**Trump’s New Visa Policy Could Impact India’s Real Estate Market**
*By Akash Pandey | Sep 20, 2025, 07:13 PM*
—
**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).
—
**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.
—
**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.
—
**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.
—
**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.
—
**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.
—
**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