In India’s fast-changing real estate landscape, some priorities remain constant. Even today, ancient spatial sciences like Vastu Shastra and Feng Shui continue to hold significant sway over homebuying decisions. These principles, deeply rooted in cultural and spiritual beliefs, are not mere traditions but essential considerations for many Indian homebuyers seeking harmony and well-being in their living spaces.
A survey by 99acres revealed that more than 62% of homebuyers prefer homes that are Vastu compliant, and 44% are even willing to pay a premium for them. Clearly, these age-old principles continue to shape how Indians define an ideal home, one that aligns with well-being, balance, and long-term prosperity. To understand why these principles still hold ground today, we need to first explore what they represent and how their applications differ.
Though different in origin, both systems continue to influence how homes are designed, purchased, and experienced in India.
Vastu Shastra, rooted in ancient Indian texts dating back to 6,000 BC, is based on the alignment of structures with the natural elements – earth, water, fire, air, and space. It provides a scientific and spiritual framework for designing living spaces that support health, prosperity, and inner peace.
Vastu integrates geography, direction, sunlight, and architectural proportions to ensure that positive energy flows seamlessly throughout the home. For Indian homebuyers, especially those deeply connected to traditional values, Vastu is not just desirable, it’s often non-negotiable.
Feng Shui, on the other hand, originated in China around 960 BC and centres around the movement of ‘Chi’, the universal life energy. It uses tools like the Bagua map and the balance of five elements – wood, fire, earth, metal, and water, to create environments that promote harmony and abundance.
While Feng Shui is more commonly adopted in Southeast Asia, its appeal among globally exposed Indian buyers is growing, particularly in homes designed with contemporary or international aesthetics. (Architectural Digest)
Both these systems aim to optimise spatial energy and enhance well-being. However, their applications and philosophies differ in several aspects. Here’s a comparative overview:
| Aspect | Vastu Shastra | Feng Shui |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | Rooted in ancient Indian architectural scriptures. | Derived from Chinese cosmology, possibly influenced by early Indian thought. |
| Estimated Timeline | Circa 6,000 BC. | Circa 960 BC. |
| Scientific Foundation | Integrates natural elements with directional science and architectural logic. | More aligned with universal and geographical interpretations. |
| Design Approach | Focuses on fixed, science-based design principles. | Flexible; may require recalibration based on planetary and annual cycles. |
| Colour Preference | Advocates lighter, neutral tones for balance and calm. | Encourages bright colours to enhance flow of energy and attract luck. |
| Adaptability | Once implemented, Vastu principles remain stable and do not change over time. | Principles can change annually with the Chinese Lunar calendar. |
Despite their differences, both systems create spaces that promote clarity, stability, and emotional balance, priorities that continue to resonate with modern Indian buyers.
The integration of Vastu and Feng Shui principles in home design is not merely a nod to tradition but a response to contemporary needs for holistic living.
As these principles continue to influence purchase decisions, developers recognise their value, both culturally and commercially.
For years, leading real estate developers across India have proactively incorporated Vastu and Feng Shui into their project planning, not as an afterthought, but as a core part of their design and positioning strategy.
From entrance orientation and room placement to ventilation and elemental balance, these principles are often embedded from the master plan stage. For developers, offering Vastu-compliant or Feng Shui-aligned homes isn’t just a nod to tradition, it’s a response to market realities. Projects that highlight these alignments consistently attract stronger buyer interest, higher conversion rates, and premium positioning in a crowded marketplace. In both domestic and NRI segments, homes that harmonise tradition with design continue to carry strong emotional and investment appeal.
We at SQUAREA understand the profound impact of spatial harmony on well-being. Our curated portfolio features properties that seamlessly blend contemporary design with the timeless principles of Vastu and Feng Shui. Whether you’re seeking a home that aligns with your beliefs or one that promotes holistic wellness, our team is here to guide you.
Connect with us at hello@squarea.io or call +91 90 9641 9641 to discover spaces where tradition meets tranquillity!
As climate pressures intensify and capital becomes more discerning, the real estate sector stands at a pivotal moment. No longer are sustainability credentials a value-add—they are fast becoming core to asset valuation, tenant attraction, and long-term resilience.
This World Environment Day, the spotlight is on real estate’s role in delivering decarbonization at scale. According to the International Energy Agency’s 2024 Global Buildings Tracker, buildings now account for 37% of energy and process-related CO₂ emissions worldwide. In India, where urbanization is accelerating, this figure underscores a critical truth: real estate can either amplify the climate crisis or actively mitigate it.
A shift is underway. What was once an ESG narrative led by compliance is now an investment imperative. The World Green Building Council’s 2024 Global Trends report reveals that green-certified buildings reduce operating costs by up to 14%, with rental premiums of 6–10% in Indian metros. Institutional investors are taking note. CBRE India’s 2024 Green Real Estate Outlook reports that 72% of investors now factor ESG ratings into acquisition strategies, and 63% of occupiers require green certifications for office space selection.
In Pune, one of India’s fastest-growing real estate markets, this transition is visible across asset classes. Premium residential projects like YOO Pune and YOO Villas, developed in collaboration with global design house YOO, have integrated sustainability into their architectural language. From passive solar design and energy-efficient systems to 5-acre rainforest and rainwater harvesting, these developments aren’t just aesthetic statements—they’re engineered for performance.
On the commercial front, buildings like EON IT Park, World Trade Center Pune, and Amanora Chambers have embraced LEED and IGBC ratings, focusing on air quality, daylight access, and reduced water usage. This isn’t just about being green—it’s about future-proofing assets for institutional-grade returns.
Even in new commercial development, the sustainability playbook is being executed with intent. Upcoming Grade-A developments, including Omicron Business Landmarks Kharadi NX, are integrating features like high-efficiency HVAC systems, daylight-responsive lighting, and climate-conscious landscaping. These aren’t superficial add-ons—they’re fundamental to asset longevity and lifecycle value.
What’s also changing is the role of landscape. No longer ornamental, green spaces are being engineered for thermal comfort, carbon sequestration, and even stormwater management. Think shaded public courts, rooftop rain gardens, vertical green walls—solutions that serve both people and planet, while also reducing long-term energy intensity.
The financial rationale for all this is clear. According to Knight Frank India’s 2024 ESG Report, commercial green buildings in India experience lower vacancy risks and up to 7% higher yields than non-certified assets. With REITs and institutional funds allocating more capital toward ESG-aligned portfolios, green buildings are quickly becoming the safer, smarter bet.
At the intersection of real estate and climate action, sustainability is now a proxy for value. It de-risks assets, meets rising regulatory standards, and aligns with stakeholder expectations—from tenants and investors to city planners and financiers.
As the built environment redefines its role in climate strategy, developers who integrate sustainability from day one aren’t just responding to a trend—they’re shaping the blueprint for future cities.
India’s commercial real estate sector is undergoing a quiet but powerful shift. While demand for Grade-A buildings, sustainable supply, and infrastructure-led locations continues, there’s a parallel priority that is becoming non-negotiable - Wellness. No longer a soft perk or a branding exercise, wellness is fast becoming the core lens through which commercial spaces are being designed, leased, and marketed.
As India’s commercial real estate market races towards a projected size of USD 106.05 billion by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 21.10% (Puravankara), this rising wave of wellness-centric workplaces signals not just a trend, but a transformation in how occupiers and investors define long-term value. To understand the emergence of wellness as a strategic priority, it is imperative to first identify the market forces and occupier expectations driving this shift.
The shift toward wellness-driven commercial spaces is not incidental. It is anchored in three powerful macro and behavioural changes.
These evolving priorities are altering how commercial assets are evaluated. As wellness moves to the forefront, it becomes essential to define what truly sets a health-focused workplace apart from conventional developments.
Wellness-focused commercial projects go beyond traditional aesthetics or green landscaping. They are built around human-centric principles with measurable impact on health, comfort, and performance. Wellness-focused workplaces include:
These features go beyond design, they directly address what today’s occupiers expect and can lead to measurable returns. It is important to assess how wellness integration is influencing both asset performance and tenant experience.
The integration of wellness is not just a peripheral upgrade, it is emerging as a key performance driver for commercial real estate assets. Across markets, wellness-certified developments are demonstrating stronger leasing traction, longer tenant retention, and higher investor confidence (Business Standard).
With the performance advantages clearly established, wellness is no longer positioned as an optional add-on. The next phase of market evolution will see it embedded into core real estate strategy, both as a competitive differentiator and a resilience-building lever.
This redefinition is particularly relevant in a high-growth market like India. As the sector moves toward a USD 106 billion valuation by 2029, wellness-focused assets are expected to lead on rental premiums and become central to institutional investment strategies.
At SQUAREA, we identify and enable access to India’s most forward-looking commercial assets, projects that integrate wellness, ESG, and grade relevance to deliver future-ready performance. To explore wellness-aligned commercial investments that meet global benchmarks and rising tenant expectations, write to us at hello@squarea.io or call +91 90 9641 9641. Let’s align your portfolio with the next chapter of workplace evolution!
In today’s ultra-luxury real estate landscape, it’s not just the location that defines value, it’s the designer behind the door. From haute couture to high design, the world’s most celebrated creative minds are now reshaping how the wealthy live, invest, and experience space.
Branded residences, featuring names like Philippe Starck, Giorgio Armani, Missoni, and Fendi, are no longer niche indulgences. They are aspirational, globally aligned investments where design, service, and scarcity intersect. These homes promise more than just aesthetics, they offer a lifestyle that mirrors the sophistication of their creators. Globally, the appetite for such curated luxury is accelerating and is fast becoming the benchmark for luxury real estate.
High-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) and ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNWIs) today are more discerning. For them, the brand story, design integrity, and curated experience hold centre stage. This has propelled the rise of branded homes.
Across the globe, over 105,000 branded residential units are spread across 750 projects. By 2027, this number is expected to grow by nearly 60% to 1,200 developments, driven by rising demand for curated luxury living (Noesis Capital Advisors). This surge is not just about expansion, it reflects a shift in how design-led living is influencing long-term investment thinking.
Here’s what makes these branded homes so compelling today:
These homes command nearly a 30% markup compared to non-branded peers, underlining the significant pricing power and investment confidence they attract (Savills). This growing preference is not rooted in aesthetics alone, it reflects a deeper alignment with the design language and brand philosophy of globally celebrated creators. It is this creative influence that is now shaping the most iconic residential addresses worldwide.
From London to Dubai to Miami, these designers have set benchmarks in how art, design, and living come together under one roof.
Starck brought a distinct design sensibility to Yoopune, blending modern interiors with landscaped open spaces. His philosophy of design continues to influence branded residential designs in India across Pune and Bhubaneswar.
A masterclass in understated glamour, Armani's influence can be seen in the clean lines, neutral palettes, and meticulous detailing that transform these residences into timeless sanctuaries.
Celebrating colour, pattern, and fashion-forward elegance, Missoni’s Miami project redefines waterfront luxury through a distinctly Italian lens.
These residences reflect sophistication, with every interior element crafted to echo the brand’s Roman heritage and artisanal finesse.
One of the most prestigious addresses globally, this project combines cutting-edge architecture with Mandarin Oriental service, creating an unrivalled luxury benchmark in urban living.
Located on Jumeirah Bay Island, these homes integrate Italian design tradition with Middle Eastern opulence, curated by the Bulgari brand and offering private marina access.
In the heart of Manhattan, these residences bring the hospitality giant’s legendary service into full-time ownership, appealing to global citizens who seek familiarity in high-touch living.
This global momentum is no longer confined to traditional luxury hubs. India is emerging as a compelling destination in the branded real estate landscape, backed by rising affluence, global brand entries, and evolving investor priorities.
While India currently holds just 3% of the global branded residences market, it is poised for significant expansion. As per Noesis Capital Advisors, the number of branded residential projects in India is expected to grow significantly in the near future. This momentum is driven by a new generation of HNIs and UHNIs who view luxury real estate as a strategic tool for wealth preservation and global alignment
While this growth is pan-India, some regions have emerged as frontrunners in adopting and shaping the branded residence landscape:
Established branded residence markets in India
Emerging hubs of branded homes in India
From Starck to Armani, today’s most influential designers are redefining the global luxury real estate landscape. At SQUAREA, we specialise in identifying branded residences where design excellence is matched by long-term investment merit. Whether you’re securing a signature address in Mumbai or entering an emerging market like Bhubaneswar, our advisory-led approach ensures each acquisition aligns with your financial vision and portfolio goals.
To explore India’s and Dubai’s most compelling branded residences shaped by the world’s top designers, reach out to us at hello@squarea.io or call
+91 90 9641 9641.