Bengaluru has emerged as the top-performing city in India's commercial office real estate market, with vacancy rates dropping to a 10-year low due to heightened leasing activity. According to ICRA, the city holds the largest share of Grade A office stock among the top six metros, reflecting strong demand from sectors like Global Capability Centres (GCCs), BFSI, flex-space operators, and domestic IT-BPM firms. Other key markets like Chennai, Delhi-NCR, Hyderabad, MMR, and Pune are also projected to witness stable or improving vacancy levels through FY2026.Read more

Earlier this week, IIT-Bombay's Environmental Status Report for the 2024-25 period prepared for the Panvel City Municipal Corporation (PCMC) highlighted the lack of water quality monitoring in the Taloja and Kasardi rivers by the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB), citing their non-drinking usage. The report advised PCMC against approving housing developments near the dumping ground and Taloja MIDC. It also called for sustainable waste-to-energy solutions, better sewage disposal, and rigorous action to monitor and control industrial discharge into local water bodies.Read more

Luxury home sales in Delhi NCR recorded a 9% rise in the first half of 2025, with 5,168 units sold, up from 4,763 units during the same period last year. Properties priced at INR 5 crore and above now make up 27% of total residential sales in the region, up from 19% in H1 2024. Gurugram led the segment, accounting for over 90% of these transactions. The Southern Peripheral Road and Dwarka Expressway were the key areas contributing to this growth, while overall residential volumes in the region dropped by 23%.Read more

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