India’s premium under-construction housing segment is no longer a niche play driven by speculation. Instead, it has emerged as a strategy-led choice for end-users who are thinking long-term. The strong performance of this category in 2025 signalled a deeper shift in buyer behaviour, one rooted in confidence, lifestyle priorities and trust in execution rather than short-term price movements.
As the market looks ahead to 2026, this segment appears well-positioned to remain buoyant. Buyers are increasingly willing to invest early in projects that promise better design, future-ready planning and alignment with visible infrastructure growth. The emphasis has clearly moved from “ready now” to “right for the future.”
A decisive shift in buyer preferences
The year 2025 marked a turning point for premium residential markets across India. Under-construction projects outperformed completed inventory in several key cities, both in absorption and price appreciation. According to Savills India, capital values in premium housing rose sharply, with under-construction projects recording appreciation of up to 36% year-on-year in select markets.
This outperformance reflects a reordering of buyer priorities. Instead of waiting for possession, buyers are choosing to enter early into well-planned developments by credible developers. Strong end-user demand, limited availability of ready inventory in prime locations, rising construction costs and improving infrastructure connectivity have collectively pushed this segment forward.
More importantly, the mindset has changed. Buyers are no longer driven purely by caution. They are confident enough to buy into projects where the future value proposition is clear, even if delivery is still some years away.
Lifestyle and liveability take centre stage
Lifestyle considerations have become central to premium housing decisions. Larger homes, wellness-focused amenities, low-density layouts and open spaces are now key expectations rather than add-ons. Design quality, sustainability features and brand credibility are playing a decisive role, particularly in the premium category.
RERA-led transparency and stronger compliance norms have also reduced perceived risks. With clearer timelines and greater accountability, buyers feel more comfortable committing to under-construction homes, especially when backed by reputed developers.
Infrastructure as the silent driver
One of the strongest tailwinds for premium under-construction housing is infrastructure development. Large-scale investments in expressways, metro corridors and airport-led growth zones are reshaping urban expansion across micro-markets such as New Gurugram, Noida–Greater Noida, the Yamuna Expressway and other NCR peripheries.
Under-construction projects in these areas offer buyers the opportunity to enter at a stage when infrastructure upgrades are still unfolding but clearly visible. This allows value appreciation to play out over time, closely tied to improved connectivity and civic amenities.
Sanjay Sharma, Director, SKA Group, says, “In markets like Noida, Greater Noida, and Ghaziabad, premium under-construction housing has moved beyond being a short-term price play to becoming a true end-user-led opportunity. Latest data reveals that Noida recorded the widest range of appreciation at 9–36% YOY for under-construction premium homes, underscoring genuine demand. We are seeing buyers prioritising long-term liveability and choosing larger homes, integrated amenities and future infrastructure alignment. Trust in execution, clearer regulations, and improving connectivity are creating confidence. As infrastructure timelines synchronise with project deliveries, ongoing projects continue to offer value discovery and lifestyle upgrades, positioning them as a strategic choice for discerning buyers in 2026.”
Gurugram and NCR lead the narrative
Gurugram continues to reflect this evolving trend, particularly in emerging micro-markets. Limited supply in prime pockets and rising lifestyle aspirations are pushing buyers towards under-construction projects that offer better planning and contemporary specifications.
Rajjath Goel, Managing Director, MRG Group, said, “The continued strength of premium under-construction housing indicates a clear shift in end-user preference towards long-term liveability, design quality and future-ready developments. In regions like Gurugram, improving infrastructure, evolving lifestyle aspirations, and limited supply in prime pockets are encouraging buyers to invest early in well-planned projects backed by credible developers. As we head into 2026, this segment is expected to remain buoyant, driven by informed end-users who are aligning their home purchases with the region’s long-term growth trajectory.”
Ashok Singh Jaunapuria, Managing Director & CEO, SS Group, adds, “Premium under-construction housing in Gurugram, especially in micro-markets like New Gurugram, has evolved into a fundamentally end-user-driven segment. As under-construction homes in the city recorded prices surge by 2-19% YOY, it clearly indicates that buyers are no longer chasing short-term price jumps; they are investing in future-ready communities aligned with infrastructure growth, from expressways to social amenities. In 2025, we saw strong absorption because quality projects offered better design, open spaces, and sustainability features that older stock simply cannot match. As connectivity improves and employment hubs expand, under-construction premium homes allow buyers to participate early in the city’s next growth phase, making this segment structurally resilient going into 2026.”
Supply constraints and developer discipline
On the supply side, limited ready inventory in prime areas is reinforcing the appeal of under-construction homes. Ongoing projects offer modern layouts, better specifications and locations that align with upcoming infrastructure. Developers, meanwhile, are adopting a more measured approach, pacing launches and focusing on quality rather than volume.
Emerging corridors are also gaining traction. Vishal Sabharwal, Head Sales, Orris Infrastructure, says, “In NCR, emerging corridors like the Yamuna Expressway have become one of the most compelling premium housing locations, and under-construction projects are at the heart of this transformation. With large-scale infrastructure developments and long-term economic planning underway, buyers understand that value here will unfold over time. In 2025, premium under-construction homes attracted end-users who were willing to wait for superior planning, lower density, and integrated development. This patience-driven demand creates a healthier market. As the region matures, these projects are expected to deliver both lifestyle quality and sustainable appreciation, reinforcing confidence in 2026.”
A maturing buyer ecosystem
The trend is not limited to NCR alone. Markets such as Mohali and Faridabad are also witnessing a more pragmatic buyer approach.
Paras Rai, Co-Founder & Managing Director, Property Master, said, “The performance of premium under-construction housing in 2025 across markets like Gurugram, Mohali and Faridabad reflected a maturing buyer ecosystem. The trend shows how buyers have become pragmatic, and they prefer entering projects where pricing is still rational, but fundamentals are strong. Under-construction premium homes offer a rare balance: future appreciation anchored in real consumption. As we move into 2026, this segment stands out as a strategic allocation for both homeowners and investors seeking stable, long-term value.”
Outlook for 2026
As infrastructure timelines, regulatory clarity and developer credibility continue to align, premium under-construction housing is evolving into a resilient, long-term asset class. For buyers seeking lifestyle security alongside wealth creation, this segment is set to remain a strategic cornerstone of India’s residential real estate market in 2026.
