The report defines an ultra HNH as one with a minimum average net worth of Rs 25 crore accumulated over the past ten years.
The third edition of the report was launched today. The report reveals the emerging trends about spending, investing and income patterns of ultra HNHs in prolonged economic uncertainty. This edition’s special focus areas are: what a ‘luxury home’ means to an ultra high networth individuals (ultra HNIs) and their purchase pattern; and the understanding and importance of estate planning.
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Unlike last year, a large percentage of respondents believe that there is a downturn and an early recovery is not in sight, indicating a level of pessimism about the economy. This has caused a change in the ultra HNIs’ perception on spending. Nearly a third of the respondents indicated that their spending has been adversely impacted. Although they continue to spend to maintain their lifestyle — ensuring their non-discretionary spend in the near term won’t be curtailed — they are now exercising greater caution regarding discretionary purchases.
In keeping with their flamboyant lifestyle, they are seen spending lavishly on luxury homes, food, clothing, education, travel and family vacations.
The report highlights that the choice of location is the predominant factor that drives ultra HNIs to purchase a luxury home. It is a status symbol for them and they go to great lengths to ensure exclusivity. Brand aspects relating to the architect / developer, architectural significance, amenities on offer and so on are considered for exclusivity. Luxury home purchased by ultra HNIs are not confined to India. More and more ultra HNIs are purchasing luxury properties abroad in places such as Singapore, London and Dubai due to comparable valuations overseas and investment considerations.
C. Jayaram, joint managing director at Kotak Mahindra Bank said, 'While overall, non-discretionary spends continue to rise, caution has crept into discretionary purchases.'
The report also highlights that many ultra HNIs understand that an efficient estate plan will ensure smooth succession of their estate to their heirs after them, protect the heirs against any possible disputes in future and ensure that requirements of dependent and minor beneficiaries are taken care of. But quite a few of them do not yet think that it is a very serious issue. In the years ahead, the reliance on family chartered accountants / lawyers will decrease because the newer generation of ultra HNIs are more aware of the nuances of estate planning and the niche products that are being offered by professional wealth managers.
The market survey revealed that close to 80% ultra HNIs believe estate planning is important, however only about 30% people have a private trust, adds Jayaram.
Discipline and capital protection continued to be the line on investments. Allocation to asset classes such as debt continued to be significant. Traditionally, investment in real estate is seen as medium risk in India but ultra HNIs are increasingly capitalising on opportunities such as distress sales as part of their short-term investments. In that sense, trends this year were not too dissimilar compared to last year.
Mukesh Agarwal, president of CRISIL Research said, 'It is the entrepreneurial spirit of the business class, who form a significant share of the ultra HNI population in India, which has driven India’s high economic growth in the last decade. Therefore, the need of the hour is to take further steps to spur an early economic recovery and revive domestic consumption. The unprecedented wealth creation that unfolded in the 1990s after economic liberalisation is a story that needs to be repeated. A rapid increase in the number of ultra HNIs will be a reflection of the success of the long-term India growth story.'
Top of the Pyramid is based on interviews with senior personnel at major global luxury brands, wealth managers, estate planners and product dealers, and an extensive market research with ultra HNIs across multiple cities.