India eases FDI rules for construction sector

Aimed at attracting foreign investment into the realty sector, government today relaxed rules for FDI in the construction sector by reducing minimum built-up area as well as capital requirement and easing the exit norms.

The revised norms relating to Construction Development Sector, which were earlier approved by the Cabinet, have been notified the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP). India allows 100 per cent FDI in the sector through automatic route.

In view of depleting FDI inflow in construction and real estate sector in last couple of years, the government has reduced the minimum floor area to 20,000 sq mt from the earlier 50,000 sq mt. It also brought down the minimum capital requirement to $5 million from $10 million. 

In case of development of serviced plots, the condition of minimum land of 10 hectares has been completely removed, said the Consolidated FDI Policy Circular 2014. 

Although 100 per cent foreign direct investment was allowed in townships, housing and built-up infrastructure and construction developments since 2005, the government had imposed certain conditions. 

Government expects the new measures would result in enhanced inflows into the construction development sector. The sector is also likely to attract investments in new areas and encourage development of plots for serviced housing given the shortage of land in and around urban agglomerations as well as the high cost of land. 

The measures are also likely to result in creation of much needed low cost affordable housing in the country and development of smart cities. 

The new policy has also done away with the 2-year lock-in period for repatriation of investment.

"The investor will be permitted to exit on completion of the project or after development of trunk infrastructure ie roads, water supply, street lighting, drainage and sewerage," the circular said.