5 Ways in Which the Real Estate Industry May Change in the Next 3 Years

India's real estate market is in the midst of a dynamic transformation, sporting both exciting prospects and challenges. The persistent demand for residential, commercial, and hospitality spaces, alongside evolving regulations and guidelines, promises major development and high financial traction in the coming years. Whether you are a budding realty investor or simply looking for a new house, there are a number of trends shaping this industry that you should be familiar with. 

Real Estate Market in India at a Glance

Reports indicate a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 9.2% for the Indian property market between 2023 and 2028. In 2021, the market size was $200 Billion, with an estimated growth of $1 Trillion by 2030. Moreover, the real estate sector is likely to contribute 13% of India's net GDP by 2025. 

Read More: How Are Fintech Companies Changing the Real Estate Industry

Let’s expand on the key trends shaping the Indian real estate industry in the next few years – 

The Rise of Artificial Intelligence

India's real estate landscape is poised for a transformation helmed by automation and technological advancements. The Millennial and Gen Z generations are heralding this wave of change with their profound affinity for technology. The integration of groundbreaking technologies like AI and the Internet of Things (IoT) is set to metamorphose the very foundations of real estate enterprises. 

AI, equipped with predictive analytics, is starting to revolutionise real estate investment and market analysis, offering investors valuable insights to navigate market volatility and property valuation. It accurately determines a property's worth by meticulously assessing parameters like location, property age, and market trends. 

The NRI Investment Surge

Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) are emerging as a key driving force in India's real estate arena, propelling the industry to newer heights. NRIs investments stood at over $13.4 Billion in FY21 alone. Their attraction to the sector can be attributed to an impressive return on investment, the ease and transparency of the home-buying process, etc. 

Trends also reveal a growing luxury housing market in key cities, with a whopping 50% investment boost during H1 of 2023. Factors like competitive interest rates, favourable currency fluctuations, and transparent regulations will help NRI investments increase. Developers are also focusing on projects that cater to NRI preferences. 

The Booming Era of Flexible Workspace Solutions

After the pandemic shuttered traditional offices and ushered in the work-from-home era, a more resilient and flexible work culture emerged across top-tier organisations and startups alike. This spawned a surging demand for co-working spaces and flexible office solutions. In Q1 of 2023, 27% of the overall office spaces across 7 major Indian cities were co-working spaces.  

Co-working spaces are set to become the preferred choice for startups, entrepreneurs, and freelancers, providing flexible, cost-effective, and collaborative environments. Similarly, co-living spaces are fashioning a new way of living for millennials and young professionals, in sync with their evolving lifestyle preferences. 

The Green Revolution in Housing

In a world brim-full with environmental concerns, the Indian real estate sector is experiencing a seismic shift towards sustainability in housing. This is manifesting in the use of eco-friendly materials, resource-efficient designs, and green building practices. Developers are going pro-sustainability by harnessing solar power, rainwater, and energy-efficient architectures. 

Buildings are responsible for a sizable 40% of global greenhouse gas emissions. The Indian real-estate industry is set to counter this with eco-friendly materials that construct energy-efficient structures, minimize waste and conserve resources. Homebuyers are veering towards sustainable living, lured by reduced carbon footprints, long-term savings, and an increased environmental awareness. 

The Role of the Government

The Indian government's decision to accord infrastructure status to affordable housing has injected vitality into the sector. Developers are focusing on creating affordable housing projects to meet the surging demand from the middle-income segment. Initiatives like "Housing for all" and the PMAY scheme have further accelerated this trend. 

The government's emphasis on affordable housing, infrastructure projects, and progressive laws like RERA has amplified consumer trust in the real estate industry. The planning and implementation of large-scale infra-projects like highways, airports, and metros, coupled with Government programmes like the Smart Cities Mission are transforming Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities into economic hubs. 

The Current Real Estate Landscape in India

Recent years have witnessed both pricing fluctuations and sales growth, partly attributed to the implementation of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) and the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act (RERA). While these enhanced transparency and accessibility, they also presented certain challenges. 

On the flipside, government initiatives like the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) have bolstered the demand for affordable housing, mainly among economically disadvantaged groups. Meanwhile, metropolitan hubs like Bengaluru, Mumbai, Pune, etc. continue to thrive, driven by infrastructure expansion and job opportunities. 

Covid-19 and its Impact on the Indian Real Estate Sector

When the COVID-19 pandemic sent shockwaves through the global property market, India was not spared. 2020 and 2021 saw a slump in the nation’s real estate growth, causing an estimated loss of over ₹1 Lakh Crore. As per India Ratings’ data, residential demand plummeted by 40% in H1 of 2021. 

The Resurgence of India’s Property Market

Despite the two-year downturn, the Indian property market staged a remarkable comeback in 2022, setting new sales records with a 68% YoY growth. This resurgence cemented real estate's position as one of India’s fastest-growing industries. Industry experts predicted robust growth in 2023 and beyond, driven by increased attention from NRIs and millennial surge in real estate investments. 

The future of Indian real estate is a tapestry of challenges and opportunities. All economic indicators point to India's rapid economic expansion, a tide that will significantly impact the real estate sector. With the right strategies, India's real estate industry has the potential to exceed expectations, continuing its vital role in the nation's economic journey in the years ahead.