Secondary Real Estate Sales Impacted by Indexation Benefit Removal
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Secondary Real Estate Sales Impacted by Indexation Benefit Removal
In a recent development, the real estate sectorhas expressed concerns regarding the government's proposal to eliminate indexation benefits for long-term capital gains on property sales. Industry leaders warn that this change could negatively impact property owners and the overall growth of the real estate sector.
Impact on Property Owners and Tax Implications
Niranjan Hiranandani, Chairman of NAREDCO, highlighted that the removal of indexation benefits could lead to higher taxes for property owners holding assets for more than ten years. This is particularly concerning for owners of heritage homes, who may face an increased tax burden upon selling their properties. Hiranandani noted that the absence of indexation would prevent adjusting the property's cost basis for inflation, potentially leading to higher taxable gains.
The 2024-25 budget proposes a flat tax rate of 12.5 percent on capital appreciation from property sales, without indexation benefits. However, the Income Tax Department has countered concerns, stating in a recent social media post that real estate returns typically range from 12-16 percent per annum, which is considerably higher than the inflation rate of 4-5 percent. The department argues that the new tax regime could be more beneficial in cases of higher capital appreciation.
Divergent Views on Real Estate Returns
Despite the official stance, some real estate experts guide argue that in certain cases, long-term real estate returns may not outpace inflation. Ritesh Mehta, Senior Director/Head of North, East & West Residential Services, mentioned that while the removal of indexation benefits might deter sellers in the secondary market due to higher taxable gains, the situation may not be prolonged. He also emphasized that first-time homebuyers would remain unaffected by these changes.
Potential Benefits for New Investors
Industry leaders remain optimistic that new investors, particularly those holding properties for more than two years, could benefit from the lower long-term capital gains tax rate. This shift might make short- and mid-term investments more attractive.
The Income Tax Department further added that the simplification of the tax structure, including the removal of differential tax rates for various asset classes, offers the benefits of easier compliance in computing taxes, filing, and maintaining records.
As the debate continues, stakeholders in the real estate sector are closely monitoring the potential implications of these proposed changes on property investments and overall market growth.
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