In an unexpected twist, South City 1, not Golf Course Road, has emerged as Haryana’s most expensive locality with a circle rate of ₹90,000 per square yard (₹1.07 lakh per square meter), surpassing even traditionally iconic zones like DLF Phase II and Sector 42. This comes after a broader revision where select areas saw hikes from 10% up to 50%.

 
How Did South City 1 Top the Charts?
The latest revisions in circle rates have reshuffled the hierarchy of premium localities:

South City 1: ₹90,000/sq yd, up from ₹82,000, reflecting a 10% jump.
Sector 42 (DLF Camellias area): now at ₹79,970/sq yd (up from ₹72,700).
DLF Phase II: ₹72,000, Phase III: ₹66,000 per sq yd.
Emerging zones near Dwarka Expressway and SPR remain relatively moderate Sectors 76 to 80 at ₹5,000 and Sector 95A at ₹2,830 per sq yd.
 
1. What This Means for Real Estate Transactions
Circle rates directly influence:

Stamp duty & registration: Rising rates mean higher upfront government fees.
Capital gains tax: Sellers must reckon gains on the higher of circle rate or actual price.
Home loan valuations: Lenders now calibrate loan limits based on elevated circle rates.
This change may dissuade 'below-the-table declaration' tactics stamp duty now leans closer to actual market value.

 
2. Where Affordability Still Exists
Despite the premium zones, many Gurugram corridors still offer room for value:

Dwarka Expressway & SPR corridors: circle rates between ₹3,000–₹7,000/sq ft, making them attractive for mid-market and long-term housing.
Licensed colonies and Badshahpur/New Gurgaon sectors: range from ₹5,000 to ₹6,600 balanced for affordability and growth.
Nakhrola, Naurangpur & Manesar rural pockets: largely below ₹66k/sq yd but pending rise if proposals proceed.
 
3. Expert Commentary & Public Sentiment
While some stakeholders praise the revision for parity with market prices, others are critical:

High-duty impact: Many voice concern over heavy financial burden in ultra-premium sectors.
Misleading myths: Industry insiders note that South City 1 lacked the aspirational cachet of Golf Course Road as market forces shift towards infrastructure-rich corridors across SPR and Dwarka Expressway.
 
4. What Buyers Should Do Next
Verify actual vs official rates for your sector new policies only enforce minimums.
Calculate total property cost post-circle hike: stamp duty, registration, loan terms.
Seek early launch pricing in undervalued growth corridors.
File objections, if applicable, when the government opens review periods following notification.
 
Final Word: Market Wisdom in 2025
Gurugram’s real estate narrative is evolving. As South City 1 heads the list of most expensive circle-rated localities, buyers and investors should stay nimble prioritizing connectivity, infrastructure, and verified corridors. Luxury demand is rising, but smart decisions happen where policy, price, and potential converge.

At Property Gallery, we track granular sector analytics, compare circle vs market trends, and help you invest confidently in real estate markets that are growing not just prestigious.