Top 7 cities saw 73,930 units launched by branded players; 65,550 units by non-branded players in H1 2019.Prior to Demonetisation and RERA in H1 2016, non-branded developers dominated by 60:40.Since H1 2017, share of new launches by branded players saw steady rise; fly-by-night operators exited, smaller players consolidating with big brands.An integral parts of Indian residential real estate’s coming-of-age process is the rise of *branded developers, who are outpacing their non-branded competition in overall housing launches. Reformatory changes led by demonetisation and RERA have spearheaded this movement. Anarock research indicates that out of the total new supply in H1 2019 – approximately 139,480 units in the top 7 cities – over 53 per cent (73,930 units) were launched by branded developers, and 47 per cent by non-branded entities. In H1 2018, branded developers’ share was 52 per cent and during H1 2016 – before Demonetisation and RERA – non-branded developers had a 60 per cent share (approximately 95,600 units) of the total of 159,090 newly-launched units in the top 7 cities. Branded developers accounted for 63,490 units (40 per cent) of the total supply in the period. *Branded developers include listed developers, players actively operating for 10 years or more, newly-formed entities of large conglomerates, and players with sizeable areas under development either locally or pan-India. The shifting post-reforms power balance The aftermath of DeMo was first felt in H2 2016 itself. In H1 2016, the ratio between the supply of branded vs non-branded changed from 40:60 to 46:54 in the H2 2016 – the Demonetisation period. Thereafter, the change has been significant with supply from branded players overtaking that of non-branded ones. For instance, in H1 2018, as many as 87,580 units were launched across the top 7 cities. Out of this total, nearly 52 per cent (comprising approximately 45,540 units) were launched by branded developers while the remaining 48 per cent (42,040 units) were by the non-branded players. With the share of branded players increasing to 53 per cent in H1 2019, the writing is clearly on the wall. The change catalysts This tectonic shift in the Indian residential real estate sector is the natural outcome of two major and very perceptible change catalysts, and one subtle but profound realignment in the overall demand profile: Multiple policy reforms left little room for growth to smaller developers and absolutely none for outright fly-by-night players, who are exiting the market rapidly.The severe liquidity crisis that has beset the real estate sector compels smaller developers to either perish or join hands with their branded, better-capitalized counterparts – effectively reducing their numbers. As long as the liquidity crunch prevails, the gap between the branded and non-branded players will widen in favour of the former.Millennials’ preference for branded products is no longer limited to electronic goods, fashion and furniture – it now extends to their choice of homes, as well. Branded homes are perceived to be superior in terms of lifestyle quotient as well as investment value appreciation. Increasingly, millennials will compromise on property size in favour of a well-known developer brand which ensures high-grade locations, construction quality and project amenities. All buyers benefit Not for the first time, the millennial generation has kick-started a progressive trend which benefits the who consumer value chain. Leading developer brands which earlier restricted their efforts to niche luxury offerings are now venturing into the high-demand affordable and mid-segment categories. Their increased supply gives buyers at large the option of investing in homes by the top names in the real estate industry, and thereby availing of all the associated benefits.About the Author:Santhosh Kumar is Vice Chairman at Anarock Property Consultants.