Builders seek rethink on new TDR rules, say Hyderabad apartment prices may go up by Rs 400 per sft

Builders in Hyderabad have opposed the State government’s new rule mandating 10 per cent TDR utilisation for buildings above 10 floors. Developers warn the policy could raise apartment prices by Rs 350–400 per sft and have urged the government to reconsider the order

Hyderabad: Builders in Hyderabad have opposed the new Transferable Development Rights (TDR) rules imposed for the construction of high-rise structures above ten floors, stating that the policy could increase apartment prices by about Rs 350 to Rs 400 per square foot. They have urged the State government to reconsider the orders.

The Metropolitan Area and Urban Development Department issued GO Ms No.16 on January 16 this year. According to the order, builders constructing high-rise buildings above 10 floors must ensure that 10 per cent of the built-up area above the 10th floor is executed through TDR utilisation. Apart from other factors, the primary objective behind the order was to increase demand for TDR and improve acceptance among landowners who lose their lands for various public projects. However, builders have opposed the new rules.

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A CREDAI Hyderabad member said the mandatory TDR utilisation would increase project costs and the additional burden would eventually be passed on to homebuyers through higher unit prices.

Generally, builders sign development agreements with landowners to take up projects in 60:40 or 50:50 ratios depending on the land parcel and location. In such cases, builders have to purchase TDRs and bear the additional cost.

Explaining the financial impact, the CREDAI member said that if a 40-floor structure is constructed, the builder would have to invest nearly four times the cost in purchasing TDRs for the mandatory portion. This could increase the unit cost by about Rs 350 to Rs 400 per sft.

At present, TDRs are available at minus 23 to 25 per cent of the total cost value. Under the new rules, the demand for TDR could increase significantly, creating scope for black marketing, which could prove detrimental to builders, the member added.

He suggested that the mandatory TDR utilisation of 10 per cent built-up area for buildings above 10 floors should instead be made applicable only for projects above 20 floors. He also pointed out that the condition cannot be imposed uniformly across the West and other zones of the city, as the rule could affect the promotion of high-rise construction in several areas.