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Will GST on under-construction projects in India drop to 5%? Impact on Home Prices in 2026

Posted on Jan 29, 2026 Modified on Feb 11, 2026

GST on under-construction projects in India: Will Rates Drop to 5%? - Real Estate Blog by MoneyTree Realty

The GST 2.0 has transformed the Indian real estate landscape to a considerable extent in 2026. Although the GST rate on non-affordable under-construction projects will continue at 5% (without Input Tax Credit), massive rate rationalisations of raw materials actually create the perceived drop in prices.

Indian real estate has passed a revolutionary point in 2026. With the government still pushing ahead with its “Housing for All” initiative, there has been a major evolution in homeownership's fiscal frameworks. Today’s homebuyer must now take on as a challenge in their quest for asset accumulation the complexities of GST in realty purchase if they intend to tap its benefits in unlocking giant savings.

For many buyers, the goal is often to find out how to avoid gst on a flat purchase. Buying a property, which has already been granted an Occupancy Certificate (OC), will remain the most direct one. Nevertheless, at the present price adjustments in the under-construction market, the 5% tax is normally compensated by the reduced entry cost of a new development.

Effect of GST Reduction on Home Prices: Why 2026 is Different

The year 2026 will be the year when supply and demand will be at the point of high transparency. Developers are now faced with new requirements of being more forthcoming on how the GST benefits are being used. If you are browsing flats for sale or looking for a residential property for sale, you will notice that the "All-Inclusive" price is becoming more standardised.

The Affordable Housing Momentum

The 1% gst on property purchase for homes priced under ₹45 lakhs has been a game-changer. This segment is recording the highest number of transactions in 2026. For a young professional looking for their first property for sale in India, this low tax rate makes the financial hurdle much smaller.

The Shift of the Mid-Segment and Luxury

In the mid-to-high-end segment, the 5% gst on house purchase is now viewed as a fair trade for the modern amenities and appreciation potential of new projects. When investors consult real estate experts to advise them on investment in real estate, one of the issues that is usually cited is that, in the case of under-construction property in high-growth corridors, the property will appreciate at a faster rate than the cost of the tax.

Sliding of Construction Material Prices

One of the major contributing factors in 2026 is the cut in GST charged on cement down to 18%. This "silent" reduction in the gst on property purchase helps developers maintain their margins without hiking the base prices for buyers. When you look at flats for sale today, the prices are more stable than they were two years ago.

Decoding the Tax Slabs

To make an informed decision, one must look at the prevailing gst rate on property purchase across different categories:

Property Category GST Rate (2026) Input Tax Credit (ITC)
Affordable Housing (Up to ₹45 Lakhs) 1% Not Available
Under-Construction (Non-Affordable) 5% Not Available
Commercial Property 12% Available
Ready-to-Move-In (with OC) 0% Not Applicable
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How GST Changes Affect the Real Estate Ecosystem

A reduction in gst on flat purchase may lower the total payable amount, but base prices are influenced by land cost, construction expenses, and market demand. Although they might not be dropping significantly, the buyers might be enjoying:

  • Lower upfront payment
  • Better affordability ratios.
  • Enhanced loan eligibility
  • Impact on Homebuyers

Lower gst on house purchase directly benefits first-time buyers by reducing initial financial strain. This would speed up decision-making among the young professionals, together with the incentives being offered on home loans.

  • Tier 1 and Tier 2 Cities Buyers

Cities offering property for sale in India across emerging corridors may see increased traction, as affordability improves and inventory absorption rises.

Implication on Real Estate Investors

To investors, tax is an important factor in calculating returns.

  • Ready-to-move vs. Under-Construction

Ready to move house, do not pay GST. However, under-construction properties normally have lower entry prices and greater appreciation. A reduced gst on property purchase could tilt investor preference toward early-stage projects.

  • Rental Yield and Long-term Appreciation.

The reduced cost of acquiring also increases the potential of capital appreciation in future. Therefore, real estate investment advice becomes important in strategic portfolio planning.

Impacts on the Developers and on the Market Dynamics

  • Increased Project Launches

Improved buyer sentiment may encourage developers to launch new projects, expanding the range of residential property for sale across key markets.

  • Increased Transparency and Compliance.

GST rationalisation may streamline the pricing systems, with the elements of the costs being more transparent to the purchasers and enhancing trust in the dealings.

How to Optimise Your Purchase

If you are looking for ways to avoid gst on flat purchase or simply want to minimise your tax outflow, consider these strategies:

  • Find OC-Ready Inventory: As stated, ready-to-move-in houses are eligible for no GST. This is the most effective way to save on the gst rate on property purchase.
  • Time Your Payments: In under-construction projects, you need to make sure that your payment milestones are well-defined. GST is charged based on the amount required by the builder, and so by ensuring that you pay what is in line with the progress of construction, this can be used in managing cash flow.
  • Review the Land Abatement: It is worth noting that GST is calculated on the value of construction. A standard 1/3rd deduction for land value is usually applied before calculating the gst on property purchase. Check that your builder is doing this.
  • Request Real Estate Investment Advice: The 2026 market is a sophisticated market. You can have the assistance of a professional like MoneyTreee Realty to determine projects in which the developer is transferring the maximum benefits of the input tax to the buyer.

Analyst Opinion: Buy or Not Buy 2026?

In case GST rationalisation is realised, it would be good to make an entry in 2026, particularly in under-construction homes in growth corridors. Nonetheless, conscious assessment, market knowledge, and expert advice will be important in value maximisation.

A period of policy clarification could be advantageous to certain buyers, but the nature of the market, quality of the project and location basics should be the driving force behind the decision.

Key Checks Before Buying

  • GST clause in the agreement
  • Base price transparency
  • Project approval status
  • Construction timelines

GST Reduction Risks and Limitations

  • Although there is a lot of hope, the buyers should be realistic:
  • Developers can change base prices.
  • The benefits might depend on the location.
  • The time of policy implementation can vary.

Balanced decision-making remains essential when evaluating property for sale in India.

Awareness of the means of legal avoidance of payment of GST on flat purchase can be an essential tool in optimising the costs. That is where MoneyTree Realty comes into play in terms of patterning.

MoneyTree Realty will ensure that your real estate goals are met most professionally and ethically. Whether you are looking for flats for sale or seeking long-term real estate investment advice, their team is dedicated to finding the perfect match for your aspirations and your budget.

MoneyTree Realty guarantees that your real estate objectives are achieved through the utmost levels of professionalism and integrity. Whether you are looking for flats for sale or seeking long-term real estate investment advice, their team is dedicated to finding the perfect match for your aspirations and your budget.

The Conclusion

Understanding the gst rate on property purchase, identifying the right project, and timing the purchase strategically can make a significant difference to long-term returns.

Having a keen interest in obtaining assured best price deals as well as aligning property selection with long-term objectives, engaging in collaboration with the appropriate real estate specialist may help to turn the question mark into an answer, particularly in a dynamic market that is shaped by GST reforms and the housing market that is future-driven.

This is the point at which one would value the services of an experienced real estate advisor. Firms like MoneyTree Realty play a crucial role in helping buyers navigate complex tax structures, evaluate genuine opportunities, and secure the right residential property for sale. Through providing informed and impartial expert opinion, total transparency throughout the process, a broad range of available properties, and end-to-end services, from shortlisting to final closure, MoneyTree Realty will help the buyers make confident decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Homes valued at less than ₹45 lakhs are classified as affordable housing and attract 1% GST, while properties priced between ₹45 lakhs and ₹50 lakhs are treated as non-affordable housing and are charged 5% GST.

To avoid GST completely, you can buy a ready-to-move-in flat with a valid Occupancy Certificate (OC) or purchase a property through the resale market, as GST applies only to under-construction properties.

GST is paid by the buyer as part of the property cost, but the builder is responsible for collecting the GST and depositing it with the government.

GST is applicable only on under-construction flats or properties that do not have a Completion Certificate. Ready-to-move-in or resale properties are exempt from GST.

You can save GST by purchasing an affordable housing unit that attracts 1% GST or by buying a ready-to-move-in property, which does not attract GST.

Yes, flats priced above ₹45 lakhs fall under the non-affordable housing category and are subject to 5% GST without Input Tax Credit (ITC).

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