The Indian real estate sector approaches Union Budget 2026 with a mixture of caution and expectation. While the past few years have witnessed a surge in premium developments and value growth, industry leaders are now flagging structural gaps that could impede long-term stability.
The narrative has shifted from celebrating post-pandemic resilience to addressing the urgent need for affordable inventory and demand-side support. Developers and investors are looking to the Finance Minister for specific interventions that go beyond standard tax breaks.
The wish list this year prioritises infrastructure status, rationalisation of GST and policies that encourage institutional capital flows. There is a palpable concern regarding the slowdown in volume sales within the sub-1 crore segment which remains the bedrock of housing demand. As the global economic landscape shifts market players are emphasizing that a balanced budget is essential to sustain the momentum and ensure housing remains accessible across all income brackets.
Mr. Ankur Jalan, CEO, Golden Growth Fund (GGF), opined as follows. “As we look ahead to Union Budget 2026, our expectations reflect both the challenges and opportunities in India’s real estate sector, particularly in established urban markets like Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru etc. We hope the Budget will prioritise measures that strengthen demand-side support, including extension of tax incentives for homebuyer, continued focus on infrastructure investment – especially in urban transport, last-mile connectivity and sustainable utilities that will be vital in boosting the attractiveness and long-term value.
We also seek policies that encourage institutional capital flows into real estate, such as enhanced incentives for Alternative Investment Funds in order to make it more attractive to investors. Such a move will streamline investments, make it institutionalised and regulated. A balanced, growth-oriented Budget will not only support project execution but also drive confidence among homebuyers and investors alike and boost the Indian economy.”
Mr. Lalit Parihar, Managing Director, Aaiji Group, weighed in as well. “We expect the Union Budget 2026 to further strengthen infrastructure-led urban development. Continued investment in roads, logistics, airport, bullet train, industrial corridors, and smart city infrastructure will be critical in unlocking the full potential of regions like Dholera as future economic hubs. We also hope for renewed policy focus on Special Economic Zones (SEZs), including greater flexibility and fiscal incentives for developers, to accelerate industrial and mixed-use developments in these regions.
We look forward to measures that support housing affordability, such as rationalisation of GST, extension of tax incentives for homebuyers, and easier access to institutional finance for developers. Incentives for sustainable and green construction, along with faster approvals and reduced compliance burdens, would further improve project viability. Overall, a balanced Budget combining fiscal discipline with long-term urban planning will help sustain real estate growth, boost investor confidence, and accelerate development across strategically important regions of Gujarat.”
Mr. Vijay Harsh Jha, Founder and CEO of VS Realtors, had this to say. “India’s real estate sector is beginning to show signs of slowdown in volume sales highlighting a structural supply gap—particularly in homes priced below ₹1 crore, where demand remains strong. To address this imbalance, timely government intervention is essential. Incentives such as tax breaks, access to affordable land for developers, and supportive policies can help ensure that housing supply aligns with the price points where demand actually exists.
Equally important are continued housing loan incentives and tax benefits for homebuyers to help cater to this demand segment which played a key role in driving robust volume growth over the past three years. The past two years have witnessed exceptional growth in value terms, reflecting a clear shift towards premiumisation. However, this trend may prove unsustainable over the long term. With job losses in the tech sector, moderating income growth, and rising geo-economic and geopolitical uncertainties, risks to housing demand are increasing.
While the office segment continues to see strong momentum, residential sales volumes have yet to keep pace—underscoring the need for a more balanced and inclusive growth strategy in the housing market.”
