Ganesh Chaturthi 2025: Real Estate Developers Bet on Flexible Payment Plans to Boost Sales in Mumbai
This Ganesh Chaturthi 2025, Mumbai’s real estate developers are focusing on flexible payment plans like Buy Now, Pay Later to attract homebuyers, as traditional freebies have become less popular.
Real Estate Mumbai:Every year during Ganesh Chaturthi, Mumbai’s real estate market experiences a surge in activity. Over the past two years, developers, both large and small, have increasingly turned to flexible payment schemes such as Buy Now, Pay Later to attract homebuyers. With the onset of Ganesh Chaturthi 2025, this trend has resurfaced, as demand typically peaks during this auspicious period.
Unlike earlier years, when developers offered gold coins, free stamp duty, or foreign trips, freebies have largely disappeared this season. Instead, flexible payment plans continue to dominate. Developers report that about 20–30% of buyers typically opt for these schemes when available.
Industry experts caution that such plans aren’t suited for everyone. For buyers relying on a home loan, Buy Now, Pay Later can increase overall financing costs. However, for those partially self-funding and expecting liquidity in the near term, whether through a property sale or other sources, these schemes can offer much-needed breathing space, even if it comes at a slightly higher cost.
Salaried homebuyers, who typically depend on home loans, may not prioritize flexible payment schemes. In contrast, self-funded buyers or those liquidating investments often find part-payment options more advantageous, as they provide flexibility and allow them to capitalize on festive offers.
“Interestingly, while the actual uptake of such schemes is only about 20%, they continue to hold strong value, not just as a financing tool, but also as an attractive proposition that builds confidence and sustains market interest,” said Arpit Jain, director of Arkade Developers Limited. “We are also witnessing a shift in homebuyer preferences, and today homebuyers value direct savings on the apartment more than complimentary giveaways. They prefer to channel these savings into personalizing their home interiors. However, keeping an evolving mindset in focus, we have rolled out our initiative named ‘Your Home, Your Payment Plan’ across all our ongoing projects,” he added.
In Mumbai’s real estate market, developers are offering fewer freebies, but flexible payment plans remain popular. “We expect such schemes to continue through the ongoing 2025 festive season as well,” said Ritesh Mehta, Senior Director and Head (North & West), Residential Services and Developer Initiatives at JLL India.
Several Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) developers, including Rustomjee Group, Hiranandani Group, Arkade Developers, Kalpataru Group, and Chandak Group, are offering flexible payment plans to potential homebuyers.
According to real estate experts, flexible payment plans can be useful for some homebuyers but not for others, as they often lead to higher financing costs despite offering the benefit of delayed payments. “In today’s market, no developer wants to lose a buyer. Whether large, mid-sized, or small developers, most are willing to extend payment schemes if requested. That said, in our experience, only two or three out of every 10 homebuyers in Mumbai actually opt for such plans. For those taking a home loan, Buy Now, Pay Later or flexi-payment schemes typically increase the overall finance cost. However, for buyers who are partially self-funding and expect additional funds in the near future, whether through investments or the sale of an existing property, the option of deferring payments can be helpful, even if it comes at some extra cost,” a developer, who did not wish to be named, told HT.com.
Real estate developers still highlight these easy payment plans in advertisements and hoardings because they help grab attention, create market buzz, and generate leads. Additionally, it caters to those 20% for whom the easy payment plan offer is a financial tool to finance their home.
According to Knight Frank India, a real estate consultancy, nearly 96% of the 47,035 primary housing units sold in the MMR during the first half of 2025 were priced below ₹5 crore. Homes priced at ₹5 crore and above were primarily purchased by upgrade buyers seeking larger and more premium residences.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the popular payment schemes offered by real estate developers in Mumbai during Ganesh Chaturthi 2025?
Popular payment schemes include Buy Now, Pay Later and flexible payment plans, which allow buyers to defer payments and provide more financial flexibility.
Why are freebies like gold coins and foreign trips less common this year?
Freebies have become less popular as homebuyers now prefer direct savings on the apartment and the flexibility offered by payment schemes.
Who benefits the most from flexible payment plans?
Self-funded buyers or those liquidating investments often find these schemes more advantageous as they provide flexibility and allow them to capitalize on festive offers.
What are the potential drawbacks of Buy Now, Pay Later schemes?
These schemes can lead to higher financing costs for buyers relying on home loans, but they can be beneficial for those expecting liquidity in the near term.
What is the market trend for luxury housing priced above ₹5 crore in the MMR?
Homes priced at ₹5 crore and above are primarily purchased by upgrade buyers seeking larger and more premium residences, while the majority of sales are in the mid-segment priced below ₹5 crore.