GST on real estate in India governs taxation on property transactions, impacting buyers and developers through specific rates for under-construction properties and exemptions for completed ones. This guide covers gst real estate rates, gst property tax implications, and how to calculate gst on property purchase, including comparisons between old and new regimes. As per the latest 2025 updates, the GST Council has simplified slabs to 5% and 18% with a 40% de-merit rate, potentially affecting construction costs by 3-5% reduction. Key aspects include gst on under-construction property at 5% without ITC for standard homes and 1% for affordable housing. For official notifications, visit GST Official Website. Dive into the sections below for comprehensive details on gst real estate calculations and regime changes.
Overview of GST on Real Estate in India
GST on real estate was introduced in 2017 to unify taxation in the property sector, replacing multiple state taxes. It applies primarily to under-construction properties, while completed ones are exempt, affecting gst real estate transactions nationwide.
The regime has evolved, with key changes in 2019 reducing rates to 1% for affordable housing and 5% for others without input tax credit (ITC). In 2025, the GST Council simplified overall slabs to 5% and 18%, with a new 40% for de-merit goods, indirectly benefiting real estate through lower material costs.
This overview sets the stage for understanding gst property tax implications, calculations, and regime comparisons for buyers and investors.
Historical Background
Pre-GST, real estate faced VAT, service tax, and stamp duty. GST streamlined this, but initial high rates led to reforms for affordability.
2025 reforms focus on simplification, merging slabs and reducing taxes on essentials, impacting construction inputs.
Scope and Applicability
GST covers supply of goods and services in property development, excluding land sales but including works contracts.
Latest GST Rates on Real Estate and Property 2025
As of 2025, GST rates on real estate remain specific: 1% for affordable housing (up to ₹45 lakh in non-metro) and 5% for other residential properties, both without ITC. Commercial properties attract 12% with ITC.
The new slab structure may lower input costs like cement (now 5% or nil), reducing overall property prices by 3-5%.
Property Type
GST Rate (%)
ITC Availability
Details
Affordable Residential
1
No
For units up to ₹45 lakh, carpet area ≤60 sqm metro/90 sqm non-metro.
Standard Residential
5
No
Under-construction flats above affordable limits.
Commercial
12
Yes
Offices, shops in complexes.
Completed Properties
0
N/A
Exempt after completion certificate.
Land Sale
0
N/A
Pure land transactions exempt.
These rates apply to gst real estate transactions, with no major changes in 2025 for property-specific taxes, but overall simplification aids the sector.
Affordable Housing Criteria
Affordable units qualify for 1% if value ≤₹45 lakh and area limits met. This encourages PMAY-linked projects.
Commercial vs Residential
Commercial enjoys ITC, reducing net tax burden compared to residential.
How to Calculate GST on Real Estate and Property
To calculate gst on real estate, apply the rate to the taxable value, excluding land cost (deemed 1/3rd of total value). For a ₹60 lakh under-construction flat, taxable value is ₹40 lakh at 5% GST = ₹2 lakh.
Steps: Determine property type, deduct land value, apply rate, add to base price. Use gst real estate calculators for accuracy.
Step
Description
Example (₹60 Lakh Flat)
1. Base Price
Total agreement value
60,00,000
2. Deduct Land
1/3rd deemed land cost
20,00,000 deducted; Taxable 40,00,000
3. Apply Rate
5% for standard
2,00,000 GST
4. Total Payable
Base + GST
62,00,000
For gst property tax on sale by individual, no GST if resale of completed property.
Calculation for Affordable Housing
For ₹40 lakh affordable unit: Taxable ₹26.67 lakh at 1% = ₹26,670 GST.
Tools and Tips
Use online gst real estate calculators. Consult experts for complex cases.
New GST Regime Comparison for Real Estate
The new GST regime 2025 simplifies slabs to 5% and 18%, removing 12% and 28%, with 40% for sin goods. For real estate, it indirectly lowers input costs like cement (from 28% to 18% or lower), reducing construction expenses by 3-5%.
Old regime had 12% with ITC for residential; new is 5% without ITC since 2019, unchanged in 2025 but benefited by slab merger.
Aspect
Old Regime (Pre-2019)
New Regime (2019 Onwards, 2025 Updates)
Residential Rate
12% with ITC
5% without ITC (1% affordable)
Input Costs
Higher (28% on cement)
Lower (18% or 5% on materials)
Buyer Impact
Higher effective cost
3-5% savings on property price
Developer Benefit
ITC claim
No ITC, but lower input tax
Slabs
Multiple (5,12,18,28)
Simplified (5,18,40 de-merit)
The new regime favors buyers through reduced costs, aligning with government affordability goals.
Changes in 2025
Slab merger effective Sept 22, 2025, merging items into 5% or 18%, lowering taxes on essentials like building materials.
Impact on Sector
Boosts real estate by cutting costs, attracting more buyers.
GST on Under-Construction Properties
GST on under-construction property is 5% without ITC for standard units, calculated on 2/3rd value after land deduction.
For affordable, 1%. Paid in installments as per construction stages.
Developers cannot pass ITC, keeping prices stable but inputs costlier pre-2025 reforms. 2025 slab changes may reduce this burden.
Payment Mechanism
GST included in EMI or progress payments. RERA ensures transparency.
Tips for Buyers
Check if project qualifies for affordable rate. For home loans, consider Ambak Home Loans Guide.
GST on Sale of Residential Property by Individuals
GST on sale of residential property by individual is exempt if completed property. For under-construction resale, buyer pays GST to developer.
No GST for individual sellers on resale; only stamp duty applies. This encourages secondary market.
Exceptions
If seller is builder, standard rates apply. For property registration, see
