Union Budget 2026: Real Estate Gets Long-Term Push, But Affordable Housing Left Behind

Union Budget 2026 offers strong long-term support to real estate through infrastructure, REITs and data centres, but the absence of affordable housing incentives keeps the overall impact moderate.

16.6 Mn Sq. Ft. of New Mall Space by 2026

India’s retail real estate is witnessing a remarkable resurgence with over 16.6 million sq. ft. of new Grade A mall space expected by 2026 across the top 7 cities. With Hyderabad and Delhi-NCR taking the lead, and 60+ global brands entering the market, demand for organized retail spaces is stronger than ever.

India’s Real Estate Sector Sees Record ₹ 39,742 Crore Land Acquisitions in 2024

India’s real estate market reached a new high in 2024, with developers acquiring ₹39,742 crore worth of land across 23 cities. The surge in residential projects, particularly in Tier 1 and emerging Tier 2 cities, highlights a shift in development strategies. JLL’s report emphasizes the growing demand for housing, investment trends, and the evolving financing landscape in India’s property market.

India’s E-Commerce Industry Poised to Reach USD 550 Billion by 2035

India’s e-commerce industry is projected to hit USD 550 billion by 2035, according to a joint report by ANAROCK and ETRetail. The sector, valued at USD 125 billion in 2024, is expected to reach USD 345 billion by 2030. The report highlights a surge in online shoppers from smaller towns, with Tier 2 and 3 cities accounting for 56% of shoppers in FY2024. Additionally, mall vacancy rates have dropped to 8.1% in 2024, indicating a strong post-pandemic recovery in physical retail spaces.

Tax Exemption Boosts Housing Demand in Tier 2 Cities, Supply Yet to Catch Up

The recent Union Budget’s income tax exemption for individuals earning up to ₹12 lakh annually is expected to boost demand for affordable housing, particularly in Tier 2 cities. While sales continue to rise, a supply crunch due to fewer new project launches remains a challenge. Experts suggest that reinstating the 100% tax deduction on profits from affordable housing projects under Section 80-IBA could help bridge the gap between demand and supply, ensuring balanced market growth.