Over 195,000 buildings worldwide are now LEED-certified commercial properties – a clear signal that sustainable real estate is no longer just an industry buzzword but the future of commercial real estate (U.S. Green Building Council). Investors and businesses are rapidly shifting towards green buildings, recognising that they offer not just environmental benefits but also green building investment returns.
With the global push for sustainability reshaping commercial spaces, India is emerging as a key market aligning with these trends. As investors and occupiers prioritise carbon-positive buildings, the focus is shifting from why sustainability matters to how it can drive long-term value. At the heart of this transformation lies a globally recognised benchmark—LEED certification. It is often the first step in signalling a building’s commitment to environmental performance and future readiness.
LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is one of the most recognised global certification systems for eco-friendly spaces and sustainable buildings. It evaluates properties based on energy efficiency, water conservation, indoor air quality, and overall environmental impact.
In India, over 13.26 billion sq. ft. of commercial space is now classified as green real estate, placing the country among the global leaders in sustainable construction (Indian Green Building Council). LEED-certified commercial property continues to be a key differentiator in the market, offering:
However, while LEED ensures a building meets sustainability benchmarks, investors are now taking a more comprehensive approach by evaluating assets through the lens of ESG in real estate. Let’s take a closer look at the ESG-driven real estate investment trends.
ESG in real estate—short for Environmental, Social and Governance—is fast becoming a key metric in real estate investment decisions. Beyond certifications, investors now assess real estate sustainability, long-term operating costs, resilience, and governance frameworks before allocating capital. A recent global survey found that 70% of investors have already adopted ESG criteria in their decision-making, with another 10% planning to do so in the next three to five years (Knight Frank). This shift is driving capital towards ESG-aligned assets, which are increasingly commanding premium valuations.
Major global investment firms are rapidly integrating sustainability and eco-conscious practices into their real estate portfolios. For example:
The green commercial architecture transition is not just limited to individual buildings but is reshaping large-scale developments, including IT parks and business districts. Several large-scale IT parks and business hubs are incorporating smart green buildings 2025 designs, offering cutting-edge features that redefine the workspace experience. This momentum is pushing Indian developers to align with international standards, resulting in a new wave of sustainable commercial spaces.
India’s commercial real estate sector is already witnessing an accelerated push towards sustainable development. According to Bain & Co., 90% of India-bound investments in the next five years will be influenced by ESG in real estate considerations. Moreover, ESG-focused funds in India saw a 76% jump in inflows in FY 2020–21, reaching ₹3,686 crore from ₹2,094 crore the previous year.
Some notable projects include:
With regulatory backing, rising corporate demand, and investor preference, India’s green commercial real estate market is expected to grow exponentially.
As Indian developers shift towards green building technology, key sustainability features in new commercial developments include:
The advantages of sustainable commercial properties extend beyond energy-efficient skyscrapers, they also drive long-term profitability.
A key distinction on how green buildings drive profits compared to traditional commercial spaces includes:
| Feature | Traditional Commercial Real Estate | Sustainable Commercial Real Estate |
|---|---|---|
| Energy Consumption | High | 20–50% lower |
| Operational Costs | Expensive maintenance | Reduced costs due to efficient systems |
| Tenant Demand | Standard leasing demand | High preference from MNCs, startups, and tech firms |
| Regulatory Compliance | Subject to evolving norms | Already aligned with global ESG and green building standards |
Sustainability in commercial real estate is no longer just about environmental responsibility—it is a financially sound investment strategy. Green-certified and ESG-aligned properties offer:
At SQUAREA, we connect investors with commercial spaces designed for the future—LEED-certified commercial property, net-zero in commercial real estate, and smart green buildings 2025 that are sustainable, high-performing, and investment-worthy. Whether you’re looking for impact or income, our team of dedicated experts can help you secure opportunities that deliver both
Let’s shape a greener, more profitable real estate landscape together!
End-use buyers face a strategic decision — whether to acquire a ready-to-move-in residence for immediate occupancy or to allocate capital towards an under-construction asset. While the latter has historically been associated with higher delivery risk, the landscape in 2025 is notably different. Projects are now governed by RERA-backed regulatory oversight, stringent escrow compliance, and developer accountability.
This evolving ecosystem has redefined the relevance of under-construction inventory, particularly for Indian HNIs and UHNIs seeking customisation, capital efficiency, and future-ready design. As these dynamics continue to shape the market, it becomes essential to assess the strategic value this segment can offer. To understand the continued relevance of this segment, let’s explore the key benefits of under-construction property in 2025 for end-users.
In 2025, the question of "should I buy an under-construction flat" is best answered by examining its strategic merits. For end-users in the luxury segment, these properties offer distinct advantages when backed by due diligence and credible delivery.
1. Price Advantage at Entry
Under-construction homes are priced lower than their ready-to-move counterparts in the same location. In high-demand corridors such as Pune’s western suburbs or Gurgaon’s Golf Course Extension Road, the price differential can range from 10% to 30%. (Sobha)
This lower base cost not only enhances affordability but also improves long-term capital appreciation, especially in projects completing within the next 18–36 months.
2. Capital Appreciation Potential
For buyers not in need of immediate possession, entering early in a project cycle enables higher asset appreciation by the time of completion. This is particularly relevant in micro-markets undergoing infrastructure upgrades, such as Mumbai’s New Cuffe Parade or Pune’s Kharadi.
Additionally, developers often increase pricing in tranches as construction progresses, allowing early buyers to benefit from structured value escalation.
3. Flexible Payment Structure
Unlike ready properties, under-construction homes offer construction-linked payment plans. This phased disbursement allows buyers to align payments with liquidity events or staggered capital deployment, thereby reducing financing pressure.
It also enables financial planning that matches project milestones with investment goals, particularly useful for buyers funding the purchase through asset reallocation or staggered divestments.
Developers of high-end projects typically allow limited customisation in flooring, layout, electricals, or interior finishes if the unit is booked in early phases. This flexibility is especially valuable for end-users seeking to tailor a home to their lifestyle or future requirements.
Completed units, on the other hand, may require costly retrofits or compromise on layout, which is non-ideal for long-term habitation.
Under-construction homes often incorporate newer materials, design efficiencies, and technology integrations. These include better energy ratings, improved ventilation systems, smart home readiness, and modern security systems.
Buyers entering these projects secure residences that are aligned with the latest in home technology, both in terms of functionality and long-term market relevance.
Buyers of under-construction projects generally have access to a wider range of unit configurations, views, and floor elevations. This enables selection that aligns with long-term value, whether in terms of Vastu compliance, sunlight exposure, or exclusivity of position.
This flexibility diminishes significantly once the project is completed and only residual inventory remains.
Under-construction properties offer notable tax benefits for end-use buyers financing their purchase through home loans. End-use buyers of under-construction homes can claim up to ₹2 lakh per annum on interest under Section 24(b) and ₹1.5 lakh on principal repayment under Section 80C after possession. An additional deduction of ₹50,000 under Section 80EE or ₹1.5 lakh under Section 80EEA may also apply for eligible first-time homebuyers, depending on loan sanction timelines and conditions. (ClearTax) Given these fiscal advantages, along with the structural and design benefits, it is worth assessing how under-construction property advantages for end-users compare against ready-to-move-in properties across key decision parameters.
To assist end-use buyers in evaluating both options, here is a comparison of under-construction vs ready-to-move homes in India:
| Parameter | Under-Construction Homes | Ready-to-Move Homes |
|---|---|---|
| Price Point | Lower entry price | Premium priced |
| Customisation | High (during early phases) | Limited or costly |
| Payment Structure | Staggered, construction-linked | Lump-sum or full at possession |
| Availability | Wide unit choice | Limited inventory |
| Capital Appreciation | High potential pre-possession | Lower due to near-peak pricing |
| Immediate Use | No | Yes |
Under-construction homes are no longer speculative ventures. When selected with diligence, they present a compelling mix of strategic location, modern design, and financial advantage.
For buyers exploring this segment, a home buying guide for under-construction projects should start with three pillars: regulatory compliance, developer track record, and capital alignment. These form the foundation for a confident, forward-looking investment.
At SQUAREA, we offer curated access to India’s premium real estate opportunities, selected for their financial, legal, and execution credibility. For tailored investment guidance, reach out at hello@squarea.io or call +91 90 9641 9641.
The Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, or RERA, has reshaped the Indian real estate market by embedding accountability, transparency, and delivery discipline into every transaction. For high-value buyers, particularly Indian HNIs and UHNIs, this has introduced a long-overdue layer of legal clarity in a space once defined by informal practices and opaque timelines.
These developments underscore the growing importance of understanding the RERA timeline for homebuyers in India, especially for those allocating capital into premium or under-construction assets. Whether you're investing in a branded residence or a high-rise penthouse, understanding how RERA governs your transaction is fundamental to protecting value, timelines, and long-term investment integrity.
To fully appreciate these safeguards, it is essential to first understand the regulatory framework that underpins them.
RERA, enacted in 2016 and enforced from May 2017, established a regulatory framework across Indian states to promote transparency and protect property buyers (Bajaj Finserv). It mandates that developers:
Most importantly, homebuyer rights under RERA include timely possession, compensation for delays, and the right to legal recourse, all of which collectively shift the balance of power from developers to buyers. To make the most of these safeguards, it's essential to understand how the RERA framework maps across the moment of booking to final possession.
The journey from booking a property to receiving possession has become far more structured post-RERA. For premium real estate buyers, understanding these milestones is critical not only for timely delivery but also for enforcing contractual obligations.
Every RERA-compliant project must be registered with the respective State RERA portal. Buyers should:
This establishes the legal and financial framework that protects buyers in case of delay or dispute.
Developers are required to publish quarterly progress reports on the RERA portal. These reports cover:
Buyers are advised to track these updates closely. A lack of disclosure or inconsistent updates can be an early warning of execution issues.
Before possession, developers must obtain the Occupancy Certificate (OC) and upload the Architect’s Completion Certificate (Form 4) to the portal. Homebuyers should:
Only once these are confirmed should the final payment and registration take place.
If possession is not delivered by the declared date, the buyer has the right to RERA possession delay compensation under Section 18. This includes:
Recent tribunal decisions in markets like Bengaluru and Delhi NCR have reinforced that these provisions are far from symbolic. Homebuyers facing prolonged delays have been given substantial compensation, setting a clear precedent for accountability under RERA.
Buyers can initiate formal complaints via their state’s RERA portal. The process typically involves:
Penalties can include fines, interest payments, or cancellation orders. Proactive documentation and prompt filing significantly increase the chances of favourable outcomes.
For high-value investors, however, legal recourse is only one part of the equation. The real advantage lies in anticipating risks early and structuring the investment to avoid such pitfalls altogether.
Navigating the booking-to-possession process in real estate for luxury and ultra-luxury properties requires a sharper lens. As a homebuyer or investor, you should:
By aligning each stage of the transaction with the mandated steps in home buying under RERA, homebuyers can ensure regulatory compliance, minimise execution risk, and safeguard capital across the lifecycle of the asset.
At SQUAREA, we guide clients through the full spectrum of compliance, from validating a project’s RERA timeline to ensuring documentation is legally sound. To explore opportunities that meet these standards, write to us at hello@squarea.io or call +91 90 9641 9641.
India’s real estate sector is no longer just resilient; it is outperforming. In 2024, institutional investments reached a record USD 8.9 billion, up 51% from the previous year. Of this, 45% went into residential and 28% into office assets, underscoring a clear shift toward long-term real estate allocation (JLL). Meanwhile, premium housing—homes priced above ₹10 million—witnessed a 10% year-on-year growth in Q1 2025, reflecting end-user confidence (JLL). This momentum is backed by solid fundamentals: demand from affluent buyers, foreign institutional flows, and favourable rental dynamics.
For Indian HNIs and UHNIs, the opportunity is clear—but so is the challenge. In this dynamic environment, simply owning multiple properties no longer qualifies as strategy. In today’s market, performance comes from precision. It’s time to build with intent. This is where a balanced property investment plan becomes not just ideal, but essential.
In 2025, a real estate portfolio cannot be one-dimensional. Capital must work across different asset types—residential, commercial, listed REITs, and alternates—each serving a defined role.
This is where a structured real estate portfolio strategy in India 2025 becomes indispensable. Diversification reduces exposure to cyclical risks and aligns real estate with your broader capital strategy—preservation, income, or intergenerational growth.
To build that level of resilience, it is essential to understand the key levers that drive returns across property types.
Truly diversified real estate investments should blend growth, yield, and optionality. Each of the following asset types plays a distinct role in building a resilient portfolio.
Premium residential housing continues to show strong absorption, especially in top cities like Mumbai, Pune, Delhi NCR, and Bengaluru. Prices are expected to rise 6.5% in 2025 and 7.5% in 2026, after a 4.3% increase last year (The Economic Times). For HNIs and UHNIs, such properties are not only lifestyle assets but also strategic capital anchors.
Investing in a marquee branded residence or a centrally located luxury property can deliver long-term appreciation while enhancing the overall strength and identity of one’s portfolio.
Office assets are regaining investor interest with strong leasing momentum. In Q1 2025, India’s top 8 cities recorded 20.3 million sq. ft. in gross leasing volume, with Bengaluru leading at 24%, followed by Mumbai and Pune (Cushman & Wakefield). Demand from Global Capability Centres (GCCs) and tech-driven firms continues to drive occupier interest.
Capital allocation here should focus on income-generating Grade-A office floors or institutional business parks located in supply-constrained micro-markets with strong tenant profiles.
India’s four listed REITs collectively distributed ₹1,553 crore in Q4 FY25, a 13% increase year-on-year (Business Standard). With access to institutional-grade office assets, REITs offer transparency, stable cash flows, and lower entry barriers.
For investors seeking diversification with liquidity, allocating 10–15% of capital to REITs can provide exposure to managed real estate portfolios without the operational burden of direct ownership.
HNIs are increasingly exploring second homes in destinations such as Alibaug, Goa, and the Nilgiris, driven by lifestyle value and hybrid living trends. Plotted land in urban expansion corridors continues to offer long-term appreciation, while fractional ownership platforms are enabling entry into high-value hospitality and commercial assets through lower ticket sizes.
These formats are well-suited for investors seeking portfolio variety, early-stage capital deployment, or assets that align with personal lifestyle preferences.
The best real estate asset mix in 2025 is not defined by fixed percentages. It’s shaped by your capital objectives, life stage, and risk appetite. Younger investors may prioritise long-term appreciation-led assets such as premium homes or land parcels, while those nearing retirement might lean towards income-generating properties and listed REITs for liquidity and stability.
Building with intent begins with selectivity and ends with discipline. Here's how to build a real estate portfolio in India:
With rising asset prices, record institutional activity, and growing product diversity, Indian real estate demands a more informed, balanced approach. However, navigating this landscape can feel overwhelming.
This is where expert guidance makes all the difference. From identifying fit-for-purpose assets to managing legal diligence and long-term rebalancing, the right advisory partner ensures your portfolio is not just built, but built to endure
At SQUAREA, we offer curated access to India's most prestigious commercial and residential properties. For tailored investment guidance, reach out at hello@squarea.io or call +91 90 9641 9641.