The RBI decided to keep the repo rate steady at 5.5 per cent, citing concerns over tariffs and the impact of GST rationalisation on consumption and growth. Since February 2025, policy rates have been reduced by 100 basis points to support easing inflation. Retail inflation has stayed below 4 per cent, reaching a six-year low of 2.07 per cent in August, aided by falling food prices and favourable base effects. The central bank continues to focus on maintaining CPI-based inflation within the government's target range while monitoring economic developments closely.Read more

Net leasing of office spaces across eight major Indian cities rose significantly in the past quarter, reflecting strong demand from both domestic and international companies, according to Cushman & Wakefield. While Delhi-NCR, Chennai, Pune, Hyderabad, Kolkata, and Ahmedabad recorded higher absorption levels, Mumbai and Bengaluru saw declines. Executives from Cushman & Wakefield highlighted that the expansion cycle is supported by long-term fundamentals such as the rise of global capability centres, manufacturing, and the growth of start-ups.Read more

Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC), recognised under the Super Swachh League, has entered into a partnership with five municipal councils in Maharashtra to extend guidance on urban cleanliness. The collaboration, formed under the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs' Swachh Bharat Mission, is aimed at strengthening inter-city cooperation on sanitation practices. Officials confirmed that the initiative would be result-oriented, with its impact assessed during the forthcoming Swachh Survekshan 2025-26.Read more

The Indian REITs Association (IRA) has become part of the Global REIT Alliance, a newly formed coalition established to advance the cause of Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) worldwide. The alliance was unveiled during the EPRA ReThink conference in Stockholm, uniting 24 countries and regions to develop a common voice for advocacy, exchange insights, and set standards for the REIT industry. This move is expected to strengthen India's presence in the global REIT landscape.Read more

NAREDCO MAHI recently celebrated the Women Achiever Awards 2025 at the NAREDCO HOMETHON Property Expo in Mumbai, honoring women transforming the real estate and allied sectors. With participation from top industry leaders and dignitaries, the event highlighted women's growing influence in leadership, sustainability, and skill development. Through speeches and accolades, the awards underscored women's resilience, vision, and ability to shape communities. The initiative, supported by leading industry partners, emerged as a platform to inspire future female leaders while celebrating the achievements of trailblazing women across the country.Read more

The Indian Chamber of Commerce marked its centenary with the India Infrastructure Summit in New Delhi, uniting policymakers, industry leaders, and investors to chart India's infrastructure future. Union Minister Nitin Gadkari highlighted roadways as the fastest-growing segment, with 25 Greenfield Expressways spanning 10,000 km under construction at an investment of INR 5 lakh crore. He stressed innovation through waste-to-road methods, green fuels, and electric mobility, aligning growth with sustainability. NHAI officials noted average highway construction of 35 km per day, 50,000 km completed, and 15,000 km underway, supported by AI and drone monitoring. The summit reinforced infrastructure as the backbone of Atmanirbhar Bharat, blending growth with environmental responsibility.Read more

Bengaluru's housing market recorded strong growth in July-September, with sales up 21% year-on-year to 16,840 units, according to PropEquity. Residential sales for January-September are expected to hit 49,559 units, already higher than last year's 46,392, with festive demand likely to boost momentum further. Industry leaders highlighted that genuine end-user demand, particularly from IT professionals, start-ups, and global capability centres, underpins this boom, making it sustainable. Rising interest in plotted developments and second homes also reflects expanding city limits and infrastructure upgrades. While Bengaluru surged, sales across India's top nine cities dipped 4%, driven by weaker demand in Mumbai and Pune.Read more

The festive season has brought cheer to homebuyers, as the combination of tax reliefs, reduced home loan rates and attractive festive offers from developers has significantly lifted market sentiment. Experts suggested that mid and premium housing segments would witness the strongest momentum, backed by reforms such as GST rationalisation and RBI's cumulative rate cuts. Developers have rolled out festive schemes ranging from discounts to gifts, making the period more favourable for property investments.Read more

Housing demand in India's top seven cities softened in July-September, with sales projected to fall 9% year-on-year to 97,080 units, according to Anarock. Seasonal factors like monsoons and the Shradh period impacted volumes, though transaction values rose 14% to INR 1.52 lakh crore, driven by premium and luxury housing. Mumbai, Pune, Delhi-NCR, and Hyderabad saw double-digit declines, while Bengaluru dipped marginally. In contrast, Kolkata rose 4% and Chennai surged 33%. Average prices increased 9% to INR 9,105 per sq ft, while unsold stock edged down slightly. Analysts expect festive season demand, stronger GDP growth, and GST 2.0 reforms to revive momentum in coming quarters.Read more

Real estate investments across nine major Asia Pacific (APAC) markets, including India, recorded USD 71.9 billion in the first half of the year, reflecting a 6% year-on-year decline amid global economic headwinds. Despite subdued volumes, APAC maintained dominance, with seven of its markets ranking among the top 10 global destinations for land and development. India moved to fourth place, buoyed by policy support, investor confidence, and rising demand across asset classes. Experts suggested that stabilising interest rates and stronger domestic flows could drive a stronger second half.Read more