A huge number of homes that were to be completed in 2021 may face a delay. Over 4.22 lakh homes are to be completed by this year end.
By Varun Singh
Over 4.22 lakh units are scheduled to be completed by 2021-end across the top 7 cities of the country.
Of this, NCR would see the maximum completions with a nearly 28% share, followed by MMR with 26% and Pune with approx. 18%, says data by Anarock.
The big news is that there could be some delay due to restrictions and disruptions in the supply chain amid the second COVID-19 wave.
72% of the total homes to be delivered by 2021-end are already sold out (just 28% remain unsold).
If the fallout of the second COVID-19 wave does not impact construction activity again, the top 7 cities will have approx. 1.18 lakh homes available for purchase by year-end.
Once-bitten-twice-shy homebuyers’ preference continues to be skewed towards ready-to-move homes which mitigate construction risks and project delays.
In terms of budget categories – of over 4.22 lakh homes to be delivered by 2021-end, 40% (approx. 1.69 lakh units if completed) are in the affordable segment priced 35% (approx. 1.48 lakh units if completed) are in the mid-segment priced between Rs 40 lakh to Rs 80 lakh. Anuj Puri, Chairman – ANAROCK Property Consultants says, “All the top cities have been affected, and it is likely that a part of these project deliveries will be pushed to 2022. That said, many will see completion one way or the other. Amid the localized lockdowns and restrictions in most states, construction activities are permitted – albeit mandating COVID-19-specific protocols like adequate social distancing and sanitizing measures among in-situ labourers.” Most developers underwent a steep learning curve since Lockdown 1.0. Since ready homes are in such high demand, many players with projects due to reach completion in 2021 will consider this as a do-or-die deadline. “As far as housing sales is concerned, we are seeing a temporary slowdown due to the rampant spread of the coronavirus. The market will quickly regain an even keel once the vaccination drive picks up pace and the health infrastructure crunch abates,” says Puri. City-wise Expected Completions Cities Expected Completion (Units) in 2021 NCR 116730 MMR 109940 Bengaluru 56650 Pune 74020 Kolkata 27470 Chennai 21830 Hyderabad 15860 Total 422500