Pune Sees a 3% Rise in Property Sales in August 2024 as Buyers Opt for Larger Homes

Pune has long been a sought-after destination for homebuyers due to its unique combination of modern amenities, proximity to weekend getaways, moderate climate, and a relaxed pace of life. Known for its pleasant weather and proximity to the Western Ghats, Pune offers a lifestyle that appeals to a wide variety of buyers, from working professionals to retirees. This appeal has remained strong, especially as the city witnesses a steady rise in property demand.

In August 2024, the Pune real estate market saw notable growth in property registrations and stamp duty collections, according to data released by Knight Frank India. The trend signals a robust recovery and growing confidence among buyers, with larger homes increasingly in demand.

Surge in Property Sales and Stamp Duty Collections

The report highlighted that Pune registered 13,397 properties in August 2024, marking a 3% increase compared to the same period in 2023. While this may seem like a modest growth rate, the rise in stamp duty collections was more dramatic, surging by 40% year-on-year (YoY) to reach Rs 592 crore. This indicates that not only are more properties being sold, but higher-value properties are also contributing significantly to government revenues.

Shishir Baijal, Chairman and Managing Director of Knight Frank India, highlighted the strength of Pune's real estate market, noting significant growth in both property registrations and revenue. He mentioned that year-to-date property registrations in Pune have increased by 40% year-on-year, marking the city's fastest year to surpass 100,000 registrations. This growth is being driven by the rising demand for larger homes and premium properties.

Pune's Property Market in Numbers

Here are some key statistics for Pune's property market as of August 2024:

• Property Registrations: Pune saw a 3% YoY increase in August 2024.
• Stamp Duty Collections: Rs 592 crore was collected, representing a 40% YoY rise.
• Total Units Sold (Jan-Aug 2024): 127,108 units, generating Rs 4,736 crore in stamp duty collections, a 47% YoY increase.

The surge in stamp duty collections suggests that homebuyers are gravitating toward larger and higher-priced homes, boosting the city's revenue significantly. Furthermore, the trend of increased demand for properties over Rs 1 crore underscores a growing appetite for premium housing in Pune.

Growing Demand for Larger Homes

One of the most noticeable trends in Pune's real estate market is the increased preference for larger homes. Homes over 800 square feet accounted for 32% of total transactions in August 2024, compared to 28% during the same period in 2023. This trend towards larger apartments and homes is a continuation of a post-pandemic shift, where buyers now prioritize spacious living areas. The rise in demand for homes above 1,000 square feet also highlights the growing inclination towards comfortable living, driven by the rise of hybrid and remote work models.

Moreover, the demand for premium properties, particularly those priced over Rs 1 crore, has surged significantly. Data from Knight Frank India reveals that the share of homes priced between Rs 1 crore and Rs 2.5 crore rose from 10% in August 2023 to 14% in August 2024. Properties between Rs 50 lakh and Rs 1 crore still accounted for the largest share of sales at 34%, reflecting the strong middle-class buyer segment. However, even this segment saw a slight increase compared to the previous year, pointing to buyers' shifting preferences towards larger, more expensive homes.

Breakdown of Sales by Price Segments

To better understand the shift in the market, it's helpful to look at the distribution of property sales by price bracket:

• Properties under Rs 25 lakh: Share decreased from 23% in August 2023 to 19% in August 2024.
• Properties between Rs 25 lakh and Rs 50 lakh: Share dropped slightly from 34% to 32%.
• Properties between Rs 50 lakh and Rs 1 crore: Share increased from 32% to 34%.
• Properties between Rs 1 crore and Rs 2.5 crore: Share rose from 10% to 14%.
• Properties between Rs 2.5 crore and Rs 5 crore: Share increased from 1% to 2%.
• Properties over Rs 5 crore: Share remained steady at less than or equal to 1%.

The data shows that while budget homes continue to make up a smaller portion of the market, there is growing interest in mid-range and luxury segments. This shift could be attributed to Pune's growing affluence and rising incomes, as well as changing buyer preferences following the pandemic.

Central Pune Dominates Residential Transactions

Geographically, Pune's property market is concentrated in certain key areas. Central Pune, which includes Haveli Taluka, Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), and Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC), continues to dominate residential transactions, accounting for 80% of total sales in August 2024. This area has long been a residential and commercial hub, offering proximity to essential amenities, educational institutions, and job centers.

In addition to Central Pune, West Pune has emerged as an increasingly popular choice for homebuyers, capturing 12% of the total market in August. Micro markets in West Pune, including Mawal, Mulshi, and Velhe, have seen a noticeable uptick in interest as buyers look beyond the traditional city center for more affordable and spacious options.

Micro markets in North, South, and East Pune accounted for 7% of total residential transactions, reflecting a more limited market activity compared to the central and western parts of the city.

Conclusion

Pune's real estate market remains resilient, with a clear shift towards larger and more premium properties. The combination of a favorable lifestyle, proximity to major commercial hubs, and an increasing preference for spacious homes is driving demand in the city. With property registrations and stamp duty collections rising steadily, Pune is poised for continued growth in its real estate sector.