Double Boost for Housing Sector – Steady Repo Rate, Indexation Benefits Drive Market Optimism

By: Anuj Puri, Chairman – ANAROCK Group

The RBI’s decision to keep repo rates unchanged at 6.5% for ninth consecutive time aligns well with yesterday’s announcement on indexation benefits. It sets a positive tone for the housing industry. Maintaining interest rates offers consistency in borrowing costs, which will prompt more aspiring homebuyers to consider taking the plunge – and thus drive demand in the housing market. With interest rates staying steady, EMIs will remain manageable for current and potential homeowners, potentially leading to increased home sales – particularly in the price-sensitive affordable segment.

Yesterday’s announcement regarding indexation brings tax advantages for property investors, as it permits adjustments to the purchase price keeping inflation in mind, reducing capital gains tax burdens upon property sale. This provision increases the appeal of real estate investments, which will spur demand and capital flow into the housing sector. These combined actions bolster investor trust and position real estate as an avenue for long-term wealth growth.

As housing demand rises due to favourable interest rates and taxation, we can expect overall boosted growth. This will encourage more project construction, job opportunities and broader economic gains. The collective impact of these measures improves affordability levels and boosts demand dynamics in India’s housing segment.

Housing sales across the top 7 cities have been phenomenal in the last few quarters, even though prices are rising steadily. As per ANAROCK Research, we saw total housing sales of nearly 2.51 lakh units across the top 7 cities in H1 2024 – the highest half-yearly sales in the last decade.

Meanwhile, average residential prices across the top 7 cities have seen a significant jump in the last one year – ranging between 13-39% in Q2 2024 when compared to Q2 2023. Thus, the breather which RBI’s unchanged repo rate will provide to home loan borrowers is apt and welcome.