Budget 2015: Expectations of Home Buyers

Ajeet Kumar

The real estate industry has sought more tax incentives and lower interest rates for the home buyers in the upcoming Budget to revive demand.

Besides, it sought infrastructure status for housing. In order to 'Make housing for all a Reality' the government should look into relaxation of taxes, incentivise cheaper financing for the developers and build adequate infrastructure".

Here are some changes that the Home Buyers expect in this year’s Budget.

Hiking the cap on interest on home loan

We have great expectations from this budget, starting with support to incentivize affordable housing and permit higher tax exemption limits on interest and principal repayments for home buyers.

The deduction for interest on housing loans needs to increase from the current limit of Rs 2,00,000 considering the significant rise in rates for residential properties over the past few years. To provide relief to the tax payer this limit should be increased to at least Rs 3 lakh. This will give impetus to the housing industry, thus boosting the economy in the long run.

Payment of principal amount on home loan

There is a demand from a wider section that a separate provision should be made for the principal loan amount which is currently included in 80C [under which maximum limit is Rs 1.5 lakh (all inclusive)].