Construction Material

India’s real estate and construction sector is set for a major boost under the newly announced GST 2.0 reforms, which have overhauled the country’s indirect tax structure. The new framework simplifies the tax regime by replacing the earlier four-slab structure (5%, 12%, 18%, and 28%) with just two primary rates — 5% and 18% — marking a decisive move toward transparency and ease of compliance. Simplified GST Structure for Construction Sector Under the revised system, several essential building materials have seen significant rate reductions. The government’s intent is clear: reduce construction costs, ease compliance, and stimulate housing growth — particularly in the affordable segment. Major GST Reductions on Construction Inputs MaterialOld RateNew RateRemarksCement (all types)28%18%Major cost relief for buildersPaints & Varnishes28%18%Applies to all categoriesTiles (Ceramic/Vitrified)18–28%18%Uniform rate introducedBricks (Clay/Fly Ash/Sand-Lime)12–18%5%Substantial reductionMarble & Granite Blocks12%5%Raw material reliefPVC/CPVC Pipes18%5%Major plumbing cost reductionSand, Iron & Steel, Glass Sheets, SanitarywareUnchangedUnchangedNo rate change Among the biggest beneficiaries are cement, tiles, and paints, which collectively account for a large share of home construction expenses. Cement — often forming 15% of total project costs — has seen its GST rate slashed from 28% to 18%, while tiles and paints have also moved into the lower slab. Material Cost Savings for Homeowners Industry experts estimate that the overall cost of constructing a house could fall by 3–5% under the new regime. For a ₹30 lakh home construction project, the expected savings are approximately ₹52,000 — broken down as: Cement: ₹30,000 Tiles: ₹16,000 Paint: ₹6,000 A larger ₹60 lakh project could yield over ₹1 lakh in total tax savings. The 10% reduction in cement GST alone translates to about ₹35 per bag — or ₹35,000 saved on every 1,000 bags purchased. GST 2.0 Applicability by Property Type Property TypeGST RateITC AvailabilityKey RemarksAffordable Housing1%NoPrice ≤ ₹45 lakh; Carpet area ≤ 60 sq.m (metros) / 90 sq.m (non-metros)Non-Affordable (Under Construction)5%NoApplicable until completion certificateReady-to-Move HomesExempt–No GST post-completionCommercial Property12%YesBuilders eligible for ITC Compliance and Documentation for Homeowners Individual homeowners are not required to obtain GST registration, regardless of project size. However, experts caution that proper documentation remains essential. Always collect GST invoices for materials and services. Ensure contractors are registered under GST (mandatory for turnover above ₹20 lakh). Maintain a completion certificate and material usage records for transparency. Blocked Input Tax Credit (ITC) Remains Despite the reforms, Section 17(5)(d) of the CGST Act continues to block ITC for individuals constructing personal property. ITC is only available for: Works contract services provided to another person. Construction of plant or machinery used for business. Thus, homeowners cannot claim GST credit on cement, tiles, or contractor bills for personal construction. How to Maximize GST 2.0 Benefits Experts recommend a few strategic steps to take full advantage of the reduced rates: Time Your Purchases: Begin material procurement after September 22, 2025, when the revised rates take effect. Update Contracts: Renegotiate existing construction contracts to ensure savings are reflected in revised quotations. Buy Directly from Suppliers: Direct procurement of cement, bricks, and tiles ensures maximum benefit. Request Itemized Quotes: Ensure contractors list materials and applicable GST rates clearly. Plan for Seasonality: Combine post-reform cost reductions with low-demand construction periods for optimal savings. Regional Impact and Market Dynamics The impact of GST 2.0 will vary across states: Special Category States (such as Northeastern and hill states) enjoy lower GST registration thresholds of ₹10 lakh. Affordable housing criteria differ between metros and non-metros, with relaxed carpet area norms in smaller cities. Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities are expected to benefit the most, as land costs form a smaller proportion of total housing expenditure. Economic Ripple Effects Analysts expect GST 2.0 to have a positive ripple across multiple fronts: Developers: 3–5% cost reduction improves project feasibility and margins. Consumers: Enhanced affordability boosts housing demand. Investors: Simplified taxation encourages real estate investment. Economy: Lower input costs can temper inflation and spur construction-led employment growth. Common Mistakes to Avoid Misclassifying construction as commercial (18% instead of 5%). Failing to collect or preserve invoices and completion documents. Overlooking whether GST savings are passed through by contractors. Ignoring the rising labor cost trend, which may offset part of the tax savings. The GST 2.0 reform is one of the most significant indirect tax changes since GST’s inception in 2017. By slashing rates on key materials like cement, tiles, and paints, the government has made housing construction more affordable and predictable. As the new regime takes effect, both builders and homeowners stand to gain from reduced costs and simplified compliance, setting the stage for a renewed push in India’s housing and infrastructure growth story. Read More: Technical Glitch Hits Income Tax Portal: Audit Report Filing under Section 44AB Fails

Construction Material

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