Homebuyers to Benefit as GST on Cement, Building Materials Cut From Sept 22

The GST Council’s landmark reform slashes tax rates on cement and key construction materials from September 22, 2025. Homebuyers stand to gain as lower input costs reduce project expenses by 3–5%, boosting affordability in the mid-income and budget housing segments. Experts including Anuj Puri (ANAROCK) and the Cement Manufacturers’ Association hail the move as transformative, with potential to revive demand and accelerate project launches ahead of the festive season.

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New Delhi, September 4, 2025 – In a landmark decision, the GST Council has slashed tax rates on key construction inputs, effective September 22, 2025. For homebuyers, this means developers’ costs will ease, affordable housing viability will improve, and more projects are likely to hit the market in the festive season.

Why It Matters for Homebuyers

Cheaper Homes: Reduced GST on cement (28% → 18%), bricks, tiles, ceramics, sanitaryware, and granite blocks will lower overall construction costs by 3–5%.
Affordable Housing Push: ANAROCK data shows affordable housing sales share plunged from 38% in 2019 to just 18% in 2024. Lower costs could reverse this trend.
Clearer Pricing: A simplified two-slab GST (5% and 18%) brings transparency for buyers, encouraging more fence-sitters to purchase homes, especially in tier-II and tier-III cities.

Expert Voices

Anuj Puri, Chairman, ANAROCK Group
“The GST rationalisation is a timely intervention for the housing sector. Affordable housing has lost significant share over the past five years due to rising input costs and muted demand. Lower construction costs will not only revive developer interest in this segment but also make homes more affordable for end-users. This clarity in taxation will particularly encourage first-time homebuyers in smaller cities to take buying decisions.”

Neeraj Akhoury, President, Cement Manufacturers’ Association & MD, Shree Cement Ltd.
“Reducing GST on cement to 18% corrects a long-standing anomaly. Cement was one of the highest-taxed essential materials. This change ensures parity with other core construction inputs and aligns India with global practices. As cement is the backbone of housing and infrastructure, this rationalisation will boost both consumption and affordability.”

Pradeep Aggarwal, Founder & Chairman, Signature Global
“We wholeheartedly welcome the GST Council’s move. By lowering taxes on cement and other inputs, home prices can come down, creating sustainable demand across housing categories.”

Manju Yagnik, Vice Chairperson, Nahar Group & Senior VP, NAREDCO Maharashtra
“This is a transformative reform that reduces input costs and makes housing more accessible, particularly in the affordable and mid-income segments where demand is strongest.”

Bottom Line

With India facing an urban housing shortfall of nearly 1 crore budget homes, this GST rationalisation provides relief when it’s most needed. Developers gain cost efficiency and buyers get improved affordability—together setting the stage for a festive season boost in housing demand.