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By:

Bhalchandra Chorghade

11 August 2025 at 1:54:18 pm

Real estate sentiment steadies ahead of 2026

India’s real estate sector appears to have regained its equilibrium in the final quarter of 2025, with stakeholder sentiment stabilising after a phase of moderation earlier in the year. The 47th edition of the Knight Frank–NAREDCO Real Estate Sentiment Index for Q4 2025 (October–December) indicates that both current and future outlooks remain firmly in the optimistic zone, underpinned by improving macroeconomic visibility, easing inflationary pressures and steady funding conditions. The...

Real estate sentiment steadies ahead of 2026

India’s real estate sector appears to have regained its equilibrium in the final quarter of 2025, with stakeholder sentiment stabilising after a phase of moderation earlier in the year. The 47th edition of the Knight Frank–NAREDCO Real Estate Sentiment Index for Q4 2025 (October–December) indicates that both current and future outlooks remain firmly in the optimistic zone, underpinned by improving macroeconomic visibility, easing inflationary pressures and steady funding conditions. The Current Sentiment Score edged up marginally to 60 in Q4 2025 from 59 in the preceding quarter, while the Future Sentiment Score held steady at 61. Although these readings remain below the peaks witnessed during 2023–24, they reflect a market that has absorbed recent volatility and is now progressing on more stable fundamentals. The stabilisation suggests that stakeholders are tempering expectations while retaining confidence in the sector’s medium-term prospects. A key driver of this optimism is the strengthening domestic macroeconomic environment. Real GDP growth accelerated to 8.2 per cent in Q2 FY 2025–26, a sharp improvement over the 5.6 per cent recorded in the corresponding period last year. High-frequency indicators continue to signal sustained economic momentum, helping offset global uncertainties. According to Shishir Baijal, Chairman and Managing Director, Knight Frank India, stronger macro visibility, steady funding conditions and disciplined decision-making across stakeholders have collectively reinforced confidence. He noted that calibrated residential supply and robust office leasing activity are providing structural support to the market. Funding availability sentiment also improved during the quarter. Most respondents expect liquidity conditions to remain stable or improve, aided by policy continuity and a sustained focus on asset quality. While lenders and investors continue to adopt a selective approach, capital access across asset classes remains supportive, indicating confidence in the sector’s underlying fundamentals rather than speculative expansion. Regionally, future sentiment strengthened modestly across all zones, with every region remaining in the optimistic zone. The South Zone retained its leadership position with a score of 62, driven by strong office leasing in Bengaluru and Hyderabad and resilient demand in higher-ticket residential segments. The East Zone improved to 62 on the back of steady mid-segment housing demand, while the West Zone also strengthened to 62, supported by stable commercial activity and a calibrated approach to residential development. The North Zone recovered to 59, reflecting stabilising sentiment after earlier softness, aided by steady office traction and ongoing infrastructure momentum. The broad-based regional improvement underscores confidence anchored in urban demand and improving economic conditions. Stakeholder sentiment, however, showed moderate divergence. Institutional stakeholders such as banks, financial institutions and private equity funds recorded a higher Future Sentiment Score of 63, reflecting growing confidence in asset quality and liquidity. Developers, in contrast, maintained a more cautious stance with a score of 58, highlighting a disciplined approach that aligns growth plans closely with demand visibility and funding prudence. This divergence points to a market where capital providers are willing to support growth, while developers remain focused on risk management and execution efficiency. In the residential segment, future sentiment improved in Q4 2025, supported by sustained demand in higher ticket size segments and careful inventory management. Although sales momentum has moderated from earlier peaks, improving financing conditions and controlled supply additions have reinforced confidence. Overall sentiment remains optimistic, characterised by stable demand rather than rapid expansion. The office sector continues to anchor overall market confidence. Leasing expectations remain strong, driven by sustained occupier demand, particularly from Global Capability Centres across major cities. Limited availability of quality Grade A space has encouraged pre-leasing and early commitments, supporting firm rental expectations. Sentiment around new office supply has also improved, indicating expectations of a stronger development pipeline even as near-term availability remains constrained. Parveen Jain, President, NAREDCO, observed that the index reflects confidence strengthening after a period of mild moderation, with residential stability and consistent office leasing forming the backbone of optimism. Taken together, the Q4 2025 findings suggest that India’s real estate sector is entering 2026 on a steadier, more balanced footing, guided by economic clarity, prudent capital deployment and demand-driven strategies across asset classes.

Become a dollar puppet or wither in silence: Kunal Kamra

  • PTI
  • Apr 1, 2025
  • 2 min read

New Delhi/Mumbai: Comedian Kunal Kamra on Tuesday shared a five-point post on X titled "How to Kill an Artist: A Step-by-Step Guide" in which he criticised the violent outrage against his recent show and said artists can either sell their soul or wither in silence.


Kamra's video "Naya Bharat", released on his YouTube channel last week, led to massive political controversy over his traitor comment seen to be against Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. Shiv Sainiks destroyed the venue where Kamra shot the comedy show. The stand-up comic faces three FIRs in Mumbai and is currently in Tamil Nadu.


On Tuesday, he put out a post slamming the way he is being hounded by authorities.


"'How to Kill an Artist: A Step-by-Step Guide'


1) Outrage - just enough for brands to stop commissioning their work.


2) Outrage more- until private and corporate gigs dry up


3) Outrage louder -so big venues won't take risk.


4) Outrage violently - until even the smallest spaces shut their doors


5) Summon their audience for questioning - turning art into a crime scene," he posted on X.


According to Kamra, an artist is left with only two choices under such circumstances. "Sell their soul and become a dollar puppet or wither in silence. This isn't just a playbook, it's a political weapon. A silencing machine," he wrote.


There were reports that audience members who attended Kamra's show were sent notice to appear before the police. However, a police official denied that this was so.


"This is wrong information," the official told PTI.


Kamra, known for his anti-establishment views, has refused to apologise for his over 40-minute video that has garnered over 11 million views on YouTube.


The comedian failed to appear before Khar police in the case registered against him. On Monday, a team went to his Mahim home to check his availability.


The comedian later took a jibe at the police saying the visit was a waste of time and public resources as he had not been living there for the past 10 years.


In a post on X, Kamra said, "Going to an address where I haven't lived for the last 10 years is a waste of your time & public resources."


Kamra was supposed to appear before Khar police during the day, an official said, adding that it was the second time he was summoned.


Last week, three FIRs against him -- at Nashik Rural, Jalgaon and Nashik (Nandgaon) -- were transferred to Khar police station where a case has already been registered on the complaint of Shiv Sena MLA Murji Patel.

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