FOMO and market volatility concerns key behind wealthy Indians lapping up ultra-luxury homes

• A total of 58 ultra-luxury homes have been sold across the top 7 cities in 2023 to date.
• Apartments continued to be the favoured property choice among high net worth individuals (HNIs), comprising 53 out of 58 deals.
• The surge in sales of luxury homes is also linked to the reconfiguration of HNI investment strategies.
  

A 19,000 odd sq ft apartment in Malabar Hills Mumbai costs almost ₹100 crore more than a Bungalow in Golf Link Delhi! While we all know that Mumbai property is more expensive than in Delhi, is that the only reason? Research data by real estate services company ANAROCK throws up some interesting insights on ultra-luxury homes (priced >₹40 Cr).

The report reveals how the ultra-rich think when it comes to buying a home.

The ultra-wealthy also have distinct FOMO

Among affluent Indians, there exists a discernible fear of missing out (FOMO) when it comes to securing the most coveted properties. This urgency to acquire the most desirable options before others contributes significantly to the heightened interest and transactions in this niche market segment.

Not surprisingly, ANAROCK Research data reveals a 247% annual increase in the total sales value of ultra-luxury homes from the beginning of 2023 compared to the entire year of 2022.

Says Anuj Puri, Chairman, ANAROCK Group,, “A total of 58 ultra-luxury homes have been sold across the top 7 cities in 2023 to date, for a collective sales value of approx. ₹4,063 Cr. In contrast, the whole of 2022 saw a total of 13 ultra-luxury homes sold in these cities for a total sales value of approx. ₹1,170 cr. In terms of ultra-luxury property sales, 2023 has already made Indian real estate history even before it is over.”

Apartments remain the preferred property type

Apartments continued to be the favoured property choice among HNIs, comprising 53 out of 58 deals, while the remaining five transactions were for bungalows.

Approximately 79% of these transactions were carried out by business professionals, with an additional 16% facilitated by senior executives from various diverse sectors. The remaining 5% of deals involved politicians and Bollywood celebrities.

Surge in sales linked to reshuffling of HNI investment portfolios

This surge in sales of luxury homes is also linked to the reconfiguration of HNI investment strategies. Concerns about potential stock market volatility, largely influenced by ongoing geopolitical tensions, have prompted a shift in investment portfolios. Consequently, there's been a notable inclination towards investing in ultra-luxury homes as a more stable and secure asset class.

The response from top-tier Grade A developers further validates this trend. These developers are amplifying their efforts to introduce more properties within the ultra-luxury category, catering to this escalating demand.

Also, the demand for luxury and ultra-luxury residences has notably increased post-pandemic. HNIs and ultra-HNIs are actively purchasing such homes, viewing them as lucrative investments, as well as for personal use.



Source: ANAROCK Research