Average housing prices across the top eight markets in India witnessed a 10 per cent YoY rise during the last quarter of 2024, led by healthy demand momentum and positive market sentiment. Interestingly, average housing prices have been on a rising spree for the 16th consecutive quarter, starting 2021. Price appreciation was evident in all the eight major cities, with Delhi NCR witnessing the highest rise at 31% YoY growth, followed by Bengaluru at 23 per cent YoY rise during Q4 2024. While affordable housing segment will continue to form the bulk of housing sales, demand within luxury and ultra-luxury segments can amplify further in 2025. Traction in these segments is likely to drive average housing prices upwards across most major residential markets of the country in the next few quarters. Overall unsold inventory continued to decline for the fourth consecutive quarter and dropped 5 per cent annually during Q4 2024 backed by healthy demand. At the end of December 2024, unsold inventory at the India level stood below 10 lakh housing units for the first time in the last two years. MMR, with a share of ~40 per cent, continued to account for a majority of the unsold inventory. Notably, Pune saw the highest annual drop in unsold inventory at 14 per cent, closely followed by Hyderabad with 13 per cent decline. Boman Irani, President of CREDAI National stated, “The sustained growth in housing prices underscores the strong confidence among homebuyers, driven by a preference for spacious living and lifestyle upgrades. With evolving consumer aspirations, we are witnessing increased demand for larger homes, better amenities, and integrated living spaces. This positive sentiment has translated into steady sales momentum across segments. While evolving preferences and lifestyle upgrades remain key motivators, cost pressures in construction and land acquisition are also significantly contributing to pricing trends. As we look ahead, a potential reduction in interest rates could further boost affordability and drive even greater demand. This positive trend is expected to continue and thrive through the year, making it an opportune time for homebuyers to invest in real estate. Overall housing prices across the top eight Indian cities surged 10 per cent on an annual basis in 2024. Prominent markets such as Delhi NCR and Bengaluru saw the steepest rise in average housing prices amidst rise in demand for luxury and ultra-luxury segments. Furthermore, the recent repo rate reduction along with government initiatives to fund stressed residential projects will provide boost to affordable housing segment. Going ahead, with elbowroom for further reduction in benchmark lending rates, most cities are likely to witness traction in housing sales across categories. Resultantly, average residential prices can potentially increase at similar levels in 2025 on an annual basis. “ added, Badal Yagnik, Chief Executive Officer, Colliers, India.