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Premium real estate soars in India as NRIs, HNIs drive demand; top developers lead the way

The growing demand for premium and luxury housing is being effectively addressed by established, listed developers with a strong track record of timely delivery and compliance-driven operations.

June 05, 2025 / 15:00 IST
Premium real estate soars in India as NRIs, HNIs drive demand; top developers lead the way

While Mumbai continues to be the hub of India’s luxury real estate market, other metro cities like Gurugram, Hyderabad, and Bangalore are quickly rising as strong competitors

India’s premium real estate market is witnessing a strong surge in demand, driven by high-net-worth individuals and non-resident Indians who are actively seeking secure and high-yield investment opportunities.

ANAROCK’s Annual Residential Report 2024, says 59 percent of new housing projects in Delhi NCR, 18 percent in Hyderabad, and 12 percent in MMR were priced above Rs 2.5 crore, showing a rise in demand for premium homes among wealthy buyers and NRIs.

Market observers say that the ability of Grade A developers to attract premium buyers and investors, access funding with ease, and execute large-scale projects efficiently positions them as key drivers of growth in the sector. As a result, these companies are well-placed to witness sustained expansion, enhanced market share, and long-term financial strength, further solidifying their leadership in India’s evolving real estate landscape.

Top developers lead the way

The growing demand for premium and luxury housing is being effectively addressed by established, listed developers with a strong track record of timely delivery and compliance-driven operations. Sales of listed players have grown steadily over the years, driven by their compliance-based mechanisms.

DLF, which is India’s largest listed real estate company, has recorded its highest ever sales booking of Rs 21,223 crore in FY25, up 44 percent year-on-year (YoY) compared to that of Rs 14,778 crore in FY24. Similarly, in FY25, Godrej Properties reported sales of Rs 29,444 crore, marking a 31 percent YoY growth. Signature Global (India) Limited achieved pre-sales of Rs 10,209 crore, registering a 42 percent YoY increase, and Macrotech Developers recorded sales booking of Rs 17,630 crore, reflecting a 21 percent growth over the previous fiscal.

Experts said that these trusted brands are not only catering to the evolving expectations of affluent domestic buyers and NRIs but are also driving significant consolidation in the sector. By capturing a sizable portion of the real estate space, listed and established players are reshaping the market landscape and reinforcing their leadership positions.

Ravi Aggarwal, Co-founder & Managing Director, Signature Global (India) Limited, said that India’s real estate market has seen a strong rise in buyer confidence, especially towards branded developers with a solid track record.

“Over the years, NRIs and HNIs have emerged as key drivers of demand in the premium segment. With market consolidation gaining momentum and more buyers gravitating towards trusted real estate brands, investor sentiment is expected to remain strong,” he said.

Aggarwal said that the Indian housing market continues to offer promising returns, and developers are aligning their offerings with the evolving aspirations of discerning buyers through projects that deliver both lifestyle and investment value.

Rahul Thomas, Whole Time Director, Suraj Estate Developers Limited said that the resurgence in India’s premium and luxury housing market is a direct result of evolved buyer behaviour - particularly among NRIs and HNIs who are actively seeking secure, future-proof investments.

“We have witnessed this shift first-hand, with a significant uptick in interest across our luxury portfolio in South-Central Mumbai. These buyers value more than just square footage - they’re very clear with their requirements, looking for a legacy address, superior specifications, and privacy. We believe listed and compliance-driven developers are best positioned to meet this rising demand with transparency and trust,” he said.

Saurabh Runwal, Director, Runwal Realty, said that the surge in premium and luxury real estate is a reflection of evolving buyer preferences — both among NRIs and HNIs.

"This surge is being driven by what we call the 'credibility premium'. Buyers today want the assurance of delivery, regulatory compliance, and long-term value creation. Trusted developers with a track record of excellence are leading this transformation — and in the process, redefining what luxury living means in India,” he said.

Gurugram rising as luxury real estate zone

While Mumbai continues to be the hub of India’s luxury real estate market, other metro cities like Gurugram, Hyderabad, and Bangalore are quickly rising as strong competitors, drawing a fresh wave of high-net-worth buyers and investors.

Gurugram has become a prime destination for luxury homes and leading developers are focusing on strategic locations like Southern Peripheral Road (SPR), Dwarka Expressway, New Gurugram and South of Gurugram, which offer great connectivity and are growing into complete urban communities.

Ashok Kapur, Chairman, Krishna Group and Krisumi Corporation, said that the surge in demand for premium properties, especially from HNIs and NRIs, is a clear testament to the strong shift in market sentiment towards quality living experiences.

“Developers, who recognise this trend, are consistently aligning their offerings with the aspirations of discerning buyers who seek world-class design, timely delivery, and a lifestyle that is truly unmatched,” he said.

Ashish Mishra
first published: Jun 5, 2025 01:51 pm

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