Industry Reactions || Union Budget 2026–27: Credit, Tier II and III Cities, Infrastructure & Real Estate Outlook

“Union Budget 2026–27 strengthens the foundations of India’s formal credit and financial system through targeted, data-backed measures. The proposed ₹10,000 crore SME Growth Fund is a key intervention. It addresses the long-standing equity and growth capital gap faced by scaling MSMEs, which employ over 11 crore people and contribute nearly 30 percent of India’s GDP. Better access to patient capital can help viable enterprises move from survival mode to sustainable expansion. The continued focus on strengthening the TReDS and invoice discounting framework directly tackles MSME liquidity stress. Faster receivables financing improves cash flows, reduces dependence on informal borrowing, and lowers working capital costs. This is critical for small businesses operating on thin margins. 

Within banking and NBFCs, the proposal to constitute a high-level committee on banking for Viksit Bharat signals a comprehensive review of the sector. The focus on financial stability, inclusion, consumer protection, and technology adoption is timely. The government’s clearer articulation of the role of NBFCs, including defined credit targets and technology-led efficiency, reinforces their importance in last-mile credit delivery. For households, the reduction in TCS under the Liberalised Remittance Scheme to 2 percent from 5 percent for foreign travel, education, and medical expenses will ease upfront cash-flow pressure. It improves affordability for overseas education and healthcare while reducing short-term liquidity strain. Overall, Budget 2026–27 takes a measured approach. By combining capital support, digital and AI-led infrastructure, and regulatory reform, it aims to deepen formal credit penetration, improve liquidity, and strengthen trust across India’s financial system.”

“Metro cities are witnessing saturation, with residential prices rising 25–30% over the last three years, alongside land scarcity, stretched infrastructure and longer approval cycles. In contrast, Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities now account for 44% of residential land acquisitions and are driving demand beyond metros. Housing sales across 60 cities crossed 6.8 lakh units in 2024, up 23% YoY, reflecting stronger affordability and connectivity. Digitalisation incentives and sustained infra spending will be critical for enabling safe, smart and scalable urban ecosystems across emerging city economic regions. Increase in infrastructure capex from ₹11.2 lakh crore to ₹12.2 lakh crore for FY27, combined with ₹500 crore in government support and the Infrastructure Risk Guarantee Fund, will materially improve project viability and private capital participation. However, it lays out a decisive blueprint for India’s next phase of urban growth.”

“Union Budget 2026 reinforces real estate as a core investment pillar. The simplification of NRI property sale transactions is a structural reform that improves liquidity and accelerates cross-border capital inflows. A dedicated ₹5,000-crore push for Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities, supported by the newly introduced Risk Guarantee Fund, materially reduces execution risk and enhances investor confidence. 
With infrastructure capital expenditure rising to ₹12.2 lakh crore, city-economic regions are set to expand beyond metros, driving housing demand through improved connectivity, employment, and urban infrastructure. For real estate investors, this Budget shifts the narrative from speculative growth to policy-backed, data-driven returns. Emerging cities now offer a compelling mix of affordability, infrastructure momentum, and long-term appreciation making this the right cycle to invest with conviction.

“Budget 2026–27 sends a strong and timely signal towards building future-ready infrastructure for India. The government’s continued focus on public capital expenditure of ₹12.2 lakh crore, development of Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, expansion of dedicated freight corridors, inland waterways, and creation of a robust infrastructure risk guarantee framework will significantly strengthen India’s infrastructure backbone.

Equally encouraging is the emphasis on emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence, with large-scale capacity-building initiatives and national technology missions. As infrastructure networks expand in scale and complexity, digital engineering, AI-driven design, geospatial intelligence, and predictive modeling will be critical to enhancing safety, quality, resilience, and lifecycle performance of assets across highways, waterways, urban infrastructure, and logistics corridors.

We see this Budget as an opportunity to accelerate the adoption of open, interoperable digital technologies across the construction and infrastructure ecosystem. By embedding digital-first design, planning, execution, and maintenance practices, India can deliver infrastructure that is not only faster and more cost-efficient, but also sustainable and resilient for decades to come. We look forward to supporting India’s infrastructure vision through technology-led innovation and global best practices.”

“Union Budget 2026–27 articulates a more integrated real estate vision, where metro markets continue to anchor institutional stability while temple towns and pilgrimage corridors evolve as structured growth extensions. By scaling public capital expenditure to ₹12.2 lakh crore, the government is reinforcing infrastructure intensity across established cities and culturally significant destinations alike.

Improved connectivity around temple towns will enable a transition from fragmented, seasonal development to planned hospitality districts, mixed-use assets, and organised residential catchments, while metros benefit from deeper liquidity through CPSE asset monetisation via dedicated REITs. The introduction of the Infrastructure Risk Guarantee Fund reflects a mature policy approach that recognises execution risk as a core constraint to quality development. Together, these measures position real estate as a long-term enabler of economic continuity, urban depth, and sustainable value creation across markets.”

“Budget 2026 is a major boost for India’s holiday home and tourism-linked real estate sector. With ₹12.2 lakh crore allocated to infrastructure, including high-speed rail, waterways, and eco-tourism corridors, connectivity to key leisure destinations will improve significantly. In Goa, a prime leisure and lifestyle destination, these initiatives are expected to enhance demand for holiday homes and resorts.

Programs such as the National Institute of Hospitality, B12 hospitality classes, tourism courses with IIM collaboration, and the National Destination Digital Knowledge Grid will upskill over 10,000 professionals, integrating digital tools into hospitality education. Coupled with focus on India’s cultural, spiritual, and heritage sites, these measures will strengthen demand for lifestyle-driven real estate and reinforce India’s leadership in tourism and hospitality.”