The residential real estate sector is set to enter CY’26 on a strong footing, with developers across India expressing confidence in demand growth, new launches and pricing stability, according to the latest CREDAI–CRE Matrix Developer Sentiment Survey.

Released by the Confederation of Real Estate Developers’ Associations of India (CREDAI) in collaboration with real estate data intelligence firm CRE Matrix, the survey reflects calibrated optimism driven by end-user demand, disciplined supply additions and improving cost efficiencies.

Based on responses to 18 focused questions, the survey captures sentiment on demand, pricing, launches, inventory, emerging typologies, budget preferences, technology adoption and policy priorities.

The findings point to a sector entering 2026 with confidence and calibrated optimism. Nearly two-thirds of developers across India hold a positive outlook for the residential segment and expect demand to grow by more than 5% in CY’26. This confidence is translating into tangible supply plans, with 42% of developers indicating intentions to launch over 1 million sq ft next year, underlining expectations of sustained absorption across key markets.

Inventory dynamics remain supportive. While developers acknowledge near-term pressures in select markets, 83% expect their own unsold inventory to sell out completely within the next two years, reflecting confidence in sales velocity and end-user demand. Pricing expectations also remain firm, with 76% of developers anticipating price appreciation above 10% in CY’26, a view led largely by developers in NCR and MMR, which continue to benefit from depth of demand and premiumization trends.

Cost pressures, however, appear to be moderating. Around 65% of surveyed developers reported that project cost increases have remained below 10%, aided by GST rationalization, adoption of advanced construction techniques and increased use of technology and robotics. This has helped developers maintain feasibility while continuing to scale launches.

The survey also highlights resilience in the face of global uncertainty. 62% of developers believe global events will have no or only a minor impact on their business, indicating confidence in domestic demand drivers and India’s broader economic fundamentals.

Speaking on the release of the report, Shekhar G. Patel, President, CREDAI, said, “The survey clearly indicates that real estate growth in CY’26 will be firmly anchored in end-user demand rather than speculative activity. The sector is witnessing a calibrated approach to new supply, with stronger emphasis on cost efficiency through technology adoption and closer alignment between product offerings and evolving homebuyer preferences. To sustain and accelerate this momentum, faster approvals and greater regulatory clarity will be critical. Streamlined clearances can unlock the next phase of housing supply across markets, support timely project delivery, and enable more balanced and sustainable urban growth.”

Abhishek Kiran Gupta, CEO and Co-Founder, CRE Matrix and IndexTap, said, “The Developer Sentiment Survey offers a timely pulse check of how developers across India are planning and responding to a dynamic market. The insights highlight steady demand expectations, disciplined supply addition and a sharper focus on long-term value creation. Through this collaboration with CREDAI, we aim to bridge on-ground sentiment with data-led intelligence to support better decision-making across the real estate ecosystem.”

Overall, the survey suggests that as India heads into CY’26, the residential real estate sector is positioned for steady growth, supported by end-user demand, disciplined launches and improving cost efficiencies. The alignment between developer strategy, buyer preferences and policy expectations points to a market that is maturing while remaining responsive to evolving economic and consumer trends.