Sharad Mittal, Director and CEO, Motilal Oswal Real Estate

25 Jan 2021 CW Staff

Over the last six months, residential real estate has witnessed a strong recovery wherein almost all top cities are clocking record sales as compared to previous years. Customers and investors who had stayed away from residential real estate over the last four to five years are returning to the sector.

While some part of this recovery may be attributed to pent-up demand, developer discounts and temporary stamp duty waivers, a large part of it is on the back of fundamental factors such as multi-decadal low interest rates, bottomed-out pricing creating a room for price rise in future and a general increase in need for owning a home in light of Covid.

Return of this lost demand is imperative to the revival of residential real estate, which has been going through several challenges over the last four to five years due to a spate of regulatory reforms and funding crisis. The upcoming budget should focus on the revival of demand for real estate.

A key measure that can be introduced to boost end-user demand would be to increase eligibility limits on home values for affordable housing benefits from the current Rs 4.5 million to Rs 6 million. The move would expand the benefits of the affordable housing scheme to more homes.

Till 2017, the entire loss from deemed let out properties (second homes and thereafter) could be adjusted with income from all sources. That adjustment incentivised many people to invest in real estate for better tax planning. Restricting this limit to Rs 0.2 million in the 2017 budget created a drop in investor demand. Removing this limit in the upcoming budget would go a long way in bringing back lost investor demand.

Resources

09 Mar 2026

Haworth India Hosts Women’s Leadership Panel Series

Haworth India marked International Women’s Day by hosting a leadership roundtable series titled ‘Give to Gain’, bringing together senior women leaders from architecture and design firms, corporates and project management consultancies. The series has been conducted in Delhi and Mumbai, with upcoming sessions scheduled in Bengaluru and Hyderabad on 27 March 2026. Structured as moderated panel discussions followed by audience interaction, the initiative examined the business impact of women’s leadership and the role of inclusive workplaces in supporting professional growth. Manish Khan..

Max Estates Secures RERA For Max One Project

Max Estates has secured RERA approval (UPRERA No.: UPRERAPRJ9759) for its Max One development around Max Towers in Sector 16B, Noida, bringing renewed progress to a project previously stalled following the insolvency of its earlier developer. Spread across around 10 acres with an estimated development potential of about 2.5 million sq ft, Max One is planned as an integrated mixed-use campus combining serviced residences, premium offices, retail spaces and a private club. The project is expected to generate total sales potential of about Rs 20 billion along with an estimated annuity rental inc..

Hindware Introduces Starc Smart Wall Mount Toilet

Hindware has introduced the Starc Smart Wall-Mount Toilet under its Hindware Italian Collection, designed to combine automation, hygiene and contemporary bathroom aesthetics. The model features automatic flushing, sensor-based seat opening and closing, and remote-controlled functions. It also includes an oscillating water spray and warm air dryer for cleaning, along with a self-cleaning nozzle designed to maintain hygiene. Additional features include adjustable heated seating, customisable water temperature and pressure settings, a foot-touch flush system and an LCD control interface. The wa..