New Delhi : India’s residential real estate sector is entering a crucial phase as the festive season brings renewed homebuyer interest, with developers and property advisors pointing to affordability, infrastructure development and project fundamentals as key factors that will determine whether increased enquiries translate into actual sales in the final quarter of the year.
Traditionally considered an auspicious period for property purchases, the festive season often encourages homebuyers to advance decisions. However, the current market environment indicates that purchase decisions are increasingly being shaped by clear value propositions, transparent pricing, connectivity and long-term investment potential. Potential changes in construction costs and supportive borrowing conditions are also influencing the sector’s outlook.
Akshay Taneja, CEO of TDI Infrastructure, said the festive season is seeing encouraging buyer activity, supported by factors beyond seasonal sentiment. “We are seeing healthy enquiries and site visits, with buyers showing greater intent and moving faster from consideration to bookings, particularly where the value proposition is clear,” he said.
Taneja added that GST rationalisation could create opportunities to improve affordability, although the impact would vary across projects depending on construction stages and input costs. The extent to which these benefits reach homebuyers through pricing, offers or additional value will be an important consideration for the market.
Affordability is also becoming central to the way developers approach festive demand. While promotional offers can encourage purchases, buyers are increasingly assessing the overall value of a property, including its specifications, location and payment flexibility.
Virender Kumar, VP – Marketing, Arete Group, said the nature of demand is becoming as important as the volume of enquiries. “Buyers are entering the market with greater clarity around product expectations, location and budgets, which could support faster decision-making for well-positioned projects,” he said.
According to Kumar, any reduction in construction-related costs must translate into tangible customer benefits to make a meaningful difference to purchasing decisions. He also pointed to the growing interest in organised residential developments in emerging markets, where infrastructure improvements and connectivity are strengthening the appeal of planned communities.
The shift in buyer interest is not limited to major metropolitan areas. Locations such as Kundli in Sonipat and Vapi in South Gujarat are attracting attention as improving infrastructure, employment opportunities and connectivity support their residential appeal. The performance of these markets will, however, depend on the quality of developments, accessibility and the ability to meet end-user requirements.
In Lucknow, infrastructure expansion and a growing business ecosystem are contributing to the city’s residential and commercial real estate prospects. Location and long-term usability remain important considerations for buyers evaluating property as a long-term asset.
Mr. Nikhil Agarwal, Director, Ganpati Infrastructure Development Company Ltd. (GIDCO), said, “Lucknow is gaining momentum as a residential and commercial market, supported by infrastructure growth, an expanding business ecosystem and rising demand for quality developments. Location remains a key determinant of long-term value, connectivity and usability.”
As the sector approaches the final quarter of 2026, the conversion of festive enquiries into bookings and sales will offer a clearer indication of underlying housing demand. While the season may accelerate purchase decisions, sustained growth will depend on affordability, credible project delivery and developments that respond to buyers’ evolving expectations.
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