Housing for all

The real-estate sector is one of the biggest beneficiaries of the budget this year. The government's housing-for-all scheme was the key driver behind the big push the sector has been receiving in recent times. Here are two key announcements. Proposal The budget accorded infrastructure status to affordable housing. Impact Affordable-housing developers will now be able to access funds from infrastructure financiers at lower costs and for longer tenures, avail flexible structuring of these loans and float infrastructure bonds. This move brings capital back to a cash-starved industry where many projects are languishing because of capital requirements. Proposal The area considered for affordable-housing projects has been changed from built-up area to carpet area. Projects with a