Technology Drives Bangalore Real Estate

Technology Drives Bangalore Real Estate

by George Gonigal

Internet retail sales has had a dramatic impact on retail properties in Bangalore by reinforcing the trend towards entertainment and convenience oriented tenants, and enabling retailers to expand into multichannel distribution systems incorporating Internet sites and "land based" stores. Technology is so pervasive in our society that it is difficult to isolate and evaluate its influence on real estate demand. Technology's influence on demand is generally positive given its fundamental importance to economic growth.

Fortunately, through continuing innovations, adapting tenant mixes, and capital investment, retail property owners can moderate many potential declines in retail demand from consumers. In the long term, rent pressure is expected as and when the communication distribution channel grows, says Zaffar Sait, DGM Business Development, Prestige Group, Bangalore.

However, technology will significantly reduce demand in some areas and increase demand in others, making winners or losers out of certain properties or geographic markets. Investors and other real estate professionals who maintain vigilance concerning technology change will outperform their competitors. Impact on commercial properties

Technology is generating a net positive effect on the office employment growth in turn creating a huge demand for real estate in Bangalore. The demand for "intelligent" building technologies by office tenants is not in its infancy. Regardless of the type or size of tenant, the key issues driving tenant office leasing decisions are cost, proximity to the boss's residence, access to current and potential employees, proximity to customers or clients, and proximity to restaurants and recreation.

Few industrial property owners are interested in "intelligent" building technology. Owners are focused on providing the backbone infrastructure to enable the widest range of tenants to be accommodated in their properties.

Technology has been a key driver of Bangalore's economy historically, and will be so in the future. Accordingly, while many new technologies appear, in isolation, to reduce real estate demand, the net effect of technology on economic growth and real estate demand is fairly positive.