Buying a home that’s still under construction often involves paying the Goods and Services Tax (GST), which can significantly influence the overall cost of your flat or property. Understanding GST on an under-construction property is essential for both homebuyers and investors, as it helps them to estimate the total expenditure before taking possession.
Thus, knowing how to calculate GST on under-construction flats helps homebuyers make informed decisions, plan their budgets effectively, and avoid surprises at the time of possession.
The GST for under-construction property applies only to properties that are still being built and do not yet have a completion or occupancy certificate. Once a property is completed, it is classified as ready-to-move-in, and GST no longer applies.
The rationale is simple: GST is a tax on goods and services. When a buyer purchases a home that is still under development, they are essentially paying for the construction service being provided by the builder. However, for a completed flat, the construction activity is over, and therefore, GST on property under construction becomes inapplicable.
The Government of India has simplified GST rates for the real estate sector, particularly for housing. The applicable rate depends on the property type and price segment:
- Properties priced up to INR 45 lakhs, and
- Carpet area up to 60 sq. m in metro cities or 90 sq. m in non-metro areas.
This means buyers of affordable flats pay just 1% GST, while other residential buyers pay 5%. For commercial buyers, the rate is higher but offers ITC benefits, which can reduce overall costs for developers.
Understanding these slabs helps you evaluate how under-construction property GST affects the total purchase cost before finalising the deal.
How to Calculate GST on Under-Construction Property
When calculating GST on an under-construction property, it’s important to note that land cost is excluded from GST since land is not considered a service. To make this calculation simpler, the government assumes that the value of land constitutes one-third of the total property cost .
Formula to calculate GST:
There are two simple ways to calculate GST on an under-construction flat:
Method 1: Using Land Deduction
- Find the total agreement value of the property (the total cost as per your builder-buyer agreement).
- Deduct the land value, since GST doesn’t apply to land.
- Apply the GST rate (1% for affordable housing, 5% for others) to the remaining amount.
Formula:
GST Payable = (Total Agreement Value − Land Value) × Applicable GST Rate
Method 2: Using the 2/3 Rule (Simplified Approach)
Only two-thirds (2/3) of the property price is taxable under GST.
Steps:
- Multiply the total property value by 2/3 to get the taxable amount.
- Then apply the appropriate rate to that value to calculate the GST on the property under construction.
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Formula:
Taxable Value = Total Property Value × 2/3
GST Payable = Taxable Value × Applicable GST Rate
This formula ensures you only pay GST on the construction portion and not on the value of the land.
How to Calculate GST on Under-Construction Property with Examples
Let’s understand the under-construction property GST calculation with two examples – one for affordable housing and another for non-affordable housing.
| Property Type |
Total Price (INR) |
Applicable GST Rate |
Taxable Value (2/3 of Total Price) |
GST Payable (INR) |
| Affordable Housing |
45,00,000 |
1% |
30,00,000 |
30,000 |
| Non-Affordable Housing |
80,00,000 |
5% |
53,33,333 |
2,66,667 |
In the first example, the buyer of an affordable flat pays INR 30,000 as GST, while in the second example, the non-affordable housing buyer pays INR 2,66,667 as GST.
These examples show how the GST on an under-construction flat can vary significantly depending on price and eligibility for affordable housing benefits. Always verify your calculation with your builder or a tax advisor for accuracy.
Components Covered & Excluded Under GST for Flats
The GST for an under-construction property applies to several components of your home’s cost but excludes others.
Covered Under GST on Property Under Construction
- Basic sale price of the flat (excluding land)
- Common amenities such as a clubhouse, gym, and swimming pool
- Parking charges (if part of the sale agreement)
- Maintenance and development charges before possession
- Interior or customisation services offered by the builder
Excluded from GST on Property Under Construction
- Land cost (deducted using the 1/3rd rule)
- Stamp duty and registration charges
- Legal and documentation fees not related to construction
While GST increases the upfront cost for homebuyers, it has replaced multiple earlier taxes such as VAT, service tax, and excise duty, thereby simplifying the taxation structure for real estate transactions involving under-construction properties.
When GST Is Not Applicable
There are several cases where GST on property under construction does not apply:
- Purchase of ready-to-move-in or completed flats with a completion certificate
- Resale properties, as GST applies only to first-time sales by builders
- Land or plot purchases without any construction service involved
- Projects under redevelopment or joint development agreements, where the tax treatment may differ
In short, if you are buying a completed property, no GST on an under-construction flat is applicable to your purchase.
Why Understanding GST Calculation Matters for Buyers
Knowing how to calculate GST on an under-construction property gives homebuyers a clear financial picture before committing to a purchase. It helps:
- Avoid unexpected charges at the time of possession
- Compare different property options more effectively
- Plan your total outlay, including home loan and taxes
- Strengthen negotiation with builders by knowing the exact liabilities
For developers, understanding GST implications also aids in pricing and compliance, ensuring transparency in transactions.
Conclusion
The introduction of GST has brought much-needed uniformity and transparency to real estate taxation in India. However, buyers must remain aware of how GST on under-construction property is calculated, and the cases where it does not. Always ask your builder for a detailed cost breakup, verify the applicable GST rate, and stay updated on any government revisions.
At SMFG Grihashakti, we offer tailored home loans with attractive interest rates, a flexible tenure of up to 30 years*, and minimal documentation to ease your homebuying journey. Check your eligibility and apply online today!
FAQs on GST on Under-Construction Property
What is GST on an under-construction property?
It is a tax applicable to residential or commercial properties that are still being built. GST is charged only on the construction portion, excluding land.
What is GST on an under-construction flat?
The GST on an under-construction flat depends on the property’s classification. Affordable housing attracts 1% GST, while other residential units attract 5%.
What is the GST rate for an under-construction property under affordable housing?
The GST rate for affordable housing projects is 1% without ITC, applicable to flats priced up to INR 45 lakhs and within the defined carpet area limits.
How to calculate GST on an under-construction property with an example?
To calculate GST, deduct one-third of the total property value (for land), then apply 1% or 5% GST on the remaining value. For instance, for an INR 60 lakhs property (non-affordable), taxable value = INR 40 lakhs, GST = INR 2 lakhs.
Does GST apply to ready-to-move flats or completed properties?
No, GST does not apply once a completion certificate is issued. Such properties are exempt.
Which components of a flat attract GST?
Basic sale price, parking, amenities, and maintenance charges attract GST, while land cost and stamp duty do not.
Does GST include land value in property cost?
No, land is excluded from GST calculations as per government norms.
Can builders charge 18% GST on under-construction flats?
No. Builders can charge only the prescribed rates (1%, 5%, or 12%) depending on the project type. The 18% GST applies only to certain services, not to property sales.
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