The recent spike in commodity prices and double-digit inflation in the second quarter of this year have both had an effect on the real estate market. Moreover, the real estate market has been impacted by inflation. In spite of this, the market has remained robust due to the dearth of available homes and the inclination of consumers for assets that might assist in providing protection against inflation. Historically speaking, the real estate market has a tendency to do well during periods of inflation because people view real estate as a safe investment that helps mitigate the negative consequences of inflation.
What is Inflation?
To further clarify, the inflation rate is the measurement of how much the general price level of goods and services has increased over a specific period of time, and it is typically expressed as a percentage. In other words, inflation is the measurement of how much the general price level of goods and services has increased. It is utilised as a tool for determining how much of an overall change there has been in the cost of living for a certain nation or economy. Calculating the average price change for a basket of products and services that are frequently used by people is one method that can be used to arrive at an estimate of the rate of inflation. It is essential to keep a close eye on inflation since it has the potential to have substantial effects both on the economy of a nation and on the personal finances of its citizens.
Causes and Consequences of Inflation:
The rise in inflation has also resulted in a depreciation of the regional currency, which has further contributed to the problem of rising prices by driving up the cost of imported commodities. Because the government has been manufacturing money to support its expenditures, the government’s monetary policy has also played a part in causing inflation. This is because printing money is an expensive process. In Pakistan, the current atmosphere of inflation is the result of a confluence of all of these forces coming together.
Effect of Inflation on Real Estate:
The effect that inflation has on the real estate market It is essential to keep in mind that inflation is a multifaceted phenomena that can be brought about by a wide range of factors, including supply and demand, monetary policy, and international events. In the case of Pakistan, a combination of these causes has led to the present inflationary climate, and it will take a multi-pronged strategy to address and control it. The current inflationary environment has been caused by a combination of these variables. In order to lessen the negative effects that inflation will have on the economy and the lives of its people, the government will have to strike a balance between managing the problem with the balance of payments, controlling the amount of money in circulation, and providing support for domestic industries.
Positive Consequences of Inflation:
Increasing Demand for Real estate property as people’s purchasing power falls, they may look for assets that can act as a buffer against inflation, such as real estate. This can result in increased demand for real estate. The increasing demand might lead to an increase in the price of real estate. Rental revenue may increase because landlords may be able to demand higher rents in response to inflation’s effect of driving up the cost of products and services. This may lead to an increase in rental income.
Attractive Investment Opportunities:
Rising inflation might present appealing investment opportunities in real estate for those looking to make financial investments. When compared to other asset classes, the return on investment that may be obtained from real estate may be higher in the presence of significant inflation.
The Following are Some Unfavourable Results of Inflation:
Costs associated with the construction that are higher as a result of inflation can make it more expensive to construct new buildings and homes. This is because inflation drives up the price of both construction supplies and labour. This can contribute to an increase in the overall cost of real estate, which may also make it less affordable.
A rise in interest rates as a result of inflation can make it more expensive for buyers to finance the acquisition of real estate, which in turn can have the effect of lowering demand for real estate.
Decreased Affluence:
If the cost of living continues to rise, people may have less discretionary income to invest in real estate, which can have the effect of lowering demand for real estate.
Conclusion:
The conclusion that can be drawn is that the effect of inflation on the real estate market is a complicated one. Increasing inflation may result in increased real estate prices and rental income; but, it may also make it more expensive to purchase and construct properties, which may result in a decrease in the affordability of real estate. While making judgements on real estate investments in an inflationary environment, investors should take into consideration the aforementioned issues.
