What is   7   +   1   ?

      Gaurav Khandelwal

      By Sonali Chougule

      Published: May 31, 2024

      One of the best Real Estate advisory firm in Pune, Deal with Top Builder in Pune and Provide best deal to customer, Special thanks to Mr. Prateek Agarwal for suggesting us best deal, he is very clam, Clear all our doubts and supports us every point of time. Thanks for your commitments.


      Tags

      Other Stories

      2 July 2025
      What’s Driving UHNIs to Reassess Commercial Real Estate Investments

      India’s ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNIs) are refining their investment approach toward commercial real estate (CRE). The reassessment currently underway is a strategic recalibration of how capital is deployed, into what it is deployed, and the role commercial real estate plays in a future-proofed portfolio.

      Several macro and structural trends are fuelling this shift:

      • From opportunistic to defensive: There is a clear pivot from speculative land banking and greenfield assets to stabilised, income-yielding developments with strong tenancy and long-term viability.
      • Form of ownership is evolving: Direct holdings and fragmented stakes are giving way to institutional models like REITs that offer scale, governance, and exit visibility.
      • ESG driving decisions: With regulatory frameworks and global investors prioritising sustainability, UHNIs are proactively integrating ESG-aligned assets that ensure both compliance and relevance.
      • Liquidity and intergenerational planning: Asset transferability, governance clarity, and estate readiness are becoming top priorities, especially for family offices planning across generations.

      Together, these forces represent a fundamental repositioning. CRE is no longer viewed in isolation as a high-yielding asset. It is now being evaluated as a strategic wealth tool, one that must perform across cycles, align with ESG norms, and support liquidity and succession planning. The reassessment is not about exiting the market, it is about upgrading the playbook. Let’s delve into each aspect shaping this transition.

      From Expansion To Consolidation

      The first visible shift is a clear move from aggressive expansion to strategic consolidation. Earlier, UHNIs were key participants in land aggregation and greenfield office investments. Today, they are narrowing their focus to high-performing, fully built, income-yielding Grade A assets.

      This reflects not just a change in risk appetite, but in investment philosophy. Asset quality, tenant profile, and compliance readiness have taken precedence over speculative upside.

      This recalibration is supported by market data. Capital deployment into Indian real estate reached USD 11.4 billion in 2024, a 54% year-on-year growth, largely driven by completed assets and well-located land acquisitions (CBRE).

      The new mandate is clear: fewer assets, stronger fundamentals, and consistent rental performance. The next layer of this shift involves how UHNIs prefer to own these assets.

      Form Of Ownership Is Evolving

      Alongside asset preference, the structure of ownership itself is transforming. UHNIs are moving away from direct, individually held assets or co-invested fragments in family partnerships. Instead, they are leaning into institutional models like REITs, Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs), and managed discretionary platforms.

      These structures offer several advantages:

      • Liquidity through public markets or defined exit windows
      • Professional management with compliance and operational oversight
      • Governance standards aligned with global best practices
      • Diversification within and across asset classes

      A prime example of this evolution is the scale at which REITs are being capitalised. Embassy Office Parks REIT, India’s largest, has announced plans to raise USD 400 million to meet growing demand for institutional-grade office assets (Reuters).

      For UHNIs, these platforms deliver transparency, reduced administrative burden, and exposure to well-performing assets without operational complexity. But ownership models are only one part of the equation, asset performance is increasingly being driven by sustainability metrics.

      ESG Driving Decisions

      Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) factors have moved from being soft preferences to hard investment filters. Whether driven by SEBI’s Business Responsibility and Sustainability Reporting (BRSR) norms or global LP mandates, ESG now shapes portfolio construction.

      As of end-2024, 66% of Grade A office stock across India’s top six cities was green-certified, amounting to 503 million sq ft. More notably, over 75% of all leasing in 2024 took place in green-certified buildings, underscoring a structural market shift, not a passing trend (Colliers).

      This growing preference for sustainable assets is not confined to new supply. Developers are actively retrofitting older buildings to improve ESG scores, unlocking a market opportunity worth over INR 425 billion (Colliers). This ESG integration is not only about compliance. It is now a strategic lever for:

      • Enhancing asset valuation and rental premiums
      • Attracting global corporate tenants with sustainability mandates
      • Staying compliant and responsible in an increasingly regulated and climate-conscious market

      Air quality monitoring, energy efficiency systems, waste reduction, and wellness infrastructure are now prerequisites for future-ready CRE portfolios. This reorientation towards quality and compliance also aligns with a deeper concern: preparing assets for smooth intergenerational transfer.

      Liquidity And Intergenerational Planning

      A critical driver behind the reassessment is the growing need for estate readiness and wealth continuity. UHNIs are increasingly viewing CRE through the lens of transferability, ease of governance, and long-term asset hygiene.

      Family offices are prioritising:

      • Clear holding structures with well-defined ownership and succession protocols
      • Simplified exits through REITs or managed funds that allow redemption or divestment
      • Portfolio hygiene ensuring assets meet legal, compliance, and tax thresholds for smooth inheritance

      This is particularly relevant as the first generation of Indian wealth transitions to the next. Structures that offer transparency, liquidity, and minimal transfer friction are being favoured over legacy holdings that are operationally burdensome or non-compliant. CRE is no longer just a source of income, it is now also a critical estate planning tool.

      As India's commercial real estate evolves, UHNIs are sharpening their lens, filtering for transparency, yield resilience, and ESG alignment. The shift is not about cutting exposure, but about elevating the quality of exposure.

      At SQUAREA, we specialise in helping investors navigate this next cycle. From REIT entry strategies to pre-leased Grade A assets and co-investment platforms, our advisory ensures alignment with your long-term capital goals and risk appetite.

      To learn more or build your next strategic CRE allocation, connect with us at hello@squarea.io or call +91 90 9641 9641.

      2 July 2025
      What Makes Dubai a Top Choice for Global Citizens Buying a Second Home

      Dubai is no longer just a regional powerhouse. It has become a magnet for global wealth migration. With over 7,200 millionaires relocating to the UAE in 2024 alone (Henley & Partners), the city continues to attract global citizens seeking more than just a residence. They are drawn by the promise of long-term value, enhanced security, and greater global mobility.

      This movement is mirrored in Dubai’s real estate performance, particularly in the ultra-luxury space. From waterfront addresses like Palm Jumeirah to the estates of Emirates Hills, Dubai has emerged as one of the world’s most desirable second-home markets.

      Record-Breaking Activity in Dubai’s Ultra-Luxury Market

      The continued inflow of global wealth is directly influencing Dubai’s prime real estate transactions. These are not short-term purchases, they are strategic moves by UHNWIs securing global bases for family and capital. Supporting this trend are record-setting figures:

      • • Dubai recorded 435 transactions above $10 million in 2024, totalling $7.1 billion in value. In Q1 2025 alone, 12 properties crossed the $25 million threshold, just behind Q4 2024’s 15 ultra-prime deals (Economy Middle East).
      • Palm Jumeirah led the ultra-luxury market in Q1 2025, recording 34 $10M+ transactions worth $562.8 million. Emirates Hills followed with 15 sales totalling $356.7 million (Economy Middle East).

      These exceptional figures reflect not just transactional momentum but the deeper structural advantages that continue to position Dubai as the preferred second-home destination for global investors.

      Why Dubai Appeals to Global Citizens

      What makes Dubai stand out among other international hubs like London, Singapore, or New York? The answer lies in a combination of access, security, tax neutrality, and lifestyle quality, each carefully embedded into the city’s long-term master plan.

      Ownership, Tax & Residency Advantages

      • Full freehold rights: Foreign investors are permitted to purchase property with complete ownership in designated freehold zones, encompassing both the land and the built structure, an advantage not commonly available in other global cities.
      • Zero tax burden: Dubai offers a rare tax environment, with no annual property tax, no inheritance tax, and no capital gains tax on real estate holdings. This creates a highly efficient structure for wealth preservation and estate planning.
      • • Golden Visa eligibility: A real estate investment of AED 2 million or more grants eligibility for Dubai’s long-term residency programme, including renewability and family inclusion benefits, adding both security and mobility to one’s investment (UAE Government).

      These frameworks offer the predictability, control, and legal clarity that high-net-worth individuals expect when allocating capital across borders.

      Safety, Infrastructure & Family-Friendly Living

      • Global safety rankings: Dubai consistently ranks among the safest cities in the world, thanks to low crime rates, proactive governance, and a robust civil surveillance network, factors that weigh heavily in second-home decisions.
      • World-class urban infrastructure: The city is home to internationally accredited schools, cutting-edge hospitals, and premium recreational zones, ensuring residents do not have to compromise on education, healthcare, or lifestyle standards.
      • Planned neighbourhoods and smart services: From traffic efficiency to digitised municipal services, Dubai’s master-planned communities offer a seamless living experience, supporting everything from work-from-home professionals to global families.

      This commitment to quality of life ensures Dubai meets the expectations of discerning residents seeking security, comfort, and day-to-day efficiency.

      Strategic Geography & Global Connectivity

      • Geopolitical positioning: Dubai’s location within a 7-hour flight radius of Asia, Europe, and Africa offers unparalleled access to major global financial and business hubs, making it ideal for investors managing international portfolios.
      • Airline and airport infrastructure: Dubai International Airport (DXB) and Al Maktoum International (DWC) collectively connect the city to over 240 destinations, offering world-class logistics for both business and personal travel (Government of Dubai).
      • Operational advantage: For global citizens managing assets and families across continents, this location becomes an operational advantage, not just a geographic one.

      This strategic geographic positioning reinforces Dubai’s appeal as a seamlessly connected global hub, an essential factor for mobile, asset-diverse investors.

      Currency Stability & Investment Confidence

      • Stable currency: The UAE Dirham’s peg to the US Dollar protects investors from the kind of currency volatility seen in many emerging markets, providing predictability in cross-border financial planning.
      • Robust regulatory ecosystem: Institutions like the Dubai Land Department and RERA (Real Estate Regulatory Agency) ensure transparent processes, legal recourse, and investor protections, fostering long-term trust in the market.

      This foundation of monetary and legal stability makes Dubai a credible, future-ready base for strategic asset holding.

      Year-Round Lifestyle Appeal

      • Unmatched climate and lifestyle mix: Dubai’s 320+ days of sunshine, coupled with its beaches, golf courses, and wellness hubs, create an all-season lifestyle few cities can rival.
      • Cultural and culinary diversity: From Michelin-star dining to international art fairs and high-fashion retail, the city offers a global lifestyle experience rooted in convenience and luxury.

      These elements make Dubai more than just a part-time residence. It becomes a second base for entertaining, living, and integrating family, leisure, and business with ease.

      Dubai’s rise as a preferred second-home destination is no coincidence, it is the result of deliberate, long-term planning around ownership freedom, tax neutrality, and global connectivity. As millionaire migration and wealth redistribution accelerate globally, Dubai is setting a new benchmark for what a second home can represent.

      At SQUAREA, we offer discerning investors access to Dubai’s most coveted residential assets, from waterfront villas to branded residences, curated to align with both lifestyle aspirations and capital strategy.

      For bespoke opportunities, contact us at hello@squarea.io or call +91 90 9641 9641.

      2 July 2025
      Fractional Ownership of Luxury Homes: Asset Innovation or Just a Fad?

      Is it possible to co-own a ₹10 crore vacation home in Goa with just ₹50 lakh, and still enjoy capital appreciation and rental returns? For a growing number of HNIs, the answer is yes. The model making this possible is fractional ownership, an investment framework that offers access to premium real estate without full asset commitment.

      Once viewed with caution, this structure is now entering the mainstream. Backed by regulatory traction, it is rapidly gaining credibility, especially among high-net-worth individuals (HNIs) and global investors seeking access to marquee residential and commercial assets without committing disproportionate capital.

      But as traction grows, the question remains: Is this evolution sustainable or simply a trend riding on short-term enthusiasm?

      Understanding the Model: What Is Fractional Ownership?

      Fractional ownership allows multiple investors to co-own a high-value property by purchasing equity shares, either through a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) or other legally compliant structures. This model enables access to trophy homes, luxury villas, vacation properties or Grade-A offices at a fraction of the cost while offering proportional returns on rental income, capital appreciation.

      In residential formats, the model also allows for personal usage rights, typically scheduled in rotation or limited to specific days in a year. In commercial real estate, investors receive passive income in the form of lease rentals, while also benefiting from asset appreciation.

      Unlike traditional timeshares, fractional ownership offers true equity ownership with defined rights, responsibilities, and resale potential. Most regulated platforms now offer:

      • Legal shareholding clarity: Investors are allotted equity shares through an SPV or LLP structure, with enforceable rights and capital protection mechanisms.
      • Limited and rotational usage (residential): Usage rights are usually apportioned based on ownership percentage, ensuring fair access to the asset without overuse.
      • Professional property management: From tenanting to maintenance, third-party operators handle all operations to ensure long-term value and rental readiness.
      • Structured exit mechanisms: Most platforms provide resale windows after a 3 to 5-year lock-in period, with potential for capital gains depending on asset performance.

      As real estate strategies evolve, HNIs are gravitating toward asset models that offer both lifestyle alignment and capital preservation, a blend that fractional ownership is uniquely positioned to deliver.

      Why It Appeals to Luxury Home Investors

      The attraction goes beyond mere financial logic. For luxury property investors, fractional ownership presents a unique intersection of aspiration, access, and efficiency.

      • Capital efficiency: Offers access to marquee luxury properties without the need for full capital deployment, allowing investors to participate in high-value real estate at a fraction of the cost
      • Diversification: Unlocks the ability to spread investment across multiple geographies or asset classes, rather than tying capital into a single high-ticket property
      • Professional operations: Ensures that luxury villas, branded residences, and vacation homes are maintained, leased, and serviced without operational involvement

      This format especially resonates with NRIs, CXOs, and HNIs who are seeking secondary homes for limited use, but still expect consistent value appreciation and operational ease. (Rustomjee).

      With credibility building across investor categories, it becomes critical to assess how adoption patterns and regulatory evolution are shaping this emerging investment format.

      Surge in HNI Adoption Backed by Data and Regulation

      Investor sentiment around fractional ownership is shifting from curiosity to confidence, backed by both market trends and regulatory tailwinds.

      A 2024 survey by WiseX revealed that 64% of HNIs prefer the fractional ownership model for commercial real estate (CRE), and 60% of general investors echoed similar preferences (Financial Express). This trend is being reinforced by regulatory movement. SEBI is in the process of formalising norms for Fractional Ownership Platforms (FOPs), expected to significantly enhance transparency, compliance, and investor protection (Hindustan Times).

      Equally important, market forecasts are turning bullish. The fractional ownership market in India is projected to grow over 10x to surpass USD 5 billion by 2030, according to a JLL-PropShare analysis (Hindustan Times).

      As structures become standardised and disclosures more robust, fractional ownership is moving from an alternative concept to a credible asset allocation tool, especially for second homes in high-demand leisure destinations. However, with growing traction comes the need for a sharper focus on associated risks and governance discipline.

      Key Risks That Require Attention

      Despite its growing credibility, fractional ownership requires caution. The risks, if overlooked, can affect both yield and investor confidence.

      • Exit liquidity: Unlike full ownership, secondary exits can take longer to materialise
      • Platform credibility: Investors must evaluate legal structure, partner history, and governance
      • Ownership governance: Shared usage rights and upkeep responsibilities need clear alignment
      • Lack of standardisation: Until SEBI’s framework is released, structures and terms may differ significantly

      These considerations underscore the need to work with established advisory partners, ensure rigorous legal diligence, and choose only those platforms with transparent processes and institutional-grade asset curation.

      The Road Ahead: Is This the Future of Luxury Real Estate Investment?

      The future of fractional ownership, particularly in the luxury residential segment, depends on three key factors:

      • Regulatory clarity: SEBI’s norms will likely unlock wider adoption by institutional and affluent investors
      • Platform maturity: As category leaders emerge, confidence in execution, upkeep, and exits will rise
      • Investor awareness: HNIs and NRIs are gradually recognising this model as a flexible, lifestyle-aligned investment strategy

      Given the market forecast to surpass USD 5 billion by 2030, this is no longer a passing trend but a fast-evolving asset class with increasing institutional interest. And at SQUAREA, we work closely with institutional platforms, legal experts, and asset managers to help you assess, vet, and execute luxury fractional ownership opportunities with precision and confidence.

      To explore curated access to luxury homes and high-yield commercial properties, connect with us at hello@squarea.io or call +91 90 9641 9641.