GST rate cut to boost demand of under-construction flats: Moody’s

28 Feb 2019 Evaluate

Global rating agency Moody’s Investors Service in its latest report has said that the Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council slashed tax rate on under-construction housing properties to 5 percent from earlier 12 percent, will boost demand and increase sales of properties under construction. However, it noted that the withdrawal of input tax credit (ITC) is likely to impact the margins of realty developers.

Moody’s has stated that India's real estate sector has weathered difficulties in the last few years amid price reductions from a glut of inventory and lackluster demand. It pointed out that the reduction in GST will improve housing affordability as the amount to be paid by a potential house buyer will be reduced, which will increase demand for property. It added that the reduction of GST on Affordable Housing to 1 percent is in line with the government's increased focus on this segment.

Rating agency further stated that the new GST measures eliminate the ability to claim ITC, which may hit the profitability of the developers. It noted that currently, the developers are able to reduce the tax liability when it makes a sale by claiming tax paid on goods and services required for the construction of properties. It also said that this will further impact developers' profit margins that are already under pressure. It added that the developers have the option to mitigate this loss by increasing prices slightly given that overall pricing for the customer has reduced with lower GST.


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