Kamal Ghorui
Budget 2026 is drawing closer and the real estate sector is seeking policy continuity, targeted fiscal measures and long-pending reforms to keep the sector on track.Acording to industry leaders, the updoming Budget can help strengthen confidence across residential, commercial and mixed-use projects by addressing housing affordability, infrastructure-led urban growth, access to capital and faster regulatory approvals, ET reported. Robin Mangla, President of M3M India, placed real estate as a stable, long-term investment, despite ongoing global and domestic uncertainty. He further highlighted the need for a predictable policy framework, particularly for premium housing and mixed-use projects. The expert also expected tax rationalisation for homebuyers, easier access to long-term institutional funding and faster approvals through single-window clearances. Sidharth Chowdhry, MD at Dalcore also expected policy continuity and selective fiscal support to sustain demand across premium and luxury housing markets such as Gurugram. He explained that rationalised stamp duty and better tax benefits on home loan interest could boost buyer sentiment. Low-cost, long-term financing, at the same time, would help developers deliver quality projects.Meanwhile, coming to the mid-income housing, Manoj Gaur, CMD of Gaurs Group, expects the Budget to focus on infrastructure spending and a supportive interest rate environment. He expected widening the scope of EWS and PMAY, restore Section 80EEA benefits for first-time buyers, grant industry status to real estate and introduce a single-window clearance system. Dr Gautam Kanodia, founder of KREEVA and Kanodia Group, emphasised the need for sustained infrastructure, investment in NCR, along with supportive liquidity conditions, could drive the next phase of growth. Infrastructure spending remains central to expectations across allied industries. Rajan Luthra, CFO of ACE-Action Construction Equipment Ltd, says public capex continues to support economic activity and could revive demand for construction equipment. He pointed to private capex, exports, defence and large infrastructure projects such as airports, railways and freight corridors as key demand drivers. Luthra adds that GST rationalisation, lower interest rates and better liquidity could further boost investment and execution. Mohit Goel, managing director of Omaxe Ltd, said that the focus should remain on long-term clarity rather than short-term stimulus. He said that there is strong potential in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, supported by urban infrastructure, better connectivity and housing-linked development. Policies that support public-private partnerships, streamline approvals and strengthen buyer confidence, he says, can help align private capital with development goals. From an investment perspective, Binitha Dalal, founder and managing partner at Mt. K Kapital, highlights the importance of fiscal discipline and measures that improve resilience to global shocks. For real estate, she points to the need for housing affordability, GST rationalisation for construction and redevelopment, clearer REIT norms and support for alternative capital pools. She also expects stronger incentives for green buildings and sustainable construction. Amrita Gupta, director at Manglam Group, also stressed to focus on affordability and sustainability, particularly in cities such as Jaipur where demand is largely end-user driven, as cited by ET. She said that a stable interest rate environment, incentives for green construction and clearer redevelopment policies can support long-term housing demand. Looking beyond traditional housing, Aditya Kushwaha, CEO and director of Axis Ecorp, said that there is growing interest in holiday homes, especially in destinations like Goa. He expected infrastructure development, tourism growth and easier ownership norms to encourage greater NRI participation. Overall, industry expectations from Budget 2026 are modest. Rather than big-ticket announcements, the sector is looking for stability, smoother execution and long-term clarity. With continued infrastructure spending, targeted fiscal support, better access to capital and a focus on quality and sustainability, industry leaders believe real estate can continue to support jobs, urban growth and economic development.
