The numbers signal a clear shift in investor strategy and growing confidence in stable, income-generating assets, even as global uncertainties persist.

Core Assets Drive the Market

The biggest highlight of the quarter is the massive 178% surge in core asset investments, which reached USD 1.03 billion in Q1 2026.

This momentum has already accelerated into Q2, with USD 1.48 billion worth of deals closed in just the first month, indicating strong pipeline activity.

What are core assets?

• Ready properties
• Rental income-generating
• Lower risk, stable returns

This shift shows investors are prioritizing predictability over speculation.

Office Sector Still Dominates

Between 2021 and Q1 2026:

• Office assets: 45% share of total investments
• Residential sector: 28% share

Strong office fundamentals continue to attract capital:

• Stable occupancy levels
• Rising rentals
• Quality supply

Domestic Capital Takes Control

A major structural shift is underway:

• 2025: Domestic investors captured 52% market share
  First time since 2014
• Q1 2026: Domestic share surged to 72%

This marks a decisive shift away from foreign capital dominance, which defined the last decade.

Why this matters:

• Reduces dependence on global capital flows
• Makes the market more stable
• Reflects growing confidence among Indian institutions

REITs Become Game Changers

Indian REITs and InvITs are emerging as key drivers of this transformation:

• Deployed USD 2.8 billion
• Accounted for 47% of domestic investments
• Focused largely on core assets

These structured platforms are:

• Improving transparency and governance
• Enhancing liquidity
• Attracting institutional capital at scale

Expert View

According to Lata Pillai, Senior Managing Director & Head of Capital Markets, India:

“India’s investment market continues to demonstrate remarkable resilience amid global headwinds. The surge in core asset acquisitions reflects a shift toward stable income-generating properties, while domestic capital and REITs are strengthening market liquidity and confidence.”

Record-Breaking Momentum Continues

The current growth builds on a strong base:

• 2024–2025 combined investments: USD 19.4 billion
• Consistent > USD 5 billion annually since 2018
• Post-pandemic recovery began in 2021 and accelerated steadily

This positions India as one of the most attractive global real estate investment destinations.

Resilience Amid Global Uncertainty

Despite:

• Geopolitical risks
• Slower global capital flows
• Macroeconomic uncertainty

India’s real estate sector is showing:

• Strong domestic backing
• Diversified investment base
• Increasing institutional maturity

What Lies Ahead

The outlook remains positive for 2026:

Strong domestic capital pipeline
Mature REIT ecosystem
Infrastructure-led growth
Continued interest from global investors

The shift toward core assets + domestic dominance is making India’s real estate market more resilient and future-ready.

Also Read: Institutional Investments in Indian Real Estate Reach Historic Highs in 2024, Surpassing 2007 Record

The post India’s Real Estate Investment Jumps 37% to $1.7 Billion in Q1 2026, Core Assets Lead the Rally appeared first on Square Feat India.

This gap between supply and demand suggests that developers are confident about long-term growth, but buyers are taking more time to make decisions.

Supply Surge Outpaces Sales Growth

The significant rise in new project launches—up 32% quarter-on-quarter—has given buyers more choices, especially from reputed developers. However, the relatively slower sales growth shows that many buyers are evaluating options more carefully before committing.

JLL highlighted that around 26% of quarterly sales came from newly launched projects, showing that fresh supply continues to attract demand despite cautious sentiment.

Premium Housing Drives the Market

A major trend in Q1 2026 is the sharp shift towards premium housing. Homes priced above ₹1 crore dominated the market:

• 71% of total sales came from the ₹1 crore+ segment (up from 59% last year)
• Premium housing saw 30% year-on-year growth
• The ₹1.5–3 crore segment alone surged by 67% YoY

On the other hand, affordable housing (below ₹1 crore) saw a 24% decline, reflecting rising costs and a developer shift towards higher-margin projects.

Top Cities Continue to Lead

Four major cities—Bengaluru, Mumbai, Pune, and Delhi NCR—accounted for nearly 77% of total housing sales in Q1 2026.

• Bengaluru led with 18,043 units sold (18% growth)
• Delhi NCR saw strong 30% growth
• Chennai recorded the highest growth at 61%
• Mumbai remained stable with a slight dip of 2%
• Pune saw a 14% decline in sales

On the supply side, Bengaluru and Delhi NCR dominated new launches, together contributing nearly 45% of total launches.

Prices Continue to Rise

Residential property prices across India’s top cities rose between 8% and 20% year-on-year, driven by:

• Increasing land and construction costs
• Strong demand for premium homes
• Limited affordable housing supply in core urban areas

What JLL Says

Siva Krishnan, Senior Managing Director and Head of Residential Services at JLL India, said:

“The residential market is in a transitional phase where strong supply meets cautious buyer sentiment. The divergence between launches and sales is a healthy adjustment, not a concern. Premium housing demand remains strong, especially among affluent buyers.”

What It Means for Homebuyers

The current market presents a unique opportunity for buyers:

• More inventory means better choices and negotiation power
• Premium housing is becoming the new focus of developers
• Prices are likely to continue rising, though at a moderated pace

While short-term caution is visible, the long-term outlook remains positive, backed by urbanisation, infrastructure growth, and rising incomes.

Also Read: Luxury Real Estate set to Rebound in 2023

The post Housing Boom with a Twist: New Launches Jump 13% but Buyers Turn Cautious in Q1 2026 appeared first on Square Feat India.

India’s Growing Clout in Global Capital Flows

• USD 1.6 billion foreign capital inflows, accounting for 52% of institutional investments.
• Domestic capital deployment surged 53% YoY, contributing 48% of investments.
• Residential and office assets together drove over half of inflows, led by USD 0.8 billion into housing.
• India moved up from 7th to 4th position globally, signaling strong cross-border investor confidence.

Key APAC Market Snapshot (H1 2025)

Select Major PE Land Deals in India (H1 2025)

Select PE Deals in Developmental Assets (H1 2025)

What This Means for Homebuyers & Citizens

• Residential projects attract big-ticket PE funding, which translates into faster execution and better quality.
• Global and domestic investor participation signals confidence in India’s housing demand, especially ahead of festive season boosts.
• Growth in mixed-use and retail assets means better lifestyle, shopping, and community living options in Indian cities.
• Rising global rank enhances India’s attractiveness for future REITs, housing platforms, and international-standard developments.

Expert Insights

“India continues to stand out as a promising country within Asia Pacific’s real estate investment landscape. With demand for high-quality spaces and reforms like GST simplification, 2025 is set to end on a high note with residential and office assets driving traction.”
— Badal Yagnik, CEO, Colliers India

“India’s prominence in APAC is growing. Moving to 4th place in cross-border capital for land and development shows rising investor confidence. The next two quarters will see strong flows into housing, offices, and alternative assets like senior living and data centers.”
— Vimal Nadar, National Director & Head of Research, Colliers India

The Bigger Picture

Even with global investment volumes down, India is bucking the trend with strong inflows from both domestic and foreign sources. With residential, office, and alternative assets all attracting capital, the real estate market is set to stay vibrant—benefiting not just developers, but also homebuyers who seek quality, timely-delivered projects.

Also Read: Peninsula peninsula landland development

The post India Rises to 4th Globally in Real Estate Land & Development Investments appeared first on Square Feat India.

June 2025 alone saw 16,597 properties registered, up 13% compared to June 2024, while stamp duty collections rose 17% to INR 637 crore.

Demand for larger homes continues to gain ground. Units exceeding 800 sq ft contributed 34% of June registrations, up from 31% a year earlier. In terms of pricing, the share of homes above INR 1 crore increased to 21%, highlighting buyers’ growing appetite for premium properties.

Micro-market trends show Central Pune—covering Haveli, Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), and Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC)—accounted for 76% of transactions in June, with West Pune’s share rising to 15%.

Commenting on the report, Shishir Baijal, Chairman & Managing Director, Knight Frank India, said, “Crossing the 100,000 mark in just six months reflects the strength and depth of Pune’s property market. Sustained end-user demand and rising buyer confidence are driving this momentum.”

Key Tables

1⃣ Property Registrations & Stamp Duty Revenue (Half-Yearly)

2⃣ Monthly Registrations & Stamp Duty Collection

3⃣ Share by Ticket Size (June 2025)

4⃣ Share by Area Size (June 2025)

5⃣ Share by Micro-Market (June 2025)

Also Read: Notice of De-Registration Applications for 2 Pune Real Estate Projects

The post Pune Records Best Half-Yearly Property Sales in Four Years, Crosses 100,000 Registrations in H1 2025 appeared first on Square Feat India.

Remarkably, sales of homes priced above INR 1 crore grew by 35% year-on-year, contributing 21% of all registrations by volume and a dominant 51% share by value. This reflects Hyderabad’s ongoing premiumization trend, with affluent buyers favoring larger, high-quality residences.

Properties sized over 2,000 sq ft accounted for 17% of all transactions, up from 14% in June 2024. The city’s Rangareddy district emerged as the most active market, representing 49% of total registrations and registering the sharpest price growth—a 20% year-on-year surge in weighted average transacted price.

Commenting on the trend, Shishir Baijal, Chairman and Managing Director, Knight Frank India, said, “Hyderabad is rapidly evolving as a premium residential market. High-value homes are driving overall growth even as the total number of transactions moderates. With supportive factors like home loan rates and economic sentiment, we expect the momentum to continue.”

Among the most significant deals in June were five transactions exceeding INR 5 crore, including a property in Shaikpet that sold for over INR 7.85 crore. Most of these premium sales were concentrated in West Hyderabad locations like Kondapur, Hi-Tech City, and Kokapet.

Overall, the city’s residential landscape reflects a clear preference shift toward larger, upscale properties, signaling confidence among high-net-worth buyers and steady demand for premium real estate.

Also Read: Corona may hit real estate hard

The post Hyderabad’s Premium Home Market Surges as High-Value Properties Dominate Sales appeared first on Square Feat India.

This leap from 36% in 2015 to 47% in 2024 underlines India’s growing influence in the global corporate real estate landscape, positioning it as a strategic anchor amid shifting trade patterns, supply chain diversification, and macroeconomic disruptions.

India’s Office Market in Numbers

India’s leasing boom is powered by Global Capability Centres (GCCs), multinational firms, and third-party IT service providers, with the demand concentrated in key cities known for talent and infrastructure readiness.

What’s Fueling India’s Growth?

• Cost efficiency and deep talent pools
• Resilient infrastructure and flexible leasing formats
• Strategic realignment of global portfolios (China+N approach)
• Strong domestic consumption base and fiscal prudence

Knight Frank places India in the ‘low exposure, moderate resilience’ category of its Vulnerability Matrix, meaning the country has low dependence on external trade and high capacity to withstand global economic shocks—unlike more export-dependent economies such as South Korea and Singapore.

Industrial Sector Holding Steady

While cities like Shanghai and Beijing struggle with oversupply, Indian industrial hubs in Mumbai, NCR, and Bengaluru have maintained balanced vacancy levels thanks to consistent demand.

New formats such as build-to-suit and flexible leases are gaining popularity, reflecting a shift toward customisation and operational agility.

Shifting Trade Lanes and New Hotspots

Knight Frank’s report also notes that geopolitical factors, including a potential second Trump administration and changes in global tariff regimes, are redefining supply chains and real estate strategies across Asia.

• Southeast Asia (Vietnam, Indonesia) expected to see 15–20% rise in industrial demand
• India remains dominant in office leasing among services-driven economies

Expert View

“India’s rise to a 47% share of APAC leasing volumes is a testament to its robust fundamentals and strategic importance,” said Shishir Baijal, Chairman and Managing Director, Knight Frank India.

“Corporate real estate strategy must now go beyond expansion—it must be about operational durability and cost performance,” added Tim Armstrong, Global Head, Occupier Strategy and Solutions.

Conclusion

India’s real estate sector is no longer just a cost-saving alternative—it is a cornerstone of global CRE strategy. With rising domestic demand, digital transformation, and supply-side maturity, India is now at the heart of APAC’s corporate property evolution.

Also Read: BFSI and Flex Spaces Drive Office Space Demand in Q3 2024

The post India Commands APAC Office Leasing in 2024, Captures Record 47% Share appeared first on Square Feat India.

India’s real estate industry is witnessing a transformative shift, with sustainability no longer an option but a strategic imperative. According to a joint report by Colliers India and CREDAI titled “Sustainability in Real Estate: Towards a Greener Skyline”, the country is embracing green buildings across asset classes at an unprecedented pace.

“This is a pivotal moment for India’s real estate. With over 13 billion sq ft of certified green buildings, the sector is clearly moving towards a low-carbon future.”
— Shekhar G Patel, President, CREDAI

Key Highlights from the Report

• 66% of Grade A office stock in India is green-certified (503 million sq ft as of 2024).
• Green-certified buildings command up to 25% higher rents and 80–90% occupancy rates.
• Leasing in green-certified buildings surged by 20% annually, accounting for 74% of all leasing in 2024.
• Green stock is projected to cross 700 million sq ft in the next 2–3 years.
• Investment opportunity of over INR 425 billion identified for retrofitting old office buildings.

City-Wise Performance: Green Leasing & Penetration (2024)

Why the Rush to Go Green?

Sustainability is increasingly driving occupier preference, developer strategy, and investor sentiment:

• Higher rental yields: Mumbai leads with 24% rental premium in green-certified offices.
• Energy efficiency & cost savings: Lower operational costs and improved air quality.
• Compliance with ESG mandates: A growing expectation, especially from MNC occupiers and REIT investors.

“Green buildings have moved from being a differentiator to a baseline expectation.”
— Badal Yagnik, CEO, Colliers India

Retrofitting: A Billion-Dollar Opportunity

Colliers estimates that:

• Over 355–385 mn sq ft of older office stock (>10 years) can be retrofitted for sustainability.
• This represents an investment potential of INR 425 billion.
• An additional 80–110 mn sq ft of relatively newer buildings also holds upgrade potential with minimal capex.

Sustainability Spreads Across Asset Classes

While the focus is currently on offices, green adoption is rapidly spreading to:

• Data Centers: Among the most energy-intensive, now pivoting to renewable energy.
• Retail & Hospitality: Embracing sustainable materials and energy systems.
• Healthcare: Integrating green architecture for healthier indoor environments.

Looking Ahead: Policy, Regulation & Momentum

For India to scale green real estate:

• Faster environmental clearances are needed.
• Tax incentives for renewable energy should be expanded.
• Stricter ESG compliance and awareness campaigns must be introduced.

Did You Know?
India’s green-certified building footprint has nearly doubled in just 5 years, reaching 13 billion sq ft in 2024.

Conclusion

India is at a critical juncture in its urban transformation journey. As developers, occupiers, and investors increasingly align with sustainable goals, green-certified buildings are no longer an exception—they are the future. The coming years will likely define how real estate drives not just economic value, but environmental responsibility.

Also Read: Green Building Certifications on the Rise: India Embraces Sustainable Construction

The post Green Building Boom: India’s Real Estate Moves Towards a Greener Skyline appeared first on Square Feat India.

A Long-Awaited Move

Dr. Niranjan Hiranandani, Chairman of NAREDCO, welcomed the decision, stating, “This long-awaited and strategic move signals resilience in the market. With inflation under control and economic growth on track, lower interest rates will nudge homebuyers towards ownership, enhancing sales velocity.”

Domnic Romell, President of CREDAI-MCHI, emphasized the combined impact of fiscal policies, saying, “The RBI’s decision, along with the Budget’s pro-middle-class measures like higher income tax exemptions and enhanced home loan interest deductions, will encourage homeownership and boost demand, especially in urban centers like the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR).”

Positive Impact on Homebuyers and Developers

Anuj Puri, Chairman of ANAROCK Group, noted that the rate cut aligns well with the recent housing market trends. “With housing prices rising by 13-30% across top cities in the last year, reduced home loan rates will provide a timely breather for buyers. Many first-time homebuyers who were hesitant may now take the plunge.”

Dinesh Yadav, MD of Fine Acers, highlighted the broader economic impact: “This move enhances liquidity, promotes borrowing, and supports consumer demand. It will stimulate residential and commercial activity, benefitting allied industries like construction, cement, and steel.”

Vishal Raheja, Founder & MD of InvestoXpert.com, echoed similar sentiments, stating, “Lower borrowing costs will boost homebuyer sentiment, increasing affordability and driving residential sales. Combined with tax relief, this will revive demand in the housing sector.”

A Boost for the Economy

Amit Bhagat, CEO & MD of ASK Property Fund, stressed the importance of the move for affordable housing. “Declining affordability due to high prices and interest rates had impacted housing sales. This rate cut, along with Budget initiatives like SWAMIH Fund 2, will help sustain demand and drive sales growth.”

Sunil Sisodiya, Founder of Geetanjali Homestate, highlighted the macroeconomic impact: “With inflation stable and GDP growth projected at 6.7%, this policy shift will increase liquidity, making real estate a more attractive investment.”

Cautious Optimism

While the real estate sector welcomes the rate cut, experts caution that its full impact depends on banks passing the benefits to consumers. “The cut will have a significant bearing on homebuyer sentiment, but rising property prices and inflation could limit its effectiveness,” noted Vimal Nadar, Head of Research at Colliers India.

Shrinivas Rao, CEO of Vestian, pointed out potential challenges, saying, “This move aims to boost liquidity, but could also put pressure on the rupee in international markets, affecting foreign investments.”

Piyush Bothra, CFO of Square Yards, summed up the overall sentiment: “Lower borrowing costs, stable inflation, and economic growth create strong tailwinds for real estate. ‘Acchhe din’ for the sector are set to continue.”

Conclusion

The RBI’s first repo rate cut in five years is seen as a major step toward improving housing affordability, boosting demand, and strengthening the real estate sector. As banks begin passing on the benefits, both homebuyers and developers are expected to gain, ensuring sustained momentum in the property market.

Also Read: stamp duty discount for homebuyers

The post RBI Cuts Repo Rate by 25bps: A Boon for Homebuyers and the Real Estate Sector appeared first on Square Feat India.

Facilitated by Colliers, a leading global real estate services and investment management company, this transaction marks a significant milestone for Rubrik’s growth strategy in India.

Embassy TechVillage, one of Embassy REIT’s flagship properties, offers state-of-the-art office spaces, retail hubs, and recreational facilities. The integrated workspace is home to some of the world’s leading corporations and will soon include a 518-key dual-branded Hilton hotel, providing unmatched hospitality and convenience to the park’s over 50,000 users.

Marcus Joseph, Director of Global Workplace Solutions (APJ) at Rubrik, emphasized the strategic importance of the move:
“This new workspace is a significant step forward in Rubrik’s journey to scale our operations and strengthen our presence in India. The facility underscores our commitment to fostering innovation, seamless collaboration, and employee empowerment. India’s exceptional talent pool continues to play a pivotal role in our global strategy, and this new office is a testament to our dedication to unlocking their potential and shaping the future of cybersecurity.”

Arpit Mehrotra, Managing Director, Office Services, Colliers India, highlighted the company’s role in the transaction:
“This landmark transaction reflects Colliers’ expertise in delivering customized solutions that align with our clients’ vision. Rubrik sought a campus that combined convenience, accessibility, and world-class amenities, and we’re proud to have facilitated this move seamlessly. The Indian real estate sector is poised for dynamic growth, and we are honored to contribute to its evolution through such collaborations.”

Ritwik Bhattacharjee, Interim CEO of Embassy REIT, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership:
“We are delighted to welcome Rubrik to Embassy TechVillage. The campus exemplifies our commitment to creating world-class business ecosystems that foster innovation and enable occupiers to thrive. We look forward to a successful collaboration and wish Rubrik continued success.”

This agreement further cements Embassy TechVillage’s reputation as a premier destination for global corporations seeking high-quality office spaces in India’s rapidly growing technology hub.

Also Read: Bengaluru Housing Market

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