Knight Frank’s ultimate guide to real estate market performance and opportunities in the world’s most promising economy.
H1 2026 opened against a broadly supportive macroeconomic backdrop, though conditions grew more complex as the period progressed. The Reserve Bank of India’s repo rate stood at 5.25% through H1 2026, reflecting a cumulative 125 basis points of easing since the start of the rate-cutting cycle. With the last reduction having taken effect in December 2025, the Monetary Policy Committee held at both its February and June 2026 meetings, citing West Asia conflict-related energy risks and a potentially deficient monsoon. FY 2026 GDP growth was estimated at 7.6%, affirming underlying domestic resilience. However, the RBI revised its FY 2027 GDP growth projection to 6.6% and raised its FY 2027 CPI inflation forecast to 5.1%, reflecting uncertainty around energy prices and food supply conditions. For the residential market, cumulative rate easing continues to support home loan affordability, but with further cuts on hold and global uncertainties mounting, the monetary tailwind that sustained demand through 2025 has largely run its course.
