In a decisive move to stimulate growth amid global economic uncertainties, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has slashed the repo rate by 25 basis points for the second consecutive time this year, bringing it down to 6 per cent. This back-to-back reduction reflects the central bank’s accommodative stance aimed at reviving domestic consumption, easing borrowing costs, and providing a fillip to interest-sensitive sectors—particularly real estate.
The latest cut follows a similar 25 bps reduction in February and comes at a time when inflation has moderated and the GDP growth for FY26 is projected at 6.5 per cent. As lending institutions are expected to pass on the benefits, the move promises greater affordability for homebuyers and improved liquidity for developers grappling with rising input costs and financing constraints.
Developers and Investors Cheer the Move
“The RBI’s decision to reduce the repo rate by 25 basis points to 6 per cent comes as a welcome and timely move for the Indian economy... This policy stance will further encourage transparency and trust, essential for sustainable sectoral growth,” said Prashant Sharma, President, NAREDCO Maharashtra.
Echoing similar sentiments, Shraddha Kedia-Agarwal, Director, Transcon Developers, noted, “A rate cut in a controlled inflation environment is a strategic push towards economic revival... This move will act as a catalyst to improve buyer sentiment, accelerate decision-making, and will go a long way in supporting the real estate sector’s momentum.”
The residential sector, particularly affordable and mid-income housing, stands to gain as lowered EMIs could attract first-time homebuyers and fence-sitters. Samir Jasuja, Founder & CEO, PropEquity, observed, “At this juncture, the two consecutive cuts in repo rate… will provide a cushion to home loan borrowers as EMIs will come down… Developers will benefit from a reduction in borrowing cost, thereby enabling them to expand and launch new projects.”
Ankur Jalan, CEO, Golden Growth Fund, pointed out the potential shift in investment strategies: “With expectations of another 50bps cut in repo rate in FY26, the consequent decline in fixed deposit rate will disincentivise HNI/UHNI investors, prompting them to look for potentially high-return asset classes like AIFs.”
The Reality of Rate Transmission
However, not all are convinced that borrowers will feel the impact immediately. Anuj Puri, Chairman, ANAROCK Group, cautioned, “Home loan borrowers may not see much meaningful or immediate interest rate relief… If banks do pass on the benefits… it will be a boost to homebuyers, particularly for those eyeing affordable housing.”
Vimal Nadar, Head of Research at Colliers India, elaborated on the broader economic implications: “The change in stance from ‘neutral’ to ‘accommodative’ is indicative of a growth-supportive monetary policy… Consecutive reduction in benchmark lending rates will boost homebuyers’ sentiments and resultantly improve housing demand, particularly in affordable and middle-income segments.”
A Sentiment Booster for End-Users and Developers
Several stakeholders across India’s leading real estate companies acknowledged the strategic significance of the RBI’s move in the current macroeconomic climate:
Umesh Gowda, Sanjeevini Group: “The rate cut will provide momentum to India’s domestic demand and help sustain India’s economic growth.”
Sunny Bijlani, Supreme Universal: “This rate cut… reinforces the industry's role in delivering future-ready homes…”
Manju Yagnik, Nahar Group: “Lower interest rates will make home loans more affordable… invigorate the affordable housing segment…”
Nishant Deshmukh, Sugee Group: “The real impact… will hinge on how swiftly and effectively commercial banks pass on the benefits…”
Rakesh Reddy, Aparna Constructions: “This move… will significantly enhance affordability… However, going back to the 2019 range of around 5 per cent will help create a new economy of homeowners.”
Mohit Goel, Omaxe Ltd.: “Lower borrowing costs will not only improve homebuyer sentiment but also ease the financial burden on developers.”
Amit Prakash Singh, Urban Money: “Enhanced liquidity and lower cost of funds create an environment where institutions can expand credit offerings more aggressively.”
Outlook: Buoyancy with Caution
As global headwinds—including U.S. tariff hikes and recession fears—persist, the Indian real estate sector is expected to benefit from the RBI’s supportive stance, provided lending institutions ensure timely rate transmission. With affordability improving, consumer confidence rising, and developers gearing up for fresh launches, the repo rate cut is poised to inject renewed momentum into India’s housing market.Ashok Kapur, Chairman, Krishna Group, concluded: “The reduction in rates will lower borrowing costs for developers, encouraging them to launch more projects… This dual impact is expected to stimulate both housing demand and supply, providing a positive momentum to the real estate sector.”
