MILLIONAIRES' REALTY RUSH

India's luxury and ultra-luxury housing market is witnessing unprecedented growth — what is driving this soaring demand?

- BY ASHISH SINHA

NDIA‘S SKYLINE is being redrawn, but not just with glass and steel. It is the rise of luxury and ultra-luxury housing that’s capturing the imagination of the nation’s elite. From Mumbai's iconic high-rises to sprawling private residences in Delhi-NCR, the market is witnessing a dramatic shift— powered by global lifestyle trends, burgeoning wealth, and evolving consumer expectations.

Amit Goyal, Managing Director, India Sotheby's International Realty, says, “Branded residences are redefining luxury living.” Globally, over 1,05,000 branded units span 750 projects, with India accounting for roughly 3 per cent of this market. By 2027, the country is expected to have nearly 1,200 branded residences, a growth of almost 60 per cent, signaling strong appetite among high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) for integrated lifestyle offerings. The Trump Residences in Gurugram, Four Seasons Private Residences in Mumbai, and Ritz-Carlton Residences in Bengaluru are now benchmarking against New York, London, and Singapore — but what sets them apart is not marble alone; it is concierge services, private wellness programmes, gourmet dining, and global membership privileges, fostering like-minded communities rather than just physical homes.

The numbers tell the story vividly. Despite a slight dip in overall residential unit volumes, the total sales value in Q3 2025 rose 14 per cent — from around Rs 1.33 lakh crore in Q3 2024 to Rs 1.52 lakh crore this year. Anuj Puri, Chairman, ANAROCK Group, notes, This suggests that buyers are increasingly gravitating toward premium and ultra-luxury units, prioritising quality, location, and experiences over mere square footage.