CREDAI MCHI and Colliers’ Research Report – GOM’s BOLD move of significant cut in Stamp Duty leads to doubling of YoY sales

BMC revenue collections reach 10-year high at INR 11K crore in 2021

by Suman Gupta

• During the period Q4 2020 to Q1 2021,property registrations increased 84% compared to the same period in the previous year (pre-Covid)

• More than INR130,000 crore worth of apartments sold compared to about INR60,000 crore during the corresponding period in pre-Covid times.

Mumbai, 24^th January 2022 – The year 2021 saw the highest residential registrations in MMR in recent times at about 242,000 units, a 53% increase from 2020 and a 20% increase even over 2019. These statistics and many more analysis are part of the ‘MMR Housing Uptick aided by Support’ research report, conducted jointly by CREDAI MCHI, Colliers and CRE Matrix and released today.

The government in September 2020, reduced stamp duty charges from 5% to 2% for all residential transactions for the period September to December 2020 and 3% for the subsequent quarter of January – March 2021. Other factors such reduced home loan rates, largely stable prices, pent-up demand and a higher inclination to own home too contributed to a spurt in sales during the year.

Speaking on the launch event, Mr. Boman Irani, Incoming President of CREDAI-MCHI said, “We are excited to present ‘MMR Housing Uptick aided by Support’, a recently conducted joint research report by CREDAI MCHI, Colliers and CRE Matrix. As we unveil this report, we would like to congratulate our Hon’ble state leaders for their timely actions and interventions for the real estate sector, amid trying times of COVID-19 pandemic. A series of positive actions and continuous encouragement by the Maharashtra government ensured that the real estate sector and the overall economy gets a boost. Premium reductions led to 5x collections as compared to an average year. Further, the reduction in stamp duty helped in doubling the number of flats sold. Notably, almost INR 1.30 lakh crore worth of residential flats were sold in the period of October, 2020 to March, 2021. All of these led to an indirect collection of GST wherein the state received 9% of the construction costs as GST & further 2.5% GST on value of apartments sold. It is a win-win situation for everybody as rationalisation of charges and taxes is leading to overall growth. We are confident that the overall services and employment industry will also benefit from this spillover effect.”

Central Mumbai (Dadar, Lower Parel, Worli, Sewri, Mahim, Matunga, Parel, Wadala) saw the maximum revival in sales in 2021.  Registrations here rose 93% from 2019 and 71% from 2020. Thane accounted for the highest number of registrations with 42% share, and highest stamp duty collection.

“The year 2021 has definitely been a good year for homebuyers. The numbers show how sops at the right time can boost demand across the segments. The MMR residential market has shown revival led by a host of prevailing factors. In tune, launches also rose 3% in 2021 as developers launched projects to avail the discount premium while the market was on an uptick. If the demand persists in a similar trend due led by huge propensity to purchase, the market will see better demand-supply equilibrium in 2022. There could also be a 2-5% increase in prices in the latter half of the year. Overall, aspects like easier conversion of land-use, single-window clearances and sops to migrant workers are important for equitable growth,” said Ramesh Nair, CEO, India and Managing Director, Market Development, Asia, Colliers.

Property registrations in MMR

Source: CRE Matrix, Colliers

Launches in MMR

Source: CRE Matrix, Colliers

Government collections swell on spurring sales, despite rate cuts and discounts

In MMR, the trigger in home sales in 2021 led to 81% higher stamp duty collections YOY, almost touching 2019 levels. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) also saw a massive upsurge in premium collections as it crossed INR 11,000 crore before the end of December 2021. The average collection over the past 10 years have been in the range of INR 3500- 4000 crore, which shot up manifold.

At the same time, in FY 2020-21, property tax collections hit a 10 year-high with collections of INR 5,135 crore meeting 98% of the projected. Property tax is the second biggest source of revenue for the municipal corporation of Greater Mumbai after Goods and Services Tax (GST).

Affordable and lower-mid segment sales see a fillip; registrations up 22% from 2019

Cut in stamp duty gave fillip to affordable and mid segment (<INR1 cr). Property registrations in these segments rose 22% in 2021, over 2019. Sales in this segment accounted for 39% of the total sales during 2021. Majority of the sales were seen in Thane, with western suburbs a distant second.

Luxury makes a comeback, led by Central Mumbai

Demand in luxury segment bounced back after several years. Sales in the luxury segment (>INR3 cr) almost doubled in 2021, compared to 2019. Luxury sales accounted for the highest share in three years, at 28% of the sales in 2021. Majority of the sales were in Central Mumbai, followed by Western Suburbs.

While reduction in stamp duty, reduction in premiums and levies and assistance to migrant workers has helped real estate market of MMR gain its lost ground, it is important to provide continued assistance until uncertainty led by pandemic looms over. Implementing some more recommendations mentioned above like continuation in providing concessions and ease in clearances by government will provide the much-needed thrust to the sector and help it remain buoyant.