 "Rajiv Talwar")
We welcome the move to grant infrastructure status to affordable housing. This will surely give the sector an impetus, as it gives builders access to capital at lower interest rates; the benefit can now be passed on to the buyers. Other incentives like change in measurement methodology from build-up area to carpet area and extension of affordable housing scheme to five years from three years will help enhance demand.
For capital gains, the period has been reduced to two years from three years, which means less capital gain tax for those who intend to sell their house after two years
