Hit by slackening demand amid economic slowdown and high interest rates, the real estate sector has asked for infrastructure status for the housing sector in the Budget for 2013-14, which would help it avail of tax benefits and easier flow of credit. The housing ministry has said at least low-cost housing should get this status.

The National Real Estate Development Council (Naredco) said the sector should get infrastructure status and rental housing should be made more attractive to address the shortage of houses.