Housing prices in Delhi-NCR recorded a substantial annual increase of 24 per cent during the July-September period, driven by high demand for luxury residences and well-planned lifestyle projects, according to real estate consultant Anarock. The average price in the region rose to INR 8,900 per sq ft from INR 7,200 per sq ft last year. Among seven major Indian cities, Delhi-NCR witnessed the highest growth, while Mumbai remained the costliest market. Experts attribute this rise to enhanced infrastructure, growing affluence, and changing buyer preferences prioritising quality living spaces and modern amenities.Read more

Heavy rains in Nepal have triggered deadly landslides and flash floods, killing at least 47 people since Friday and leaving several missing, officials said. The worst-hit area, Ilam district in eastern Nepal, reported 35 deaths, while nine people remain missing and three others were killed by lightning. Across the border in India's Darjeeling, seven people died in landslides. Roads and bridges have been washed away, stranding hundreds, while domestic flights remain disrupted though Kathmandu's international airport is operational. The Koshi River is flowing above danger levels, forcing authorities to open all 56 sluice gates of the Koshi Barrage. Officials warned that rains may continue until Monday as rescue efforts persist.Read more

Housing sales across Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) and Pune declined during the July-September quarter, with transactions falling 17 per cent to 49,542 units compared with the same period last year, according to PropEquity. Thane recorded the sharpest fall, while Mumbai city and Navi Mumbai witnessed moderate declines. Pune also saw reduced demand. Industry body CREDAI-MCHI maintained that the drop was a temporary recalibration and expressed confidence that the festive season would restore sales momentum, backed by infrastructure upgrades and strong end-user demand.Read more

Leasing in the Delhi-NCR office space market has grown sharply, with net leasing rising 2.5 times during the July-September period compared to last year. The region accounted for 23 per cent of total net leasing across the top eight cities, where net leasing overall rose 35 per cent. With 44.3 million square feet of net absorption in the first nine months of 2025, the market has nearly matched last year's total. The rise is driven by corporates expanding into premium Grade-A+ spaces, including GCCs and start-ups, marking India as a core market for global operations.Read more

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) maintained the repo rate at 5.5% earlier this week, a decision seen as a stabilising measure for the housing sector at a crucial time when festive-season demand is at its peak. With GDP growth revised upwards to 6.8% for FY26, experts suggested that the status quo on borrowing costs, combined with the rationalisation of GST and recent government measures, would sustain buyer confidence. Despite ongoing global trade tensions and tariff-related uncertainties, industry leaders believed the move would encourage both homebuyers and developers to plan with greater certainty.Read more

Real estate bodies CREDAI and NAREDCO have urged the Reserve Bank of India to reduce the repo rate in its upcoming policy to stimulate residential demand, particularly in the affordable housing segment. They said banks must pass on earlier cuts to both new and existing borrowers. The RBI had kept the repo rate unchanged at 5.5 per cent this week, following a cumulative 100-basis-point reduction since February. The industry groups added that sales in the top seven cities have slowed due to price hikes and a higher base effect.Read more

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