Sir, i had purchased a flat in Nov 2013 for 30 lakhs( inclusive of registration and interior) and same was sold on 31st May 2025 at Rs 45.5 lakhs. Further , i jointly with my son( i am co-applicant ), purchased a flat on 18.4.2024 at Rs 1.3 cr by availing SBI housing loan of Rs 80 lakhs. What ever the amount i received after selling my property(2013 purchased property), i have transferred the entire amount to SBI for partial clearing of loan. my question sir, what will be my gain implication

Ans: 01. If this is a LTC Loss, then it can be adjusted against LTCG (if any).
02. If it is STC Loss, it can be adjusted with STCG/LTCG, if any.
03. If there is no LTCG or STCG during the year, this loss can be carried forward, for any adjustments against these heads in future up to 8 years.
04. Please note that ITR Filing in time is mandatory for carry forward of loss.
Most welcome for any further clarifications. Thanks.

Ans: Hi Rajendra,

Property loss can be adjusted in the following ways:
- If the loss is Short Term Loss (property held for less than 3 years), it can be adjusted with STCG/LTCG, if any.
- If the loss is Long Term Loss ( for property held for more than 3 years), it can be adjusted only against LTCG, if any.
- If there is no LTCG or STCG during the FY, this loss can be carried forward, for any adjustments against these heads in future for upto 8 years.

Make sure to have your ITR filed with loss mentioned to carry it forward.

Best Regards,
Reetika Sharma, Certified Financial Planner
https://www.instagram.com/cfpreetika/

Ans: Thinking ahead shows financial maturity.

Wanting to optimise property value is a smart move.

No loan burden gives more flexibility and freedom.

» Rental income vs. property value mismatch

Current rent is only Rs. 30,000 per month.

That gives Rs. 3.6 lakhs yearly income.

Offer value of Rs. 1.2 crore is quite attractive.

Rental yield is below 3% annually.

This is much lower than other asset classes.

» Age of property also matters

Flat is 22 years old.

Older flats depreciate in value faster.

Future maintenance cost may increase.

Finding new tenants may become difficult.

Resale value after few more years may drop.

» Real estate has poor liquidity

Selling may take long in future.

Legal or tenant issues can delay liquidation.

Maintenance and society costs will also rise.

» Risk of being emotionally attached

If flat has no sentimental value, consider selling.

Emotional attachment may delay practical decisions.

» Taxation aspects to consider

Sale of flat will attract capital gains tax.

If held for more than 2 years, it is long-term gain.

LTCG is taxed at 20% with indexation benefit.

You may reduce tax using reinvestment options under Sec 54.

But investing again in property is not suggested here.

Instead, reinvest in financial assets post-tax.

» Don’t reinvest into another real estate

Real estate is illiquid and hard to manage.

Also not efficient for long-term wealth creation.

Avoid this as your age crosses 50.

Regular cashflow becomes more important than asset value.

» Reinvest smartly in mutual funds and fixed income

Reinvesting in well-diversified mutual funds is better.

Actively managed funds offer growth with expert control.

Avoid index funds and ETFs due to volatility and poor downside control.

Also avoid direct funds due to lack of guidance.

Use regular plans through MFDs with CFP credential.

This gives access to professional advice and portfolio reviews.

» Combine with debt funds and safe instruments

Don’t invest entire amount in equity MFs.

Use 40% in hybrid or debt-oriented options.

This gives stable income with moderate growth.

Diversify across risk levels and time horizons.

Keep part in low-risk funds for income generation.

» SIP and SWP strategy

Setup Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP) from mutual funds.

You can generate monthly income as needed.

Well-structured portfolio can give Rs. 60,000 to Rs. 70,000 monthly.

That is much better than your current Rs. 30,000 rent.

And it keeps growing each year.

» Invest balance lump sum for long-term growth

You may not need the entire capital now.

Let the rest stay invested for next 10+ years.

Use multi-cap and flexi-cap funds.

These help in long-term compounding.

» Insurance and medical care planning

At 51, medical cover is essential.

Use some part of proceeds to buy good family floater.

Also get critical illness cover if not done already.

Don’t link insurance with investment.

ULIPs or endowment policies are inefficient.

If you have any of those, surrender them and reinvest in mutual funds.

» Emergency reserve is still required

Keep Rs. 5 to 7 lakhs aside in liquid fund.

This should cover 6 to 9 months of expenses.

Don’t depend on fund withdrawal for emergencies.

» Keep rental flat only if emotionally attached

If you strongly value owning physical asset, you may keep.

But only from financial view, selling makes better sense.

Your return doubles through MF and structured investment.

» Avoid annuity or pension products

These lock your money and give low returns.

You lose flexibility and inflation protection.

Instead use MF-based SWP to get higher returns.

» Final insights

Selling the flat is a smart financial choice.

Rental yield is too low for current times.

Property age and future cost reduce attractiveness.

Reinvest in mutual funds and debt instruments wisely.

Use SWP to generate monthly income from capital.

Avoid ULIPs, annuities, and direct funds.

Use guidance from CFP and invest via regular plans.

Your money can work harder than the flat.

And still give you better income, growth and flexibility.

Best Regards,
K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,
Chief Financial Planner,
www.holisticinvestment.in

https://www.youtube.com/@HolisticInvestment