India's real estate sector sustained momentum in the first half of 2026 as institutional investors committed substantial capital despite global uncertainties arising from the West Asia crisis. Institutional inflows rose 50 per cent year-on-year to USD 4.5 bn in H1 2026, with the second quarter registering a 70 per cent year-on-year increase to USD 2.9 bn. The International Monetary Fund lifted its GDP forecast for fiscal year 2027 by ten basis points to 6.5 per cent. Multi-city transactions accounted for 46 per cent of overall investments.

Chennai and Bengaluru emerged as the largest destinations, together attracting about USD 1.2 bn and representing nearly 27 per cent of institutional inflows in H1 2026. The office segment accounted for 85–95 per cent of inflows in both cities, with investors preferring operational assets. Tier two and three cities including Coorg, Hosur, Coimbatore, Kochi and Ujjain also attracted meaningful capital, particularly into hospitality, industrial, warehousing and residential sectors. Mixed-city deals comprised a substantial share of overall activity.

Domestic investors were the principal drivers of activity, with capital deployment up 80 per cent year-on-year to USD 2.6 bn and accounting for about 57 per cent of total inflows in H1 2026. Foreign capital recovered in the quarter, lifted by select large transactions and strategic equity plays that took foreign inflows to USD 1.9 bn, a 24 per cent year-on-year rise. The office segment attracted roughly USD 1.9 bn overall, representing over 40 per cent of capital deployed, while residential investments declined 43 per cent to USD 0.5 bn as cost pressures and moderating sales affected project viability.

Mixed-use assets and alternative strategies saw notable inflows, each attracting about USD 0.8 bn and together contributing close to one-fifth of total investment in H1 2026. The recent REIT listings and ongoing office leasing momentum are expected to sustain investor interest.