**Trump’s New Visa Policy Could Impact India’s Real Estate Market**

*By Akash Pandey | Sep 20, 2025, 07:13 PM*

US President Donald Trump has introduced a new visa policy that is set to influence India’s real estate market significantly. Starting September 21, 2025, a hefty $100,000 annual fee will be imposed on most H-1B visa petitions. This development is expected to impact the residential property segment in Indian metro cities notably, while the commercial real estate sector might experience different effects, particularly through the operations of Global Capability Centres (GCCs).

### Major Impact on Indian Metro Cities

In the fiscal year 2024, over 71% of H-1B visa approvals went to Indian nationals. Experts believe that the new fee will discourage US onsite deployments and reduce overseas hiring. This shift could directly affect remittance-driven home buying and long-term housing decisions among Indian tech professionals.

Real estate specialists warn that cities such as Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Pune, and Gurugram are especially vulnerable to a slowdown due to this policy change.

### Housing Market Risks

Industry experts have highlighted three primary risks to India’s residential real estate market due to this policy:

– A decline in demand for premium housing.
– Delays in property purchase decisions as US relocations get postponed.
– Slower absorption of mid-to-high-end residential projects targeted at technology sector buyers.

A real estate consultant based in the Delhi NCR region noted that the sudden increase in visa costs is likely to dampen the sentiments of families planning overseas relocations, which could reduce property investments back home.

### The Role of Remittances in Housing Demand

Pareekh Jain, CEO of Pareekh Consulting, pointed out that remittances have been a major driver of housing demand in India. Although primary housing demand may rise due to some individuals returning from the US or moving to Indian metros, overall investment demand in the real estate sector is expected to weaken amid reduced remittances and increased job insecurity.

Similarly, Vishal Raheja, Founder and MD of InvestoXpert, emphasized that the increased H-1B visa fee is likely to affect housing demand negatively.

### Potential Boost for Commercial Real Estate

Despite challenges facing the residential sector, commercial real estate might see a potential upswing. American companies may accelerate the growth of their Global Capability Centres (GCCs) in India as they rethink staffing strategies in response to the new visa costs.

Indian metro cities could witness increased leasing of office spaces and expanded infrastructure development driven by this shift. According to data from CBRE, GCCs currently account for 35-40% of office space absorption in major cities like Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Pune.

### Shifting Global Investment Patterns

As developers, buyers, and investors adapt to these new conditions, India’s real estate market is likely to experience a shift towards mid-segment housing and rental ecosystems.

Akash Puri from India Sotheby’s International Realty noted that higher H-1B visa costs might encourage top Indian talent to explore luxury real estate markets in other global cities. This dynamic could create fresh demand for real estate markets that offer greater stability and enhanced lifestyle options.

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The new H-1B visa fee represents a significant shift with wide-ranging consequences for India’s housing and commercial property sectors. Stakeholders will need to closely monitor these trends and adjust their strategies accordingly.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/business/trump-s-h-1b-fee-threatens-india-s-property-boom-in-tech-hubs/story

**Trump’s New Visa Policy Could Impact India’s Real Estate Market**

*By Akash Pandey | Sep 20, 2025, 07:13 PM*

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**Overview**

US President Donald Trump has introduced a new visa policy that could significantly affect India’s real estate market. Beginning September 21, 2025, an annual $100,000 fee will be imposed on most H-1B visa petitions. This move is expected to influence primarily the residential property market in major Indian metro cities, while the commercial real estate sector may experience distinct effects, especially through Global Capability Centres (GCCs).

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**Market Impact on Indian Cities**

With over 71% of H-1B approvals in fiscal year 2024 granted to Indian nationals, experts anticipate that the new fee will discourage onsite deployments and reduce overseas hiring. This shift could profoundly impact remittance-backed home buying and long-term housing decisions among technology professionals.

Real estate analysts warn that cities like Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Pune, and Gurugram could witness a downturn due to this policy change.

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**Housing Forecast: Three Key Risks**

Industry experts have identified three major risks to the residential real estate market caused by the new visa fee:

1. A decline in demand for premium housing.
2. Delayed purchase decisions resulting from postponed relocations to the US.
3. Slower absorption rates of mid-to-high-end projects targeting tech-sector buyers.

A Delhi NCR-based real estate consultant highlighted that the sudden spike in visa costs is likely to dampen sentiment among overseas-bound families who were relying on US assignments for property investments back home.

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**Investment Shifts: Remittances Driving Housing Demand**

Pareekh Jain, CEO of Pareekh Consulting, emphasized that remittances play a crucial role in driving housing demand in India. He predicts that while primary housing demand may see growth as some professionals return from the US or relocate to Indian metros, overall investment demand in real estate is expected to weaken due to lower remittances and increased job insecurity.

Vishal Raheja, Founder & MD of InvestoXpert, echoed these concerns, stating that the proposed H-1B visa fee could dampen housing demand among Indian buyers.

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**Commercial Real Estate: A Potential Boost**

Despite challenges in the residential sector, the commercial real estate market may find new opportunities. The expansion of Global Capability Centres (GCCs) might accelerate as American companies restructure their staffing strategies to minimize overseas costs.

Indian cities could experience increased office space leasing and infrastructure development as a result. According to CBRE data, GCCs currently account for 35-40% of office space absorption in metros like Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Pune.

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**Uncertainty and Shifting Investment Patterns**

As developers, buyers, and investors adapt to these developments, India’s real estate market is likely to see a pivot toward mid-segment housing and rental ecosystems.

Akash Puri from India Sotheby’s International Realty observed that higher H-1B costs could prompt top Indian talent to explore global cities for luxury real estate investments. This shift is expected to fuel fresh demand in markets offering stability and lifestyle benefits.

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**Conclusion**

The new H-1B visa fee introduced by the US government is poised to reshape India’s real estate landscape, with mixed effects across residential and commercial sectors. While residential properties in tech-centric metro cities may face challenges, commercial real estate, propelled by GCC growth, could witness new momentum. Stakeholders will need to navigate this evolving environment carefully to capitalize on emerging opportunities.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/business/trump-s-h-1b-fee-threatens-india-s-property-boom-in-tech-hubs/story