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Domestic confidence soars as foreign investments decline in India’s real estate landscape

The real estate investment scenario in India witnessed a notable shift in 2023, according to a comprehensive report by Vestian. While institutional investments faced a decline of 12% annually, totalling USD 4.3 billion, the spotlight shifted to domestic investors, who more than doubled their contributions to the sector, reaching an impressive USD 1.5 billion.

The report indicates a significant surge in confidence among domestic investors, with their inflow of funds experiencing a staggering 120% growth, rising from USD 687 million in 2022 to USD 1.5 billion in 2023. This surge increased the share of domestic investors from 14% in 2022 to an impressive 35% in 2023, signalling a notable increase amid global economic uncertainties.

On the flip side, foreign investments, which had dominated the sector with a 79% share in 2022, faced a setback. The share of foreign investors decreased to 65% in 2023, amounting to USD 2.73 billion, mainly due to a macroeconomic slowdown. Commercial assets remained the focal point for foreign investors, with a significant 72% concentration, while the industrial and warehousing segments captured 15% of their attention.

Shrinivas Rao, FRICS, CEO of Vestian, underscored that despite uncertainty in demand across the real estate sector, investments had remained robust throughout the year. He highlighted that the optimism of domestic investors had played a crucial role in keeping the real estate market buoyant, showcasing their unwavering confidence in India's growth story.

Delving into asset preferences, the report revealed that commercial assets emerged as the favored investment option for domestic investors, commanding a 42% concentration. Residential projects followed closely with a 39% share, showcasing the diversification of domestic investment interests.

In parallel, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) data showcased a distinct trend in commercial lending. Banks increased their lending to commercial real estate by an impressive 38% in November 2023 compared to the same period the previous year. Alongside, banks' outstandings for housing, including priority sector housing, witnessed a 37% increase during the same period, underlining the sector's resilience.

Although the report highlighted a five-year low in overall investments, analysts anticipate a resurgence in 2024. The optimism stems from the robust performance of the Indian economy and a promising pipeline of planned infrastructure developments.

The Indian real estate landscape appears ready for a dynamic transformation, with domestic investors taking on a more prominent role, contributing to the resilience and adaptability of the sector in the face of global challenges. As 2024 unfolds, all eyes are on how these evolving dynamics will shape the future of real estate investment in India.

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