India's top six cities witnessed a 14% rise in net office space leasing during the 2024-25 fiscal, reaching an all-time high of 65 million square feet, as per ICRA. The leasing momentum is expected to continue through 2025-26, driven by strong demand from Global Capability Centres (GCCs), BFSI institutions, flex-space operators, and domestic IT-BPM firms. Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi-NCR, Hyderabad, Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), and Pune were the key cities leading this growth. The April-June quarter alone accounted for 17 million sq ft of fresh absorption.Read more

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has maintained its benchmark repo rate at 5.50% after implementing cumulative cuts of 100 basis points earlier this year. Starting from 6.50%, the central bank reduced the rate in multiple steps to support economic growth amid stable inflation. While inflation projections have eased and liquidity has improved, the RBI has now paused further easing, keeping its stance neutral. The impact of rate cuts on lending rates has been slow, and global uncertainties, including trade tensions, are adding new challenges to the economic outlook.Read more

Housing prices across 13 major Indian cities registered a modest rise this past March, climbing eight points year-on-year to reach 132 on the Housing Price Index (HPI), according to a report by REA India and the Indian School of Business. Despite a slight rise from January, the index remained flat month-on-month in February and March, signalling a stabilizing market. The report attributes this trend to steady demand, cautious buyer sentiment, and fewer new launches, suggesting a maturing and more sustainable housing ecosystem.Read more

The Reserve Bank of India has opted to keep the repo rate unchanged, maintaining its current level under the Liquidity Adjustment Facility amid persistent global and domestic uncertainties. This policy continuity has been met with a positive response from the real estate sector, which sees the move as supportive of consumer confidence and housing affordability. Developers believe stable borrowing costs, reinforced by earlier rate cuts, will help sustain momentum in residential demand, particularly with the festive season approaching.Read more

Pune's residential property market evolved significantly in H1 2025, with rising demand for premium, spacious homes. The city recorded the highest average ticket size growth among Tier 1 cities, up 7% to INR 0.74 crore. Premium homes made up 45% of market value, while affordable units under INR 1 crore retained a 55% share. With over 45,000 units sold and nearly 39,000 launched, Pune balances aspiration with accessibility. Key growth areas include North West Pune and PCMC. Experts cite the city's lifestyle appeal, strategic location, and upcoming connectivity to Navi Mumbai Airport as driving momentum. Pune's housing story now blends inclusivity with premiumisation.Read more

The real estate sector remains optimistic ahead of the Reserve Bank of India's upcoming Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) decision. After benefitting from a cumulative 100 basis point reduction in repo rates over the past few reviews, developers and industry experts expect the RBI to continue with a supportive stance. Many believe that with inflation under control and consumer sentiment remaining high, another modest rate cut could further strengthen housing demand and affordability. Even if rates remain unchanged, the prevailing low-interest environment is already fuelling momentum across residential markets.Read more

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi is scheduled to inaugurate the Yellow Line of Bengaluru's Namma Metro on August 10. The 19.15-kilometer corridor, connecting R.V. Road to Bommasandra is expected to ease traffic on a busy stretch of the city and provide a major transport link to the Electronic City IT hub. On the same day, the Prime Minister will also lay the foundation stone for the new 44.65-kilometer Phase-3 expansion. This dual launch, which will expand Bengaluru's metro network to over 90 kilometers, is part of a larger push to address the city's traffic challenges and strengthen its public transport system.Read more

India's top eight cities now host 993 million sq ft of office space valued at USD 187 billion, per Knight Frank, with the figure expected to cross 1 billion sq ft this quarter. Bengaluru leads with 229 million sq ft, followed by Delhi-NCR and Mumbai. Grade A offices make up 53% of total stock, reflecting a shift in workspace demand. Experts note the rising role of Global Capability Centres and the growing need for sustainability and employee wellbeing. Shruti Singh of Carbon Guardians stressed integrating EHS principles and designing performance-based workplaces as India enters a new phase of office growth.Read more

The National Real Estate Development Council (NAREDCO) urged the government to expedite the approval processes for real estate developments, highlighting the resulting benefits of lower input costs and accelerated supply of housing and commercial properties. NAREDCO also called attention to the pressing need for skilled construction labour and proposed greater collaboration between the government and industry bodies for workforce training. Challenges such as high land costs, regulatory delays, and inadequate rental policies were flagged as obstacles affecting affordable housing and overall sectoral growth.Read more

India's housing sector witnessed a shift in buyer preferences in the first half of 2025, with overall home sales across eight major cities declining by 5%, but the total transaction value rising by 9% to INR 3.59 lakh crore. A joint report by CREDAI and CRE Matrix highlighted that higher property prices and demand for larger, better-located homes have driven this surge. Despite fewer units being sold, cities like Delhi-NCR saw a notable jump in market value share, especially in premium segments led by Gurugram and Noida.Read more