Sales of residential properties across eight major cities grew 44 per cent in the January-March period this year to nearly 72,000 units as demand recovered, according to Knight Frank India. Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) and Pune performed well on the back of the Maharashtra government's decision to reduce stamp duty. "71,963 units were sold during Q1 2021, 44 per cent more than in Q1 2020. This healthy growth in sales also encouraged developers to launch new projects which are reflected in the 76,006 units launched during the quarter, substantial growth of 38 per cent year-on-year," Knight Frank India said in a statement. As per the data of sales bookings in primary residential markets of eight major cities, housing sales in Mumbai rose 49 per cent year-on-year to 23,752 units in January-March 2021.