Brick manufacturers across Tamil Nadu are raising a strong complaint:
Why should bricks be taxed at 12%, while marble and granite are taxed at just 5%?

According to the Tamil Nadu Bricks Manufacturers Association, this tax imbalance is increasing cost pressure, affecting small and medium-scale brick units, and disrupting pricing across the construction industry.

🔎 Why Brick Manufacturers Are Protesting

1. Unequal Tax Slabs

• Marble, granite, and several other construction materials fall under 5% GST.
• Bricks and fly-ash bricks are pushed into a 12% slab (6% + ITC structure).
• Manufacturers say this creates an unfair playing field in the construction ecosystem.

2. Pre-GST “Compounding System” Was Easier

Before GST, many states — including Tamil Nadu, UP, Bihar and others — followed a simple monthly compounding tax for brick kilns.
Manufacturers requested something similar under GST.

But instead of a simpler structure, they now deal with:

• Higher slab
• Higher input cost
• More compliance

3. Increased Production Cost

Brick manufacturers argue:

• Bricks are a basic essential for affordable housing, not a luxury item.
• A 12% GST pushes up:
  • Brick price per 1,000 units
  • Transportation cost
  • Construction cost for end buyers

This hits both builders and individual home buyers, especially in non-urban regions.

🏗️ How This Affects Property Buyers in Tamil Nadu

Though GST is paid by manufacturers and contractors, the effect naturally travels down to residential buyers:

• Higher construction cost

Especially for low-cost homes, farmhouses, and rural houses where brick usage is high.

• Reduced material affordability

Bricks are one of the most fundamental building materials. A higher slab makes no sense to the industry.

• Regional price increases

Districts like Salem, Namakkal, Trichy, Erode, Theni, and Tirunelveli — where brick clusters operate — see direct price fluctuations.

📢 What Manufacturers Want

The Tamil Nadu Bricks Manufacturers Association has clearly asked the GST Council for:

1. A uniform 5% GST slab – equal to marble/granite

They argue that if luxury materials can be at 5%, basic building materials must not be taxed higher.

2. Restoration of pre-GST compounding system

A simple, fixed monthly tax is easier for thousands of small brick kilns.

3. Centre + State intervention

The association wants both governments to review the structure and offer relief to an already struggling sector.

💡 Impact on Real Estate Stakeholders

Brick price fluctuations influence:

• Builder quotations
• Home construction budgets
• Labour contracts
• Tender calculations for government projects

Buyers and investors can track cost escalations by verifying project approvals, materials, and construction schedules.

Chennai’s suburban districts — Kancheepuram, Chengalpattu, and Thiruvallur — have become thriving industrial hubs, hosting large factories and industrial parks that employ thousands of youth. With the rapid expansion of SIPCOT zones, these regions are now competing with Chennai city in terms of growth and development.

Cheyyar SIPCOT: A Growth Engine Facing Bottlenecks

The Cheyyar SIPCOT Industrial Park, located near Mangal in Kancheepuram, houses major factories and auto component units. Every day, heavy vehicles from multiple districts move in and out carrying raw materials and finished goods. But there is no direct road to Cheyyar SIPCOT, forcing trucks to detour through Walajabad and Kancheepuram, creating serious congestion and logistical delays.

The New Chennai–Cheyyar Link Road

To resolve this, the Tamil Nadu government has launched a 43.2 km four-lane road project connecting Singaperumal Koil (Chengalpattu) to Cheyyar SIPCOT.

• The road will be 60 metres wide.
• It will pass through 33 villages in Kancheepuram and Chengalpattu.
• 127 acres of government land will be acquired.
• 492 acres of patta (private) land will also be acquired.
• Official sources confirm that compensation work has begun and there is minimal resistance from landowners.

Route Alignment

The proposed alignment starts from Manamathi–Koot Road junction and runs through:

• Kancheepuram District (30 villages):
• Valaiyakkaranai, Vadakkupattu, Sathananjeri, Kurumanjeri, Seethananjeri, Arumpuliyur, Palaveri, Siruthamur, Neerkundram, Madhur, Sirumayilur, Malayankulam, Neyyattupakkam, Kaavampayir, Sembulam, Irumaram, Aadhavampakkam, Puththali, Pulivai, Thandukkulam, Karuveppampooondi, Ozhukarai, Vengaram, Silambakkam, Alisur, Melpakkam, Anumanthapuram, Ilanagar, Perunagar, Maanampathi.
• Chengalpattu District (3 villages):
• Avoor (Appur), Senthamangalam, Palur.

Benefits of the Project

• Traffic Decongestion: Heavy vehicles will no longer clog narrow local roads in Kancheepuram.
• Direct Access: Industries can connect directly to Chennai Port Road and the Outer Ring Road.
• Boost to Industry: Faster logistics will benefit auto, electronics, and ancillary units in Cheyyar SIPCOT.
• Integration with Mega Corridors: The project complements the upcoming Chennai Peripheral Ring Road, strengthening regional connectivity.

Challenges Ahead

While the Chennai–Cheyyar SIPCOT link road promises faster connectivity, a few hurdles remain:

• Land acquisition disputes may arise over patta land valuation and compensation delays.
• Agricultural impact could affect fertile farmlands and waterbodies across 33 villages.
• Coordination gaps with the Outer Ring Road and Peripheral Ring Road projects may slow integration.
• Traffic pressure might shift congestion to junctions at Singaperumal Koil and Oragadam without proper planning.
• Social resistance could surface later, even if initial opposition is minimal.

The GST Council has rolled out a significant reform in the construction sector by slashing tax rates on core materials. The headline change is the reduction of GST on cement from 28% to 18%, a move that directly cuts into one of the heaviest cost components of construction.

Other notable reductions include:

• Bricks, mud-lime stones, and sand-lime bricks: 12% → 5%
• Granite, marble, travertine blocks, and stone inlay work: 12% → 5%
• Sulphuric acid (water treatment) and ammonia (cooling systems): 18% → 5%
• Solar panels, wind energy devices, drip and sprinkler irrigation systems: 12% → 5%

Items like tiles, iron rods, and paint remain unchanged at 18%.

Impact on Developers: Lower Construction Costs

Cement and steel together account for nearly 40–45% of a project’s construction costs. With the GST cut, builders are expected to see project costs decline by 3–7% overall, with most analysts pointing to a 5% average reduction. Developers now have more room to manage cash flows, ease budgetary pressures, and maintain margins in an industry that has been battling steadily rising input prices.

Impact on Homebuyers: Affordable Housing Ahead

For homebuyers, especially in the affordable and mid-income categories, this is a direct boost to affordability. Experts estimate that home prices could come down by 1–2% in the short term, depending on how much of the savings are passed on by developers. In ongoing projects where material procurement contracts are already locked, the impact may take longer to filter through, but new launches are likely to reflect the benefits immediately.

Boost to Real Estate Market

With cost savings driving potential price stability, the GST cut is expected to stimulate demand during the upcoming festive season and beyond. Increased affordability not only improves buyer sentiment but also encourages “undecided buyers” to invest in under-construction projects. For developers, this could translate into stronger pre-sales, faster inventory movement, and renewed momentum in both residential and commercial real estate.

Expert Voices on the GST Reform

Industry leaders are unanimous that this is a turning point for the sector:

• Anuj Puri, ANAROCK Group: The GST cut will reduce overall construction costs by 3–5%, providing much-needed relief for affordable housing projects and improving margins.
• ICRA’s Anupama Reddy: For rural housing, costs may decline by nearly 1%, with cement bags becoming cheaper by ₹26–28 each.
• Nakul Bajaj, MNB Buildfab: The impact will be 5–7% lower project costs, a huge positive for affordable and mid-segment housing.
• Samantak Das, JLL: Buyers may see home prices dip by 1–1.5%, depending on how quickly and fully developers transfer cost benefits.
• Anshuman Magazine, CBRE: Since cement and steel form almost half of construction expenses, the reduction will significantly ease project budgets.
• Niranjan Hiranandani, NAREDCO: The reform is a “festive bonanza” that strengthens the government’s housing-for-all vision and makes homes more accessible.
• Neeraj Akhoury, CMA/Shree Cement: The GST cut will boost consumption, accelerate infrastructure projects, and encourage affordable housing growth.
• Manoj Mishra, Grant Thornton Bharat: Lower cement taxes will ease working capital pressures, particularly in affordable housing developments.

Transparency for Buyers

A simpler GST structure also means greater clarity for homebuyers. With fewer tax layers, buyers of under-construction homes can better estimate their total outgo, reducing uncertainty and improving confidence in transactions.

Verified.RealEstate’s Take

Lower GST makes building homes cheaper, but that doesn’t mean every deal is safe. A flat may cost less, yet still be risky if the land has legal issues or missing approvals.

At Verified.RealEstate, we look at it this way:

• For buyers – Homes may get more affordable, but always check Patta, EC, and approvals before buying. Our tools and services help you confirm the property is legally safe.
• For developers – With lower costs, builders can pass on benefits to buyers. We help them win trust by showing their projects are fully verified.

Bottom line: Lower GST helps on price, but real peace of mind comes only with proper verification.

Conclusion

The GST cut on cement and other construction materials is not just a tax tweak — it’s a structural reform aimed at reducing costs, improving affordability, and reviving buyer sentiment. Developers gain room to balance their budgets, while buyers gain access to more affordable homes. Over the coming months, this decision is expected to fuel momentum in India’s real estate sector, particularly in affordable and mid-segment housing, while also stabilizing prices in the premium category.

At the core of this fraud lies the subvention scheme—a loan model where banks disbursed funds directly to developers, who were supposed to service the EMIs until project completion. Instead, builders defaulted, projects stalled, and unsuspecting families were left paying EMIs for flats that never existed.

Scale of the Scam

The probe reveals the sheer scale of financial malpractice:

• Supertech, a well-known real estate giant, allegedly drew loans worth ₹5,157.86 crore since 1998.
• Several major NCR developers and multiple lending institutions are now under the scanner.
• Local authorities such as Noida Authority, GNIDA, and YEIDA are also being investigated for oversight failures in land allotments and approvals.

The CBI has already raided 47 locations across NCR to gather evidence on project files, loan disbursements, and builder–bank agreements.

Supreme Court’s Stern Words

The apex court did not mince words, calling the scandal a “systemic betrayal” of middle-class aspirations. Regulators like the RBI and National Housing Bank (NHB) were directed to tighten norms and ensure that buyers are not harassed for builder defaults.

A bench of Justices Surya Kant and N. Kotiswar Singh directed that the six preliminary inquiries conducted by the CBI be converted into 22 regular criminal cases (FIRs) for further investigation into the alleged nexus between builders and financial institutions in the Delhi-NCR real estate fraud.

“We accept the recommendation and the CBI shall accordingly register regular cases and proceed in accordance with law.”

The SC also indicated that a Special Investigation Team (SIT)-style monitoring will oversee the CBI’s progress to ensure accountability at every stage.

The bench granted the CBI six weeks to investigate a separate preliminary enquiry concerning projects outside NCR, including cities like Mumbai, Bengaluru, Kolkata, Mohali, and Allahabad.

Impact on Homebuyers

• Families who invested their life savings are now hopeful that criminal accountability will translate into project completion or compensation.
• The FIRs strengthen homebuyers’ legal position, complementing remedies available under RERA and consumer courts.

What Happens Next

• CBI Charge Sheets: The agency will examine builder executives, lending officials, and authority records to establish culpability.
• Project Completion Roadmap: Courts may direct escrow monitoring, third-party takeovers, or forensic audits for stalled projects.
• Policy Reform: Future loan disbursements may be tightened with stricter tripartite agreements and escrow-linked construction milestones.

Conclusion: A Caution for Chennai

The Delhi-NCR scam is a reminder that even in cities like Chennai, where CMDA and RERA provide oversight, risks of delayed projects and disputed titles still exist. Homebuyers should not depend solely on builder assurances or bank tie-ups. Simple checks—like title verification, approvals, and encumbrance records—can prevent costly mistakes. Tools such as Verified.RealEstate’s Due Diligence and Legal Opinion make this process easier, ensuring that every investment in Chennai real estate is secure and stress-free.

But amid this sales frenzy, a critical truth is being missed: very few are educating buyers on the legal and financial implications of investing in Dubai from India.

In this article, we break down three major reasons why Indians should tread carefully—and legally—when investing in Dubai real estate. We also include expert insights from Karan Batra, Umesh Bhati (Bayside Corporations), and Manik Kinra (Pin Click), who have years of experience in cross-border investment advisory.

Indians Can Buy Property in Dubai—But Only in Freehold Zones

Indian citizens (resident and NRI alike) are allowed to purchase real estate in Dubai—but only in “freehold” areas. These are government-designated zones where foreign nationals are granted full ownership rights.

🏙️ Top Freehold Areas in Dubai:

• Palm Jumeirah
• Dubai Marina
• Downtown Dubai
• Jumeirah Village Circle
• Business Bay

According to Knight Frank, Indians are the second-largest group of high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) buying property in Dubai, just behind Saudi nationals.

Umesh Bhati, Director of Operations at Bayside Corporations, explains:

“You can buy a premium apartment in Downtown Dubai for less than what you’d pay in Bandra or South Delhi. It’s not just affordable—Dubai offers better value for money and stronger rental returns compared to Tier-I Indian cities.”

Loans from Dubai Banks Can Violate RBI Laws

Karan Batra, who has helped Indian clients set up businesses and buy properties in Dubai for over 14 years, warns that one of the biggest mistakes Indian buyers make is assuming they can take a loan in Dubai and profit from rental arbitrage.

“People think they can take a mortgage at 4% interest and rent the property at 8%, making easy gains,” says Batra. “But under RBI regulations, Indian citizens cannot borrow abroad without prior permission. When you submit income proofs to a Dubai bank, that information is often shared with Indian authorities, which can land buyers in trouble under FEMA laws.”

🔐 Legal Workarounds:

• Pay 100% upfront from LRS-compliant funds.
• Choose a developer-backed payment plan that isn’t classified as a loan.

For Indian investors opting for upfront or phased payments, using services like Escrow from Verified.RealEstate adds an extra layer of financial safety. It helps ensure that funds are held securely and disbursed only after legal checks, making the transaction compliant with RBI and FEMA rules.

Selling a Property Cancels Your Golden Visa

Many Indian investors buy Dubai properties thinking they can get a Golden Visa and then sell the property later while retaining residency rights.

That’s not how it works.

“The Golden Visa is directly tied to property ownership,” says Batra. “Once you sell the asset, the visa gets cancelled automatically. It’s not a permanent residency like people assume—it’s conditional.”

So unless you intend to hold the property long-term, this visa should not be a primary motivator for investment.

Exaggerated Rental Yield Claims Mislead Investors

Advertising often claims 12–15% rental yields in Dubai, but Umesh Bhati, Director of Operations at Bayside Corporations, calls these numbers “marketing myths.”

“The average rental yield in Dubai for long-term tenants is around 7–8%. You can hit 10% only in short-term formats like Airbnb, but you must factor in furnishing, service fees, and vacancy periods.”

Manik Kinra, co-founder of Pin Click, echoes this caution: “Even for short-term rentals, once you add up running costs, net returns rarely exceed 9–10%. Don’t be blinded by glossy promises.”

FEMA & Tax Realities: What You Must Know

Under the Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS), Indian residents can remit up to $250,000 (~₹2.08 Cr) abroad per financial year. This covers property purchases too. But if an individual remits more than ₹7 lakh, a 20% TCS (Tax Collected at Source) applies, which is refundable via ITR.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 A family of four can remit $1 million (~₹8.3 Cr) collectively.
🏢 Corporates can remit funds too—but Dubai only allows UAE-registered companies to buy property, limiting the use of Indian companies for such investments. So one should partner with a registered realtor in UAE to get into the Dubai real estate market.

“Funds must be transferred only through authorized banks, and all income from these assets—including rent—must be reported in Indian tax returns,” says Kinra.

🏛️ Important Tax Implications:

• Income from Dubai properties (rent or sale) must be reported in India.
• Capital gains are tax-free in Dubai, but taxable in India unless reinvested per Section 54 of the Income Tax Act.
• From April 1, 2023, exemptions under Sections 54 and 54F are capped at ₹10 crore.

“The exemption only applies if proceeds are reinvested in a residential property in India,” says Manik Kinra. “You can’t claim this if you reinvest abroad.”

💡 Why Cross-Border Expertise Is Essential

Dubai real estate may offer glamour and strong returns, but it requires navigating:

UAE’s real estate and visa policies

RBI’s remittance limits

FEMA’s foreign asset regulations

Indian tax laws

The Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) is making a bold move to generate much-needed revenue through the Vacant Land Tax (VLT). For years, this tax has been in the books but was rarely enforced. However, in an effort to address the city’s financial challenges, GHMC is now gearing up to implement the VLT more rigorously. In this article, we’ll break down everything you need to know about the VLT, why it’s being introduced, and how it will impact vacant landowners in Greater Hyderabad.

What Is the Vacant Land Tax (VLT)?

The Vacant Land Tax (VLT) is a tax levied on vacant plots of land within the city of Greater Hyderabad. As per the GHMC Act, 1955, vacant land is taxable at a rate of 0.5% of its registered market value annually. This tax is intended to discourage speculative holding of land and promote the development of these properties.

This move aligns with the GHMC’s goal of generating additional revenue while also addressing urban sprawl and encouraging landowners to develop their vacant properties.

Why Was the VLT Introduced?

1. Revenue Generation: The VLT has the potential to raise significant funds for the GHMC. With over 50,000 vacant land registrations since 2022, the city stands to gain ₹340 crore from VLT-related taxes. The first tax collection for 2024-25 amounted to ₹7 crore, and this figure is expected to rise as more landowners pay up.
2. Encouraging Development: By imposing a tax on vacant plots, GHMC aims to encourage landowners to utilize their properties for construction and development. This could ease the strain on housing and urban infrastructure while also boosting the local economy.
3. Discouraging Speculation: The VLT discourages speculators from hoarding vacant land for potential future profits, thereby reducing the strain on the land market.

How Is the VLT Calculated and Collected?

The VLT is calculated at 0.5% of the registered market value of the land, which is determined by the government and revised periodically. The tax is collected annually and is assessed at the time of registration or transfer of vacant property.

• New Registrations: Currently, the GHMC is focusing on vacant land that is being newly registered.
• VLT Numbers: Since the amendments to the GHMC Act in 2020, the Vacant Land Tax Number (VLTN) is generated at the time of registration. Initially, the tax was deducted at registration, but now, subsequent taxes are to be paid by the landowners.

Since the implementation of the amendments in 2022, VLTNs have been assigned to vacant properties, and the tax has begun to accumulate.

The Tax Collection Process and Arrears

Since the implementation of the VLT from 2022, over 50,000 vacant land registrations have been processed, generating an annual tax of ₹120 crore. However, despite the accrual of these funds, there have been significant challenges in the collection of taxes.

• Outstanding Taxes: The arrears since 2022 currently stand at ₹220 crore, bringing the total revenue target for the GHMC to ₹340 crore.
• Payment Challenges: Although initial taxes were paid at registration, many landowners have yet to pay their subsequent taxes. This has led to the accumulation of arrears.

Efforts to Collect the VLT

GHMC is actively trying to collect the outstanding taxes by sending out SMS blasts to landowners, urging them to pay their dues. However, despite these efforts, the collection rates remain low.

• In the financial year 2024-25, the total collection was ₹7 crore from 2029 landowners.
• For the current year, the GHMC has managed to collect only ₹1 crore from 381 landowners.

What Does This Mean for Vacant Landowners?

1. Financial Implications: Landowners with vacant plots must be prepared to pay the VLT. The amount is directly linked to the market value of the land, and as such, it could significantly increase the costs associated with owning vacant property.
2. Avoiding Penalties: To avoid penalties or further complications, landowners must ensure that they pay the tax on time. The GHMC has already issued warning notices, and those who fail to comply could face additional charges.
3. Encouraging Development: With rising land costs and the GHMC’s efforts to encourage development, landowners are being incentivized to either build on their property or face the ongoing tax burden. This can eventually lead to more construction projects, which will boost the local economy and reduce urban congestion.

Conclusion: Stay Compliant, Avoid Penalties, and Contribute to a Better Hyderabad

The introduction of the Vacant Land Tax is an important step in improving Greater Hyderabad’s urban planning and generating necessary funds for the city’s growth. As a landowner, it’s essential to understand your obligations under the new tax system to avoid penalties and contribute to the development of your community. By staying compliant, you are not just avoiding fines but also helping Hyderabad grow into a more sustainable and vibrant city.

Land tokenization is emerging as a revolutionary concept in India’s property landscape. By integrating blockchain technology with land ownership, tokenization allows individuals to own and trade digital fractions of real estate assets. This evolution not only promises transparency and liquidity but also unlocks the massive value held in underutilized or disputed land parcels across the country.

🔗 What Is Land Tokenization?

Land tokenization is the process of converting rights to a land asset into digital tokens on a blockchain network. Each token represents a fractional ownership interest or cash flow right tied to a specific property. These tokens can be bought, sold, or traded online, much like shares in the stock market.

There are typically three tokenization models:

• Direct Legal Ownership: Rare in India due to outdated registries.
• SPV Ownership Model: Common structure where tokens represent equity in a legal entity owning the land.
• Revenue-Linked Tokens: Investors get income rights, not ownership.

💡 Why Is It Game-Changing for India?

1. Fractional Ownership, Wider Participation

Tokenization breaks down high-value land into smaller, affordable units. A person no longer needs lakhs or crores to invest—just a few thousand rupees can buy them a stake in prime land.

2. Improved Liquidity for an Illiquid Asset

Traditionally, selling land takes months of legal paperwork and negotiation. Tokenized land can be listed and traded on digital platforms, providing near-instant liquidity.

3. Tamper-Proof Ownership and Forgery Prevention

Blockchain records are immutable, meaning they can’t be changed or faked. This eliminates forged pattas or duplicate sale deeds—issues that plague Indian real estate.

Explore services like Certified EC and Find Property Owner to verify land documentation and ownership before any tokenization initiative.

4. Seamless Inheritance and Transfer

With tokenized assets, inheritance becomes simple—ownership can be split and transferred digitally as per will, without long legal processes. This is a powerful use case in rural India, where family land disputes are common.

5. Smart Contracts Automate Governance

Smart contracts can automate rental distributions, voting on property sales, or management fees, creating a transparent and accountable ownership model.

🛠 Technical Backbone: How Tokenization Works

• Digitization of land rights into tokens
• Use of SPVs (Special Purpose Vehicles) to legally hold property
• Smart Contracts define how income is shared, voting occurs, and exits are managed
• Blockchain Ledger stores transaction history and ownership trails
• Investors receive proceeds via smart contract automation when the property is sold

📍 Real Challenges in the Indian Context

🏛 Regulatory Uncertainty

India lacks a central law governing land tokenization. Land is a state subject, and uniformity in laws is still lacking.
Suggested solution: A central governance body co-regulated by SEBI and RBI with representation from all states.

📜 Poor Digitization of Rural Records

Many land records in India are handwritten, incomplete, or non-standardized—especially pattas. Initiative like Patta Analyzer are essential for preparing land for tokenization.

🌐 Infrastructure Gaps at the Local Level

District tehsils and panchayats need to be equipped with blockchain-ready tools and trained personnel for decentralized asset management.

🧭 Role of Government and Local Bodies

• States like Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Maharashtra are already piloting blockchain in land registries.
• Panchayats must digitize pattas and issue tamper-proof digital records.
• Smart governance models using DAO (Decentralized Autonomous Organizations) can empower token holders in rural cooperative models.

💰 Economic Uplift Through Tokenization

Tokenization can unlock the value of dormant land parcels that cannot be sold or mortgaged today. It enables:

• Collateral access for business, education, or agriculture loans
• Asset-backed fundraising for rural infrastructure
• Increased participation from NRIs and global investors

With tools like Property Valuation and Legal Opinion, even small landowners can understand and monetize their holdings effectively in the near future.

✅ What Exists in Tamil Nadu:

As of now (May 2025), land tokenization is not officially practiced or regulated in Tamil Nadu in any widespread or government-recognized manner. Here’s the current ground reality:

1. Land Record Digitization

Tamil Nadu has made significant progress in digitizing land records, including:

• Patta/Chitta access online via the TN e-Services portal
• FMB (Field Measurement Book) maps
• EC downloads (Encumbrance Certificate)
• Online mutation services

This digitization is a critical pre-condition for any future land tokenization because blockchain requires structured, validated data.

2. Blockchain Use in Land Records (Elsewhere in India)

States like Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, and Maharashtra have piloted blockchain for land registry—especially to prevent forgery and improve transparency. Tamil Nadu has not launched such an official pilot for tokenization yet.

However, Tamil Nadu’s Blockchain Policy (2020) did mention the use of blockchain in land records as a future possibility under its e-Governance initiative.

3. Private Projects & Startups

There is no public record of active land tokenization projects being conducted legally in Tamil Nadu—either by startups or government. Any private attempt would still need to operate within:

• Tamil Nadu’s land laws
• Registration and stamp duty regulations
• RBI/SEBI norms (if tokens are considered securities)

⚠️ Why It Hasn’t Happened Yet in Tamil Nadu:

🌟 What Can Be Expected in the Near Future?

• Pilot Projects may emerge via public-private partnerships (PPPs) in select districts like Chennai, Coimbatore, or Madurai once central frameworks mature.
• Digitally progressive states like Tamil Nadu could eventually adopt tokenization after legal and financial interoperability is addressed.
• Tamil Nadu could potentially partner with national agencies like NIC, MeitY, or NITI Aayog to launch sandbox pilots in land tokenization, similar to fintech sandboxes.

🚀 The Future: A $5 Trillion Economy with Blockchain

India’s digital public infrastructure (Aadhaar, UPI, DigiLocker) sets the stage for blockchain integration in land systems.
Land tokenization isn’t just a tech innovation—it’s a policy and social reform that can propel India towards a $5 trillion economy, with inclusive wealth creation across urban and rural populations.

Akshaya Tritiya Turns Golden for Tamil Nadu Real Estate

Akshaya Tritiya, long known as a prosperous day for buying gold and starting new ventures, has firmly established itself as a high point in Tamil Nadu’s property registration calendar. On April 30, 2025, the state witnessed a historic milestone with ₹272.87 crore in revenue generated through the registration of 27,440 property documents — the highest ever recorded in a single day by the Registration Department.

According to Tamil Nadu’s Commercial Taxes and Registration Minister P. Moorthy, this feat surpassed the previous record set on February 10, 2025, when ₹237.98 crore was collected through 23,421 property registrations.

Smart Planning and Public Feedback Boost Departmental Efficiency

Anticipating a surge in registrations on Akshaya Tritiya, the department strategically expanded its operational capacity based on public feedback. Notable enhancements included:

• Increased Pre-Booking Slots:
  Offices with one sub-registrar saw a rise from 100 to 150 slots, and those with two sub-registrars increased slots from 200 to 300.
• Boosted Booking Capacity in High-Volume Offices:
  At 100 key registration offices, the regular booking slots were increased from 100 to 150.
• Improved Immediate Booking Availability:
  Immediate booking slots rose from 12 to 16 per office, ensuring smoother access for last-minute registrants.

These efforts ensured a seamless experience for the public despite the sharp spike in registrations.

Chennai Leads the Surge in Property Transactions

Chennai, particularly its southern regions, led the state in the number of property registrations on Akshaya Tritiya. The urban demand reflected strong buyer sentiment and the continued appeal of real estate investment during auspicious occasions.

A. Mohammed Ali, President of CREDAI Chennai, noted, “Many home buyers prefer registering property on Akshaya Tritiya. We’ve observed a noticeable rise in property enquiries and bookings leading up to this date.”

Cultural Belief Fuels Investment Trends

While Akshaya Tritiya remains traditionally linked with gold purchases, it’s now emerging as a favorable date for real estate deals. The psychological advantage of an ‘auspicious beginning’ continues to influence home buyers and investors alike.

This trend underlines the evolving mindset of consumers who now see real estate as a long-term wealth-building avenue — and Akshaya Tritiya as the perfect time to initiate property investments.

How Buyers Can Streamline Future Registrations

Given the rising demand around auspicious dates, prospective buyers can benefit from early planning. Verified.RealEstate offers several useful tools and services to ease the property buying process:

• Due Diligence: Ensure your chosen property is free of legal or ownership issues.
• Legal Opinion: Gain professional legal insights before registration.
• Certified EC: Quickly access and verify the Encumbrance Certificate of any property.

Additionally, the Stamp Duty & Registration Fees Calculator helps estimate costs before heading to the sub-registrar’s office

In a significant development for borrowers and businesses, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has reduced the repo rate by 25 basis points, bringing it down from 6.25% to 6%. The announcement was made by RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra during the first Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting of FY26, held from April 7 to 9, 2025. This marks the second consecutive rate cut, following a similar move in February.

What is the Repo Rate?

The repo rate is the rate at which the RBI lends money to commercial banks against government securities. It serves as a critical tool for the RBI to manage inflation, control liquidity, and influence overall economic growth. A lower repo rate typically encourages banks to borrow more, enabling easier credit flow to businesses and individuals.

Why Did the RBI Cut the Repo Rate Again?

The decision comes as the RBI aims to stimulate economic growth without stoking inflation. With CPI inflation projected at 4% for FY26—well within the central bank’s comfort range of 2–6%—there’s more room to push growth-oriented policies.

Additionally, global uncertainties triggered by US trade tariffs and a volatile export environment have added pressure to shield India’s economy from external risks.

Impact on Borrowers: Cheaper Loans, Easier EMIs

This move could be great news for homebuyers and new loan seekers. With the repo rate now at 6%, banks can borrow funds from the RBI at a reduced cost, which may lead to lower interest rates on home loans, auto loans, and personal loans.

However, the extent and speed at which individual banks pass on the benefit will determine the actual impact on EMIs (Equated Monthly Installments). Borrowers with floating interest rate loans are more likely to benefit quickly.

Impact on Fixed Deposits: Lower Returns Ahead?

While borrowers can celebrate, fixed deposit (FD) investors may face reduced interest rates. As banks adjust their lending rates, they often lower deposit rates to protect margins. This means new FD investors might earn less compared to those who locked in at higher rates earlier.

If you’re considering parking your money in FDs, it might be wise to do so before banks revise their interest rates downward.

What About Existing Loans?

• Fixed-rate loans: Your EMIs will remain unchanged.
• Floating-rate loans: You could see lower EMIs in the coming months.
• New personal loan borrowers: Now is a good time to take advantage of potentially lower rates and affordable repayment options.

Positive Economic Outlook: GDP Growth of 6.5% Forecasted for FY26

RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra emphasized that the Indian economy is on a solid recovery path, projecting a GDP growth of 6.5% for FY26. Here’s the quarterly breakdown:

• Q1: 6.5%
• Q2: 6.7%
• Q3: 6.6%
• Q4: 6.3%

Key highlights from his statement:

• Agriculture sector remains promising due to strong water reservoir levels and good crop yield
• Manufacturing and services sectors are witnessing a revival
• Urban consumption is improving steadily
• Investment activity is gaining momentum, backed by corporate and banking sector strength and continued government push on infrastructure development

Key Highlights of the New Parking Policy

1. Proof of Parking Mandatory for New Vehicle Registration

• Buyers must show proof of an off-street parking space before registering a new car.
• This rule aims to prevent roadside parking overflow and improve neighborhood livability.
• Chennai is the first city in India to introduce this policy, setting a precedent for urban parking management.

2. Residential Parking Permits for Existing Vehicles

• For those who already own a car but lack dedicated parking, CUMTA plans to introduce residential parking permits.
• Broad streets with continuous plotted houses will be selected for designated parking spots.
• Permits will be allocated via a lottery system and will be available on monthly or annual leases.
• Homes that already have a parking facility will not be eligible for these permits.

3. Shared Parking in Private Establishments

• CUMTA has recommended a change in Tamil Nadu’s Combined Development Building Rules (2019) to allow:
  • Shared parking spaces in malls, gated communities, and private buildings for public use.
  • Multi-level parking (MLP) facilities with weekly and monthly rental options.
• This will expand the city’s parking capacity and reduce dependency on roadside parking.

4. Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Infrastructure

• The policy recommends that 20% of all new off-street parking spaces should be allocated for electric vehicle (EV) charging stations.
• This is a significant step toward sustainable urban mobility and aligns with India’s push for EV adoption.

5. Parking Development Fees for Private Spaces

• Private establishments that do not share their parking spaces with the public will be required to pay a “parking development fee.”
• These funds will be reinvested into public transportation, pedestrian pathways, and cycling initiatives.

Why This Policy Matters

Addressing Chennai’s Parking Crisis

• Chennai currently has 92 lakh registered vehicles but only 14,000 active public parking slots.
• Experts estimate that the city needs at least 30 lakh parking spaces to meet demand.
• The new policy aims to bridge this gap by optimizing available space and promoting efficient parking solutions.

Encouraging Public Transport & Sustainable Mobility

• By making parking less accessible and costlier, the policy indirectly discourages excessive private vehicle ownership.
• This aligns with Chennai’s larger goal of reducing traffic congestion and encouraging public transport.

Challenges & Potential Concerns

• Implementation Roadblocks: The success of this policy depends on strict enforcement and collaboration with private establishments.
• Public Acceptance: Car buyers may initially resist the proof-of-parking rule, but long-term benefits could outweigh short-term inconvenience.
• Scalability: If successful, this policy could set a precedent for other Indian cities facing similar parking challenges.

Conclusion

Chennai’s bold new parking policy is a game-changer for urban planning. By regulating parking, promoting shared spaces, and integrating EV infrastructure, the city is taking a forward-thinking approach to sustainable transportation. As Chennai continues to grow, policies like these will shape a more organized, livable, and efficient urban environment.