The festive season has a way of bringing the idea of homeownership closer to realisation. With the onset of Ganesh Chaturthi, followed by Navratras, Dhanteras and Diwali have traditionally been considered auspicious for making large purchases, and a home carries a significance that goes beyond the transaction itself. This year, that sentiment comes against a housing market where buyer activity has remained firm and the preference for higher-value homes has become more visible.
Housing sales across the top eight cities touched 1,71,471 units in H1 2026, according to Knight Frank India, with homes priced above Rs 1 crore accounting for 54% of sales. JLL also recorded an 8% year-on-year rise in sales across the top seven cities in Q1 2026. The festive season is therefore arriving on a market that already has considerable buyer participation.
Sandeep Chhillar, Founder and Chairman, Landmark Group, said, "The present phase offers several factors that make it a favourable time for homeownership. Borrowing conditions have remained relatively stable, while homebuyers have greater choices across established markets and emerging residential corridors. Infrastructure-led developments are reshaping parts of NCR, improving connectivity and bringing residential destinations closer to employment and social hubs. We believe the long-term value of a home is closely linked to its location, planning and surrounding ecosystem, while reflecting the evolving needs of modern families. This includes everyday convenience, connectivity, thoughtful amenities and well-planned infrastructure that support a balanced lifestyle and adapt to changing needs over time. With greater visibility on the product, location and future potential, homebuyers today are better positioned to make informed decisions. The festive season is upon, expected to add an auspicious dimension to what remains the most important investment decision for our homebuyers."
For developers, the difference is often visible first in enquiries and site visits. Buyers who have been evaluating locations and projects for some time tend to become more decisive as the festive calendar begins, particularly when the home also represents an upgrade in space, lifestyle or location
B.K. Malagi, Vice Chairman, Experion Developers, said “This festive season, we are seeing a more mature form of demand, particularly across Gurugram’s established and emerging premium residential corridors. Buyers are no longer driven only by the calendar or a limited-period offer; the decision is increasingly shaped by confidence in the developer, product quality, location, and the lifestyle a development can sustain over time. Stable borrowing costs are adding comfort to this decision-making process, while the continued evolution of NCR’s infrastructure is strengthening the city’s appeal among both end-users and long-term investors. We expect the festive period to convert a healthy pipeline of enquiries into more serious purchase decisions, with well-positioned projects likely to see stronger conversions as buyers who have been evaluating the market for some time move closer to action. For discerning buyers, a home remains both a deeply personal choice and a long-term asset, and projects that combine thoughtful planning, connectivity and delivery credibility will remain well placed.”
The shift towards luxury housing is another part of the current market. JLL's Q1 data showed sales of homes priced above Rs 1 crore rising 30% year-on-year, while the share of this segment in overall sales has continued to increase.
Dr. Gautam Kanodia, Founder, KREEVA and Kanodia Group, said, “The festive quarter, which traditionally brings the strongest traction for the residential real estate sector, is expected to remain an important demand driver this year as well, reinforced by a luxury segment where buyers are becoming more decisive and far more discerning. In Delhi-NCR particularly across micro-markets such as South Delhi neighbourhoods, Golf Course, Golf Course Extension Road, Sohna and the Southern Peripheral Road, the conversation has moved beyond a conventional address to the quality of the entire living experience. Families with global exposure are seeking homes that offer privacy, scale, design integrity, and hospitality-led comfort, while investors are assessing infrastructure depth, future development quality, and the scarcity of well-planned luxury products. This shift rewards thoughtful development rather than standardised supply. We expect festive enquiries to translate into meaningful purchase decisions among buyers who see real estate as a long-term or legacy decision, rather than a short-term trade. In the luxury segment, limited high-quality supply, improving infrastructure, and evolving buyer expectations should continue to support demand.”
The wider choice available to buyers is also changing the nature of the decision. Infrastructure is opening up new residential corridors and locations that were once considered peripheral are getting integrated with the city.
Ashwani Kumar, Pyramid Infratech, said, “The festive season is considered an auspicious time for making any property purchase, especially amongst homebuyers, where the aspiration to own a home often meets a carefully planned family budget. Across Gurugram’s emerging and well-connected residential pockets, we are seeing buyers evaluate not only the entry price, but also the overall affordability of ownership, including financing, monthly outgo and the quality of infrastructure around the project. For many first-time buyers, the decision is not merely an investment; it is an important step towards security and stability for the family. We expect this year’s festive period to strengthen serious buyer engagement, particularly among households that have been waiting for the right combination of pricing, financing and product quality.”
The festive season is likely to strengthen an already active housing market, with sustained buyer interest, rising preference for higher-value homes and improving connectivity shaping purchase decisions. Rather than being driven only by festive sentiment, demand is increasingly linked to factors such as location, affordability, developer credibility, infrastructure and long-term value. As buyers become more informed and selective, the festive period could provide an important window for those who have already been evaluating properties to move ahead with their decisions.
