As Union Budget 2026 approaches, expectations are building around income tax relief for the salaried class and stronger policy support for affordable housing. While large-scale tax cuts may not be on the table, experts anticipate calibrated relief through slab rationalisation, enhanced rebates, and a higher effective tax-free threshold under the new income tax regime. The government is expected to continue positioning the new regime as the default system while retaining the old regime for those dependent on deductions, ensuring a gradual and non-disruptive transition.

Beyond tax reforms, housing remains a critical concern for India’s middle class. Rising property prices, increasing construction costs, and infrastructure gaps have intensified demand for policy measures that improve affordability and long-term sustainability. In this context, Vijay Raundal, Teerth Realties owner and Managing Director, shares his perspective on what Budget 2026 could mean for the real estate sector and aspiring homebuyers.

According to Vijay Raundal Teerth Realties owner, affordable housing must go beyond pricing and address faster project approvals, improved infrastructure in peripheral growth corridors, and better alignment between social and physical infrastructure. He highlights the importance of mass housing initiatives, rental housing support, redevelopment of ageing housing stock, and public-private partnerships that increase supply without compromising quality.

The expectations from Budget 2026 are measured but meaningful. Rather than headline-grabbing announcements, the focus is likely to be on restoring consumer confidence, improving compliance systems, simplifying tax processes, and strengthening the housing ecosystem. A balanced Budget that supports both fiscal discipline and urban development could provide relief to salaried taxpayers while creating sustainable growth opportunities in India’s evolving real estate market.