Luxury vs affordable housing: What homebuyers prefer during festive season

As the festive season rolls in—from Navratri to Diwali and beyond— Across metros and Tier-2 cities, this is when emotions meet economics, and dreams often turn into investments.

“Festivals don’t create demand, they initiate the intent,” says Manoj Dhanotiya, Founder and CEO, MicroMitti. “Luxury buyers use this time to lock scarce assets strategically, while affordable buyers find the emotional push they need when financial friction is removed.”

Traditionally, But the way buyers respond to the festive buzz depends greatly on which segment they belong to.



“They advance decisions around auspicious dates but are not swayed by discounts,” Dhanotiya explains. For them, exclusive launches, limited-edition designs, and architectural storytelling matter more than festive offers.

Over 40% of home sales in India’s top cities during the first half of 2024 were priced above Rs 1 crore — a clear sign that high-end demand goes beyond seasonal emotion. Wealthier buyers use this period to secure rare configurations or negotiate added value, not chase headline discounts, he said.

Stamp duty reliefs, easy EMIs, and flexible payment plans act as strong triggers. “Affordable buyers need financial breathing room. When that friction is reduced, intent turns into purchase,” says Dhanotiya.

Developers, aware of this pattern, roll out schemes like possession-linked plans or include value additions — from modular kitchens to parking spaces — to sweeten festive offers.

While luxury and affordable segments steal the spotlight, the mid-income market remains the silent workhorse. Homes priced between Rs 50 lakh and Rs 1 crore still account for most of the volume, Dhanotiya states.

These buyers are price-sensitive and take longer to decide, but well-priced and reliable projects continue to attract steady demand.

It’s no longer just about metros. “Bharat’s Tier-2 cities are becoming the new heartbeat of India’s real estate story,” Dhanotiya observes. “This is where aspiration meets smart strategy, and sentiment converts into wealth creation.” Cities like Indore, Lucknow, Coimbatore, and Nagpur are witnessing festive demand comparable to big metros, he added.

Developers use very different playbooks for each segment. Luxury real estate is sold through private previews and brand storytelling, while

“Luxury marketing sells aspiration. Affordable marketing removes hesitation,” Dhanotiya aptly puts it.

Even after the festive season ends, the momentum rarely disappears. Past data shows that buying activity remains strong well into the next quarter. “As long as delivery credibility and financial accessibility remain strong, festive buyers continue to close transactions into Q1 of the next calendar year,” says Dhanotiya.

In India, real estate isn’t just about price or property—it’s about timing, emotion, and trust. And during the festive season, all three align perfectly to make the dream of owning a home shine a little brighter.

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