Branded Residences in Emerging Markets: Is India Ready for a Luxury Real Estate Boom?

    By SQUAREA Knowledge Hub

    Published: April 7, 2025

    Real Estate in Pune - Branded Residences in Emerging Markets: Is India Ready for a Luxury Real Estate Boom?

    India’s luxury real estate market is undergoing a quiet transformation. Beyond aesthetics and prime addresses, homebuyers today are placing increasing value on identity, trust, and differentiated experiences. This shift is opening up space for branded residences in India—homes developed in collaboration with global names in hospitality, fashion, and design.

    Branded homes in India are beginning to resonate with a growing base of affluent buyers who seek more than conventional luxury. As expectations evolve and emerging real estate markets in India gain prominence, these projects are steadily making their way into mainstream investment conversations.

    The question now is whether India’s evolving market conditions can support a larger branded residential footprint. The answer lies in the numbers, the evolving buyer mindset, and the cities reshaping the future of luxury real estate in India.

    India’s Accelerating Luxury Real Estate Market

    To understand the rise of branded residences, we must first look at the overall trajectory of the luxury real estate market. According to Mordor Intelligence, India’s luxury residential real estate market is expected to grow from USD 44.11 billion in 2025 to USD 118.30 billion by 2030, at a CAGR of 21.81% during this period.

    This growth isn’t just about market size—it reflects a steady shift in buyer confidence. India’s expanding economy, rising incomes, and greater financial awareness are contributing to stronger demand in the premium housing segment.

    Luxury today is no longer limited to inherited wealth. Luxury buyers include first-generation entrepreneurs, professionals, and investors who are more attuned to global design, service, and lifestyle benchmarks. As this base grows, so does interest in luxury real estate in India—and particularly in branded residences.

    Luxury Home Sales and the Shift Towards Branded Living

    The appetite for homeownership, particularly in the upper-mid and luxury categories, has seen a remarkable shift. In 2024, India witnessed record-high residential sales of 302,867 units—an 11% year-on-year increase. Average annual sales during 2022–2024 surpassed pre-pandemic (2010–2019) averages by 63%, underscoring a permanent behavioural change in the housing market (JLL).

    Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Pune led the market, accounting for 62% of annual sales across the top seven cities. This performance highlights not just volume but rising confidence in premium segments, even amid sustained price appreciation.

    As more buyers prioritise design, privacy and service-backed living, the jump to branded residences in India becomes a natural progression. The growing comfort with premium pricing is further opening the door for branded homes in Pune and beyond.

    Branded Living: Why It’s More Than Just a Name

    This surge in luxury demand isn’t just about size or square footage. Today’s affluent homebuyer seeks experiences that blend design, service, and investment value. Branded residences deliver on all three fronts, offering globally curated aesthetics, hospitality-grade amenities and the trust that comes with established names.

    For developers, these partnerships elevate brand equity and differentiation. For buyers, they provide:

    • Assurance of quality and service
    • Global design and lifestyle sensibilities
    • Limited inventory and curated communities
    • Stronger resale value and long-term asset credibility

    As demand shifts toward long-term liveability and legacy asset creation, branded residences in India are emerging as a new language of premium real estate. This shift is being strongly reinforced by one of the most significant drivers of change in Indian real estate—the expansion of individual wealth.

    India’s Growing Wealth Base and the Future of Branded Real Estate

    The demand for branded residences is closely tied to the rise of India’s affluent population. According to the Knight Frank Wealth Report 2024, the number of ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNIs)—those with a net worth of USD 30 million or more—is projected to grow by 50%, reaching nearly 20,000 individuals by 2028.

    • Trust in global names
    • A consistent experience standard
    • Future asset appreciation

    This shift is further reinforced by projections from NAREDCO and Housing.com, which estimate that India’s branded residences segment will touch USD 5 billion by 2025. The segment’s expansion has been driven not just by rising disposable incomes but by the growing aspirational appeal of globally branded homes—offering a combination of design, trust, and legacy that traditional luxury formats often lack. Notably, this demand is no longer limited to metro cities alone, with emerging real estate markets in India steadily becoming hotspots for brand-aligned living.

    Why Emerging Markets Are Now in Focus

    While Mumbai and Delhi continue to dominate luxury real estate headlines, it is India’s emerging markets that are fuelling the next wave of growth. Cities like Pune, Hyderabad, and Ahmedabad are now delivering luxury at global standards, with the infrastructure, talent density, and buyer profiles to support it.

    Pune, in particular, has become a hub for branded homes. Projects such as Trump Towers Pune, YOO Pune, YOO Villas, and FashionTV-branded residences have already proven the city’s readiness for design-led global partnerships.

    With improved connectivity, rising launch volumes, and a more discerning luxury buyer base, cities like Pune are offering the perfect intersection of aspiration and affordability.

    India’s Luxury Real Estate Story Is Entering a New Chapter

    India’s luxury real estate market is entering a new phase—defined by maturity, investor confidence, and global alignment. And as India continues to grow in affluence and urban sophistication, branded residences in India are set to become a defining feature of the next wave of luxury living.

    At SQUAREA, we specialise in helping investors and end-users access India’s most iconic branded residences. Whether you’re seeking a globally designed home, a strategic long-term asset, or a lifestyle that reflects your achievements, our team is here to guide you with detailed market insights.

    Connect with us at hello@squarea.io or call +91 90 9641 9641 to explore exclusive opportunities in India’s evolving luxury real estate landscape.


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    15 October 2025
    Things to Consider Before Buying a Resale Property

    Resale properties occupy a distinct niche in India’s housing market. They provide access to established micro-markets, immediate operational use, and, in certain cases, prime addresses where new supply is scarce or non-existent. For HNIs and UHNIs, these attributes translate into both strategic convenience and capital efficiency.

    Yet beneath the surface, resale transactions can carry risks such as unclear titles, compliance gaps, unpaid dues, and underestimated renovation costs. To make sound decisions, investors need to approach resale acquisitions with the same diligence and discipline applied to large-scale allocations.

    Key Considerations When Evaluating Resale Investments

    A sound decision depends on clear legal checks, the property’s condition, true ownership costs, and market liquidity. Here’s what you should carefully examine before committing capital:

    Title and Ownership Clarity

    A clean, marketable title is the foundation of any secure transaction. Review the full chain of title deeds and obtain an encumbrance certificate to confirm the property is free from mortgages or disputes. Where multiple transfers have taken place, gaps in records can appear. A professional title search by a real estate lawyer is strongly advised for high-value purchases.

    Regulatory Compliance and Approvals

    Regulatory checks are critical, especially for older projects. Under Maharashtra’s RERA, over 29,000 complaints have been filed by buyers, with nearly 24,000 tied to pre-RERA projects and a resolution rate of about 74% (Hindustan Times).

    Always verify RERA registration, ensure the sanctioned plan matches the constructed structure, and confirm occupancy and fire NOCs. A property backed by proper approvals protects both financing and long-term value.

    Seller Authority and Legal Documentation

    Confirm that the seller has full legal authority to transact. Match PAN or Aadhaar details to the title deed and ensure all co-owners provide written consent. In case of inheritance, check probate or succession papers. Where minors are involved, court permissions are mandatory.

    Go beyond the original sale deed and insist on a detailed Agreement to Sell covering inclusions, handover timelines, indemnities, and penalties. Factor in stamp duty, registration, and society transfer fees, ensuring all documents are correctly recorded.

    Society Clearances and No-Dues

    Resale homes often carry legacy liabilities like unpaid taxes, utility bills, or maintenance charges. Always obtain a No-Dues Certificate from the society and written confirmations from municipal and utility authorities. Record meter readings at handover so outstanding consumption does not become your liability. Ensuring financial closure at this stage avoids unnecessary disputes later.

    Physical Condition and CapEx Plan

    Time and use leave their mark on any property. Structural cracks, outdated wiring, or waterproofing issues can demand significant expenditure. HNIs and UHNIs should budget realistically for upgrades. An independent audit by an engineer or architect helps surface hidden risks across the structure, MEP systems, and safety features. This allows you to create a clear CapEx plan that aligns the property with modern standards while protecting long-term value.

    Valuation, Finance and Exit

    Resale buyers enjoy tax benefits under Section 80C (₹1.5 lakh on principal repayment) and Section 24(b) (₹2 lakh on interest) (Income Tax Department). Alongside these, factor in higher maintenance in older societies, premium community charges, and periodic upgrade reserves. For financing, check lender policies as some restrict loans on very old or non-compliant assets.

    Benchmark value using recent deals in the same project and cross-check with broker opinions. Factor in price differences between renovated and original units, and consider upcoming infrastructure that may drive demand. Align the property’s resale ease with your planned holding period, as prime compliant homes typically sell faster.

    That said, when approached with discipline, resale properties offer clear advantages to both end-use buyers and long-term investors, combining immediate utility with strategic capital appreciation.

    Why Resale Properties Can Be Strategic Investments

    When assessed through this lens, resale is a strategic allocation. You gain immediate rental potential, avoid construction risk, and access coveted, fully built urban locations. For investors focused on wealth preservation and legacy, the combination of speed, location, and optionality can be compelling, provided diligence is uncompromising.

    How SQUAREA Simplifies The Resale Journey

    SQUAREA applies institutional discipline to every resale mandate so you acquire with clarity and exit with confidence.

    • Title and Compliance: End-to-end verification across land records, sanctioned plans, RERA, and OCs/CCs
    • Technical Diligence: Independent condition audits and quantified renovation budgets to surface hidden liabilities
    • Market Intelligence: Micro-market pricing, resale velocity, buyer mix and forward drivers to inform entry and exit
    • Deal Architecture: Structuring terms, inclusions and tax efficiency to protect returns

    This framework transforms resale acquisitions into informed, deliberate decisions that align with both performance and peace of mind. For tailored guidance and exclusive access to India’s most compelling resale opportunities, contact hello@squarea.io or call +91 90 9641 9641.

    15 October 2025
    How Smart City Initiatives Are Reshaping Urban Housing

    India’s Smart Cities Mission (SCM), launched in 2015, set out to modernise 100 cities with a focus on sustainability, connectivity, and liveability. Ten years on, the results are tangible: thousands of projects have been delivered, pollution levels have eased, and housing benchmarks are being reset

    With India’s urban population projected to nearly double to 951 million by 2050 (World Bank), the scale of demand ahead is unprecedented. For HNIs and UHNIs, this means smart cities are not just infrastructure programmes, they are creating resilient, well-connected, and premium housing markets that are redefining the investment landscape.

    Smart Cities Mission: Building The Foundation For Modern Housing

    The Smart Cities Mission represents one of the largest coordinated urban investments in India’s history. Total planned investment stands at ₹2,01,981 crore, of which ₹1,63,138 crore is earmarked for area-based development projects. (CBRE) These are not just infrastructure upgrades but holistic interventions – roads, transit, water, power, and public amenities that directly influence the quality and value of housing.

    A decade on, the Smart Cities Mission has turned concept into execution. More than 7,400 projects have been completed across 100 cities, spanning transit, utilities, open spaces, and digital governance. The results are visible: average PM10 levels in these cities dropped by nearly 23.7% between 2018 and 2024, a tangible marker of improved urban health. (Economic Times)

    As these foundations strengthen, their impact on urban housing markets is becoming clear, making it important to see how these improvements are now shaping demand directly.

    How Smart Infrastructure Is Driving Housing Demand

    Smart infrastructure has a direct bearing on residential absorption and pricing. Improved connectivity, reliable utilities, and better liveability create sustained end-user and investor demand. This is reflected in market performance: in Q4 FY25, property prices rose in 48 out of 50 Indian cities, with the NHB-RESIDEX index showing a year-on-year increase of 7.5%. (ET Realty) All major metros registered price gains, underscoring the link between infrastructure and housing values.

    In India’s top seven cities, housing sales during the first nine months of 2024 reached ~₹3.8 lakh crore across 2.30 lakh units, with a noticeable shift toward larger, premium homes. (Economic Times) The Smart Cities programme has been a catalyst here, upgrading transport networks, expanding social infrastructure, and supporting urban amenities that appeal to affluent buyers.

    The rise in housing demand is not incidental but the outcome of integrated planning, creating a structural shift that opens clear benefits for HNIs and UHNIs in the housing market.

    Benefits For HNIs And UHNIs In The Housing Market

    For investors, smart cities create advantages that extend far beyond conventional housing markets. By combining infrastructure upgrades with sustainability and technology, they unlock both financial and lifestyle value:

    • Capital appreciation: Modern transit, digital governance, and upgraded amenities drive sustained price growth and stronger long-term valuations.
    • Premium demand: Larger apartments, gated enclaves, and branded residences are gaining preference in smart city locations, supported by affluent buyers and NRIs.
    • Resilient returns: Diversified demand from end-users, tenants, and institutional investors provides depth and stabilises cash flows.
    • Health and sustainability: Cleaner air, efficient waste management, and green-certified housing formats are increasingly attractive to wealth-focused families.
    • Global benchmarking: Smart city projects bring Indian housing closer to international standards of liveability, which helps preserve value in global portfolios.

    For HNIs and UHNIs, smart city housing combines financial strength with lifestyle value, making it essential to consider how the next phase of urban housing will evolve.

    The Road Ahead: Building Resilient Urban Housing For 2050

    Looking ahead, the urban housing story will be shaped by both scale and resilience. The World Bank estimates India will need $2.4 trillion in investments by 2050 to create climate-resilient infrastructure. (World Bank) For housing, this means:

    • Climate-resilient homes: Energy-efficient, low-carbon construction will become standard.
    • Integrated communities: Smart housing will be embedded within mixed-use districts, ensuring access to offices, retail, and leisure.
    • Technology-enabled living: AI-driven building systems, smart metering, and predictive maintenance will be mainstream features.
    • Expanding urban reach: Tier 2 and Tier 3 smart cities will see rising demand, driven by affordability and improved infrastructure.

    These shifts show that smart cities are redefining India’s housing, bringing cleaner air, better mobility, premium formats, and rising values - aligning growth with global standards of sustainability and liveability.

    At SQUAREA, we guide investors with data-driven insights to identify housing shaped by smart city growth. Our curated portfolios align strong returns with future-ready urban living. For tailored advice, reach us at hello@squarea.io or call +91 90 9641 9641.

    4 October 2025
    From Data to Decisions: How AI Is Powering Smarter Real Estate Investments

    Real estate has always been a sector shaped by information asymmetry. For Indian HNIs and UHNIs, choosing the right investment has often meant relying on intuition, fragmented data, or market sentiment. Today, this landscape is changing. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is reshaping how investors identify opportunities, manage assets, and forecast returns, turning vast and complex datasets into actionable insights.

    The global AI in real estate market, valued at USD 2.9 billion in 2024, is projected to expand to USD 41.5 billion by 2033, reflecting the scale of adoption across the industry (Artsmart AI). For Indian investors, where real estate remains a critical asset class, AI-powered tools are quickly becoming the differentiator between conventional decision-making and future-ready investing.

    As adoption grows and capital flows in, it becomes important to measure the scale of the AI opportunities that are reshaping the sector.

    The Scale Of AI’s Impact On Real Estate

    The operational efficiencies that AI brings to real estate are significant. Studies show that approximately 37% of real estate tasks can be automated, especially in areas such as administrative support, property management, and maintenance, unlocking an estimated $34 billion in efficiencies (Morgan Stanley).

    This is not just about automation but about redefining the economics of real estate. AI adoption is creating measurable value across subsectors:

    • Lodging, healthcare, and brokerage REITs could see operating cash flows rise by up to 34% due to AI-driven efficiencies. (Morgan Stanley)
    • PropTech innovation has accelerated, with more than 500 firms globally integrating AI to drive better decision-making, cost savings, and tenant engagement. (JLL)
    • By enhancing how large, unstructured datasets are synthesised, AI improves outcomes in leasing, investment, and property management. (McKinsey)

    As efficiency grows, the real edge will go to investors who use AI at the core of their strategy. The next step is moving from instinct to evidence in everyday decisions.

    Moving From Intuition To AI-powered Data-Led Decisions

    Historically, property investments were often made based on peer references. While experience has its place, AI now provides a scientific edge, allowing investors to navigate markets with sharper precision.

    Here is how AI is transforming decision-making for Indian HNIs and UHNIs:

    • Market analysis: AI can track micro-market trends in real time, from absorption rates to pricing anomalies, offering investors a clear picture of demand and supply dynamics.
    • Risk assessment: Predictive models evaluate tenant creditworthiness, regulatory risks, and even maintenance forecasts, reducing uncertainty in investment decisions.
    • Portfolio optimisation: AI tools rebalance portfolios based on return expectations, cash flow projections, and sector-specific opportunities.
    • Transaction efficiency: By automating documentation checks and compliance reviews, AI shortens deal cycles and enhances transparency.

    As investors move beyond traditional methods, the ability to combine human judgment with AI-led insights becomes a powerful formula for wealth preservation and growth. These shifts are most visible in India’s high-growth markets, where AI is already reshaping how assets are priced, leased, and managed.

    How AI Is Reshaping The Indian Real Estate Market

    The implications of AI go beyond operational efficiency. In India’s high-growth markets, AI is influencing both institutional and private investment strategies.

    • Residential markets are benefiting from smarter pricing models that use historical transaction data, infrastructure upgrades, and lifestyle trends to forecast appreciation potential.
    • Commercial leasing is becoming more efficient, with AI systems matching occupiers to properties based on usage patterns and financial metrics.
    • Property management is evolving, as AI-powered platforms monitor energy usage, predict maintenance issues, and enhance tenant satisfaction, all of which protect asset values.
    • Investor services, such as brokerage and advisory, are using generative AI to deliver personalised recommendations tailored to investor profiles and risk appetite.

    In a market as diverse and dynamic as India, this shift means investors can act with greater confidence, backed by data rather than speculation. And looking ahead, the role of AI even extends beyond efficiency to the way people live, work, and engage with built spaces.

    The Future: Smarter Investments With AI-Powered Insights

    While efficiency gains remain central, the broader impact of AI is its ability to redefine how people interact with real estate. Leading global advisory research indicates that AI will augment productivity, create new job opportunities, and reshape how spaces are used in sectors such as housing, healthcare, and retail.

    For Indian investors, this means three key outcomes:

    • Higher-quality deal flow driven by smarter analysis
    • Stronger operating performance in income-generating assets
    • Long-term resilience as portfolios are aligned with future-proofed demand drivers

    To translate these advantages into results, investors benefit from partners who operationalise AI across sourcing, diligence, and portfolio management.

    At SQUAREA, we integrate AI-powered insights into every stage of the investment journey. From identifying undervalued assets to structuring portfolios and monitoring performance, our advisory ensures that clients benefit from the latest in data-driven decision-making. For tailored guidance and access to India’s most prestigious properties, reach out at hello@squarea.io or call +91 90 9641 9641.