Limited Direct Impact

New Delhi: Realtors’ apex body Credai on Friday said the RBI’s decision to cut benchmark lending rate by 25 basis points might have “limited direct impact” and sought further reduction in the next monetary policy meet for “stronger impetus” to housing demand. Reduction in repo rate may lead to lowering of interest rates on home loans provided banks decide to pass on the benefits.

Commenting on the monetary policy announcement, Credai National President Boman Irani said, “The RBI’s decision to reduce repo rate by 25 basis points to 6.25 per cent supplements recent announcements in the Budget aimed at boosting spending and spur economic growth.” This supportive monetary policy was “imperative”, especially after the recent 50 basis points reduction in Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR), which has already injected significant liquidity into the banking system, he added.

“While the current cut may have a limited direct impact, we anticipate that a further rate cut in the next MPC meeting will provide stronger impetus to overall demand, accelerating housing sales, particularly in the mid-income and affordable segments,” Irani observed.