GST Rate Cut on Cement & Construction Materials May Lower Home Prices, Boost Housing Demand

The 56th GST Council has introduced a game-changing move for the real estate sector: cutting the GST on cement from 28% to 18%, and on granite blocks from 12% to 5%. This overdue reform is being hailed as a Diwali‑timed gift – just when homebuyers are tuning into festive‑season offers.

Developers are happy and optimistic about this move. They expect construction-cost relief, i.e., lower material prices, faster projects, and more attractive prices. Buyers who were looking to buy their dream home but were facing challenges because of budget constraints may now finally get to turn their dream into reality.

As per industry experts, the tax cuts could trim construction costs by 3–5%, especially in the affordable and mid‑income segments. That could translate into property price reductions of up to 5%.

Industry leaders are calling it more than tax relief. They believe the GST rate cut is likely to lift housing demand, lower inflation, and drive GDP growth.

How This Will Impact Homebuyers

Lower Prices on the Table: Developers estimate a 3–5% drop in overall construction costs—potentially translating to similar reductions in home prices.
Faster Project Delivery: With reduced input costs and improved cash flow, developers can speed up completions. That means quicker handovers for buyers.
Better Choice for Mid‑Income Segments: The change tightens the focus back on affordable and mid‑tier housing. Homes previously out of reach might now be within reach again.
Clarity in Tax Costs: Fewer GST slabs and lower rates on essentials mean less confusion—and fewer disputes—making budgeting easier for homebuyers.
Potential for Quality Upgrade: With cost savings, developers may offer better finishes or branded materials without pushing prices up. Buyers could get more bang for their money.

Suggested read: GST on Home Loans

The GST rate cut on cement and other construction materials is more than just a tax tweak—it’s a step that could make housing more affordable, speed up project deliveries, and restore confidence in the market. While the real test lies in how much of the savings developers pass on, the move has set the stage for stronger demand and more competitive pricing. For homebuyers, especially in the affordable and mid-income segments, this could be the right time to explore options before prices stabilize again.

FAQs about GST Rate Cut on Construction Materials

What is the new GST rate on cement and construction materials?

Starting September 22, 2025, GST on cement drops from 28% to 18%. Other materials—like granite blocks, marble or travertine, sand-lime bricks, and stone inlays—see GST fall from 12% to 5%.

How will the GST rate cut impact home prices?

Experts estimate overall construction costs could fall by 3–5%, as cheaper inputs bring down total project expenses. That should help make housing more affordable—especially coming into the festive season when demand typically rises. Affordable and mid-income segments stand to benefit the most.

Will developers actually pass on the GST savings to homebuyers?

It depends. Some developers are likely to pass on the savings through lower prices or added incentives, like furniture or appliances in some projects.

Which housing segments are expected to benefit the most from the GST cut?

The biggest winners are likely to be:
Affordable Housing (under ₹40 lakh): Cost reductions could revive demand that had dipped.
Mid-income Housing: Developers can reprice projects more competitively.
Tier-II/Tier-III City Markets: These areas are expected to see fresh demand, thanks to lower construction costs and clearer pricing.

How might the GST reduction affect India’s real estate sector overall?

Here’s what could play out:
Lower project costs free up margins and improve cash flow for developers.
Faster new launches and improved affordability could boost sales volumes, particularly in festive months.
Greater demand in affordable and mid-tier segments may encourage developers to scale up projects in those areas.
The simplified two-slab GST structure (5% and 18%) brings clarity, which can stimulate both buyers and institutional investors.
Indirectly, infrastructure and urban development could pick up, supporting broader economic growth.

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