~ Gen Z records the highest HSI among age groups, while first-time homebuyers lead all buyer segments ~

Mumbai: On International Youth Day, Magicbricks’ latest Housing Sentiment Index (HSI) highlights the strong homeownership aspirations among younger Indians, with Gen Z recording the highest housing sentiment among all age groups.

Gen Z homebuyers aged up to 30 years recorded an HSI of 128, ahead of Millennials at 119 and Gen X at 110–109. The findings show that younger buyers continue to demonstrate stronger confidence towards homeownership, with sentiment gradually moderating across older age groups.

First-time homebuyers recorded the highest HSI at 130, ahead of renters seeking homeownership at 118 and existing homeowners looking to purchase a second home at 110. Nearly 75% of first-time homebuyers are aged up to 44 years, highlighting the strong role of younger households in India’s homeownership demand.

The findings also point to a broader base of residential decision-makers. Female participation in the HSI survey increased from 18% in the previous edition to 40% in August 2026, more than doubling over the previous edition.

Homeownership aspirations remain strong even as buyers become more measured in their expectations. Indian homebuyers are currently targeting properties valued at an average of 4.9 times their annual household income, compared with 5.2 times in the previous edition. The report also finds that 69% of respondents expect either no price appreciation or an increase of up to 5% over the next year, indicating more measured expectations around near-term price growth.

Young buyers are also contributing to the preference for larger homes. Housing sentiment strengthens from the 3 BHK segment onwards, with 4 BHK homes recording the highest HSI at 131, followed by 4+ BHK homes at 128. The report notes that 3 BHK and larger configurations continue to attract healthy sentiment, reflecting demand for larger, family-oriented homes.

The broader purchase outlook remains positive despite the moderation in overall sentiment. 54% of respondents intend to purchase a home within the next 6–12 months, indicating continued near-term demand. At the same time, buyers are displaying greater caution around price expectations, with nearly seven in ten expecting prices to remain stable or rise by no more than 5% over the next year.

“Young and first-time homebuyers continue to demonstrate the strongest housing sentiment, even as the overall market becomes more measured. The findings underline that homeownership remains a strong aspiration for younger India, while the growing participation of women reflects an increasingly diverse base of residential decision-makers. Buyers are balancing these aspirations with affordability, value and long-term considerations,” said Prasun Kumar, Chief Marketing Officer, Magicbricks.

India’s overall HSI stood at 112 in August 2026, remaining in the bullish zone and above the neutral benchmark of 100, despite moderating from 142 in the previous edition. The HSI is based on the Diffusion Index methodology, which measures the balance between positive and negative survey responses on a scale of 0 to 200. The August 2026 edition is based on responses from 2,769 prospective homebuyers across 11 major residential markets.

The HSI findings indicate that India’s residential market continues to be supported by younger and first-time buyers, even as purchase decisions become more considered. For younger households in particular, homeownership remains a significant long-term aspiration, with confidence translating into strong sentiment towards the housing market.