India's retirement planning landscape is undergoing a significant transformation as the senior living market gains momentum, driven by rising healthcare costs, safety concerns, and the growing demand for predictable living expenses. A recent JLL-ASLI report reveals that the organised senior living market is projected to reach nearly $8 billion by 2030, reflecting substantial demographic shifts and evolving healthcare needs among India's ageing population.

Market Growth and Financial Impact

The senior living sector's rapid expansion is reshaping how retirees approach post-retirement finances. The projected market size demonstrates the substantial economic opportunity and growing acceptance of organised senior living as a viable retirement solution.

Integrated Healthcare and Safety Features

Senior living communities are designed with comprehensive safety and healthcare integration that directly impacts retirement financial planning. These facilities incorporate essential features that help residents manage health-related expenses more predictably and reduce the risk of costly medical emergencies.

Key amenities include:

• Non-slip flooring and step-free access
• Grab rails and emergency response systems
• On-call medical support
• Integrated daily healthcare monitoring

These features aim to reduce accident risks and hospitalisation costs, enabling households to better forecast and manage their healthcare expenditure during retirement years.

Financial Profile and Investment Patterns

The typical senior living community buyers represent a specific financial demographic that reflects changing retirement planning strategies. These buyers are typically over 55 years old, financially independent, and supported by diverse income streams including pensions, rental income, or long-term investments.

Many residents adopt a strategic approach by downsizing from larger homes and reallocating capital toward housing that provides integrated healthcare support and enhanced security. This financial restructuring allows families to optimise their retirement resources while ensuring access to necessary care services.

Industry Perspectives on Retirement Evolution

"Retirement in India is no longer just about stepping back," said Ankur Gupta, co-founder of ASLI and joint managing director of Ashiana Housing . "Seniors are seeking independence, social engagement, predictable living costs, and access to healthcare support without over-relying on their children."

Anantharam V Varayur, co-founder of Manasum Senior Living, emphasised the financial benefits of integrated care: "When care is integrated into daily living, it helps seniors avoid many downstream costs associated with emergency healthcare and unmanaged ageing."

Market Demand and Supply Dynamics

The JLL-ASLI report highlights a significant gap between demand and supply in the senior living sector, indicating substantial growing interest from both households and investors. This market imbalance suggests strong potential for continued growth and investment opportunities in housing formats that combine safety, healthcare, and financial predictability.

Families with children living elsewhere are increasingly utilising senior living options to reduce caregiving responsibilities while ensuring their parents receive appropriate care and support. This trend reflects broader changes in family structures and geographical mobility patterns affecting retirement planning decisions across India.

Ashiana Housing Ltd has received a GST demand notice of ₹19.49 lakh from the Excise and Taxation Department in Gurugram, Haryana. The company disclosed this development through a regulatory filing under Regulation 30 of the SEBI (LODR) Regulations.

GST Demand Details

The demand order has been issued under section 73 of the Central Goods and Services Tax (CGST) Act, 2017. The total amount of ₹19,49,637 includes the principal demand along with applicable interest and penalty components.

Nature of Alleged Violations

The tax authorities have raised the demand citing two specific contraventions:

• Wrong availment of Input Tax Credit (ITC)
• Short payment or non-payment of tax under reverse charge mechanism

These allegations pertain to the company's GST compliance and tax payment procedures under the current tax framework.

Company's Response Strategy

Ashiana Housing has indicated its intention to challenge the demand order. The company plans to contest the order, suggesting confidence in its tax compliance position.

Regulatory Compliance

The disclosure was made in accordance with Para A of Part A of Schedule III under Regulation 30, read with SEBI Circular No. SEBI/HO/CFD/CFD-PoD-1/P/CIR/2023/123 dated July 13, 2023.

This development represents a routine tax matter that Ashiana Housing expects to resolve through the established appellate process. The relatively modest amount suggests this is a standard compliance issue rather than a major tax dispute.