PROJECTS MIRROR Article Mumbai’s Property Market Looks Beyond the Core in 2026
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Mumbai’s Property Market Looks Beyond the Core in 2026

Mumbai’s real estate market has begun 2026 on a firm footing, bringing along the sales momentum of a year shaped by infrastructure delivery, redevelopment-led supply and resilient end-user demand. The past year was also record-breaking in number terms. After closing 2025 with more than 1.5 lakh property registrations, the highest in over a decade, Mumbai real estate, is gearing up to see steady, sustainable growth rather than speculative spikes.

With prices projected to appreciate by 6–8% across the metropolitan region, developers have largely maintained discipline on launches, keeping inventory in check even as demand remains broad-based. Affordability has played a critical role in sustaining buyer confidence as home loan EMIs now account for about 47% of household income, a sharp correction from earlier peaks that touched nearly double that level. With financial services, technology, media and allied sectors expected to contribute to the growth, sales volumes and area absorption are expected to grow by another 6–8% in FY2026.

A defining theme for the coming year is the tangible impact of long-awaited infrastructure. The Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL), now widely referred to as Atal Setu, has cut travel time between South Mumbai and Navi Mumbai to around 20–25 minutes, reshaping residential demand patterns in the eastern suburbs and across nodes such as Panvel. The Coastal Road project is steadily enhancing connectivity along the western seaboard, while Metro Line 3 and the expanding metro network across the suburbs are creating transit-oriented residential and rental hotspots. In corridors like Sewri–Wadala and Worli, capital values have already moved up by 5–23%, underscoring how connectivity is translating into pricing power.

Echoing this infra-led shift, Anuj Goradia, Director, Dosti Realty, says that as the market steps into 2026, growth will be propelled by the commissioning of the Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA), expansion of metro lines, and a rising appetite for sustainable luxury and senior living communities. He notes that senior living, townships and community-oriented formats are emerging as the next major development theme, supported by curated sports infrastructure, wellness spaces and shared amenities that foster social belonging.

Reinforcing this infra-led development theory, Rohit Garodia, Managing Partner, Pecan Reams, says that “Mumbai is currently in the midst of a historic transformation. As we move through 2026, several massive “nation-building” projects that have been under construction for years are finally crossing the finish line, while others are hitting critical milestones like the Coastal Road, Mumbai Metro Expansion.”

Developers see this phase as more than an infrastructure-led upswing. Bhavesh Shah, Joint Managing Director of Today Group, says, “As we head into 2026, Indian real estate is moving from simple expansion to purpose-driven evolution.” He adds that the next era will be shaped by “integrated ecosystems, smarter last-mile connectivity, and a renewed focus on trust-led and sustainable development,” reflecting a shift in buyer priorities.

This evolution, according to Dosti’s Goradia, also involves projects scaling to several million sq. ft. through developments in Thane and Wadala, blending eco-friendly features, smart technology and assured delivery. As Thane emerges as a key MMR location for integrated township development, he points to strong connectivity and social infrastructure as critical enablers of long-term value.

According to Bhavesh Shah, “Homebuyers today seek more than just homes. They want certainty, meaningful community, and a lifestyle that grows in long-term value,” with hubs such as Navi Mumbai emerging as beneficiaries of rapid infrastructure upgrades.

Beyond the core city, extended suburbs are poised to play a decisive role. Vasai and the wider Palghar belt are increasingly being positioned as the city’s next growth frontier. Jash Panchamia, Promoter, Suraksha Smart City, believes that “Mumbai’s extended suburban areas led by Vasai’s emergence as the ‘Fourth Mumbai’ will steer 2026 real estate trends.” He points to the rise of mega townships that leverage rail and metro connectivity, precast technology and large green spaces to deliver “affordable, amenity-rich living,” while also emphasising mechanised construction, open spaces and social initiatives that support inclusivity across the district’s growth corridor.

Infrastructure is also recalibrating buyer choice within established suburbs. Mayur R. Shah, Vice-Chairman, Marathon Nextgen Realty Ltd. and former president of CREDAI-MCHI, observes, “The next era of real estate will be shaped by transformational infrastructure.” He points to how the MTHL is “turning Panvel into a real estate hotspot,” while Metro Line 4, the Mulund–Goregaon Link Road and the Airoli–Katai Tunnel are expected to unlock areas such as Bhandup, Dombivli and Kalyan by dramatically reducing commute times.

Prashant Khandelwal, Joint Secretary of CREDAI MCHI and CEO of Agami Realty, adds an industry-wide perspective, when he says that the next era of development will be shaped by a far more nuanced understanding of what buyers perceive as value in their future homes. Sustainability, he notes, will no longer be an afterthought but a key consideration influencing purchase decisions. Khandelwal explains that projects that implement greener construction materials, energy-efficient fixtures, smart technology to monitor and reduce energy consumption, intelligent waste and water management systems, and green spaces such as vertical gardens and terraces are expected to see stronger demand, alongside integrated developments that support better work-life balance.

Alongside connectivity, redevelopment projects have emerged as the dominant supply driver. An estimated 44,277 apartments, valued at around Rs 1.30 lakh crore, are expected to come to market by 2030 through society redevelopment, MHADA projects and slum rehabilitation schemes, are aided by higher FSI norms. Much of this supply is likely to be front-loaded from 2026 onwards, as projects delayed in 2025 reach launch stage. While this could intensify competition among developers, it may also help stabilise prices and improve choices for end-users, particularly in central and western suburbs where land scarcity is acute.

Further Rohit Garodia notes that “The Great Redevelopment Wave” is already reshaping Mumbai’s urban fabric. “A large part of Mumbai from South Mumbai to Khar, Bandra, Santacruz, Juhu, Andheri, Kandivali, Borivali, Mulund and Ghatkopar is being redeveloped. Nearly two-thirds of Mumbai’s housing stock is over 30 years old. In 2026, redevelopment is no longer just a trend—it is the primary source of new supply in the Island City,” he says, observing that nearly 50–60% of this ageing housing stock is already under redevelopment, with the rest likely to follow over the next few years.

Vivek Mohanani, CEO and MD, Ekta World, describes 2026 as “A defining shift in Mumbai’s real estate growth story,” driven by infrastructure, policy and evolving aspirations. He explains that metro corridors, coastal road extensions and the operationalisation of NMIA are catalysts that will “transform accessibility and unlock value in key micro-markets,” while progressive policies accelerate the redevelopment of ageing housing stock into safer, modern homes.

From a capital markets and advisory standpoint, Sanjay Daga, CEO and MD of Anex Advisory, believes the next era of development is fundamentally about elevating how people live. He says innovation, execution and efficiency will define new benchmarks for success, driven by digitised approvals, transit-oriented infrastructure and stronger financial discipline across the ecosystem.

The new year is further expected to see diversification across asset classes. Vishal Ratanghayra, Founder and CEO of Platinum Corp., hopes that after a year of record registrations, “A continued momentum of resurgence is set to steer Mumbai into a new era of growth.” Along with premium housing demand, he anticipates deeper adoption of AI-driven PropTech, a stronger ESG focus, and rising interest in data centres, senior living and co-living as emerging investment segments.

Cluster development is another structural trend gaining ground. Ruchit Mehta, Partner, Mehta Realty, feels that western suburbs such as Malad, Goregaon and Kandivali will see layouts that integrate homes, offices and retail into self-sustained communities, reducing commute times and enhancing daily living. He adds that Metro Lines 2 and 7, along with upcoming tunnel roads linking east and west, will further lift demand for quality housing in these regions.

Underpinning all these shifts is a more discerning buyer mindset. Chintan Sheth, Chairman and Managing Director of Sheth Realty, shares that “buyers today seek more than homes as they seek experiences that nurture their wellbeing, ambitions, and sense of belonging,” reinforcing the importance of sustainability, technology and transparent practices.

With launches expected across mixed-use, commercial and redevelopment projects in areas from Bandra and Santacruz to Dahisar and Dadar, Aditya N. Shah, Director, Mayfair Housing, believes that integrity-driven execution and timely delivery will define success. As Mumbai steps into 2026, the convergence of infrastructure, redevelopment and evolving consumer expectations suggests a market that is maturing. Mumbai this year will be focused less on exuberance and more on building future-ready, liveable urban communities.

 

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