• Kol housing sales decline 12% in ’25, reflect similar trend in major cities
    Times of India | 28 December 2025
  • Kolkata: In 2025, Kolkata's real estate market faced a notable shift, with housing sales dropping by 12% to around 16,125 units from 18,335 units in 2024. This decline reflects a broader trend across India's top seven cities, where sales fell by 14%, largely due to economic uncertainties and layoffs in the IT sector affecting consumer confidence.

    Despite the sales slump, Kolkata saw a 31% increase in new housing launches, with approximately 18,590 units introduced, up from 14,240 units the previous year. A significant 87% of these new units were priced under Rs 1.5 crore, targeting the city's growing middle-class population. This surge in new launches led to a 9% rise in unsold inventory, although property prices appreciated by 5%.

    Most new developments in 2025 were concentrated in east Kolkata, which accounted for 35% of the city's total launches, followed by north Kolkata at 31%. South Kolkata's share of launches decreased to 27% from 30% the previous year, though it still accounted for nearly 25% of total sales.

    Increase in new launches suggests developers' confidence in Kolkata's long-term real estate potential, despite current sales challenges. The focus on affordable housing aligns with the city's demographic and economic needs, potentially setting the stage for a sales recovery as economic conditions stabilize.

    Anarock's Group chairman, Anuj Puri, noted that 2025 was marked by broad-spectrum upheaval, including geopolitical tensions and IT sector layoffs. However, the overall sales value grew, with more than 21% of new supply in the above Rs 2.5 crore price bracket.

    Looking to 2026, industry experts are optimistic. With the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act (RERA) fully operational, the industry is structurally stronger. Expected reductions in interest rates and lower EMIs are anticipated to boost demand in the mid-segment and affordable housing categories.

    CREDAI Kolkata president Apurva Salarpuria and Siddha managing director Sanjay Jain highlighted the potential for growth in these segments, driven by genuine end-user demand and a focus on value. The New Town-Rajarhat corridor remains a hotspot for residential activity, benefiting from improved connectivity and expanding social infrastructure.

    Sushil Mohta, president of CREDAI West Bengal, noted that sales fluctuations are normal and can be influenced by new project launches or attractive schemes. Purti Realty's Mahesh Agarwal anticipates a rebound in 2026, driven by enhanced transparency and stronger regulations. Eden Realty Group's Arya Sumant views the current market consolidation as healthy, aligning supply with genuine demand, and expects improved buyer sentiment with recent reductions in home loan rates.
  • Link to this news (Times of India)