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The country ranks 10th globally in pipeline projects, accounting for 2% of future supply among the 83 countries surveyed, reflecting its steady growth as a major player in the global luxury real estate landscape.
Although India’s growth is still nascent compared to mature markets such as the United States, UAE and UK, it underlines the deep appetite for lifestyle-driven housing among the country’s growing affluent class.
Demand for luxury supported by growing wealth base
The report attributes India’s growing prominence in the region to its growing population of ultra-wealthy individuals. In 2024, there were 85,698 individuals in the country with a net worth of more than $10 million, representing 3.7% of the global high-net-worth population. This expanding wealth base is driving demand for branded residences that combine international brand reputation with exclusive design, high-end amenities and hospitality-grade services.
“India’s branded residences sector is still relatively young but is rapidly making its mark on the global stage,” said Shishir Baijal, Chairman and Managing Director, Knight Frank India.
“Ranked sixth worldwide for live-in projects and supported by a rapidly growing wealth base of approximately 86,000 ultra-wealthy individuals, India represents one of the most significant pools of future demand for branded living. What makes the market unique is the way these residences combine global brand prestige with culturally nuanced design and services that appeal to those seeking exclusivity, security and a truly global lifestyle. “Attract buyers.”
Urban centers are leading the way, leisure markets are emerging
Domestically, Mumbai, Delhi-NCR, Bengaluru and Pune are leading the branded residence landscape, supported by strong demand from high-income professionals, entrepreneurs and NRIs. Meanwhile, boosted by growing tourism, better infrastructure and growing popularity of wellness and leisure-based living, Goa and Uttarakhand are emerging as preferred destinations for second homes and lifestyle-oriented investments.
According to Knight Frank, India’s evolving real estate ecosystem – marked by increasing transparency, institutional participation and premium positioning by top developers – makes it one of the most attractive markets for luxury brands looking to establish a long-term presence in Asia-Pacific.
Developers have started partnering with global hospitality and design brands to differentiate projects and reach out to aspiring home buyers. While hospitality-based partnerships (such as with the Four Seasons, Ritz-Carlton and Leela) remain prominent, new collaborations with automobile and fashion brands such as Bentley, Armani and Versace are emerging, reflecting the growing diversity of the sector.
Global context: speed and changing geography
Globally, the branded accommodation sector continues to expand at a rapid pace. Research from Knight Frank shows the number of branded residence schemes is set to grow from 169 in 2011 to 611 in 2025, with the figure expected to cross 1,000 by 2030. Correspondingly, the total branded residence units are projected to increase from 27,000 in 2011 to over 162,000 by 2030.
“The branded accommodation sector has experienced strong continued growth,” said Liam Bailey, global head of research at Knight Frank. “The pace is set to accelerate from 2023 due to growing demand for branded living and developers’ appetite for premium positioning.”
While growth is expected to slow slightly after 2028, Knight Frank projects continued expansion supported by geographic diversification and the entry of new non-hotel luxury brands.
The United States remains the world’s largest branded residences market, but its dominance is gradually waning. North America’s share of global plans is expected to decline from 32.7% of live projects to 26.2% of pipeline projects as new hotspots emerge. The Middle East – particularly the UAE and Saudi Arabia – has seen the most significant growth, with its share in pipeline development rising from 15.9% of live projects to 26.7%.
In the Asia-Pacific region, Thailand and India are leading the growth path, even as the region’s overall share has declined slightly amid competition from the Middle East.
Hotel brands still dominate
Despite the growing presence of fashion, automotive and lifestyle brands in the region, hotel brands continue to dominate, accounting for 83% of existing branded accommodations globally. Although their share is projected to decline slightly to around 80% in the coming years, they still remain the backbone of the sector.
In particular, hotel brands are increasingly pursuing standalone branded residences – projects that are not co-located with hotels. Currently, 82% of live hotel-branded plans are linked to hotels, but this is expected to fall to 70% in the pipeline. North America and the Middle East are leading this standalone trend, with 49% and 43% of their upcoming projects, respectively, planned as independent residential developments.
India’s way forward
For India, the next phase of growth in branded residences will likely depend on the intersection of global brand collaboration, lifestyle aspirations and regulatory maturity. As luxury home buyers are increasingly looking for properties that blend exclusivity, service and property value, developers are expected to increase partnerships with international brands.
Industry experts say the appeal of branded residences lies not only in the prestige attached to global names, but also in the perceived price stability, advanced maintenance standards and better resale potential they offer.
With its growing pool of high net worth individuals and the growing global exposure of its luxury homebuyers, India is set to play an even bigger role in shaping the next wave of branded living in Asia.
As Baijal says, “From the skyline of Mumbai to the hills of Uttarakhand, India’s branded residences are not just homes – they are lifestyle statements that symbolize global aspirations rooted in local culture.”