HomeFirst raises INR 280 Crs from IFC, a member of World Bank Group.
HomeFirst raises its maiden green housing focused long term debt.
by Prashant Kapadia/NHN
Mumbai, Friday, December 2022- HomeFirst has further diversified its borrowing sources with the latest fund raise from IFC, through the issuance of INR denominated, senior secured, rated, unlisted, redeemable Non-Convertible Debentures with a tenor of up to seven years. The proceeds will be utilized to provide financing for retail buyers of affordable housing and green affordable housing units, encouraging home ownership for low-income segments, and supporting the development of green affordable housing.
Under the arrangement, IFC will also provide non-financial support in terms of knowledge, innovation and capacity building through the advisory engagement and non-commercial risk mitigation through IFC Advisory services. IFC will support HomeFirst in developing its green housing framework, including technical support for green housing evaluation parameters, operationalizing certification process and capacity building on green housing certification, monitoring and reporting. IFC estimates a US$3.1 trillion climate-related investment opportunity for India between 2018 to 2030, with green buildings accounting for a major portion of this opportunity at US $1.4 trillion.
Commenting on the agreement, Mr. Manoj Viswanathan, MD & CEO said “We are pleased to partner with IFC, a reputed multi-lateral agency and a member of the prestigious
World Bank Group to further our mission ‘to be the fastest provider of home finance for the aspiring middle class, delivered with ease and transparency.’ This is a huge vote of confidence for HomeFirst’s business model and its strong risk-management process. We believe this partnership has a strong potential to enhance financial inclusion and Green Housing in India.”
About IFC: IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, is the largest global development institution focused on the private sector in emerging markets. We work in more than 100 countries, using our capital, expertise, and influence to create markets and opportunities in developing countries. In fiscal year 2022, IFC committed a record $32.8 billion to private companies and financial institutions in developing countries, leveraging the power of the private sector to end extreme poverty and boost shared prosperity as economies grapple with the impacts of global compounding crises. For more information, visit http://www.ifc.org.
About Home First Finance Company India Limited: Home First Finance Company India Limited (HomeFirst) is a technology driven affordable housing finance company that targets first time home buyers in low and middle-income groups. It primarily offers housing loans for the purchase or construction of homes. The Company has deep penetration in the largest housing finance markets with a network of 101 branches and distribution across 13 States / UT in India, with a significant presence in urbanized regions in the states of Gujarat, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. The company has diversified lead generation channels with a wide network of connectors