In the first quarter of 2026, private equity investments in India's real estate sector surged to $637 million, marking a 2.1-fold increase from $300 million in the same period last year, as reported by Knight Frank India. Office properties emerged as the leading asset class, contributing $529 million (about 83%) of total investments across four transactions. This trend highlights a clear preference among institutional investors for stabilised, income-generating assets that offer predictable cash flows. Shishir Baijal, CMD of Knight Frank India, noted that the doubling of investment volumes relative to Q1 2025 indicates a growing comfort among investors regarding the risk-return profile of select segments. The focus on leased or near-stabilised office properties underscores the demand for yield visibility and lower execution risk. Meanwhile, residential investments totaled $108 million, primarily through debt transactions, reflecting a cautious approach amid uncertain exit timelines.