Despite ongoing geopolitical tensions and global economic headwinds, India’s office market continued its upward trajectory in H1 2025, demonstrating strong growth momentum. The Top 7 cities collectively recorded gross leasing activity of approximately 38 million sq. ft., alongside the addition of around 25 million sq. ft. of new supply to the market. This represents a ~21% y-o-y increase in gross leasing compared to the same period in 2024, underscoring the resilience and sustained demand within India’s commercial real estate sector.
Widespread Leasing Momentum:
- For the first time in the history of India’s office market, five out of the top seven cities recorded leasing activity exceeding 5 million sq. ft. in H1 2025. Notably, all seven cities registered positive y-o-y growth in gross leasing compared to H1 2024.
- This momentum reflects increasing occupier confidence, especially from GCCs, flex space providers, and companies across sectors like technology, BFSI, engineering, and manufacturing.
Absorption Leaders:
- Bengaluru led office leasing activity in H1 2025, accounting for 28% of total absorption at approximately 10.5 million sq. ft., reaffirming its position as the country’s leading office market.
- It was followed by Delhi NCR and Chennai with 15% each, Hyderabad at 14%, and Mumbai also at 14%, indicating broad-based demand across key commercial hubs.
- Chennai, Hyderabad, and Bengaluru recorded the highest y-o-y growth, each witnessing over 20% increase in leasing volumes compared to H1 2024.
While the technology sector remained the primary demand driver across all major cities, leasing activity was also supported by sector-specific momentum — including engineering and manufacturing, and aviation in Bengaluru; BFSI and consulting in Delhi NCR and Mumbai, and strong demand for flex spaces in Hyderabad and Chennai.
Supply Trends:
- With fresh supply of over 25.5 million sq. ft. in H1 2025, reflecting a 16% year-on-year increase compared to the same period in 2024.
- Bengaluru led new completions with 8.1 million sq. ft., accounting for 32% of total supply and recording a ~5% growth over H1 2024.
- Pune and Delhi NCR followed with 30% and 15% shares, respectively. Collectively, these three cities contributed 77% of the new supply during the period.
In Bengaluru a new supply was led by North Bengaluru due to its proximity to KIA and infrastructure upgrades. Pune saw supply concentration in Kharadi and Viman Nagar, driven by strong connectivity and IT demand. Whereas in Delhi NCR, most additions were in Golf Course Road, Gurgaon, owing to its prime location and connectivity.
Vacancy Compression:
- India’s overall office vacancy declined to 15.5% in H1 2025, a reduction of 120 basis points from 2024, as demand outpaced supply in most major cities.
- Chennai reported the lowest vacancy at 8.9%, followed by Mumbai (10.4%) and Bengaluru (12.4%), driven by strong absorption and limited new supply.
- Bengaluru witnessed a notable 13% year-on-year reduction in vacancy, driven by robust demand across sectors.
- In contrast, Hyderabad (24.2%) and Delhi NCR (18.5%) continued to record high vacancies, owing to large vacant stock and moderate leasing activity.
These dynamics underscore a growing demand-supply disparity across markets, with core cities moving toward tighter vacancy environments.
Outlook:
- India’s commercial real estate sector is set to maintain its strong performance through 2025, supported by a diversifying occupier mix, stable supply inflow, and growing investor interest.
- Driven by sustained demand from GCCs, flex space operators, technology, BFSI, and engineering & manufacturing sectors, office leasing across the top 7 cities is projected to reach 70–75 million sq. ft. by year-end.
- Established markets such as Bengaluru, Delhi NCR, Hyderabad, and Chennai are expected to command the majority share of this demand.
- As leasing momentum continues to outpace new completions, vacancy levels are anticipated to decline by an additional 50–100 basis points, reaching approximately 14.5%.
- Furthermore, occupier decisions are increasingly being shaped by a focus on ESG compliance, green-certified developments, and wellness-oriented workplace environments.