Amidst elevated prices and interest rates, value- conscious homebuyers are moving away from metros and are opting for mid-market and compact homes to seek value.

According to a recent July-September 2025 Magicbricks report, mid- market homes costing between 1-1.5 crore rupees have the highest buyer sentiment score of 149 with average buyer sentiment index (HSI) at 142 that had earlier dipped to 138 from 156. 

The survey highlights a reshuffling of city rankings, with Chennai emerging as the top-performing city, followed by Noida/Greater Noida and Kolkata. Affordable and high-potential markets are increasingly outpacing traditional luxury hubs, aided by infrastructure development, commercial growth, and new project launches. Therefore, peripheral areas across metros are drawing more interest, as buyers seek value in well-connected outskirts.

The mid-market housing segment priced between ₹1–1.5 crore has emerged as the most active, recording an HSI of 149. While 39% of buyers continue to prefer homes in the ₹20–75 lakh range and another 39% in ₹75 lakh–₹1.5 crore, the mid-segment is now the largest pool of demand.

Property type choices are also evolving, with builder floors overtaking plots as the most sought-after option, thanks to their semi-customisable layouts and faster delivery timelines. Semi-furnished homes and compact, functional units between 500–1,000 sq. ft. lead preferences, reflecting a growing inclination for practical yet aspirational living spaces.

Millennials and Gen Y remain the core demand drivers, but Gen Z and Baby Boomers are the stable high HSI. Higher sentiment was recorded among professionals in stable sectors, while the ₹10–30 lakh annual income group showed the strongest housing sentiment, fueled by rising earnings and a fear of missing out (FOMO) on price appreciation.

According to Sudhir Pai, CEO, Magicbricks, the rebound in housing sentiment underlines the resilience of India’s real estate market. With prices & interest rates stabilizing, buyers are looking at real estate as a safe and rewarding long-term asset. What’s encouraging is the growing strength of the mid-segment and the rise of new growth hubs across Indian cities. Developers who can deliver value, space, and connectivity will be best placed to capitalize on this renewed confidence, he adds.

The HSI 2025 Report highlights a market in transition, where aspirations are rising but decisions are becoming more measured. With price expectations stable and most buyers anticipating 6–10% property appreciation, India’s housing market continues to cement its position as a preferred asset class for wealth creation and security.