The RBI Monetary Policy Committee’s decision to keep the repo rate unchanged at 5.25% in February 2026 has drawn wide-ranging reactions across the financial services, real estate, and investment sectors. Industry leaders view the pause as a move aimed at preserving macroeconomic stability while closely monitoring inflation, liquidity, and credit transmission. With borrowing costs largely stabilised after cumulative rate cuts in 2025, stakeholders believe the policy stance supports housing demand, investor confidence, and long-term growth. From home loan affordability and deposit strategies to infrastructure-led expansion and real estate financing, experts highlight that the RBI’s balanced approach provides operational clarity and reinforces sustainable economic momentum.

Adhil Shetty, CEO, BankBazaar noted, "RBI’s decision to hold rates signals a preference to watch inflation, liquidity, and transmission before moving further. Most of the easing done so far has already flowed into retail lending, which is why home loan rates remain relatively competitive despite the pause. Affordability continues to be supported by stable spreads, lender competition, and selective concessions. Borrowers can still optimise costs by keeping EMIs higher to shorten loan tenures and reduce interest outgo, while balance transfers remain relevant for incremental savings. On the savings side, a steady repo rate means fixed deposit rates are likely to stabilise, with fewer sharp hikes ahead. Higher FD rates are becoming more selective, and most mainstream offers are settling into a narrower band. Investors looking to lock in current yields may consider spreading deposits across tenures, while senior citizen rates continue to offer a small but meaningful edge."

Ashish Narain Agarwal, Founder & MD of PropertyPistol stated, "Loan norms continue to be supportive, with LTV ratios of up to 90% for loans below ₹30 lakh and 75% for loans bove ₹75 lakh, aiding first-time and mid-income buyers. RBI’s pause at 5.25% keeps EMIs stable for homebuyers, especially on repo-linked loans. Beyond domestic buyers, NRI participation in Indian real estate remains strong, supported by stable rates, a predictable regulatory environment, and seamless transactions through NRE, NRO, and FCNR accounts. Investor sentiment is constructive, with NRIs increasingly attracted to India’s residential and commercial assets for currency arbitrage, rental yields, and long-term appreciation. The move to banks to lend to Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs), aimed at broadening credit access for the real estate investment ecosystem and supporting long-term funding for income-generating commercial assets."

Vishal Raheja, Founder & MD, InvestoXpert Advisors said, "RBI’s decision to maintain the repo rate at 5.25% reinforces macro stability, crucial for long‑term real estate investors. After cumulative 125 bps easing in 2025, borrowing costs have normalized, keeping asset pricing rational and returns predictable. While the rate pause doesn’t spark fresh affordability, the sector benefits from strong policy support and sustained end‑user demand. A major structural shift is the government’s infrastructure‑led growth strategy: ₹12.2 lakh crore FY26 capex, ₹5,000 crore for Tier‑2/3 cities and the Risk Guarantee Fund lower execution and credit risks, accelerating capital into emerging cities. Bank lending to REITs improves long‑tenure capital access, and the ₹10,000 crore SME Growth Fund signals a policy‑backed, data‑driven shift in real estate returns."

Sunil Sisodiya, Founder & CEO, Neworld Developers stated, "RBI’s decision to hold the repo rate at 5.25% provides much‑needed operational stability after cumulative 125 bps rate cuts in 2025, including the 25 bps reduction in December. With home loan rates now largely plateaued, financing costs are predictable, enabling developers to plan launches, land acquisitions, and construction with greater confidence. While EMIs remain unchanged, housing demand stays resilient, reflecting underlying strength rather than rate‑led speculation. The larger growth trigger is infrastructure spending. The government’s ₹12.2 lakh crore capital expenditure, an 11.4% YoY increase, will create a strong multiplier across housing, construction, logistics, and jobs. Investments in roads, railways, ports, urban infrastructure, industrial corridors, Tier‑2/3 cities, long‑term ₹143 lakh crore outlays and improved financing access, including bank lending to REITs, position the sector for execution‑led, sustainable growth and job creation."

Also Read: RBI Keeps Repo Rate Steady: Impact on Home Loan Borrowers

Jyoti Prakash Gadia, Managing Director, Resurgent India Limited noted, "On expected lines the RBI has adopted a Wait and Watch approach without any repo rate cut or change in stance. However significant positive action is indicated as a plethora of measures and proposed reforms have been announced which will have a major welcome impact on the economy. The micro enterprises sector will be benefited at the ground level with doubling of the limit of collateral free loans. Permission for the banks to lend for ReITs indicates a positive change in the outlook of RBI for the real estate sector which will be conducive to development of housing and commercial real estate. Big reforms and relaxation have been proposed for the NBFC sector which create a wider and deeper availability of resources in the unbanked areas."

He further added, "The proactive action of RBI by way of fresh guidelines on customer service, mis -selling, protection in case of frauds and limited liability in electronic transactions augur well for the customer centric approach including for the senior citizens. The announcement about availability of adequate durable liquidity support for the banks for a productive economy is also a welcome step on expected lines. Overall, the RBI has chosen to maintain a status quo on the rate cut but a pragmatic and proactive approach is visible for acting as a big enabler of growth through policy support and reforms in right earnest for the long-term sustainable development of the economy."

Yateesh Wahaal, Director Finance, M3M India stated, "The MPC’s decision to keep the repo rate unchanged at 5.25% provides much-needed stability for the real estate sector, particularly at a time when demand remains resilient and buyer confidence is steadily improving. A predictable interest rate environment supports mortgage affordability and enables developers to plan capital deployment with greater clarity. This monetary continuity complements the Union Budget 2026’s strong push for infrastructure-led growth, which is critical for strengthening urban ecosystems and improving liveability across emerging and established markets. Together, stable rates and sustained public capex will support long-term housing demand, faster project execution, and healthier sector fundamentals. We believe this will create an enabling environment to deliver high-quality, future-ready developments aligned with evolving consumer aspirations."