In attempts to accommodate the growing population and influx of people for better employment opportunities, many Indian cities are now growing vertically. As a result, which floor to buy a flat on has become one of the most pressing questions for prospective home buyers. Should you go for accessible lower floors or enjoy scenic views from the top floors? The answer is not always straightforward but can significantly impact your living experience.
So are you a home buyer contemplating which floor will be the best for you in a high-rise residential project? Here are some factors you should consider before making that choice:
Because of the perceived higher quality of life on top floors, many builders charge – anywhere between 15% and 25% – extra for flats on higher floors. The FRC is determined by the builder or the construction company and takes into account the overall construction costs, interests, and overheads. So if you want to live on higher floors, you will need to adjust your budget accordingly.
Lower floors are usually considered comparatively unsafe as they are easier for criminals and other anti-social elements to break into than upper floors. But if you are set on choosing a lower floor, be sure to verify the security arrangements in and around your high-rise complex.
Additionally, lower levels also offer less privacy, especially if the building is near a busy road. So if you want to enjoy a quiet and peaceful home, higher floors may be better suited for you.
Fire safety can be an issue for occupants on higher floors. An occupancy certificate from the local authorities can help you determine whether the building has received clearance from the fire department and meets the necessary safety criteria.
Ideally, high-rise buildings must offer at least two lifts and staircases so people can rely on another lift in case one fails. The number of lifts and backup systems becomes crucial when you consider your family members – especially elders and small children. In a case where both lifts fail, you have to rely on staircases and must consider whether they would be convenient to use and easy to access.
In many cases, builders deviate from the construction plans on the top floor, which can get you in trouble down the line. So if your heart is set on the top floor, make sure that the construction adheres to the approved plans and has all the necessary clearances.
You may experience spotty mobile network coverage as you go up in a high-rise building. Broadband facilities may also be unavailable on higher floors. So make sure you have adequate network coverage in the flat if you choose a higher floor.
Lower floors are generally cooler than top floors and require less energy – especially during summers when you must run AC units or coolers to keep your house cool. You need to keep the electricity costs in mind when choosing the floor, especially if your city experiences long and harsh summers.
The most obvious advantage of top floors is the vantage point and views you can experience from your windows or balconies. So if the high-rise is near a scenic place and you want to enjoy the view, go for the top floors.
Apart from the view, higher floors also have better natural light and ventilation, making your home feel light and airy. You will also be away from street-level disturbances if you opt for top floors rather than ground or lower floors.
If you are buying a flat as an investment, lower floors may fetch better rental returns. But make sure to understand how the climate affects renters’ choices. For example, renters in Mumbai or Bangalore prefer upper floors – away from the noises of the street, whereas renters in Delhi – NCR and Chennai prefer lower floors.
Still confused about what floor to choose? Squarea expert team can help you find the right luxury home for you. Get in touch with us today to find the home that fits your lifestyle.
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!