11 June,2026 02:56 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
West Asia crisis may impact construction costs, housing project timelines. Representational Pic
The next big challenge for India's real estate sector isn't selling homes, it's delivering them. With more than 5.4 lakh homebuyers expected to receive the keys to their new homes in 2026, developers are entering a crucial phase just as geopolitical tensions in West Asia threaten to disrupt global supply chains and drive up construction costs.
According to ANAROCK Research, around 5,40,400 housing units are expected to be completed this year, making 2026 the biggest housing delivery year in the last decade. While homebuyer demand remains strong and project financing conditions are healthier than in previous years, developers could face rising costs and supply-chain disruptions if geopolitical tensions continue.
The largest share of housing completions is expected in western India, as per ANAROCK reports.
While construction activity and labour availability remain stable, experts say a prolonged conflict in West Asia could impact project economics.
Higher fuel prices, rising logistics costs and inflation in key construction materials such as steel, aluminium, copper, electrical equipment and building systems could increase pressure on developers.
"Latest ANAROCK Research data reveals that a record 5,40,400 housing units are scheduled for completion across the top seven cities in 2026 - the highest in the last decade," said Dr. Prashant Thakur, Executive Director and Head of Research and Advisory at ANAROCK Group.
He added that cities with the largest housing pipelines, particularly MMR, Pune and Bengaluru, may be most vulnerable to sustained increases in construction costs.
The industry has seen similar disruptions before.
During the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, around 4.66 lakh homes were scheduled for delivery across the top seven cities. However, only about 2.14 lakh units were actually completed, as lockdowns, labour shortages and supply-chain disruptions halted construction activity.
While the current situation is different and construction work continues normally, the pandemic experience highlighted how large external shocks can affect even advanced-stage projects.
As per data, nearly 30.5 lakh homes have been delivered across the top seven cities between 2017 and 2025.
Many of the homes scheduled for completion in 2026 were launched between 2021 and 2023, when housing demand surged after the pandemic. Those projects are now entering their final stages of construction, creating an unprecedented delivery pipeline.
"The spotlight is now shifting from sales to execution," Dr. Thakur said. "2026's significance extends beyond the sheer number of homes scheduled for delivery. It will test the industry's ability to execute projects efficiently under challenging global conditions."
Industry experts believe 2026 could become a landmark year for India's housing sector if developers are able to complete projects on time despite global uncertainties.
