Luxury real estate shows signs of slowing down, but strong developers hold the inventory

Time of India

26-05-2025

Harmohan Sahni, the CEO of Raymond Realty, recently shared insights on the state of the real estate market in a Q4FY25 investors call. He pointed out that while the luxury segment shows signs of fatigue, the premium market where they operate remains strong.
Tired of too many ads? go ad free now
It's like that once-loved shirt you wear a bit too often; it's still stylish, but maybe it's time for a wash. The luxury real estate scene, while less populated and showcasing high inventory levels, has inventory mainly in the hands of reliable developers, according to Sahni.
What's happening in luxury real estate?
"My personal view is that on the luxury side, there's some kind of tiredness, " Sahni explained. He reiterated that the current luxury market remains smaller, with fewer players participating actively.
Despite this lull, the good news is that the inventory is in capable hands, which matters a lot during such slowdowns.
When Sahni discussed various market segments, he highlighted the steady demand for premium real estate. "We are playing in deep markets, so volumes are very, very strong,' he said, showing confidence in their ongoing projects.
What about growth and competition?
Thane, a rapidly developing area near Mumbai, continues to thrive despite fierce competition.
Sahni noted, "As the market has expanded, so has our share, " which is quite heartening for potential homeowners looking for stable investment choices.
Raymond Realty has been actively introducing new projects, including significant developments in areas like Mahim and Wadala. Their push into the Pune market is also on the cards, looking to tap into the growing demand.
"The residential segment is a massive opportunity—after all, in a country like India, everyone aspires to own a home, " he remarked.
Tired of too many ads? go ad free now
It's a well-known fact but worth remembering, especially with the right products targeting the right buyers.
With about six or seven major markets contributing to 70-80% of the national market value, establishing a strong position in these areas is crucial. The Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) stands out as a significant player, and getting a foothold there is part of the plan.
Interestingly, Sahni clarified that Raymond isn't looking at the luxury or very affordable segments; instead, they are focusing on what he described as "affordable luxury. " It's like looking for a good quality mid-range phone rather than a flagship model—offering better value without going into the super-luxury territory.
Since entering the real estate game in 2019 with their first project in Thane, Raymond Realty has progressively built its brand, launching projects like 'The Address by GS' in Bandra and solidifying its presence over the past few years.