India, July 17 -- For decades, location has been the golden rule of real estate. But a growing number of investors and homebuyers are beginning to ask: What if timing is more important?

Conversations across real estate forums and investor circles point to a shift in mindset. Instead of simply chasing the most sought-after addresses, today's buyers are increasingly focused on entering the market at the right phase of the real estate cycle.

Those who bought during the downtrend or early recovery phases have often reaped the highest returns. Take 2020, for instance, buyers who entered the market amid pandemic uncertainty and low prices have seen average properties, even outside prime locations, appreciate by 1.5x to 2x in just a few years....