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India breaks into the global top tier for branded residences, says Savills

India’s major cities are becoming hotspots for branded residential developments as global demand accelerates.

India has entered the global top ten for branded residential developments, marking a turning point for the country’s luxury housing sector, according to new analysis from Savills.

The Savills Branded Residences 2025–26 Report shows that India now sits alongside the United States, the UAE, Thailand and Vietnam in terms of the number of branded residential projects either completed or in progress.

The worldwide total is expected to reach about 910 schemes by 2025, reflecting the rapid expansion of this once-niche segment.

Savills reports that branded residence supply across the Asia-Pacific region has increased by roughly 55 per cent over the past five years.

India is identified as one of the main drivers of that growth, together with Vietnam and Thailand.

Analysts at The Economic Times attribute India’s rise to several factors: increasing household wealth, a broader base of luxury buyers, and heightened interest from international hospitality and lifestyle brands seeking to enter or expand in the country.

Premium potential in emerging Indian metros

The report places major Indian cities such as Mumbai, Delhi NCR and Bengaluru in its “Emerging Cities” category.

Savills notes that markets in this category often see stronger price premiums than long-established global hubs.

Globally, branded residences attract an average premium of about 33 per cent.

In India, early collaborations between developers and well-known international brands are already showing signs of higher absorption, increased confidence among buyers, and growing appetite for professionally managed luxury living.

Dubai remains the world’s most active branded residence market, with 64 completed schemes and another 87 in the pipeline.

Savills highlights the strong property link between India and Dubai, driven by tax advantages, international connectivity and lifestyle appeal in the emirate.

High-net-worth Indian buyers are among the most active cross-border purchasers in Dubai’s premium residential market, creating what the report calls one of the most significant luxury corridors globally.

The Savills report identifies several global trends with particular relevance to India:

Branded weekend and ‘two-hour’ homes

The idea of premium homes located a short drive from major cities continues to gain traction worldwide. Indian equivalents are emerging, including:

  • Mumbai to Alibaug and Lonavala
  • Delhi to Rishikesh and Neemrana
  • Bengaluru to Coorg

These locations are increasingly seen as ideal for branded wellness, nature-oriented and lifestyle-driven developments.

Growth of non-hotel partnerships

International fashion, automotive and design brands are entering the branded residence market.

Savills notes that this opens opportunities for Indian developers seeking new types of collaborations beyond traditional hotel chains.

New categories on the horizon

Future demand is expected in branded schemes linked to sport, gaming and entertainment.

With India’s strong positions in cricket, digital gaming and film production, the country is well placed to benefit from these emerging sub-sectors.

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Catherine Nikas-Boulos

Catherine Nikas-Boulos is the Digital Editor at Elite Agent and has spent the last 20 years covering (and coveting) real estate around the country.