Firms may expand into NCR on low rentals: Study

Companies, which had deferred expansion plans in the National Capital Region (NCR) due to high property prices, can now think of going ahead as rentals for office space in IT and SEZ segments have declined by up to 13 per cent during the second quarter of 2008.

"The rentals of IT/SEZ segment in Gurgaon and Noida witnessed correction with values declining by 3 per cent and 13 per cent over the quarter respectively," global real estate consultant Cushman & Wakefield (C&W) said in its report on the office market for second quarter of 2008.

The anticipated supply and deferred expansion plans of the companies resulted in the decline of rents, the consultant pointed out.

However, the office rentals in Delhi have risen, though the pace of growth has slowed down. In the Central Business District (Prime) and other micro markets, rentals rose by up to 4 per cent only. Limited supply and robust demand due to convenience of the location pushed the rentals in these areas.

Giving the outlook, C&W said office market is expected to remain firm with rental values rising except for the IT and SEZ segments of Gurgaon and Noida, which are likely to see an estimated supply of 3.3 million sq ft during the third quarter.