Hyderabad: Thousands of residents living in gated communities across the city are facing increased financial pressure in FY 2026–27, as rising maintenance charges have pushed many households into the 18% GST bracket.
Monthly maintenance costs, which previously ranged between ₹6,000 and ₹7,000, have now surged to ₹8,000–₹10,000. This increase has taken many households beyond the ₹7,500 threshold, above which an 18% Goods and Services Tax (GST) is applicable.
📈 What’s driving the increase?
Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs) attribute the hike to a steady rise in operational expenses, including:
- Security staff salaries
- Electricity charges
- Maintenance of clubhouses and common amenities
- Water supply and infrastructure systems
“These are essential services, and costs have gone up significantly over the past year,” said an RWA representative.
📊 Growing number of affected households
According to estimates:
- Hyderabad has nearly 200 gated communities and hundreds of high-rise complexes
- These house over 5 lakh families
- Around 2 lakh households are already paying 18% GST
- An additional 50,000 households are expected to fall under the GST bracket due to the latest increase
💸 Impact on household budgets
The financial impact has been immediate. Residents who were earlier paying around ₹7,000 per month—without GST—are now paying significantly more.
For instance:
- Earlier: ₹7,000 (no GST)
- Now: ₹9,000 + 18% GST = ₹10,620
This sharp increase is straining monthly budgets, especially for middle-class families.
⚠️ Residents voice concerns
Many residents have expressed concern over the “double burden” of rising maintenance charges and taxation. Some are urging authorities to reconsider the GST threshold or provide relief to urban households.
🧾 Conclusion
With operational costs continuing to rise, more households in Hyderabad are likely to be impacted in the coming months, making this a growing urban affordability issue.
