With October 2016 alone recording 50 per cent of realty sales for Q3FY16-17, VIJAY AGRAWAL analyses the real impact of demonetisation on the financial performance of top real-estate companies.

The Finance Minister has announced infrastructure status for the affordable housing sector. This will enable companies in the affordable housing segment to borrow long-term and external commercial funds at lower interest rates. They will also be able to undertake long-gestation projects like affordable housing townships.

Whether it was large-scale acquisitions or private equity (PE) deals, 2016 was a mixed bag as far as investments in real estate were concerned. The market witnessed transactions worth US$ 5.6 billion during the year as against an approximate US$ 4.6 billion in 2015. Further, PE inflows showed a 62 per cent increase YoY.

About 10 years ago, office space in Kharadi - then an emerging IT hub in Pune´s eastern corridor - was leasing at Rs 29 to 37 per sq ft per month; you could buy office property for within Rs 3,000 per sq ft and upmarket residential property for Rs 1,800 to Rs 2,200 per sq ft.