Mumbai Continues To Be The Most Preferred Property Investment Point!

The Indian real estate marketing is heading for a steady revival in 2016, with over 70% of investors expecting improvement in sales in the next 12 months. The report Peering Into 2016: Taking Pulse of Investor Preference says there is a spike in investor interest in the real estate market as around 43% of respondents saying that the number of successful exits will increase this year. 

While Mumbai and Bengaluru will continue to be the most preferred destinations for investment, commercial office and mid-segment residential property will be the top two preferred assets classes by investors. After relatively muted calendar year 2013 and 2014, private equity investors significantly increased their bets on the Indian real estate sector in 2015. This report examines the motivations and expectations of PE funds who are now actively ramping up their exposure to this sector. 

As per report, a majority of exits over the last 12-18 months has been characterized by refinancing or buyback. A significant number of investors who participated in the survey believe that the refinancing theme is set to continue beyond the next 12 months.  The report said proposed regulatory initiatives such as the relaxation of foreign direct investment rules in real estate and passage of real estate regulatory bill will enhance investment in smaller projects and positively impact sentiment by boosting buyer confidence.

Today there are several financing options available. Driven by the need to increase returns and a desire to diversify, investor’s interest in international property markets is once again on the rise and India definitely seems to be leading that interest. According to the report, newer sources of capital from Japan & China are expected to enter the Indian real estate market in 2016 while pure equity investments are likely to make a comeback this year.

For the report, JLL carried out a survey of seasoned investment professionals across a number of issues like market fundamentals, successful exits, distressed deals as well as top three asset classes and top three cities for investment over the next 12 month period. Few of the challenges in the market have bottomed out. So definitely the market is reviving but it is going to be a slow one. There is a going to be greater balance between demand and supply. Investor sentiments have improved. However, it is a cautious one where investors are now more focused on good quality and locations.