LUCKNOW, Jan. 22 -- Demand for residential units in the state has expanded beyond the National Capital Region (NCR). The past year witnessed a sharp rise in demand for housing in non-NCR regions. UP RERA in 2025 approved 308 projects, up from 259 in 2024. "The growing share of non-NCR registrations highlights the impact of government-led infrastructure development, improved connectivity and urban expansion across Tier-2 and emerging cities," said Sanjay Bhoosreddy, chairman, UP RERA. Among the non-NCR regions, Lucknow has emerged as a key growth engine, with 67 projects registered in 2025. In the religious town of Mathura, 23 projects were registered, reflecting increased activity driven by religious tourism. Bareilly saw 15 registrations, and Agra 14, indicating growing investor confidence in cities beyond the NCR. "The significant rise in project registrations, approved units, and capital investment reflects growing confidence in the regulatory framework," said Bhoosreddy. "Our focus continues to be on balanced regional development, timely project completion, and protecting homebuyers' interests, while fostering an investor-friendly environment across the state," he added. According to UP RERA, 2025 also saw a rise in real estate investment and project registrations in the state's religious and pilgrimage cities. Ayodhya, Mathura, Varanasi, and Prayagraj have become key destinations for planned real estate growth, driven by better connectivity, urban renewal initiatives, and a steady increase in domestic and international visitors. In Ayodhya, five real estate projects were registered in 2025, reflecting steady investor interest in line with the city's growing religious and tourism prominence. Mathura emerged as a major hub with 23 project registrations, driven by strong demand for residential, hospitality, and commercial spaces. In Prime Minister Narendra Modi's parliamentary constituency of Varanasi, nine projects were registered last year, with Prayagraj closely following at seven registrations....