A significant shift is underway in the Indian housing market, with buyers and renters across major metros and tier two cities now making more deliberate, lifestyle-aligned, and infrastructure-driven decisions. This is the key finding from the latest research conducted by the real estate platform Magicbricks.
Sunrise Views and River Vistas: The New Lifestyle Priorities
The study highlights a growing desire for homes that complement personal well-being and cultural context. A striking 35-40% of prospective buyers in the National Capital Region (NCR) and Mumbai express a clear preference for sunrise-facing homes, indicating a focus on natural light and positive living environments.
In Kolkata, the cultural connection to the Ganga is powerfully reflected in housing aspirations. The research found that approximately 42% of home seekers in the city actively look for residences that offer a view of the sacred river, underlining how environmental and cultural factors are becoming central to purchasing decisions.
Infrastructure and Functionality Drive Investment Confidence
Beyond aesthetics, practical considerations rooted in future growth and daily convenience are paramount. The report confirms that infrastructure-led growth remains a primary confidence driver for investors. This is evident in cities like Ahmedabad and Hyderabad, where 30-35% of home buyers are channeling their investments into emerging localities. Their confidence is buoyed by the promise of upcoming infrastructure projects that are expected to enhance connectivity and livability.
On the functional front, the need for ample parking space has become a critical demand. In bustling urban centres such as Gurugram, Greater Noida, and Bengaluru, a substantial 70-73% of buyers are specifically seeking properties that provide at least two parking spaces, highlighting the challenges of urban mobility and vehicle ownership.
Rental Market Demands Speed and Advanced Planning
The trends in the rental market reveal two distinct behavioural patterns shaped by urgency and foresight. On one hand, there is a strong demand for immediacy. In Kolkata and Ahmedabad, nearly 50% of tenants prefer properties that offer immediate move-in options, valuing speed and convenience above all.
Conversely, in competitive rental markets like Bengaluru and Mumbai, a significant 20-23% of rental searches begin nearly three months before the intended move-in date. This indicates a segment of renters who are planning well in advance to secure the right property in high-demand areas.
The collective insights from the Magicbricks research paint a picture of an evolving Indian real estate consumer who is increasingly informed, discerning, and focused on long-term value, quality of life, and practical necessities.
