Under-construction vs Ready-to-move in 2026: Inventory Overhang Data

Introduction to India's Real Estate Market in 2026

The Indian real estate market has witnessed significant growth in recent years, with various factors contributing to its expansion. One crucial aspect that has been influencing the market is the choice between under-construction and ready-to-move-in properties. As of 2026, the top 8 Indian cities, including Delhi-NCR, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai, Kolkata, Pune, and Ahmedabad, are experiencing an inventory overhang, with a notable shift towards ready-to-move-in properties.

Under-construction vs Ready-to-move-in Properties

Under-construction properties refer to projects that are still in the development phase, whereas ready-to-move-in properties are completed and available for immediate possession. The demand for ready-to-move-in properties has increased significantly in recent years, especially among homebuyers who prefer to avoid the risks associated with under-construction projects, such as delays and potential project failures.

According to market reports, the demand for ready-to-move-in properties in Delhi-NCR has increased by 25% in the past year, with cities like Gurugram and Noida witnessing the highest demand. In Mumbai, the demand for ready properties has risen by 18%, with areas like Andheri and Bandra being the most sought-after. Bengaluru, known for its IT hub, has seen a 12% increase in demand for ready-to-move-in properties, with localities like Koramangala and Indiranagar being the most popular.

Inventory Overhang in Top 8 Indian Cities

The inventory overhang in the top 8 Indian cities is a significant concern for developers, with unsold units piling up across various projects. As of 2026, the total unsold inventory in these cities stands at approximately 1.2 million units, with under-construction properties accounting for around 60% of the total.

Delhi-NCR has the highest unsold inventory, with around 250,000 units, followed by Mumbai with 200,000 units. Bengaluru has around 150,000 unsold units, while Hyderabad and Chennai have 100,000 units each. Kolkata, Pune, and Ahmedabad have relatively lower unsold inventories, with 50,000, 40,000, and 30,000 units, respectively.

Factors Influencing the Demand for Ready-to-move-in Properties

Several factors are contributing to the increasing demand for ready-to-move-in properties in India. Some of the key factors include:

No-risk Factor

Ready-to-move-in properties offer a no-risk factor, as homebuyers can avoid the risks associated with under-construction projects, such as delays and potential project failures.

Immediate Possession

Ready-to-move-in properties provide immediate possession, allowing homebuyers to move in as soon as the purchase is made.

No GST

Ready-to-move-in properties are exempt from Goods and Services Tax (GST), which can range from 5% to 7% for under-construction properties.

RERA Compliance

The Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016 (RERA) has brought transparency and accountability to the real estate sector. Ready-to-move-in properties are RERA-compliant, providing homebuyers with a sense of security and trust.

City-specific Data and Trends

Let's take a closer look at the city-specific data and trends in the top 8 Indian cities:

Delhi-NCR

Delhi-NCR has witnessed significant growth in the demand for ready-to-move-in properties, with areas like Gurugram and Noida being the most sought-after. The average price of ready-to-move-in properties in Delhi-NCR ranges from Rs 50 lakh to Rs 1 crore.

Mumbai

Mumbai has seen a rise in demand for ready-to-move-in properties, especially in areas like Andheri and Bandra. The average price of ready-to-move-in properties in Mumbai ranges from Rs 80 lakh to Rs 2 crore.

Bengaluru

Bengaluru, known for its IT hub, has witnessed a 12% increase in demand for ready-to-move-in properties, with localities like Koramangala and Indiranagar being the most popular. The average price of ready-to-move-in properties in Bengaluru ranges from Rs 40 lakh to Rs 1 crore.

Conclusion and Future Outlook

In conclusion, the demand for ready-to-move-in properties is on the rise in India, with the top 8 cities experiencing an inventory overhang. The no-risk factor, immediate possession, no GST, and RERA compliance are some of the key factors contributing to the increasing demand for ready-to-move-in properties. As the Indian real estate market continues to evolve, it is likely that the demand for ready-to-move-in properties will remain strong, with homebuyers opting for completed projects over under-construction ones.