As the Union Budget 2025-26 approaches, the real estate sector is looking to the Modi 3.0 government for measures to rejuvenate a market that has experienced a slowdown in recent months. With the budget announcement set for February 2024, industry stakeholders are optimistic about steps to boost consumption and address key challenges facing the sector.
Focus on Infrastructure and Economic Growth
Despite declining real estate activity in the second half of 2024, the sector anticipates the government will prioritize robust infrastructure development, a long-term driver for real estate growth. The budget is also expected to include measures to stabilize the economy and enhance GDP growth, with a focus on supporting SMEs, MSMEs, job creation, and skilling initiatives.
Affordable Housing in Need of Revival
Affordable housing, a once-thriving segment, has struggled post-pandemic, with its sales share in the top seven cities dropping to 18% in 2024 from over 38% in 2019, according to ANAROCK Group data. The supply of affordable homes has also declined significantly.
To address these challenges, industry experts are calling for targeted government intervention, including:
- Reintroducing the Credit-Linked Subsidy Scheme (CLSS): This scheme, which expired in 2022, provided financial incentives for first-time buyers of affordable homes. Its revival could stimulate demand in this segment.
- Restoring the 100% Tax Holiday for Developers: Developers previously benefited from tax exemptions under Section 80-IBA of the Finance Act, 2016, which helped increase affordable housing supply. Reinstating this provision could boost developer interest in such projects.
- Revising Affordable Housing Criteria: Current definitions of affordable housing, particularly the price cap of INR 45 lakh, are considered outdated in high-cost markets like Mumbai. Experts suggest raising the price cap to INR 85 lakh in Mumbai and INR 60-65 lakh in other metros to reflect market conditions.
The Road Ahead
ANAROCK Group Chairman Anuj Puri noted that centrally controlled land managed by agencies such as Indian Railways and the Port Trusts could be released for affordable housing projects, addressing land scarcity issues.
The slowdown in 2024 saw housing sales in the top seven cities decline by 4% to approximately 4.46 lakh units, while new launches dropped by 7% to around 4.13 lakh units. However, stakeholders believe that with the right incentives, 2025 could mark a turnaround for the residential real estate market.
The Union Budget 2025-26 holds the potential to reinvigorate the sector, fostering growth and ensuring housing remains affordable for all.
