As we move forward from the unveiling of Budget 2024, experts in the real estate sector are sharing their evaluations and expectations. In this collection of expert quotes, we present a broad spectrum of opinions to help you understand the anticipated effects of the budget on real estate industry and what it means for the year ahead.
Sanjay Chatrath, Managing Partner, Incuspaze
We welcome the initiatives announced in the Budget 2024-25, which are set to significantly impact the real estate sector. The government’s continued focus on infrastructure development and urban planning will facilitate the expansion of flexible workspace solutions across the country. The retention of infrastructure spending at ₹11.1 trillion, equivalent to 3.4% of GDP, and the allocation of ₹1.5 trillion for interest-free loans to states for infrastructure spending are commendable steps that will drive growth in the sector.
The significant investment by the Central Government over the years in building and improving infrastructure has had a strong multiplier effect on the economy. Maintaining strong fiscal support for infrastructure over the next five years will further enhance this impact. The encouragement for states to provide similar support, backed by long-term interest-free loans, will ensure that infrastructure development remains a priority across the nation.
Moreover, the promotion of private investment in infrastructure through viability gap funding and enabling policies will create a conducive environment for further growth. The development of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) applications for credit will also support the digital and technological advancements necessary for the future of flexible workspaces.
These measures, along with the clarification on GST and electricity charges, are expected to streamline operations and reduce ambiguities, ultimately benefiting our clients by providing more cost-effective and transparent service structures. We are confident that these initiatives will not only drive growth in the flexible workspace industry but also contribute to the broader economic development of emerging urban centers.”
Mr Aman Sarin, Co-chair, Housing and Urban Development Committee, PHDCCI and Director & CEO, Anant Raj Limited
The budget presented by the Finance Minister brings various positive developments. It demonstrates the government’s commitment to providing housing for all, infrastructure development, and sustaining economic growth.
Key measures such as the reintroduction of subsidies under PMAY, policies for rental housing, digitization of land records, and stamp duty rationalization for women homebuyers are extremely positive moves. These initiatives will serve as major catalysts in driving the overall real estate sector.
Mr Dhaval Barot, MD & CEO of Bharat Realty Venture Pvt Ltd
“We look forward to welcoming the points on the urban housing sector from FM Shrimati Nirmala Sitharaman’s first Union Budget 2024-2025 of Modi 3.1. We appreciate the steps taken by this year’s Union Budget 2024-2025 in the housing market. Listed as Priority 5, FM Sitharaman spoke on services for 100 large cities for urban development. In addition, the government has allotted ten lakh crore rupees for one crore houses for the urban poor.
These are advanced and modern policies for ensuring that all people have adequate shelter, a basic need of human life.
The government has also slashed stamp duty for women, which will now empower more women to become homeowners, giving them freedom and power to take control of their own lives. This reflects the third pillar of the Viksit Bharat scheme, with power being given to Mahila (women) for all-encompassing equitable development.”
Rajiv Agrawal, Founder Partner of Saarathi Realtors
The finance budget for 2024-25 was majorly focused on employment, skilling, MSME, and middle-class tax structure under the new regime. An allocation of ₹1.48 lakh crore for education, jobs, and skill development was announced and all this will see increased investment in the realty sector with increased need for housing. The FM’s announcement of a Rs10 lakh crore investment in urban housing under PM AWAS Yojana Urban 2.0 is a major boost for India’s real estate sector. Additionally, the PMAY 2.0 will benefit lakhs of slum dwellers in Mumbai by providing them access to affordable and quality housing. The budget emphasizes integrating lower-income communities into the formal housing market by
giving homes to the weaker sections living in slums through effective arbitration and right evacuation solutions. This will enhance their quality of life and contribute to the overall urban development and social upliftment of Mumbai’s slum areas,”
Shrinivas Rao, FRICS, CEO, Vestian
“Announcements under the Union Budget 2024-25 are a step towards achieving the goal of Vikshit Bharat by 2047. The budget continued its focus on infrastructure development and provided impetus to employment generation with an aim to bridge the skill gap and boost the Indian economy.”
Mr. Rao added, “The budget witnessed several announcements which may boost demand for real estate assets – A budget allocation of INR 10 lakh crore to develop one crore urban houses under PMAY, improved transparency in rental housing markets, digitization of land records, and reduction in stamp duty. Additionally, sustainability gained momentum through the government’s push for clean energy, which may also be reflected in the real estate sector. All in all, the focus on infrastructure development will directly or indirectly have a positive impact on the real estate sector too.”
Badal Yagnik, Chief Executive Officer, Colliers India
The Union Budget 2024-25 clearly defines the nine priority areas revolving around employment & upskilling, inclusive growth, augmentation in manufacturing, urban development, infrastructure growth, innovation and newer reforms. This lays the foundation for future budgets and envisions India’s growth trajectory over the next five years. The capital outlay of over INR 11 lakh crore for infrastructure at 3.4% of GDP will boost equitable real estate growth in Tier I and II cities.
Housing continues to be one of the focus areas in the budgetary announcements. Under the PMAY scheme, INR 10 lakh crore has been allocated for the development of 3 crore additional houses. This will drive construction in the urban and rural areas with cascading effect on allied sectors. PPP financing and VGF for rental housing will help in meeting the housing needs of the poor while reducing the burden of the government through the traditional route. Rationalization of stamp duty across states with an emphasis on women homebuyers will boost home-buyer sentiment across major cities of the country. Furthermore, announcements related to industrial parks & corridors and infrastructure development in temple corridors should provide opportunities for all real estate stakeholders. Additionally, revision in tax slabs and increase in deduction limits under the new tax regime can potentially enhance disposable income and drive-up real estate investment across asset classes especially residential real estate.
Sankey Prasad, Chairman & MD, India & CMD – Middle East, Colliers Project Leaders
In addition to infrastructure development, the Union Budget 2024-25 has focused on employment generation, skilling, manufacturing augmentation, innovation and inclusive growth. On the real estate front, additional allocations under PMAY scheme, rationalization of stamp duty charges for women-home buyers and focus on rental housing catering to industrial workers bodes well for the residential segment. Interestingly, bolstered by government policy support and infrastructure developments, spiritual tourism is poised to be a critical growth driver for the development of several temple towns in India. Announcements related to industrial parks and corridors can potentially add vigor to the industrial & warehousing segment. Moreover, increase in disposable income under the new tax regime through additional deductions and slab revisions can amplify investments across real estate asset classes including REITs.
Amit Goyal, Managing Director, India Sotheby’s International Realty
The budget strikes a delicate balance: prioritizing infrastructure, job creation, and MSMEs while maintaining fiscal discipline. The commitment to reduce the deficit to 4.5% and below over the next few years by FM Nirmala Sitharaman, is commendable. This ensures long-term economic stability, high credit rating and FDI inflows for India. In a young nation with a large youth population (40% under 25!), skilling and job creation are crucial.
For real estate transaction, bringing down the long-term capital gains tax from 20% to 12.5% is a welcome step, even if it comes with removal of indexation benefits. This will encourage more liquidity in property transactions. Higher uniformity in long term capital gains tax across different asset classes was a long standing ask of investors.
The push for digitization, efficient land management, and modernized bylaws is also a boost for urbanisation and real estate. This will improve ease of property transactions and strengthen municipal finances through increased property taxes.
Mr. Sunil Dewali, Co-CEO of Andromeda Sales & Distribution Pvt Ltd, parent company of Andromeda Realty Advisors
The Finance Minister’s announcement to make housing more affordable, with a ₹2.2 lakh crore push under the PM Awas Yojana-Urban, is a major step forward. Addressing the needs of one crore poor and middle-class families with a ₹10 lakh crore investment over five years, it reflects a robust approach to urban development. Encouraging states to reduce high stamp duty rates, especially for women buyers, is progressive. Digitizing land records, GIS mapping, and urban housing initiatives, alongside workforce skilling, will boost the real estate sector. Significant infrastructure investments and simplified FDI rules will drive private investment, fostering economic growth and stability.
Mr. Prashant Sharma, President, NAREDCO Maharashtra
“We commend the Union Budget 2024-25 for its comprehensive approach towards job creation and boosting consumption, which are positive developments for the real estate sector. The Finance Minister’s announcement of a PM Package with five schemes focused on employment and skilling, with an allocation of Rs 2 lakh crore, and a significant provision of Rs 1.48 lakh crore for education, employment, and skilling, is a welcome move. These initiatives will undoubtedly create a ripple effect, enhancing the economic landscape and increasing demand for residential and commercial properties.
The government’s commitment to making housing more affordable, with a Rs 2.2 lakh crore push under the PM Awas Yojana-Urban, is a significant step forward. Addressing the housing needs of one crore poor and middle-class families with an investment of ₹10 lakh crore, including central assistance of ₹2.2 lakh crore over the next five years, reflects a robust and inclusive approach to urban development.
The proposal to encourage states to moderate high stamp duty rates and consider further reductions for properties purchased by women is a progressive measure. Incorporating these as essential components of urban development schemes will promote greater inclusivity and accessibility in the housing market.
The GST reforms, which have eased compliance and reduced tax burdens, have been instrumental in driving economic growth. The proposed rationalization of the tax structure, coupled with the new tax regime changes, including the increased standard deduction, will further benefit the salaried class and boost disposable income, positively impacting housing demand.
The sanctioning of 12 industrial parks under the National Industrial Corridor Development Programme, the facilitation of rental housing with dormitory-type accommodation for industrial workers in PPP mode, and the formulation of transit-oriented development programmes for 14 large cities are strategic moves that will enhance urban infrastructure and support industrial growth.
With significant infrastructure investments continuing over the next five years, including a provision of ₹11,11,111 crore for capex, we anticipate a multiplier effect that will drive private investment in infrastructure. The introduction of a market-based financing framework and simplified rules for Foreign Direct Investments will further facilitate economic growth and stability.
Overall, the Union Budget 2024-25 is a forward-looking and balanced approach towards Viksit Bharat that addresses key areas of employment, housing, urban development, and economic growth. We at NAREDCO Maharashtra look forward to the positive impact these measures will have on the real estate sector and the overall economy.”
Mr. Pritam Chivukula, Co-Founder & Director, Tridhaatu Realty and Vice President, CREDAI-MCHI
“We wholeheartedly welcome the Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman Union budget 2024-25 which reflects market expectations, promoting an atmosphere conducive to economic growth.
The budget emphasizes the needs and aspirations of the Garib, Mahilayen, Yuva, and Annadata, highlighting the government’s primary priorities, and we applaud the government for the same. Keeping Viksit Bharat in mind, the Finance Minister mentioned urban development and infrastructure among some of the key focus areas of the government.
An outlay of 10 lac crore for urban housing under PM Awaas Yojana is a welcome move as it will give a significant boost in providing housing across major cities in the country. With a huge shift in the population moving from rural to urban areas, this move will immensely benefit in providing a roof over the head of our urban population.
The government has announced a Rs 2.2 lakh crore initiative to enhance housing affordability: Through the PM Awas Yojana-Urban, the housing requirements of one crore economically disadvantaged and middle-class families will be met, supported by an investment of ₹10 lakh crore. This comprehensive plan includes ₹2.2 lakh crore in central assistance over the next five years.The 2.66 lac crore allocation for rural development and infrastructure will benefit people in rural India to become self reliant and uplift their living standards. This will discourage them from moving into urban areas and encourage overall development of the country.
Rental housing with dormitory type accommodation for industrial workers has been proposed under the PPP model. This is a step in the right direction, as it will provide affordable housing options for the industrial workers, who are at the bottom of the housing pyramid.
The Finance Minister stated that stamp duty for women buying a house has been lowered. This will encourage women to come forward and empower them in the home buying process.
The Finance Minister highlighted ongoing significant infrastructure investments, set to continue over the next five years. This year, ₹11,11,111 crore has been allocated for capital expenditure, amounting to 3.4% of GDP. States will be encouraged to match this scale of support based on their priorities. Private investment in infrastructure will be encouraged through Viability Gap Funding and a new market-based financing framework.
The Union Budget 2024-25 embodies a progressive strategy aimed at addressing crucial sectors while propelling the nation towards a more sustainable and promising future.”
Mr. Mehul Agarwal, Director & CEO, Dorby
“ As a stakeholder in the surface décor industry, reforms and initiatives in the allied sectors like manufacturing, logistics, and infrastructure significantly impact our growth aspirations. The allocation of Rs 11 lakh crore, representing 3.4% of our GDP, for capital expenditure on infrastructure projects highlights the government’s dedication towards real estate and infrastructure growth and development. Significant allocations with Rs 15,000 crore dedicated to Andhra Pradesh’s development and Rs 26,000 crore for highway projects in Bihar including the Polavaram Dam project, new airports, medical colleges, and industrial nodes, reflect the government’s commitment to regional development as well. Enhanced infrastructure translates to improved logistics and supply chain efficiency, reducing transit time and costs.
Furthermore, the reduction in the turnover threshold for MSME buyers on the TReDS platform from Rs 500 crore to Rs 250 crore is another reform that stands to benefit the MSME sector significantly. This measure will improve liquidity and working capital management for MSMEs, enabling smoother cash flows and financial stability. Moreover, the introduction of a new credit guarantee scheme for MSMEs, providing guarantees up to Rs 100 crore for term loans without collateral, will facilitate access to finance for machinery and equipment purchases. The government’s continued focus on GST simplification and rationalization is a welcome move. We expect the reduced compliance burdens and logistics costs to enhance ease of doing business, enabling us to operate more efficiently.
The budget also emphasizes urban development through transit-oriented plans for 14 large cities with populations exceeding 30 lakh promoting urban expansion. This presents a promising market for the surface décor industry, as the increased real estate value will consequently lead to higher demand for construction & development. Lastly, the Finance Minister also announced a PM Package of five schemes aimed at facilitating employment and skilling, with a substantial allocation of Rs 2 lakh crore, aimed at creating jobs for the youth of the country. Employment and skilling, particularly in the blue-collar sector, is crucial for our industry where skilled labour undertakes product installation and finishing.”
