Union Budget 2021-22- A Silver Lining for Real Estate Sector!

Introduction-

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is preparing to present the Union budget 2021-22 on February 1, 2021. It is expected that Union Budget 2021-22 would help to revive from COVID-19 setback in a feasible manner. There is no doubt that COVID-19 has hit almost every sector therefore something needs to be done for all sectors. Also people from different sectors presented many proposals and suggestions to the Minister of Finance during preliminary budget discussions.

The same is true for the real estate sector, as they have also placed their demand, like flexible income tax norms and reforms in Good and Services Tax (GST). They consider that central government and some state governments have announced a series of measures to develop the real estate sector, which was low for the last two or three years. It has helped to stimulate demand in the third quarter of the current financial year.

Effect of COVID-19 on Real Estate- 

Corona-virus has a severe hit on all industries including real estate sector. Insecurity of jobs has led many home buyers to postpone their property purchase. Many builders have extended the possession period due to delays in supply of construction material, shortage of workers, etc. Many retail and entertainment outlets has been closed temporarily, this has put the future commercial real estate on hold. Work from home trend has reduced the utilisation of office space in Bangalore, Gurgaon, Noida, Chennai and other metropolitan cities.  

Related Article:- Impact of Coronavirus on Real Estate

Expectations from Union Budget 2021-22

Mr. Lincoln Bennet Rodrigues, Founder and Chairman of the Bennet and Bernard Group, known for its luxury vacation homes in Goa, expressed his views on upcoming Union Budget 2021-22. He said “The real estate sector is a major pillar of India’s GDP, and has undergone substantial changes over last few years. We anticipate further easing of income tax reforms in the upcoming budget.

The sector also expect the government to implement various reforms and accelerate consumption to grant bank loans to ease liquidity. A lower home loan interest rates, stamp taxes, and lower registration fees, will significantly affect the cost of the project and will definitely motivate home buyers to purchase the property. 

After this epidemic, people realised the importance of large spaces and self-sufficient communities. This will definitely increase the desire to have bigger space for the same capital. Hence, places like Goa will surely attract the investors because it offers a number of amenities”. 

In conclusion, we expect the government would realise the problems of real estate sector. And will take the necessary measures to strengthen the real estate sector and development of solid infrastructure.

Budget 2013-14 Proposes Rs.1L Deduction to First-Home Buyers

With the Rs.1 lakh deduction on interest rates on home loans up to Rs.25 lakh, the first time home buyers alone may benefit from the Budget 2013-14 which was presented in the parliament on Feb 28.

Budget 2013-14 will help the first time home buyers

Budget 2013-14 will help the first time home buyers

The much awaited Budget 2013-14 was presented in the parliament by the finance minister on Feb 28. This year the budget did not have many sops to the real estate sector as a whole.

However real estate sector will benefit from the budget as it includes deduction of interest in the home loans by the first-home buyers. Those who plan to buy home for the first time can gain tax exemption and deduction in the interest rates up to Rs.1 lakh.

This will have more effect on the middle income class and so the buyers of this class will have a reason to be happier. Continue reading

CREDAI Report on Application of Service Tax

Tax Service
According to CREDAI, the Confederation of Real Estate Developers Association of India, due to the application of service tax as per the union budget 2010, the property prices will experience an increase.

All of us are aware of the fact that this service tax has come into effect since July 1. For those who don’t, a quick recap says that an introduction of “deeming provision” took place in Union Budget 2010 which brought realty within the horizon of service tax.

According to the president of CREDAI, Mr Chitty Babu, there will be an increase of around 2.5% in property prices on account of the levy. Additional to this, in locations like Tamil Nadu where land registration and sale of building are done separately, a hiatus of 66.3% has been granted, thus, service tax will be applicable on the balance.

Finally, this whole tax would come just on the shoulders of buyers. This fact has even been admitted by some developers that they would charge extra from the buyers themselves to pay this tax.

What Should the Buyers do?

Delhi Properties - Real Estate India - Unitech Location
The apartment buyers were already burdened by the day by day increasing property rates, and now come another burden to their door. Since last month, many developers have been demanding the buyers to start paying up the service tax announced in Union Budget, 2010, i.e. a 2.5% tax.

However, this service tax will be imposed only on the under construction residential project or where the building has not yet received its occupation certificate. Some sources revealed that some developers admitted that they asked purchasers to pay this tax.

On the other hand, buyers say that they were not told about this additional taxation at the time of booking of flats. A market source told that although the buyers are raising voice against this game played by builders, but they do not have much choice. As they are forced to pay the development charges, society fees, hefty parking charges and other various charges, they will have to pay this tax too.