Why 2026 might be the best time in years to buy a house in India
India Today
Are affordable housing, sustainable living and the rise of Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities redefining India's property landscape in 2026? Let's have a look.
After a period of strong post-pandemic recovery, and a clear shift in what Indian homebuyers are looking for, the country’s real estate market has stepped into 2026 with cautious optimism and renewed energy. The conversation around property is no longer just about prices and locations. It is increasingly about lifestyle, long-term security and smarter financial choices.
Developers say a powerful mix of improving affordability, aspirational upgrades and the promise of stable long-term returns is drawing both buyers and investors back into the market, even as global economic uncertainties continue to cast a shadow.
Vivek N, Executive Director, ELV Projects, believes this year could mark another important phase for the sector, shaped by changing consumer priorities and structural strengths in the housing market.
One of the biggest drivers of real estate momentum in 2026 is expected to be improved access to housing finance. Easier home loans and flexible repayment structures are making ownership more practical for many families.
“Real estate investment momentum in 2026 will be shaped by improved access to structured home loans, flexible repayment options and longer tenures that enhance affordability and flexibility,” says Vivek N.
He adds that rising rental costs and relocation expenses are quietly pushing more people towards buying homes instead of renting. “With rising rental costs, brokerage fees and relocation expenses making ownership a more economical long-term choice, consistent asset-class appreciation of residential real estate is reinforcing its role as a stable long-term wealth creator,” he explains. At the same time, buyers are increasingly looking for homes that support healthier and community-focused living.
Quick commerce has become the go-to option for instant groceries and food deliveries. But with LPG prices rising and supply concerns growing, the cost pressure may be building behind the scenes. Could this soon make your quick commerce orders costlier? Let's have a look.
Sensex has declined over 6,000 points or roughly 7.5% in a little over two weeks as global tensions and rising oil prices triggered selling in equities.
Speaking in Parliament, Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri said India has adequate fuel stocks, and there is no cause for concern over availability.
Industry sources told India Today TV that airline operators are now paying additional insurance charges for every aircraft flying into the Middle East, significantly increasing the cost of operations on these routes.
Under law, a domestic household is generally allowed to keep two LPG cylinders of 14.2 kg each at a time. This usually includes one cylinder connected for use and another spare cylinder kept as backup.
Early signals from GIFT Nifty suggest that the benchmark indices could open lower when trading begins. GIFT Nifty futures were trading at 23,784.50 at around 7:58 am. This indicates that the Nifty 50 may open below Wednesday's closing level of 23,866.85.
When markets fall sharply, fear often takes over investing decisions. But did you know continuing SIPs during market crashes has historically rewarded disciplined investors?
The move comes as global energy markets remain on edge due to escalating tensions linked to the conflict involving Iran, which has raised fears of disruptions to crude oil shipments from the Middle East.
India consumes roughly 5.3 to 5.5 million barrels of crude oil every day. However, domestic production is only about 0.6 million barrels per day. This means the country depends on imports for nearly 85% of its oil needs.
At around 10:47 am, the BSE Sensex was down 750.68 points or 0.96% at 77,455.30, while the Nifty 50 slipped 208.25 points or 0.86% to 24,053.35.
Air India said the fuel surcharge is due to the sharp rise in aviation turbine fuel (ATF) prices since early March 2026, triggered by supply disruptions in the Gulf region.
Rahul Bhatia expressed gratitude to employees who worked tirelessly to restore operations during that challenging period, praising their resilience and dedication.