Delhi-NCR premium housing sales jump 30%, homes above Rs 1 Crore make up 71% of demand: Report

Delhi-NCR’s premium residential market continued to outperform the broader housing sector in the first quarter of 2026, with housing sales rising 30 per cent year-on-year. This growth was driven by higher incomes, infrastructure-led growth and sustained demand from affluent homebuyers, according to a report by Equirus Securities.

The brokerage said the premiumisation trend has strengthened significantly, with homes priced above ₹1 crore accounting for nearly 71 per cent of all residential transactions in the region during the January-March quarter.

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Developers also stepped up supply, with new residential launches increasing 64 per cent year-on-year, reflecting confidence in sustained demand despite early signs of moderation in the wider housing market.

Equirus attributed the strong performance to robust employment growth, rising household incomes and large-scale infrastructure projects, including the Dwarka Expressway and the Noida International Airport. These developments are expanding the premium residential catchment across Delhi-NCR and enhancing the region’s long-term investment appeal, the report said.

While the brokerage expects the overall residential market to enter a more moderate growth phase due to macroeconomic uncertainties, softer white-collar hiring and a higher base, it believes the premium housing segment is likely to remain resilient.

According to the report, homebuyers are increasingly favouring quality-led developments over speculative investments, with greater emphasis on established brands, timely project execution, financial strength, corporate governance and differentiated offerings.

Equirus said developers such as Max Estates, ATS, DLF and Oberoi Realty are well placed to benefit from these structural shifts, backed by their execution track record, premium product portfolios and disciplined balance sheets.

The report also identified non-resident Indians (NRIs) and high-net-worth individuals (HNIs) as key drivers of premium housing demand.

Although geopolitical tensions in the Middle East could temporarily weigh on overseas investments into Indian real estate, Equirus expects NRI participation to remain on a long-term growth trajectory, supported by rupee depreciation, increased confidence in regulated projects and a growing preference for branded developers.