Colliers Homebuying Sentiment Survey 2026 – Key Findings

Colliers released its Homebuying Sentiment Survey 2026: Decoding India’s Evolving Buyer Preferences on 21 September 2026, drawing insights from approximately 1,800 respondents across more than 30 established and emerging residential markets in India. The survey reveals that 54% of prospective buyers remain optimistic, indicating that external macro‑economic volatilities are perceived to have a relatively low impact on the Indian real‑estate sector.

Purchase Intent and Price Sensitivity

Half of the surveyed homebuyers (50%) state they are likely to purchase a residential property within the next two years. Price sensitivity is evident, with 46% of respondents preferring properties priced between INR 50 lakh and INR 1.5 crore. Affordability and pricing emerge as the primary concern for 31% of participants, followed by worries about job security and income visibility.

Unit Configuration and Project Stage Preference

A clear majority (62%) favor 2‑ and 3‑BHK apartment configurations. More than 60% express a strong preference for ready‑to‑move or near‑completion homes rather than under‑construction projects, reflecting a desire for possession certainty and reduced execution risk.

Financing Flexibility and Pricing Attractiveness

65% of respondents consider attractive pricing and flexible payment plans critical to facilitating immediate purchase decisions.

Importance of Unit Size, Layout and Connectivity

Between 75% and 80% of buyers highlight unit size & layout as well as social infrastructure & overall connectivity as top considerations, underscoring the need for right‑sized apartments in well‑connected localities.

Amenity Priorities

Within gated societies, security & safety systems rank highest, followed by green & open spaces and community‑oriented lifestyle zones. Younger buyers (under 30) place nearly double the overall average importance on fitness & wellness amenities.

Demographic Insights

  • Self‑use intent dominates, with 51% planning to buy a home for personal occupancy.
  • 16% intend to acquire a second or vacation home, indicating a growing leisure‑driven ownership segment.
  • Approximately 50% of buyers under 30 are comfortable taking construction‑related risk, compared with only 36% of respondents above 30, highlighting divergent risk appetites across age groups.

Regional Variations

Mumbai, Delhi NCR, Bengaluru and Hyderabad show stronger demand for higher‑ticket‑size properties. Larger, spacious units are especially preferred in Delhi NCR, Bengaluru and Hyderabad, while Mumbai continues to exhibit strong demand for compact, right‑sized units.

Seasonal Outlook

The upcoming festive season is expected to add momentum to housing sales across major markets, provided developers align product offerings with evolving buyer preferences around price‑value alignment, financing flexibility and product‑market fit.

Executive Commentary

Ravi Shankar Singh, Managing Director – Residential Transaction Services, Colliers India, notes that while 50% of prospective buyers are ready to purchase within two years, the market is becoming more price‑sensitive, risk‑averse and selective. He emphasizes that sales will hinge on price‑value alignment, financing flexibility and product‑market fit.

Vimal Nadar, National Director and Head of Research, Colliers India, adds that the festive season traditionally acts as a catalyst for purchases and that developers must calibrate offerings to meet affordability concerns, connectivity, livability and possession certainty to translate intent into sustained sales.

About Colliers

Colliers (NASDAQ: CIGI, TSX: CIGI) is a global diversified professional services and investment management firm operating across Commercial Real Estate, Engineering and Investment Management, with $6 billion in annual revenues, 28,000 professionals and $110 billion in assets under management.

Media Contact

Sukanya Dasgupta, National Director & Head, Marketing & Communications – India

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