India Sees 55% Rise In Branded Homes Over Past 5 Years: What's Driving The Boom?

India is rapidly emerging as a major player in the global branded residences market, where homes are no longer just places to live but symbols of lifestyle, identity, and legacy. According to Knight Frank’s

2025 report, India ranks sixth globally in live branded residence projects, contributing nearly 4% of the world’s supply. The market, valued at about $5 billion, has expanded sharply, with the number of branded homes rising by 55% over the past five years and more than 160% over the last decade. Industry players expect a further 60% rise, driven by a growing base of HNIs and UHNIs seeking premium amenities, enhanced security, and brand-backed assurance.

As demand matures, India’s luxury real estate landscape is increasingly being shaped by collaborations between global hospitality brands, international design houses, and new-age Indian developers. These partnerships are introducing hospitality-driven living, wellness-led architecture, and curated lifestyle offerings, signalling a clear shift from conventional luxury towards immersive, brand-backed living environments. The trend is most visible in Tier-1 corridors such as Gurugram and Mumbai, where several developers are redefining premium living through global experience and brand credibility.

The design-focused segment of branded homes is also gaining momentum. As Sidharth Chowdhry, managing director of Dalcore Projects, said, “Luxury real estate in India is undergoing a paradigm shift, from conventional opulence to design-led, brand-backed living that delivers privacy, global aesthetics and long-term value. Branded residences today command 30-40% premium and have witnessed appreciation of up to 60-70% in top micro-markets.”

Reflecting on the broader trend, Rajat Khandelwal, group CEO of Tribeca Developers, said, “The demand for branded luxury homes is not a fleeting trend but the future of ultra-premium real estate. As wealth grows and buyers become more discerning, they seek more than opulence; they want curated experiences, trust, and the prestige of a name that stands for excellence. A younger, globally exposed buyer base is driving this shift, prioritising hospitality-level services, design credibility, and long-term value. With this evolution, cities like Mumbai, Delhi-NCR, and Gurugram are emerging as the next hubs for branded luxury living.”

A major milestone in this space is Trump Residences in Gurugram, developed by Smartworld and Tribeca. Launched in May 2025, the 1.2 million sq. ft. project, comprising two 51-storey towers, sold all 298 homes on the very first day, generating Rs 3,250 crore in sales. This strong response underscores the depth of demand and buyer confidence in branded luxury housing in India.

Ashish Jerath, president (sales & marketing) of Smartworld Developers, said, “India is rapidly moving up the income curve and adding one of the highest numbers of millionaires globally. As seen earlier in markets like the US, Singapore and the UAE, rising affluence drives a natural shift, from meeting basic needs to seeking premium amenities and ultimately branded luxury. Exposure through global travel and social media has accelerated this change, with buyers now expecting international designs, hospitality-level services and globally recognised brands at home.”

Sam Chopra, president & country head of eXp Realty India, summed up the shift succinctly: “India’s luxury real estate market stands at a defining inflection point where aspiration meets global alignment. The rise of branded residences signals more than growing affluence, it reflects an evolved homebuyer mindset that values design excellence, experiential living, and a sense of global belonging. What was once about ownership is now about identity and legacy. The collaboration between global brands and visionary Indian developers is reshaping the meaning of luxury, combining international craftsmanship with local authenticity.”

Sudeep Bhatt, director (strategy) at Whiteland Corporation, said, said, “India’s branded residences market is witnessing a structural shift, driven by discerning buyers who are no longer investing only in real estate, but in globally benchmarked living experiences that preserve and steadily enhance long-term value while supporting generational living aspirations. The strong growth reflects this evolving preference for managed, service-led homes that offer predictable performance, resilience across market cycles and superior value appreciation. Branded residences today are not merely a lifestyle upgrade, but a future-ready investment anchored in credibility, consistency, value preservation, generational continuity and long-term value creation through global brand assurance.”

The rise of branded residences, fuelled by expanding wealth and global lifestyle aspirations, is reshaping India’s luxury housing market. These homes typically command a premium over conventional luxury properties, reflecting the value buyers place on trusted design, hotel-style services, and stronger long-term returns. As the trend expands beyond major metros into newer urban centres, branded residences are evolving into more than just homes—they represent identity, community, and aspiration. With the convergence of global brand appeal and Indian sensibilities, this segment is positioning India as one of the fastest-growing luxury housing markets worldwide.