Buying a home is probably one of the biggest purchases you will make in your lifetime. But to make sure the cost of the property fits into your budget you must understand the different factors that contribute to the final cost of property investment. You are probably aware of some factors, like construction material, land, and labour charges. But you cannot rely simply on the per-square-foot charges as quoted by the builder to estimate the cost of your property investment.
Here are some – potentially hidden – components that make up the total cost of property investment in India:
PLCs are usually levied on a ‘per floor, per square foot’ basis, and are the costs you must pay to access “prized locations”. This may simply be the floor rise charges or premium costs for penthouses that come with gardens or lake views. This cost is not fixed and will vary from builder to builder and from time to time.
Despite the Supreme Court’s ruling in 2010, many developers still charge hefty amounts for covered parking spaces. This can range anywhere between 1 to 5 lakh on top of the price of your flat.
Clubs in residential societies have become a rising trend and do not come free of cost. You must pay a one-time membership fee – for a predetermined period – to access these clubs. This can turn into a recurring expense after the initial period ends.
Builders also tend to charge additional costs for civic amenities like fire safety, electricity backup, and water – adding them to the total cost of the property. Builders often levy charges like External Electrification Charges (EEC) and Fire Fighting Equipment Charges (FFEC) at the time of purchase. And you may also have to bear the costs of getting an electric connection for your home.
EDC and IDC are the charges developers must pay the state government for infrastructure and amenities – like access roads, parks, or civic infrastructure – development in the surrounding areas. However, builders often pass these costs on to the buyers, adding to the overall cost of property investment.
Residential societies charge maintenance fees for the amenities they provide. Builders often take an upfront maintenance deposit at the time of purchase to cover maintenance for up to 2 years. After this, the residents are responsible for establishing a co-op society and setting a maintenance amount to be collected monthly or annually.
Although not hidden, buyers often end up overlooking brokerage fees when working with a real estate broker. They often charge 1-2% of the total house cost as brokerage, which adds to your total cost of property investment.
The state government charges anywhere between 5 to 7% of the property value as stamp duty. This is a compulsory fee to get the house registered in your name. Additionally, you will also need to pay 1-2% of property value as registration fees to the court for the full and final agreement indicating the change of ownership.
Every under-construction property in India is subject to GST – 1% for homes under 45 lakh and 5% for more expensive homes. Ready-to-move properties, however, are exempt from GST.
If you are opting for a home loan, you will also need to factor in loan processing fees in your property investment budget. These fees will cover the basic administrative costs, costs to carry out credit checks, and any additional costs for value-added services – like property search, flexible tenor, or online loan application.
Your property investment costs do not end with the purchase and registration of your house. You have to budget for moving expenses, interiors, furniture, electrical appliances, and any other peripheral expenses when deciding to purchase a property. These costs can easily go up to 10 lakh even if you are focusing only on basic necessities.
There is no way you can avoid these charges when purchasing a property. So be sure to plan for these and keep some room in your budget for any unexpected changes.
The Squarea team can help you understand all the costs involved in property investment. Get in touch with us today to start your home-buying journey.
For more details on this subject, please email hello@squarea.io
The luxury real estate market is evolving, and at its forefront is the rise of branded residences. These sought-after properties are developed in collaboration with global names in hospitality, fashion, and design. Making these homes go beyond architecture and amenities, they offer a lifestyle, a legacy, and a distinct identity.
Initially a niche concept, branded residences have now moved into the mainstream. According to Savills, the number of such developments has increased by over 150%, with approximately 700 completed projects worldwide and an additional 600 in the pipeline expected by 2030.
This momentum isn’t limited to traditional luxury markets. Buyers in emerging economies are also drawn to the assurance of quality and global recognition. And with Knight Frank forecasting 12% annual growth through 2026, it’s clear that branded residences are gaining lasting traction. As the category matures, it’s important to understand what truly sets branded residences apart from conventional luxury homes.
While the brand name lends immediate appeal, what truly justifies the premium that investors pay for these residences is the end-to-end value delivered throughout the ownership lifecycle. Differentiating factors like these add to the long-term value of branded residences:
These elements collectively contribute to the allure of branded residences, making them a preferred choice for discerning end-use buyers and investors.
From an investment standpoint, branded residences often outperform their non-branded counterparts. On average, branded residences command a 30% premium over similar non-branded properties (Savills). In emerging markets, this premium can be even higher. For instance, in certain regions, branded residences have achieved premiums of up to 54% compared to non-branded developments (Savills).
Beyond initial pricing, branded residences tend to offer:
These factors make branded residences a compelling option for investors seeking both capital appreciation and steady income streams. As global investors recognise these advantages, India’s luxury buyers are also moving in a similar direction.
India’s growing base of high-net-worth individuals, rising disposable incomes, and a younger, globally aware population are reshaping the demand for luxury real estate. Branded residences are increasingly favoured by this new-age buyer, not just for their exclusivity but for the trust and lifestyle assurance that global brands bring. This paradigm shift has resulted in cities like Mumbai, Pune, Delhi NCR, and Bengaluru to witness a steady rise in such developments. Pune, in particular, is emerging as a hotspot for branded residences. Developments like YOO Pune by Philippe Starck, YOO Villas and Trump Towers Pune exemplify the city's potential to host world-class luxury projects. These residences offer opulent living spaces along with a lifestyle aligned with global standards.
Branded residences go beyond the name on the façade. They blend thoughtful design, five-star service, and long-term value into one cohesive offering, making them far more than luxury addresses. For today’s buyers they represent a rare combination of lifestyle enhancement and investment clarity. It’s this duality that sets them apart.
At SQUAREA, we believe that investing in a branded residence is not just about owning a prestigious home, it’s about making a strategic choice that aligns with your aspirations and lifestyle. Our team offers tailored insights and access to India’s most exclusive branded residences, helping you move beyond the brand name and into a truly meaningful investment. For personalised assistance, reach out to us at hello@squarea.io or call +91 90 9641 9641. Let's explore the possibilities together!
Once known primarily for its academic institutions and automotive base, Pune has steadily transformed into one of India’s most active and tightly held commercial real estate markets. This evolution has been shaped by the city’s expanding tech ecosystem, the rise of Global Capability Centres (GCCs), and growing interest from multinational occupiers across sectors like IT, BFSI, and consulting.
In terms of performance, Pune has consistently outpaced peer markets on office space absorption, rental stability, and institutional-grade development. And in 2025, with over 10 million sq. ft of new Grade-A supply in the pipeline, it is not just maintaining investor confidence, it is actively shaping the next phase of growth among India’s Tier 1 commercial corridors (Cushman Wakefield).
Where is this growth concentrated, and what are the key trends driving it? Here’s a closer look at Pune’s core investment zones and evolving market dynamics that provide the answers.
Commercial demand in Pune is concentrated across select micro-markets that offer the right combination of location advantage, infrastructure readiness, and premium-grade supply. These include both well-established and emerging micro-markets.
SBD East continues to dominate Pune’s commercial landscape, accounting for the highest net absorption in Q1 2025 at 1.12 million sq. ft. It also accounted for 45% of all leasing activity in Pune, supported by strong early bookings and large office deals from BFSI and flexible workspace companies. Despite robust new completions of around 1.65 million sq. ft, rentals held steady at an average of ₹98.84 per sq. ft/month, reflecting healthy demand. The area remains attractive due to its proximity to Pune Airport, established residential catchments, and connectivity to CBD zones. (Cushman Wakefield)
Where is this growth concentrated, and what are the key trends driving it? Here’s a closer look at Pune’s core investment zones and evolving market dynamics that provide the answers.
Commercial demand in Pune is concentrated across select micro-markets that offer the right combination of location advantage, infrastructure readiness, and premium-grade supply. These include both well-established and emerging micro-markets.
Home to Rajiv Gandhi Infotech Park and large Special Economic Zones (SEZs), PBD West remains Pune’s core tech employment belt. Known for scalability and affordability, it’s also a rising zone for coworking, GCCs, and high-spec business parks such as Blue Ridge SEZ.
Locations like Pimpri-Chinchwad, Hadapsar, Mundhwa, and Balewadi are gaining ground among startups and investors looking for smaller-format leased spaces. Developments like Kohinoor World Towers in Pimpri-Chinchwad, Amar Pristine 81 in Mundhwa, are attracting both occupiers and individual investors for their competitive pricing. These nodes combine modern infrastructure with competitive pricing and are increasingly being viewed as Pune’s next wave of commercial growth.
Together, Pune’s micro-markets offer a well-balanced ecosystem, ranging from high-yield institutional corridors in the east to tech-driven expansion zones in the west, and emerging nodes primed for future growth. This spatial differentiation is a key reason why Pune continues to outperform in both leasing velocity and absorption volumes. The strength of these zones is backed by data from 2024 and Q1 2025, Pune has recorded historic highs in new supply, absorption, and occupier activity across segments. These market metrics reinforce Pune’s stature as one of India’s most resilient and investment-worthy commercial hubs.
According to Knight Frank India, Pune witnessed a 19% growth in office leasing in 2024, with activity totalling 8 million sq. ft, reflecting broad-based tenant expansion across IT, BFSI, and coworking sectors (TOI). In Q1 2025, the momentum further accelerated. Pune added a record 3.2 million sq. ft of new Grade-A office supply, a 90% increase over the previous year. While this did push the vacancy rate to 11.23%, the city remains India’s second-tightest office market, behind Bengaluru (Cushman Wakefield). This strong absorption, diversified demand, and influx of global-grade assets paint a clear picture of where Pune is headed.
With 10 million sq. ft of new space expected in 2025 and 11 million in 2026, Pune is entering a growth phase led by institutional developers and occupier-led demand. Notably, Trump World Center, a 1.6 million sq. ft branded commercial project, is now under development, offering both strata and leased office space. This marks the entry of international branding into Pune’s commercial skyline and highlights growing investor sophistication (TOI).
What makes Pune stand out is its balance of fundamentals:
At SQUAREA, we help investors capitalise on Pune’s accelerating commercial real estate cycle. Whether you're looking to acquire income-generating leased assets, explore premium office investments, or enter future-ready growth corridors like SBD East or PBD West, our team offers unmatched access and strategic insights. You can reach out to us at hello@squarea.io or call us on +91 90 9641 9641.
Once known as a quiet neighbourhood on the outskirts of Pune, Kharadi has emerged as the epicentre of East Pune’s real estate market. With seamless connectivity, premium office supply, and institutional-grade developments, Kharadi now plays a pivotal role in driving Pune’s commercial momentum in 2025.
This transformation is underpinned by robust market performance. According to Cushman & Wakefield’s Q1 2025 Office Market Report, Pune recorded a historic leasing high of 3.5 million sq. ft, led predominantly by the East Secondary Business District. This is a prime commercial cluster that includes Kharadi. SBD East accounted for the highest net absorption in the city at 1.1 million sq. ft, propelled by high ticket-size deals, particularly from BFSI and flexible workspace operators. This activity was anchored in Grade-A commercial spaces, top-tier office assets that offer best-in-class specifications, efficient layouts, and global-standard amenities.
What’s fuelling this momentum is a convergence of many key factors. Let’s take a closer look at the reasons why Kharadi is leading the charge as Pune’s most promising commercial real estate investment destination in 2025.
Kharadi’s location offers unmatched access to Pune’s key commercial corridors. It sits in proximity to established hubs such as:
This connectivity allows businesses in Kharadi to tap into an existing ecosystem of IT majors, financial institutions, and global corporates, making it a magnet for high-value commercial activity.
The upcoming extension of Pune Metro Line 2 will connect Kharadi to Bund Garden, Kalyani Nagar, and Ramwadi, reducing travel times across key zones. Once operational, it will directly benefit daily commuters and corporates, while also enhancing the investment viability of adjacent commercial assets.
Areas along operational and upcoming metro corridors will typically witness a price appreciation, as improved access leads to stronger demand from occupiers and businesses (MagicBricks).
Another significant boost to Kharadi’s profile is the Pune Ring Road project, designed to improve city-wide connectivity and reduce congestion across high-traffic zones. It will directly link Kharadi to key growth centres, including Shivajinagar, Hadapsar, Hinjewadi, and Baner.
Estimates suggest that commercial properties in areas connected by new ring roads and bypasses could see capital appreciation of 15–20% by 2025.
Kharadi’s location offers a critical edge, direct access to Pune International Airport, situated approximately 8.5 kilometres away. This makes it exceptionally well-suited for corporates with frequent air travel needs and companies dealing with international clientele. The convenience factor alone has been a key driver for multinational firms choosing Kharadi for regional headquarters or operational centres.
Kharadi is home to some of Pune’s most prominent Grade-A commercial developments - premium office properties that adhere to global standards in design, safety, sustainability, and tenant experience. These include well-established business parks such as:
These developments offer features like LEED-certified design, smart infrastructure, flexible floorplates, and modern green amenities, making them highly attractive for blue-chip tenants and institutional investors.
Kharadi has become a nucleus for technology, finance, and consulting firms, creating consistent demand for both office and co-working spaces. With high occupancy levels in most Grade-A developments, rental yields in this zone have remained robust even during broader market slowdowns.
This growth is part of a broader upswing in the city's commercial development. Pune’s new Grade-A office supply witnessed a 53% quarter-on-quarter and over 90% year-on-year increase. SBD East, which includes Kharadi and the CBD together absorbed this entire new supply. Despite the scale of additions, a healthy pipeline of 10–11 million sq. ft in upcoming supply is expected through 2025–26. (Cushman & Wakefield),
Beyond office infrastructure, Kharadi is witnessing the emergence of mixed-use ecosystems with luxury hotels, branded residences, retail complexes, and serviced apartments. The presence of these upscale options makes it a compelling proposition for both domestic and NRI investors.
Developers in Kharadi are now embracing future-forward planning, including:
This aligns closely with the increasing emphasis on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) standards, which are now a key lens through which institutional investors evaluate commercial assets
With Kharadi’s projects increasingly meeting these global benchmarks, the submarket is fast becoming a natural choice for long-term, impact-driven capital. In every sense, Kharadi’s commercial landscape isn’t just evolving, it is being intentionally designed for the next generation of businesses and investors
At SQUAREA, we specialise in helping investors navigate the evolving landscape of high-value commercial real estate. Our deep market intelligence ensures that you stay ahead of the curve. If you're looking to build a resilient, high-performing commercial portfolio in one of Pune’s most strategically positioned markets, like Kharadi, our advisory team is here to guide you at every step. For tailored investment opportunities, write to us at hello@squarea.io or call us at +91 90 9641 9641. Let’s build your commercial portfolio, the future-ready way!