Kolkata, March 2026 – The residential property market in Kolkata witnessed a sharp rebound in February 2026, with 4,974 apartments registered across the Kolkata Metropolitan Area, marking a 63% month-on-month rise, according to data released by Knight Frank India. The surge has been largely attributed to a low base in January, which typically sees seasonal slowdown. However, on a year-on-year basis, registrations dipped marginally by 1%, indicating a broadly stable market. The data is based on registrations with the Directorate of Registrations and Stamp Revenue, Government of West Bengal, covering both fresh sales and resale transactions across the KMA.
The Segment Shift: Buyers Moving Up in Size
Apartments sized between 501 and 1,000 sq ft dominated the market, accounting for 58% of total registrations in February 2026, up from 44% a year ago. In contrast, smaller units below 500 sq ft saw their share fall to 32% from 52% in February 2025.
This is a structurally significant shift. The migration from sub-500 sq ft apartments, which had dominated Kolkata’s affordable housing absorption for several years, toward the 501-1,000 sq ft bracket reflects improving buyer income levels, post-pandemic preference for more space, and the growing availability of mid-segment products from developers targeting upgrade buyers. It also signals that Kolkata’s first-time buyer cohort is gradually being replaced at the front of demand by move-up buyers seeking meaningfully larger homes.
Location Context: Kolkata’s Stable Residential Market
Kolkata has consistently been one of India’s most stable residential real estate markets, characterised by end-user-led demand, moderate price appreciation, and strong affordability relative to other metros. South Kolkata micro-markets including Tollygunge, Behala, and New Alipore continue to drive mid-market absorption, while North Kolkata’s regeneration corridors and the New Town–Rajarhat township belt in the east attract both first-time buyers and investor interest. Stamp duty in Kolkata is 6-7% for properties within KMC limits, with a 1% registration charge, making transaction costs relevant for buyers evaluating timing and budget planning.
