Real Estate Developers

Friday 20 January 2017

Demonetization and Affordability of Properties in Mumbai

In 2016, the Indian government announced demonetization of Rs 500 and Rs 1000 notes due to which several sectors, including real estate faced challenges as it mainly thrives on cash transactions. Reportedly, property transactions in Mumbai almost came to a halt due to this announcement.

According to real estate companies in Mumbai, property enquiries reduced drastically since the government announced demonetization. Rating of 1500 to 1700 enquiries a day reduced to 400 enquiries on many property portals. If experts are to be believed, there will be a 50-70% slow down or no transaction period in Mumbai’s real estate sectors for few months because everyone seems to be straightening their businesses out at the moment.

As per predictions, rates for properties in Mumbai will reduce in several areas. If you are planning to buy a house in Juhu, Khar, Santacruz or Bandra, you can get a good deal. Even properties in South Mumbai will be available within the not-so-expensive price range. Impact of demonetization will not be very evident in areas that are close to commercial hubs, such as BKC (Bandra Kurla Complex) and Bandra East.

Some real estate companies are dismissing these predictions, claiming that the impact of demonetization will stay only for a short-term, whether you are planning to buy a flat in Chembur or Bandra East. According to them, this move will not be having much of an impact on first sales transactions or cheques only transactions that make up the primary market. However, the secondary market will face a huge impact with the move.

It is also being said that this move will make the Mumbai’s property market more reliable and engaging for foreign investors. Sales will pick up because banks will be flushed with funds and the interest rates will reduce.