Source : ETT / https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/real-estate/weak-rupee-makes-nris-home-in-on-indian-realty/articleshow/92024611
SAFE HAVEN Better returns, rental income also among reasons for NRIs’ interest in India
Depreciation of the rupee against the dollar in the backdrop of the geopolitical situation and hardening global interest rates is helping drive sales of real estate to non-resident Indians. The rising interest from NRI homebuyers is being witnessed across segments, from mid-income projects to premium and luxury segments and plotted developments. The Indian currency has depreciated as much as 5.2 % against the US dollar in 2022 so far. “The economic scenario worldwide has thrown up various challenges (but) India comes through as a safe haven in terms of economic growth potential,” said Niranjan Hiranandani, VC of real estate industry body Naredco and managing director of the Hiranandani Group. “Beyond just sentiments, Indian real estate is also a good wealth creation and growth option for NRIs.” According to him, the global currency situation translates into more square feet of Indian real estate for the NRI. Apart from being a safe haven in these uncertain times, Indian real estate also offers capital value appreciation and rental income. All of these, and digitisation of the processes, add up to being a win-win scenario for the investors. Enquiries and conversion into actual property sales have improved in the last few months for many developers, especially the large ones with an established delivery track record. “The depreciating rupee is an opportunity for NRIs to invest in residential real estate in India. This is backed by the rising number of enquiries from multiple geographies, especially the Middle East. We are increasingly seeing that requirements are driven by their international experience and exposure,” said Ramesh Ranganathan, chief executive of K Raheja Corp Homes. Several of the Middle Eastern countries with large Indian population, like the UAE and Saudi Arabia, peg their currencies to the dollar. This means the rupee has depreciated against them at a similar rate to the greenback. Premium properties in tier-I and metropolitan cities like Mumbai, Delhi-NCR, Bengaluru and Pune, scenic destinations at hill stations and by the beach across India have been garnering rising interest from NRIs. “We are seeing a lot of traction from NRIs in the Gulf; which is traditionally a strong market for us,” said. Dhimaan Shah, chief operating officer of luxury holiday home developer Isprava Group.