India’s real estate sector is witnessing a surge in optimism ahead of the festive season, with recent reductions in Goods and Services Tax (GST) on key construction materials sparking a home-buying boom across Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities. The government’s decision to rationalise GST rates on essential inputs like cement, marble, granite, and bricks has lowered overall construction costs, prompting developers and buyers alike to take advantage of the festive window traditionally associated with new beginnings and property investments.
Industry observers note that the Navratri to Diwali period, historically the most auspicious time for real estate purchases, is expected to witness one of the strongest home-buying phases in recent years, driven by both economic and emotional sentiment.
Lower GST, lower costs, higher confidence
The reduction in GST on construction materials has been hailed as a timely intervention that could provide a significant push to the mid-income and affordable housing segments, especially in emerging urban centres. According to real estate people quoted in reports, construction input costs account for a substantial share of total project expenditure in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities, and the revised tax rates have directly impacted project affordability and delivery schedules.
“The GST cuts on key construction materials have come at the perfect time, just ahead of the festive season. This will significantly support affordability-driven markets,” said Prakhar Agrawal, Director of Rama Group as quoted in media. “In cities like Raipur and across Chhattisgarh, the reduction improves both pricing and delivery timelines. We’re already witnessing increased inquiries from emerging regions where buyers value timely possession and transparency.”
The rationalisation of GST rates comes amid a broader government focus on boosting housing for all segments of society, complementing schemes like Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) and urban development initiatives aimed at improving liveability standards in smaller cities.
Developers align strategies with festive demand
Developers across India are tailoring their project launches, marketing campaigns, and offers to coincide with the festival rush. In a market where emotional and cultural factors strongly influence home-buying behaviour, real estate firms are offering flexible payment plans, early-bird discounts, and price-lock guarantees to convert inquiries into confirmed bookings.
Cities such as Lucknow, Indore, Raipur, Coimbatore, and Bhubaneswar are emerging as the new growth frontiers, where affordability and infrastructure improvements intersect to create favourable investment conditions.
“The recent GST cut on cement has provided a much-needed boost to the real estate sector ahead of the festive season,” added Adish Oswal, Chairman of Oswal Group. “It allows developers to offer more competitive pricing across residential and commercial projects. In regions like Punjab, especially Mohali and Ludhiana, improving connectivity and festive enthusiasm are making these areas key growth centres.”
Emotional buying meets economic incentive
The festival season in India has long been associated with major life decisions, and buying a home remains one of the most emotionally charged choices for families. Industry leaders say the combination of reduced GST rates and seasonal optimism has created a rare window of opportunity for both first-time buyers and investors.
“A home is one of the most emotional purchases a family makes, and the festive season amplifies this sentiment,” said Umang Jindal, CEO of Homeland Group. “We’ve seen buyers traditionally prefer making such decisions between Navratri and Diwali, as the timing is seen as auspicious for new beginnings. This year, the benefits will extend beyond metros to Tier-II and Tier-III cities, where demand for luxury and spacious homes is surging.”
Jindal added that smaller cities are becoming preferred locations for second homes, as buyers look to upgrade to larger properties at more affordable prices compared to metros like Delhi, Mumbai, or Bengaluru.
Emerging cities lead the revival
The ripple effect of GST rationalisation is being felt most strongly in India’s non-metro housing markets, where construction material costs contribute more heavily to overall project expenses. Developers in these regions say the tax cuts have narrowed the affordability gap, enabling them to maintain quality while ensuring faster delivery.
Industry experts also point out that Tier-2 and Tier-3 markets, with their lower land prices and growing infrastructure, are now attracting NRIs and investors looking for long-term returns. The combination of reduced taxation, improved ease of doing business, and upcoming infrastructure projects like metro expansions and smart city initiatives is making these cities the new hubs of India’s real estate revival.
Sustained momentum beyond the festive season
Real estate experts believe that if developers effectively pass on GST savings to consumers and continue to maintain delivery timelines, this could mark the beginning of a sustained recovery phase in India’s housing sector, particularly beyond the metro cities.
The affordable and mid-segment housing categories, which had slowed down in recent quarters due to rising raw material costs, are now expected to see a revival in demand and inventory movement.
Furthermore, developers expect policy stability and demand-side incentives from both state and central governments to reinforce this positive momentum well into 2026.
Festive catalyst for real estate recovery
The GST relief has emerged as a crucial catalyst for reviving India’s housing market at a time when consumer sentiment is high, and developers are eager to regain pre-pandemic sales momentum. With reduced input costs, improved project viability, and renewed buyer confidence, the festive season of 2025 could set the tone for a transformative year in India’s real estate landscape, particularly in the fast-growing non-metro regions.
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