Stable Repo Rates to Keep Residential Momentum Going

Anuj Puri, Chairman – ANAROCK Group

With the fundamentals of the Indian economy remaining strong despite all global headwinds and inflation well under control, the RBI once again decided to keep the repo rates unchanged at 6.5%, thus extending the festive bonanza that it gave to the homebuyers in its last two policy announcements. Thus, homebuyers retain their advantage of relatively affordable home loan interest rates.

If we consider the present trends, the housing market has been unstoppable, and unchanged home loan rates will help maintain the overall positive consumer sentiments. Given that housing prices have risen across the top 7 cities in the last year, this breather by the RBI is a distinct advantage to homebuyers.

As per ANAROCK Research, 2023 saw average housing prices rise by anywhere between 10-24% in the top 7 cities, with Hyderabad recording the highest 24% jump. The average prices in these markets stood at approx. INR 7,080 per sq. ft., while in 2022 it was approx. INR 6,150 per sq. ft. – a collective increase of 15%.

Going forward, we can expect the momentum in housing sales to continue, significantly aided by the unchanged repo rates which will keep home loan interest rates attractive and also signal the ongoing robustness of India’s positive economic outlook.