Business Quest 
The underlying factors which drive real estate growth.Image/The Source]
Buying property is probably the single largest investment dream of every family across the globe. In many parts of the world, this belief has been reinforced by the fact that property, especially land have exponentially risen in value of over time. Stories of properties appreciating multiple times in value over time are common.
In this article, we will look at the underlying factors which drive real estate growth.
- Zoning Laws
One of the major reasons for change of price in the real estate sector is the change in the zoning of land. For instance, 50 years ago, the population was not as much as it is today. Hence, a lot of land was intended for agricultural use. Agricultural land does not have as much commercial value. Therefore, the prices of these lands were lower.
As a result, when the zoning laws change and the land is allowed to be used for commercial as well as residential purposes, the value of the land increases. A lot of appreciation over the past 50 years has been due to changes in zoning laws. This is particularly true regarding the locations adjoining mega cities. Over time, cities tend to grow in size and as a result, the agricultural land adjoining these cities tends to become valuable.
- Infrastructure Development
If residential and commercial construction is allowed on a particular plot of land, then infrastructure development also needs to begin accordingly. New roads have to be developed. Also, the livability increases when markets, hospitals and schools are built nearby. The infrastructure development takes a long period of time. This stage may last for close to a decade. However, if changes are continuously visible, then the price of land will keep on increasing
- Workplace Connectivity
People are tired of having long commutes. They are not paid for the time they commute. However, the commute certainly does waste some very valuable hours during the day. As a result, millennials prefer to stay in a location which is closer to their workplace. As a result, if a location is close to the workplace, it starts commanding a premium price. The relocation of central business districts to the outskirts of several cities has created the possibility of price appreciation in those areas.
- Network Externalities
Once a location becomes popular with residents, it becomes a hotbed for several social activities. Hobby classes, restaurants, shopping malls, multiplexes etc. start operating in that area. This suits the lifestyle of many people and hence the properties in this residential market start trading at a premium. The more developed a location becomes, the more people want to live in it and prices continue to rise.
- General Inflation
Lastly, properties become expensive to develop each year. This is because the price of inputs like cement, steel and skilled labor tends to increase every year. As a result, general inflation makes properties more expensive. If the nominal price of the property is not increasing by 2% to 3% every year, it means that the home owner in actually losing money in real terms. This is because the inflation is increasing whereas the price of the properties is not!
