NRIs eye luxury homes post-Covid

Hyderabad: In an interesting twist in the post-Covid-19 real estate landscape, NRIs are once again scouting for Indian luxury homes. As per ANAROCK's latest consumer survey, at least 73 per cent NRIs now prefer properties priced between RS 90 lakh and RS 2.5 crore. In the pre-Covid survey (H2 2019), just 41per cent preferred properties within this price bracket - most favoured affordable and mid-segment homes. 3 and 4 BHK options currently top their wish-list.

The IT hubs of Bengaluru (24 per cent) and Pune (19 per cent) are seeing the highest NRI demand. Collectively, these two cities saw approx. 48,370 homes sold in 2020 accounting for a 35per cent sales share among the top 7 cities.Prashant Thakur, Director & Head, Research, ANAROCK Property Consultants says, "The Covid-19 pandemic has increased NRIs' emotional association of long-term security with physical assets. 63 per cent of the polled NRIs state this as their reason for buying homes in India now.

They are also driven by the uncertainties posed by Covid-19. Luxury properties have emerged as a hot favourite with NRIs because of the depreciating rupee value translating into greater buying power, coupled with ongoing developer discounts and offers. A majority of NRIs is buying for end-use, not as investments." According to the survey, at least 67 per cent of the polled NRIs are looking for ready-to-move-in homes. If we consider the overall survey trends (including NRIs and resident Indians) just 29 per cent preferred to buy RTM homes, with another 27 per cent respondents preferring under-construction properties that will be delivered within a year.

Of the total 24 per cent survey respondents who already booked properties in the last six months, at least 38 per cent were NRIs looking to make the most of the prevailing market conditions in India, including discounts, offers and lowest-best home loan rates. 86 per cent of the polled NRIs will only consider properties by branded developers who have the highest project completion capabilities, resulting in the lowest execution risk. Another reason for this choice is NRIs' desire to buy into projects with international-grade amenities.

According to the survey, most of the polled NRIs seeking property in India are aged between 35-45 years of age. Among all NRI respondents who participated in the survey, close to 68 per cent considered real estate as the best asset class for them at this time.Regarding their outlook on residential property prices, at least 44 per cent respondents felt that prices will remain stable in the short-term (i.e. 12 months), while 27 per cent feel they will increase during the year.