Property prices fell due to cash crunch, may dip further: Economic Survey

NEW DELHI: Property prices fell due to cash crunch following demonetisation and could decline further as investing undeclared income in real estate becomes more difficult, says the Economic Survey.

"Demonetisation could have the particularly profound impact on the real estate sector," it said in an analysis on the impact of note ban announced on November 8.

On short-term effect on the sector through December-end, the Economic Survey 2016-17 said that "prices declined, as wealth fell while cash shortages impeded transactions".

Talking about the likely longer-term effect, the pre- Budget document tabled in Parliament today said, "prices could fall further as investing undeclared income in real estate becomes more difficult".

It said that tax component could rise, especially if Goods and Services Tax, slated for roll out in July, is imposed on real estate.

Much of the black money accumulated was ultimately used to evade taxes on property sales, the Survey said, adding that this type of tax evasion would diminish with curbs on unaccounted wealth and financial transactions taking place increasingly through electronic means.

While too early to assess whether there will be permanent effects, the Survey said, the weighted average price of real estate in eight major cities, which was already on a declining trend fell further after November 8, 2016.

"An equilibrium reduction in real estate prices is desirable as it will lead to affordable housing for the middle class, and facilitate labour mobility across India currently impeded by high and unaffordable rents," it said.