Naredco seeks greater tax rationalisation, focus on affordable housing, liquidity measures

Expressing concern over rising prices of steel and cement, real estate body Naredco has made out a case for further rationalisation of taxes, focus on affordable housing and need for innovative liquidity measures.

Ahead of the Union Budget for 2021-22, and in the backdrop of the aftermath of Covid-19, the Naredco team highlighted areas that the government could address to accelerate its growth.

For the real estate sector, which generates about 14 per cent of the jobs in the economy, and contributing to 7 per cent of the GDP, Naredco is optimistic of the government ushering in major reforms through policy interventions to mitigate the negative impact and stimulate the growth engine.

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Niranjan Hiranandani, National President, Naredco, said, “The fiscal impetus announced under Atmanirbhar Bharat has led to renewed consumer demand that led to the emergence of green shoots in the Indian economy and real estate sector. Tax rationalisation, additional stress fund, and ample liquidity tools will keep the momentum going and propel India towards becoming a $5-trillion economy.”

He suggested that the government could consider enhancing the cap of affordable housing from ₹45 lakh to ₹70 lakh, and also cross-subsidy of land to accelerate the growth of affordable housing.

Rajeev Talwar, Chairman, Naredco, said, “Interest on housing loans should be fully allowed under Income Tax deduction without any ceiling. The current limit of interest deduction under Section 24 of IT Act 1961 on housing loan of ₹2 lakh should be removed to incentivise home buyers and for spurring overall demand.”

“The RBI, through a notification in 2017, allowed a loan-to-value (LTV) ratio of up to 90 per cent for home loans for affordable houses of ₹30 lakh or less. The same facility should be permitted for other housing, including MIG and HIG,” Talwar said.

Naredco wanted the rationalisation of taxes through enhancing the LTV ratio up to 90 per cent across the board for home loans for affordable houses of ₹30 lakh or less, with the same facility being extended to MIG and HIG. It suggested making changes in the affordable housing segment and also extending the Credit-Linked Subsidy Scheme (CLSS) for all segments.

It said the initiative of establishing a ₹25,000-crore fund to help the real estate sector has brought about changes. It has sought ₹1.25-lakh crore via many HFCs / NBFCs that are ready to establish such funds for the ailing real estate sector. This would allow for faster appraisals and sanctions.

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On liquidity measures, it suggested a one-time restructuring of loans. With regard to SEZ, it wanted a nod for external commercial borrowings for the real estate sector and reforms for the Special Economic Zones, including extending the notification date for IT/ITeS SEZs and withdrawal of MAT.

Naredco suggested that the ban on subvention scheme be reconsidered for the direct benefit to flow to the home buyers.