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India’s Housing Market Shifts Sharply Toward Premium Homes
India’s homebuyers are increasingly choosing more expensive and spacious homes.
In early 2026, homes costing more than ₹1 crore made up most residential sales.
Sales of very expensive homes also grew strongly.
Kolkata saw a major increase in luxury housing during April, May, and June 2026.
Buyers are looking for good construction, trusted developers, large spaces, and lifestyle facilities.
Many people also like plots because they can build or change their homes later.
Areas outside Kolkata’s traditional center are attracting attention because they have more land and improving connections.
Sushil Mohta says developers must earn buyers’ trust while creating homes that match their changing expectations.
Homes priced above ₹1 crore accounted for 64% of India’s residential sales in Q1 2026, up from 45% a year earlier.
Transactions for ₹20 crore–₹50 crore ultra-luxury homes rose 105% year-on-year in the first half of 2026.
Kolkata’s luxury housing market grew 2.4 times quarter-on-quarter during April–June 2026, according to Anarock Research.
Kolkata buyers are increasingly choosing larger homes, branded developers, plotted developments, and lifestyle-focused amenities.
Peripheral areas including Rajarhat–New Town, the airport-side EM Bypass extension, and Diamond Harbour Road are emerging as premium housing growth corridors.
- Who
- Indian homebuyers, property developers, and Sushil Mohta, Chairman of Merlin Group.
- What
- The Indian housing market is shifting from budget and entry-level homes toward premium, luxury, and plotted developments.
- Where
- India, with a particular focus on Kolkata and its peripheral corridors.
- When
- The article cites the first quarter and first half of 2026, with Kolkata data covering April–June 2026.
- Why
- Buyers are prioritizing construction quality, larger layouts, trusted developers, lifestyle amenities, land ownership, and long-term asset security.
Key facts
- Premium sales share
- Homes priced above ₹1 crore represented 64% of India’s residential sales in Q1 2026, compared with 45% the previous year.
- Ultra-luxury growth
- Transactions for homes priced between ₹20 crore and ₹50 crore rose 105% year-on-year in the first half of 2026.
- Kolkata luxury market
- The market grew 2.4 times quarter-on-quarter in April–June 2026.
- Top-end supply
- Kolkata homes priced above ₹4 crore rose from 3% of new supply in Q1 2026 to 27% in Q2 2026.
- Emerging corridors
- Rajarhat–New Town, the EM Bypass extension toward the airport, and Diamond Harbour Road are identified as growth areas.
- Buyer preferences
- Buyers are favoring larger homes, branded developers, plotted assets, integrated clubs, green spaces, and wellness amenities.
Quotes
Sushil Mohta
Chairman of Merlin Group and commentator on Kolkata’s real estate market
“Kolkata’s real estate story is no longer just about price per square foot, it’s about trust, land value, and lifestyle. The shift toward larger homes, branded developers, and plotted assets shows a buyer who is thinking long-term and trading up with purpose. For developers, the imperative is clear: understand the customer’s evolving priorities, deliver credibility alongside configuration, and design for a lifestyle that matches the city’s rising aspirations.”
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