Will you buy a home in the next 2 years? Survey reveals what matters

Thinking about buying a house but still waiting for the right time? You may not be alone. A new survey by Colliers suggests that many prospective homebuyers are planning to take the plunge within the next two years, although they are taking a closer look at prices, location and the quality of the property before making a decision.The Colliers Homebuying Sentiment Survey 2026, based on responses from around 1,800 people across more than 30 established and emerging residential markets, found that nearly half of prospective buyers are willing to purchase a home within the next two years.The survey also shows that buyers are becoming more careful about what they pay for, with affordability, job security and possession timelines emerging as key concerns.HALF OF BUYERS COULD PURCHASE A HOME WITHIN TWO YEARSThe survey found that 50% of prospective homebuyers are willing to buy a house within the next two years. Despite economic uncertainties, 54% of respondents said external factors such as global volatility are likely to have a relatively low impact on Indian real estate. The findings suggest that the desire for homeownership remains strong, particularly among end-users. Around 51% of respondents said they plan to buy a house for self-use.Dr Gautam Kanodia, Founder, KREEVA and Kanodia Group, said the survey shows that buyers are still interested in owning homes but are taking more time to decide. “What stands out is that the intention to buy a home remains quite strong, but the buyer is taking more time to decide what is worth paying for,” he said.He added that nearly half of respondents planning to buy within two years represents a meaningful pool of demand, particularly as much of it comes from end-users.PRICE REMAINS A MAJOR CONCERNWhile buyers are willing to purchase, affordability remains a key factor. About 31% of respondents cited affordability and pricing as major concerns when buying a property. This was followed by concerns around job security and income visibility.The survey found that affordability was the top consideration for buyers, followed by unit size and layout, social infrastructure and connectivity.Around 75-80% of respondents highlighted unit size and layout, along with social infrastructure and connectivity, as important factors in their decision.For buyers, this means the search is no longer simply about finding a house. They are also looking at how well the property fits into their daily lives and whether the surrounding area offers good connectivity and amenities.WHAT KIND OF HOMES ARE BUYERS LOOKING FOR?The survey found that 62% of prospective homebuyers prefer two- and three-bedroom apartments.The preference, however, differs across cities. Larger homes are more popular in markets such as Delhi-NCR, Bengaluru and Hyderabad, while Mumbai continues to see stronger demand for compact and right-sized homes.Price is another important consideration. About 46% of respondents prefer properties priced between Rs 50 lakh and Rs 1.5 crore.Mumbai, Delhi-NCR, Bengaluru and Hyderabad, meanwhile, show stronger demand for higher-ticket properties.BUYERS WANT TO SEE THE HOME BEFORE THEY BUYOne of the clearest findings from the survey is the preference for homes that are already close to completion.More than 60% of respondents prefer ready-to-move or near-completion properties over under-construction or newly launched projects.For buyers, this can mean greater clarity about the final product, possession date and the surrounding development.Kanodia said this shift is also visible in the market.“We are seeing a similar change in the market, where buyers are looking beyond the home itself and paying closer attention to the neighbourhood, connectivity, quality of the development and how the home fits into their everyday life,” he said.He added that the preference for ready or near-completion homes is significant because buyers want greater visibility on what they are purchasing and when they can move in.YOUNGER BUYERS MORE WILLING TO TAKE CONSTRUCTION RISKThe survey also found a difference between younger and older buyers when it comes to under-construction properties.Around half of buyers below 30 years are comfortable taking construction-related risks, partly because early-stage properties can offer relatively lower prices.Among respondents above 30, only 36% were comfortable with such project risks.This indicates that younger buyers may have a greater appetite for taking construction risk in exchange for potentially lower entry prices, while older buyers appear more focused on certainty and quicker possession.LOCATION AND LIFESTYLE MATTER MOREHomebuyers are also paying closer attention to what comes with the property.Security and safety systems are the most preferred amenities in gated communities, followed by green and open spaces and community and lifestyle areas.Younger buyers under 30 also show a stronger preference for fitness and wellness facilities, with their prioritisation of these amenities nearly twice the overall average.Sehaj Chawla, Managing Director, TREVOC Group, said buyers are becoming more deliberate before committing to a property.“The survey points to a housing market where intent to purchase remains healthy, but buyers are becoming more deliberate before committing,” he said.According to Chawla, the large pool of prospective buyers could translate into demand, but actual purchases will depend on whether properties and prices match what buyers are looking for.He said buyers are also looking for greater certainty, particularly when purchasing luxury homes.“People want to see what they are buying and have a better sense of when they can actually move in,” Chawla said.WHAT THIS MEANS FOR THE HOUSING MARKETThe survey points to a housing market where demand remains intact, but buyers are becoming more selective. Price, apartment size, location, connectivity, amenities and possession timelines are increasingly influencing purchase decisions.For developers, this could mean that simply launching new projects may not be enough. Buyers appear to be looking for a clearer balance between price, quality and convenience.With the festive season approaching, the survey suggests there is a sizeable pool of potential buyers who could enter the market over the next couple of years. The key question will be how many of these purchase plans eventually turn into actual home sales.- Ends