Institutional investments in India’s real estate sector touched USD 1.4 billion in Q1 2026, marking the highest first-quarter inflow since 2022, according to Vestian. While investments fell 62 per cent quarter-on-quarter due to an exceptionally high base in the previous quarter, they rose 74 per cent compared to the same period last year, reflecting sustained investor confidence despite rising geopolitical and macroeconomic challenges.Commercial real estate remained the key driver of investment activity during the quarter, accounting for 80 per cent of total inflows, sharply higher than 38 per cent in Q1 2025. The segment attracted over USD 1.1 billion in investments, registering a strong 266 per cent year-on-year increase, even though it declined 51 per cent on a quarterly basis. Vestian attributed this momentum to continued demand from Global Capability Centres (GCCs).Residential real estate witnessed a decline, with investments dropping 53 per cent quarter-on-quarter and 59 per cent year-on-year to USD 0.2 billion. However, the segment’s share rose slightly to 15 per cent in Q1 2026 from 12 per cent in the previous quarter.Investments in industrial and warehousing assets remained muted. The segment received only USD 22 million in Q1 2026, bringing its share down sharply from 17 per cent in the previous quarter to just 1 per cent, indicating limited investor traction.The report also noted a significant shift in investor composition. Foreign investments fell sharply, with their share declining from over 40 per cent a year ago to 13 per cent in Q1 2026 amid escalating geopolitical frictions and macroeconomic pressures. Co-investments also reduced, falling to 15 per cent from 37 per cent in the previous quarter.In contrast, domestic investors emerged as the dominant contributors, with their share rising to 72 per cent from 22 per cent in the previous quarter. Domestic inflows crossed USD 1 billion, growing 118 per cent year-on-year and 25 per cent quarter-on-quarter.Shrinivas Rao, FRICS, CEO, Vestian, said, “With a sharp uptick in domestic investments, India’s real estate sector continues to demonstrate resilience in the face of rising geopolitical tensions and macroeconomic headwinds. As foreign participation moderates, domestic capital is sustaining the market momentum, while GCC-led demand continues to bolster confidence in commercial assets—reinforcing India’s appeal as a long-term investment destination.”