Festive Season Brings Real Savings

The Indian housing market is gearing up for one of its most exciting festive seasons in recent memory. Traditionally, festivals have always been seen as an auspicious time to purchase property, and developers have long used this period to roll out attractive schemes. But 2025 is different: policy reforms, GST rationalisation, RBI rate cuts, and lifestyle-driven offerings are converging to create unprecedented opportunities for buyers across income segments and geographies.

From Discounts to Long-Term Value

While festive periods are often synonymous with discounts, this year developers are positioning the season as a moment for long-term confidence rather than short-term freebies. Ayushi Ashar, director, Ashar Group, says the approach is shifting, “While deep discounts or GST-linked benefits may not be the norm this year, buyers can still look forward to meaningful savings through flexible payment plans, stamp duty waivers, and lifestyle perks. This festive season is less about short-term discounts and more about long-term value, helping families take confident steps toward owning their dream homes.”

Policy Support Meets Festive Optimism

The festive season is coinciding with major reforms, particularly the GST Council’s decision to rationalise slabs on construction materials. Yashank Wason, MD, Royal Green Realty, points out, “As the 2025 festive season approaches, developers are providing buyers with festive discounts and flexible payment plans. Combined with GST cuts on cement and other materials, and the RBI’s repo rate reductions that have slashed EMIs, it’s an opportune time for investments.”

Industry experts echo this sentiment. “This festive season is likely to witness a good sales momentum, fuelled by GST reforms and innovative developer offerings,” says Anshuman Magazine, chairman & CEO - India, South-East Asia, Middle East & Africa, CBRE.

Manik Malik, CEO, BPTP, sees it as a structural enabler, “While the immediate cost impact is modest, GST rationalisation plays a far more meaningful role in improving affordability and strengthening buyer sentiment. It also eases liquidity for developers, enabling smoother launches and stronger buyer confidence.”

Tier 2 & 3 Cities Step into the Spotlight

Festivals have always spurred housing decisions, but smaller cities are seeing particularly strong traction this year. Mohit Goel, MD, Omaxe Ltd., notes, “GST changes have boosted affordability, especially in Tier 2 and 3 cities. These markets are seeing a steady rise in demand thanks to rapid infrastructure projects such as highways and airports. Buyers are looking for integrated townships offering not just homes but complete lifestyles.”

Dr. Prashant Thakur, executive director, Anarock Group, adds that while GST benefits won’t show up in ready projects, they could improve execution of ongoing ones — something that boosts confidence in emerging cities.

Luxury Finds its Moment

The festive season is also prime time for aspirational purchases. Ashish Jerath, president – sales & marketing, Smartworld Developers, observes, “This year marks a turning point. Buyer propensity to purchase a luxury lifestyle is at its peak, and we expect a strong response to our upcoming branded luxury launches.” This dovetails with festive offers like modular kitchens, home automation, and bundled upgrades that appeal to aspirational buyers.

Enduring Value and the NRI Connection

For some developers, the festive narrative goes beyond seasonal schemes. Harshavardhan Neotia, chairman, Ambuja Neotia Group, stresses, “Our focus has always been on creating enduring value rather than short-term festive offers. The real value for homebuyers lies in thoughtful design and integrated lifestyle experiences. On the NRI front, despite policy discussions like H-1B fee changes, interest in India remains strong, with the diaspora continuing to see the country as a safe and emotionally fulfilling investment destination.”

Location-Linked Investment Stories

The festive period is also boosting investor interest in emerging growth corridors. Sandeep Aggarwal, CMD, AIL Developer, shares, “We’re seeing strong demand at our pre-launch plotted township near the Goa–Maharashtra border, with exclusive festive pricing and flexible payment plans. With the MOPA Airport now operational, this corridor is equally attractive as a lifestyle choice and an investment opportunity.”

Value Beyond Freebies

While many festive offers focus on waivers and discounts, some developers highlight the deeper value in design efficiency and amenities. Janardhan Kompally, founder & CEO, Makuta Developers, explains, “Beyond freebies, buyers are looking at smarter design. At Makuta Nirvana, for instance, 21% common area efficiency translates into larger homes and open spaces—where families can celebrate together. That’s the real festive value.”

Lower Home Loan Costs Add Real Savings

Alongside GST reforms, monetary policy is bolstering affordability. RBI rate cuts have translated into reduced EMIs. Sarveshaa SB, CMD, Bhadra Group, points out that real savings are coming through lower EMIs, which enhance financial flexibility. Aparna Constructions’ Rakesh Reddy adds that even a 0.5–1% lending rate cut can save families several lakhs over 20 years.

Developers Sweeten the Festive Deal

From upfront discounts to gold coins and even iPhones, this year’s schemes are eye-catching. Abhay Jindal of Homeland Group notes that buyers are saving ₹3–₹6 lakhs through combined GST and festive offers. Developers like Sowparnika Projects, Krisala Developers, and Prateek Group have rolled out schemes ranging from ‘no pre-EMI till possession’ to gamified discounts and luxury giveaways.

Demand Driven by Value and Confidence

Developers underline that lasting value, not speculation, is guiding purchases. Reeza Sebastian Karimpanal of Embassy Developments calls this tilt toward end-user demand a healthy sign. Aparna Constructions stresses lifestyle-driven upgrades, while Godrej Properties’ Subhasish Pattanaik highlights festive optimism energising the broader market.

Conclusion: Real Savings, Real Value

From GST reforms and lower EMIs to thoughtfully designed projects and curated festive schemes, the 2025 festive season is delivering more than just discounts. It’s offering real savings with long-term value — spanning tier 2 townships, luxury launches, NRI-focused developments, and destination-led investments.

In essence, this festive season is not just about buying a home, it’s about stepping into a lifestyle, a community, and a future with confidence.