Repo Rate Unchanged – Housing Set for Festive Season

Anuj Puri, Chairman – ANAROCK Group

With the fundamentals of the Indian economy remaining strong despite global headwinds, geopolitical tensions and inflation well within control, the RBI has once again decided to keep the repo rates unchanged at 6.5% – thus helping the housing market to maintain momentum during the festive season. While a repo rate cut would have been preferable, it is clear that the RBI is on a tightrope walk and must keep various macro-economic factors in mind.

From the point of view of homebuyers, the relatively affordable home loan interest rate regime will continue at a critical time for the Indian housing market – the festive season – amid rising housing prices and tapered sales. Q3 2024 saw average housing prices rise by a cumulative 23% in the top 7 cities even as average prices in these markets collectively rose to approx. INR 8,390 per sq. ft. by Q3 2024-end, from approx. INR 6,800 per sq. ft. in Q3 2023.

Housing sales also declined to an extent in Q3 2024, even as prices rose. As per ANAROCK data, Q3 2024 saw residential sales go down by 11% annually against Q3 2023. New launches also fell by 19% in this period.

The unchanged home loan rates are much-needed demand support in the ongoing festive quarter. We are expecting faster sales momentum in Q4 2024 when compared to the preceding quarter. This year’s festive quarter may see similar demand to that seen in this period a year ago, if not higher. Over 1.27 lakh units were sold across the top 7 cities back in Q4 2023. Unchanged interest rates will play and important role in achieving and maintaining this momentum.