AdminNRIs often hear stories about investors hitting jackpot by buying and selling properties back home. Very often, they also hear about someone who has lost money in a project that never materialized or in which issues crept up, rendering the property impossible to sell.
Eager to bag a slice of the pie, the NRI begins researching how to invest in the Indian market from abroad and which city, to begin with, only to get lost in contradictory sources.
It is a fact that the Indian economy is expanding rapidly; in fact, the World Bank projects that India will surpass China as the world’s fastest growing large economy by 2017. For those looking to become real estate investors who wish to participate in India’s growth, choosing which part of the country to buy-in can be a challenge. After all, the economy may be making great strides at the national level, but what forces at work at the local level? Put another way, which city or cities can promise the greatest returns?
We have compiled a list of the best cities for real estate investment. Some of these are large metros, known to be the hubs of many industries. Others are smaller, upcoming cities which show a lot of promise in their growth rates in population and per capita income amongst other factors. Read on to identify which city may be the best for you to invest in real estate.
1. Bangalore
Thanks to its combination of rapidly growing population, well-paying jobs, and low real estate prices, the hub of India’s IT industry has become the hub of its property investment as well. JLL recently published its annual ranking of the world’s most dynamic cities, in their City Momentum Index, affirming that Bangalore is the fastest-changing city on the planet.
By some estimates, 40 percent of India’s IT industry is based in this one metropolis. These changes have made it the most attractive place in India for real estate investment. A recent survey pegged Bangalore as the top real estate opportunity across Asia-Pacific.
All of this makes Bangalore the most desirable place for real estate investment in India.
2. Pune
Pune has displayed rapid population growth over the past decade with a growth rate over 30% during this period. The average white collar salary in this city is second only to Bangalore. Currently, property in this city is affordable as compared to other cities, which shows that it’s a good time to invest.
The city also benefits from being close to Mumbai. It also holds opportunities in the education, IT, automobile, and engineering sectors. This is yet another example of a formerly slow city that has experienced rapid recent growth and change.
The good weather all year round is an added benefit for NRI investors here. A new international airport and increased metro connectivity will bring even more growth and positive change to the city in coming years.
3. Chennai
Head over to the capital of Tamil Nadu for yet more real estate investment opportunities. Chennai is also in the leading pack, with a high growth rate in population (30%) and reasonably high average white collared salaries. This industrial city also has many companies that do IT and financial services.
The government has made road connectivity a priority here in recent years. This has helped the city and the surrounding area develop faster and attract new business opportunities.
A coming monorail and elevated railway line are sure to further help with this connectivity.
4. Visakhapatnam
As far as population and area, Visakhapatnam (Vizag) is one of the biggest harbors in India. Because of this, it is considered the commercial hub of Andhra Pradesh.
A quickly growing IT industry coupled with good infrastructure makes this city a desirable place for real estate investments.
With the first phase of the Vizag Metro Rail slated to be completed in December 2018, transportation options will also soon open up in this city.
5. Mumbai
As a growing city with modern urban development, Mumbai is a good real estate investment choice for a non-resident Indian who cares about lifestyle.
Considered the financial capital of India, this city is hard to beat when you compare the level of infrastructure with other cities. Target a premium property in an upscale neighborhood for the best return on your investment. There are several luxury hotspots in Mumbai that place you near high-end retail stores and restaurants.
As India’s financial hub, Mumbai also attracts many investors and corporate firms, providing plenty of work opportunities. If you want an internationally competitive work culture, this is the city.
Mumbai has great education facilities, including international schools. Political stability and easy resale options are added incentives to make Mumbai your investment realty location.
6. Bhiwadi
As the third-largest industrial hub in India, Bhiwadi is a manufacturing hub for some major firms. Companies like Gillette and Honda ensure plenty of local work opportunities.
Real estate projects are also cheaper here than in other cities. The affordability right now makes this a great investment realty choice for the long term.
The Indian government has proposed projects in Bhiwadi including new high-speed public transportation. This will make this city even more desirable in the years to come.
7. Kochi
Kochi, the commercial hub of Kerala, has seen new real estate prospects thanks to recent changes.
An upgrade of the sea port and privatization of the local international airport brought in new business prospects.
Many NRIs are already investing in Kochi. In fact, only some 30% of investors in real estate in Kochi are locals.
Part of what makes this city so appealing is its recent developments in infrastructure. New planned developments include the Vallarpadam International Container Trans-shipment Terminal, which will expand investment opportunities for this port city.
An “oceanarium,” or marine research facility that also doubles as a tourist attraction, is another proposed project that’s sure to attract even more opportunities to the area.
8. Bhubaneswar and Cuttack
These twin cities in east India are growing education and IT hubs. This boosts real estate development in the area.
The real estate market is well-regulated here since most of the available land is still owned by the government.
Plans for new commercial projects, a wider highway, and the new Kalinga Nagar Industrial Complex add to the reasons to target Bhubaneswar and Cuttack for real estate investment.
9. Coimbatore
The second largest city in Tamil Nadu boasts a stable industry that revolves around textiles and spinning.
Engineering, IT, and manufacturing have added to the industry in Coimbatore in recent years, providing economic growth and increased work opportunities.
A planned airport expansion will increase the ease with which travelers and business opportunities can flow into the city. And a proposed bus rapid transit system provides added options for transport on the ground.
Conclusion
There is a long list of cities in India that are great opportunities for real estate investments.
You may choose an established, major hub like Bangalore, or a newer and growing location like Kochi. It all depends on exactly what your future plans are for your investment.
With so many cities undergoing rapid developments and offering new opportunities, it’s hard to go wrong if you consider the key factors to select cities of choice for real estate investments. pinetree hill