India’s housing market is heading into 2026 with strong momentum. The 2026 Developer Sentiment Survey by CREDAI and CRE Matrix cites sustained end-user demand and controlled supply as key drivers.
The survey, conducted in November and December and based on responses from 647 real estate developers across the country, reveals growing confidence in price appreciation and long-term market stability—driven largely by genuine end-user demand rather than speculative activity.
The outlook also reflects a sharper alignment between developer strategies and evolving buyer preferences, with many players refining their product mix, pricing bands, and go-to-market approaches for the coming year.
Nearly 70% Developers Expect Over 5% Price Growth
As per the findings, 68% of developers expect housing prices to rise by more than 5% in calendar year 2026:
- 46% anticipate price growth in the 5–10% range
- 18% expect prices to increase between 10–15%
- 3% foresee a sharper appreciation of 15–25%
- 1% believe prices could rise by over 25%
On the other hand, 25% of developers expect price growth to remain below 5%, while only 8% anticipate a decline in housing prices, indicating limited downside risk in the market.
Regionally, West India and the NCR are seen leading in stronger price growth expectations, reflecting tighter supply conditions and sustained end-user traction in key micro-markets.
The survey report was released during the CREDAI Conclave held in New Delhi on December 19–20, underscoring the industry’s collective outlook for the coming year.
Demand Outlook Remains Broadly Positive
Beyond pricing, developer sentiment around housing demand remains upbeat. Nearly two-thirds of respondents expect residential demand to grow by more than 5% in 2026, reflecting sustained interest from end-users.
This trend suggests that recent housing demand is being driven by genuine needs—such as home upgrades, urbanisation, and lifestyle changes—rather than short-term investment speculation.
In terms of product strategy, developers are sharpening their focus on formats and price points aligned with current buyer preferences:
- 43% are focusing on 3BHK homes as the primary launch typology, signalling sustained demand for larger homes
- 38% are allocating new launches to the ₹1–3 crore segment, highlighting strong traction in the mid-to-premium bracket
- 38% plan to expand into the senior living segment, reflecting rising interest in age-specific housing and long-term lifestyle communities
Digital channels are also playing a decisive role in demand generation, with 58% of developers attributing a significant share of home sales to online platforms and digital marketing, underlining the growing importance of tech-led sales strategies.
Calibrated Supply and Focus on Efficiency
Industry voices noted that housing market growth is increasingly being driven by genuine end-user demand rather than speculative activity. Developers are adopting a more calibrated approach to new supply, with greater emphasis on:
- Cost efficiency through technology adoption
- Better alignment between project offerings and evolving homebuyer preferences
- Sustainable and timely project execution
Faster project approvals and greater regulatory clarity are also seen as critical to sustaining momentum. Streamlined clearances can help unlock new housing supply, improve delivery timelines, and support more balanced urban growth across markets.
Long-Term Value Creation in Focus
Abhishek Kiran Gupta, CEO and Co-founder of CRE Matrix and IndexTap, stated that the survey reflects steady demand expectations, disciplined supply additions, and a sharper focus on long-term value creation within the residential real estate sector.
Rather than aggressive expansion, developers appear to be prioritising sustainability, execution certainty, and market alignment—factors that are likely to define the next phase of housing growth in India.
Outlook: Stable Growth with Limited Volatility
Overall, the survey points to a residential market that is structurally stronger, demand-led, and less speculative than in previous cycles. With most developers expecting moderate-to-healthy price appreciation and demand growth, the housing sector appears well-positioned for steady expansion in 2026. The growing focus on 3BHK homes, the ₹1–3 crore segment, senior living formats, and digital-first sales channels, combined with a stronger price outlook in West India and NCR, indicates a more strategic and demand-aligned growth phase—provided regulatory processes continue to improve, and macroeconomic stability holds.
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