Buy Now or Wait in 2026: India’s homebuyers are continuing to show interest in property purchases despite rising housing prices, but higher costs are increasingly influencing when they buy and how they approach the decision, according to two 2026 sentiment surveys by ANAROCK and Colliers.
The surveys indicate that rising property prices have not completely weakened purchase intent. However, affordability has emerged as a key factor, with some prospective buyers choosing to delay their plans while others continue to move ahead with purchases.
Buy now or wait in 2026: What are homebuyers planning?
ANAROCK’s Consumer Sentiment Survey for H1 2026, which covered 8,320 respondents across 14 cities, found that 44 per cent of respondents intend to proceed with their planned home purchase despite higher prices.
At the same time, 38 per cent said they may delay their purchase slightly, while 18 per cent could postpone the decision indefinitely or cancel their plans.
Among respondents considering a delay or cancellation, affordability was the biggest constraint, cited by 44 per cent, followed by fewer housing options available within their budget at 32 per cent.
The findings suggest that higher property prices are influencing the timing of purchases, rather than uniformly eliminating the intention to buy.
Colliers’ 2026 Homebuying Sentiment Survey also points to continued purchase intent. The survey, covering around 1,800 respondents across more than 30 established and emerging residential markets, found that around half (50 per cent) of prospective homebuyers are likely or willing to purchase a home within the next two years.
Rising prices remain a concern
Price pressure is a common theme across both surveys.
ANAROCK found that 65 per cent of respondents were at least moderately concerned about the current surge in housing prices, with 40 per cent viewing the price increase as a long-term trend.
Colliers, meanwhile, found that 31 per cent of respondents identified affordability and pricing as their primary concern, followed by job security and income visibility.
However, Colliers also found that 54 per cent of respondents believe external macroeconomic volatility has a relatively lower impact on Indian real estate, indicating that broader market uncertainty has not completely weakened sentiment towards property.
What are buyers looking for in 2026?
Despite price concerns, demand continues to be concentrated around 2BHK and 3BHK homes.
ANAROCK found that 48 per cent of respondents prefer 3BHK homes, making it the most preferred configuration, while 38 per cent prefer 2BHK homes.
Colliers found that 62 per cent of respondents prefer 2BHK and 3BHK configurations combined. It also noted stronger demand for higher-ticket properties in markets such as Mumbai, Delhi-NCR, Bengaluru and Hyderabad.
Budget remains an important consideration. ANAROCK found that the Rs 90 lakh–Rs 1.5 crore price bracket was the most preferred, chosen by 34 per cent of respondents. Colliers found that 46 per cent prefer properties priced between Rs 50 lakh and Rs 1.5 crore.
The findings point to continued demand for homes with adequate space, but within a price range buyers consider manageable.
Ready home or new project?
Possession timelines are also emerging as an important part of the purchase decision, although the two surveys record different preferences.
ANAROCK found that 34 per cent of respondents prefer new launches, compared with 18 per cent who prefer ready-to-move-in homes.
Colliers, on the other hand, found that more than 60 per cent of respondents prefer ready-to-move or near-completion homes over under-construction properties.
The difference reflects the distinct survey questions and respondent samples, so the findings should not be treated as a single combined preference. Both reports, however, highlight the importance of price, value and the perceived risk associated with a property purchase.
How are rising prices changing buyer behaviour?
Rising property prices are also prompting some homebuyers to adapt their plans rather than abandon their housing aspirations. ANAROCK’s Consumer Sentiment Survey–H1 2026 found that 31 per cent of respondents are shifting from buying to renting, while 20 per cent are considering peripheral locations. Meanwhile, 43 per cent said they had not changed their preferences.
The findings indicate that affordability pressures are influencing where and how some buyers plan to purchase, while a significant share continues with their existing preferences.
Key takeaway for homebuyers
The two surveys point to a housing market where purchase intent remains present, but buyers are becoming more selective as property prices rise.
For some, higher prices mean proceeding with a planned purchase; for others, they mean delaying the decision, reassessing affordability or considering alternatives. At the same time, demand remains focused on 2BHK and 3BHK homes and price bands where buyers see a balance between space and affordability.
In other words, the 2026 homebuying question is not simply whether Indians want to buy a home. It is increasingly when to buy, what to buy and whether the property offers enough value at the price being asked.
