Real estate stocks tumble up to 32% in 2026: Time to buy ahead of RBI’s April MPC meeting?

Real estate stocks in India have experienced a sharp correction in the first quarter of 2026. The Nifty Realty index has slumped by 22%, with some individual stocks losing nearly a third of their value. Analysts point to a 'perfect storm' of negative catalysts: widespread layoffs in the IT sector reducing housing demand, and broader global market contagion stemming from the ongoing Iran-US war. Market participants are now focused on the Reserve Bank of India's (RBI) April Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting, hoping for a dovish stance to stabilize the sector. Experts suggest that while the broader sector is under pressure, quality large-cap developers with strong balance sheets may offer value for long-term investors.