By Ai Powered PMC Akbar Jiwani
Special Correspondent: Realestate for Realnewsofindia.com
NEW DELHI: India’s residential market ended the July–September 2026 quarter on a steady footing, with housing sales across the seven major cities rising 3 per cent year on year to about 100,220 units, according to data from property consultancy Anarock. Sales were also about 10 per cent higher than the 90,715 units sold in the previous quarter (April–June 2026).
In value terms, sales stood at roughly Rs 1.55 lakh crore, up about 2 per cent from Rs 1.52 lakh crore a year earlier. Average prices across the seven cities rose around 7 per cent year on year, indicating that buyers continue to absorb higher price tags even as volume growth stays modest.
Launches outpace sales
New supply grew considerably faster than demand. Developers launched about 114,320 units during the quarter, an increase of 18 per cent from 96,690 units in the same period last year. Launches exceeding sales is a trend market watchers will follow closely, as it can add to unsold stock if demand weakens in the coming quarters.
City-wise picture
The Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) remained the largest market, with sales rising 5 per cent to about 31,750 units from 30,260 units a year ago. Anarock said MMR and Bengaluru together accounted for about 48 per cent of total sales in the quarter. Hyderabad also supported overall numbers. Kolkata, however, saw sales dip 4 per cent to about 3,980 units, while Delhi-NCR recorded a decline.
Festive season outlook
Anarock Chairman Anuj Puri said he expects the festive season to support residential demand and build on the momentum seen in the third quarter. Developers typically time launches and offers around Navratri, Dussehra and Diwali, when homebuyer sentiment traditionally improves.
Governments push affordable and plotted housing
On the policy front, state governments continue to expand housing supply. On 17 October 2026, Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma launched four Rajasthan Housing Board projects adding 457 units in Jaipur, Kishangarh and Bhiwadi. These include 144 MIG-B flats in Jagatpura, Jaipur, reserved for accredited journalists, with an estimated cost of about Rs 74.68 lakh per flat, as well as 146 units in the next phase of Greenwood Horizon at Pratap Nagar, 90 independent houses at Kishangarh and 77 flats at Aravali Vihar, Bhiwadi. Allotments will be by lottery, subject to eligibility; details may change and buyers should refer to official Housing Board notices.
What it means for homebuyers
Steady sales, rising prices and a bigger pipeline of new projects mean buyers have more choice this festive season, but also need to be careful. Experts advise verifying RERA registration, project approvals and developer track record before booking, and comparing offers across locations rather than rushing into discounts.
