There is unsold inventory glut in Indian real estate and 60% ready-to-move homes are priced below Rs 80 lakh

This is not surprising, as most of these properties indeed offer a good value proposition with the least amount of risk. However, the caveat that a ready-to-move-in property must have the benefit of a completion certificate to benefit from 12 percent GST exemption must be borne in mind.

The previously significant price difference between ready-to-move-in and under-construction properties is narrowing down because of the massive unsold stock in most cities. However, the additional GST charge on under-construction options is impossible to ignore. In other words, the fact that such a massive supply of RTM options on the market makes most buyers' preference a bit of a no-brainer.

On taking a closer look at the data, it emerges that NCR and MMR (Mumbai Metropolitan Region) are the cities with maximum unsold ready-to-move stock. Together, they account for nearly 54 percent of such stock in the top 7 cities. Hyderabad has the least amount of ready-to-move stock with just over 4,400 units.

In terms of budget segmentation too, MMR and NCR have the maximum available ready-to-move stock in the affordable and mid segments (below Rs 80 lakh) – together accounting for 55 percent of the stock in the main 7 cities. Pune has an equal mix of ready-to-move properties priced below Rs 80 lakh and properties priced above this budget range.

All other cities have fewer ready-to-move options in the luxury and ultra-luxury categories than NCR, which again tops the list on this front.