Real estate stocks experienced a significant rally on Thursday, September 17, with the NIFTY REALTY index surging as much as 2.17% to 840.20, according to reports from Upstox. All 10 constituents of the index traded in positive territory, with the sector benefiting from broader bargain buying in the market after recent weakness. The gains came despite a fresh US Fed rate hike, which typically keeps the outlook for rate-sensitive sectors in focus.
DLF shares were up 3.16% to ₹642.45 apiece on the NSE at 12:42 PM, as reported by Upstox. Lodha Developers gained 1.66% to ₹1,105.50, while Prestige Estates Projects rose 1.88% to ₹1,450.80. Godrej Properties traded 1.24% higher at ₹1,686, and Oberoi Realty gained 1.57% at ₹1,733.70. Phoenix Mills was up 1.87% at ₹1,889.60, with the sector showing broad-based strength across major players.
The Uttar Pradesh Real Estate Regulatory Authority (UP RERA) approved 13 real estate projects involving an estimated investment of ₹2,380.04 crore across six districts last week, according to reports from Upstox. Barabanki accounted for the highest investment, while Lucknow recorded the largest number of units. These approvals are expected to expand residential and commercial development in the state and support construction activity, adding to positive sentiment around the real estate sector.
The latest Anarock Consumer Sentiment Survey H1-2026 reveals continued premiumisation in India's residential housing market, as reported by Upstox. Around 48% of respondents preferred 3BHK homes, making it the most sought-after configuration, while 2BHKs accounted for 38%. The preference for 4BHK and larger homes has risen to nearly 5%, up from around 3% in H1 2024. The ₹90 lakh–₹1.5 crore segment emerged as the most preferred price bracket, with 44% of respondents intending to proceed with planned purchases despite rising property prices.
Colliers' latest Homebuying Sentiment Survey 2026 reveals that 50% of prospective homebuyers plan to purchase a residential property within the next two years, according to the Business Standard report. Affordability emerged as the top priority in buyers' purchase considerations, followed closely by unit size and layout, social infrastructure and overall connectivity. In terms of society amenities, security systems ranked highest, followed by open green spaces and community-focused zones. Configuration preferences show that 62% of prospective buyers favour 2 and 3 BHK apartments, with 46% looking at properties priced between ₹50 lakh and ₹1.5 crore. Younger homebuyers under 30 showed a distinct preference for fitness and wellness amenities, prioritising them at nearly double the overall average.
The real estate sector is benefiting from continued investor interest in India's residential and commercial real estate story, according to reports from Upstox. End-use remains the key driver of housing demand, with 68% of respondents looking to buy for self-use compared with 32% for investment. Despite rising property prices, 38% of respondents may delay purchases slightly, but this suggests that price appreciation is influencing timing rather than significantly weakening underlying demand for homes. Rising construction material and labour costs, coupled with evolving lifestyle aspirations, are prompting Indian homebuyers to adopt a more selective approach, as noted by Colliers. With the festive season typically serving as a key catalyst for home purchases, housing demand is expected to remain firm over the next few quarters, with the sector set to be driven by end-user demand and evolving lifestyle preferences.
