The measures announced in the Budget 2022-23 for the real estate sector are likely to have a mixed impact. The increase in advance tax on sale/purchase of property by filers from 1% to 2% and for purchase by non-filers to 5% may discourage speculative investments and may push investors to consider other investment options. This may result in a decline in demand for real estate, which could negatively impact the sector.
The imposition of 1% wealth tax on immovable property of value 2.5 crore or more could also discourage investment in high-value properties. The increase in the capital gain holding period from 4 years to 6 years and the reduction in the tax rate may also discourage short-term investments in real estate.
The high construction costs due to the exponential increase in the prices of cement, steel, and imported finish materials could also negatively impact the sector. The increase in costs could result in a slowdown in construction activity, which could in turn impact the demand for real estate.
The government’s focus on discouraging investments in expensive properties and encouraging investment in productive sectors may result in money repatriation to overseas or shift parked money into productive sectors. It remains to be seen how these measures will impact the sector and the economy in the long run.
Overall, the impact of the Budget 2022-23 on the real estate sector will depend on various factors such as the demand for real estate, the cost of construction, and the overall economic conditions.