Real Estate Regulatory Bill, which has been hotly contested at every stage. There is no doubt that it must be enacted sooner rather than later so as to make Indian real estate more attractive for foreign investors. However, it does appear that no version of this Bill that emerges after the various objections and arguments from the industry’s stakeholders have been considered will be accepted across the board. If this is the case, it will require a strong and determined government to push it through. This also applies to the regulations pertaining to FDI in multi-brand retail – a subject that has drawn an incredible amount of political flak – which would have a major impact on India’s attractiveness as a destination for foreign retail heavyweights.
Developers have been campaigning for a faster project approval process, and this is justified but by no means easy to do. Again, the government faces the challenge of ensuring that any fast-tracked approval process does not result in misuse and exploitation. While faster approvals would boost the supply pipeline and help bring prices down, the government must also ensure that construction quality norms are not compromised in the process. Also, faster approvals could result in the provision of support infrastructure falling several more laps behind while newer precincts are being developed.
That said, swifter and more determined decision-making than what we have seen so far is definitely of the essence. Many overseas investment funds have so far abstained from the Indian real estate market because of the lack of regulation, political instability and bureaucratic quagmire. The new government will have the opportunity of making Indian real estate more investment-friendly and attractive, and this would go a long way in meeting its considerable capital requirements. Investor-friendly, streamlined policies from the new government can be a game-changer for Indian real estate.
Expectations:
- The industry expects the new ruling government to be less dependent on smaller coalition parties for support.
- A clear electoral mandate will help real estate investors to obtain clarity on future policies, which is critical while making future business plans.
- The industry expects REITs to become operational in India so as to increase liquidity.
- The industry expects the approval and implementation of the pending Real Estate Regulatory Bill.
About the author
Anuj Puri is the Chairman & Country Head, JLL India
