The realty sector has been one of the worst hit in the face of slowdown. High interest rates and a severe cash crunch have hit realty companies hard.

But for India’s largest real estate developer, DLF, the going is still steady. With a land bank spread over 32 cities, the realtor continues to tap emerging markets.

Operating across various verticals of real estate, the realtor has carved a distinct niche for itself over the years.

Differentiation and identifying growing avenues ahead of competition has made the real estate developer a market leader.

It announced a profit of Rs 18.64 billion during the first quarter of fiscal year 2008, a growth of 23% from the corresponding period last year.

Unitech, the second largest listed real estate developer in India, has a pan-India presence.

With a land back of about 16,000 acres, the developer also has major infrastructure construction projects to its credit.

However, in times of a slowdown, the realtor has changed its product portfolio.

“Our focus has been more on affordable housing in range of Rs 40 lakh-Rs 70 lakh in NCR. The demand is more in this segment now and has slowed down in luxury apartments,” says a Unitech spokesperson.

The realtor is, however, facing a severe cash crunch. Recent media reports said that the realtor has defaulted on two payments worth Rs 150 cr to the Greater Noida Authority on a housing project.