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As the Union Budget 2025 approaches, there is significant anticipation regarding potential measures to make urban housing more affordable. Let's delve into the details with insights from Bajaj Broking, because here, #BudgetSimpleHai.
The government has ambitious plans to construct an additional three crore houses under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY), covering both rural and urban areas. This includes PMAY Urban 2.0, aiming to address the housing needs of one crore urban poor and middle-class families with an investment of ₹10 lakh crore. Central assistance of ₹2.2 lakh crore is expected to be provided over the next five years to support this initiative.
If the government reintroduces the Credit Linked Subsidy Scheme (CLSS) under PMAY, it could significantly reduce home loan EMIs, making home ownership more affordable. Previously, this scheme offered interest subsidies across different income categories:
Economically Weaker Section (EWS) and Low-Income Group (LIG): Eligible for an interest rate subsidy of 6.5% on home loans up to ₹6 lakh.
Middle-Income Group (MIG-I and MIG-II): Subsidies of 4% and 3% on loan amounts of ₹6–12 lakh and ₹12–18 lakh, respectively.
Reintroducing the CLSS could play a pivotal role in advancing the "Housing for All" initiative, facilitating increased homeownership for millions.
Real estate developers are advocating for several key measures in the upcoming Union Budget 2025 to boost the sector's growth. They seek rationalisation of taxes, additional funding for affordable housing schemes, and continued government support to stimulate demand and sustain industry momentum.
One key proposal is to raise the tax exemption limit on housing loans under Section 24(b) of the Income Tax Act from ₹2 lakh to ₹5 lakh. This adjustment could offer substantial financial relief to homebuyers, stimulating demand, especially within the middle-income bracket.
Additional Read: Union Budget 2025: What to Expect for Real Estate
The CLSS scheme offers interest subvention across three categories: EWS, LIG, and MIG. For EWS/LIG, beneficiaries are eligible for a 6.5% interest subsidy on loans up to ₹6 lakh. For MIG, the subsidies are lower at 4% and 3%, respectively. Discussions are ongoing to determine the extent of the subsidy and the definition of the middle class for this scheme.
The reintroduction of interest subsidies could make urban housing more accessible and affordable. Over 8 million houses have been constructed under PMAY-U so far, out of the 11.8 million sanctioned. The Centre has released ₹1.6 lakh crore out of the ₹2 lakh crore committed under the scheme. The outlay for PMAY-U in the interim budget was 18% higher than FY24’s revised estimates, reflecting the government’s commitment to affordable housing.
Housing prices in 10 cities tracked by the RBI’s house price index were up 4.1% in the fourth quarter of FY24. Cities like Ahmedabad witnessed a double-digit increase during this period. The first Cabinet meeting of the Modi 3.0 government approved assistance to construct 30 million additional houses under PMAY-Urban and PMAY-Rural.
With the upcoming Union Budget, the government is expected to focus on making urban housing more affordable through interest subsidies and increased funding for housing schemes. This move could empower the neo-middle class in urban areas, boost labour-intensive construction activities, and create jobs.
Additional Read: Union Budget 2025: What to Expect for India’s Labour Market
Stay tuned to our website for more updates because with Bajaj Broking, #BudgetSimpleHai
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