Knight Frank India’s latest report highlights this notable change, recording that houses priced above Rs 10 million accounted for 50% of total residential sales across India’s top eight cities in 2025. Of the 348,247 units sold during the year, 175,091 units fell into this category, representing a 14% increase over the previous year while sales volumes remained flat and high. Consequently, the definition of "premium" in the NCR is no longer restricted to a specific ticket price; it is being redefined through the lenses of design, experience, and identity. Modern premium housing is now viewed as a conceptual definition based on how people desire to live rather than merely what they can afford, a trend reflected by the fact that premium houses now constitute nearly 74% of new launches in the NCR.
This transformation is further fueled by a new class of financially savvy homebuyers, with 63% of buyers now classifying real estate as a preferred investment option. This demographic includes dual-income households and wealth creators from the startup economy and GCC-led employment growth. Participation is widening across all ticket sizes, from the Rs. 1–3 crore bracket to higher-value segments, proving that premium housing is no longer the exclusive preserve of legacy capital. Demand is increasingly concentrated in infrastructure-led corridors like the Dwarka Expressway and Noida Expressway, which drive 75–80% of high-value transactions. Projects like MRG Crown in Sector 106, Gurugram, exemplify this shift, offering curated living environments and low-density planning fronting major urban infrastructure.
Rajjath Goel, Managing Director of MRG Group, noted that as buyers become more discerning, the focus has shifted toward integrated living environments where connectivity and lifestyle converge. While overall volumes moderate, value growth remains dominated by larger, functional configurations where buyers are paying for space optimization rather than just square footage. Residential prices have subsequently risen by nearly 14%, largely due to the sustained performance of these premium units. Furthermore, the NCR market has witnessed a significant 24% yearly appreciation in property values, particularly in clusters along the Dwarka Expressway and Southern Peripheral Road. Buyers are now utilizing micro-market intelligence to make decisions based on the future direction of the city, supported by government investment in road infrastructure and Metro expansion.
The evolution of buyer aspirations has fundamentally altered developer strategies, leading to a move toward fewer, better-curated launches that prioritize quality over quantity. Supply is no longer being pushed into the market but is instead being meticulously curated to meet the needs of an evolved buyer class. This structural change signifies that the NCR residential market is no longer driven by affordability constraints but by consumption patterns where aspiration is the guiding force. As the market moves toward cohesive living experiences and gated communities, it is clear that for the new-age premium buyer, the product is no longer just the apartment, but the entire lifestyle ecosystem it provides.
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