India is home to over 1. 1 billion people. With about one in every sixth person housing assumes significant importance. The objective of this report is to trace the evolution of the Indian housing finance industry and highlight the changing role of the government, from direct participation in the housing and housing finance sector to taking on the role of a ˜facilitator, ' thereby creating and enabling environment to encourage private sector capital. \nThe report analyses key triggers that have changed the housing finance market scenario, the prevailing trends and the main participants. The exponential growth of the past few years and the factors which may prevent housing finance from reaching a wider segment of the population are also reviewed. The report concludes with recommendations to enable the Indian Housing finance sector to sustain its growth momentum.