Property prices may go further south

MUMBAI: The terrorist attacks on Mumbai are likely to further pull down the sagging property prices in the city, especially in South Mumbai. South Mumbai, the most expensive property market is expected to face a dip in value across all segments, including rentals, in the next six months, feel industry experts.

���It���s is too early to say anything now. However, the attack would definitely be a dampener to the sentiment, at least in the initial few months. The attack may also create a ripple effect on the property prices in the suburban market,��� Pranay Vakil, chairman of Knight Frank India said.

Militants armed with grenades and rifles stormed into two South Mumbai hotels ��� Taj Mahal Palace and the Oberoi Trident complex ��� at around 10 pm on Wednesday. They also attacked the CST railway station and Metro cinema in South Mumbai.

Many property consultants had already assumed that South Mumbai property prices would further appreciate, though marginally, in the second half of the year due to demand-supply mismatch. With the government taking measures to attract more foreign business in recent years, there has been consistent interest in establishing and expanding operations in India, thus leading to an obvious pressure on real estate, especially in South Mumbai.

Price is usually a function of demand and supply. The excess demand for properties had been pushing up the prices in this part of the city till recently. ���The attacks would spread negative sentiments in the property market. New property deals will be very negligible in the next few months,��� said a senior official with Birla SunLife���s real estate division.