Knight Frank–NAREDCO Index Signals Cautious Real Estate Outlook

07 May 2026 CW Team

India’s real estate sector entered a phase of cautious recalibration in Q1 2026, with the Knight Frank–NAREDCO Real Estate Sentiment Index reflecting moderation in stakeholder confidence amid rising global uncertainties.

The Current Sentiment Score declined sharply to 49 in Q1 2026 from 60 in Q4 2025, slipping into pessimistic territory, while the Future Sentiment Score moderated to a neutral 50 from 61 in the previous quarter. According to the report, higher crude oil prices, inflationary pressures, tighter financial conditions and geopolitical uncertainties weighed on sentiment across the sector.

The residential market showed signs of consolidation after a prolonged growth cycle. Around 52 per cent of respondents expect housing sales to decline in the near term, while 45 per cent foresee lower project launches. However, residential prices are expected to remain firm, with 73 per cent of stakeholders anticipating prices to either rise or stay stable due to higher construction, labour and financing costs.

The office segment remained resilient, supported by strong leasing demand and limited Grade A supply. About 41 per cent of respondents expect office leasing activity to improve, while 81 per cent foresee rentals remaining stable or increasing, driven largely by demand from Global Capability Centres.

Commenting on the findings, Shishir Baijal said the moderation in sentiment reflects growing global uncertainties, while India’s core economic fundamentals remain robust.

Praveen Jain added that the softening in residential sentiment represents a short-term recalibration after a sustained growth phase, while commercial real estate continues to demonstrate strength through stable leasing and rental trends.

Real Estate

05 Aug 2026

CREDAI-MCHI to Host 10th Design & Construction Conference

CREDAI-MCHI will host the 10th anniversary edition of its Design & Construction Conference on August 19, 2026, at the Jio World Convention Centre in Mumbai.The event is expected to bring together more than 500 procurement leaders, construction heads, architects, consultants and senior real estate decision-makers, alongside over 50 construction and ancillary brands.The conference will feature product launches, technology showcases, knowledge sessions, strategic business-to-business networking and recognition of procurement professionals contributing to the transformation of the construction..

BorgWarner Wins Extension for High-Voltage Inverter Programmes

BorgWarner has secured a major extension of several high-volume high-voltage inverter programmes from a leading European automotive manufacturer.The contracts cover updated inverter designs for plug-in hybrid and 800V battery-electric vehicle applications. Production is scheduled to begin in 2029.Isabelle McKenzie, President and General Manager, BorgWarner PowerDrive Systems, said the programme extensions demonstrate the company’s position in power electronics and reflect the strength of its technology, in-house expertise and customer relationships.For plug-in hybrid vehicles, BorgWarner wil..

Castrol India Q2 Profit Rises 43% to Rs 3.48 bn

Castrol India reported a 43 per cent year-on-year increase in profit after tax to Rs 3.48 billion for the quarter ended June 30, 2026, supported by growth across its consumer, industrial and institutional businesses.Revenue from operations increased 25 per cent to Rs 18.71 billion during the second quarter of 2026, compared with Rs 14.97 billion in the corresponding period of 2025. EBITDA rose 41 per cent to Rs 4.94 billion from Rs 3.50 billion.Sequentially, revenue increased from Rs 15.45 billion in the first quarter of 2026, while EBITDA rose from Rs 3.29 billion. Profit after tax increased ..