Author name: dreamspersqftmagazine

Pune’s commercial real estate (CRE) market in 2025 stands at an inflection point. After years of rapid expansion led by IT/ITES occupiers and Global Capability Centers (GCCs), the city is now defined by a flight to quality and a sharper focus on ecosystems over mere square footage. While macro headwinds moderated early leasing, Pune’s fundamentals—talent, infrastructure, and affordability—make it one of India’s most resilient and attractive office destinations. For the first time, Pune has supply spread across all micromarkets, rather than concentrated in a few corners. Occupiers can now match office strategies to talent pools, with both boutique formats and scalable office parks available. Notably, large-format campuses are making a comeback as firms consolidate into integrated work environments. 1. Demand Trends: From Quantity to Quality: GCC Momentum: BFSI, automotive R&D;, and engineering design remain growth engines, with several European and Asian mandates secured in Hinjewadi and Kharadi. Flight to Quality: Tenants are moving out of Grade B and older stock into Grade A+ campuses that prioritize sustainability, wellness, and technology integration. Flex & Managed Space: Pune demonstrates nearly 30% absorption from flex operators—the highest in the country. Many MNCs enter Pune through flex operators before graduating into independent campuses. This reinforces Pune’s distinction as the only non-capital city among India’s top five CRE hubs.  2. Supply Side: Controlled but Strategic: After the supply peaks of 2022–23, 2025 completions are more measured. Developers are phasing projects to align with demand. – Baner–Balewadi: Rising as a boutique-commercial hub for consulting firms, fintechs, and family offices. – Kharadi & Hinjewadi: Continue to dominate with GCC expansions and tech occupiers. – CBD (Koregaon Park & Bund Garden Road): Limited supply but steady demand for luxury, niche office formats. Notably, occupiers are prioritizing talent catchments over office availability, a structural shift in decision-making.  3. Rentals, Vacancy & Submarket Snapshot: Rents across prime submarkets such as Baner, Balewadi, and Kharadi have held steady with selective upward movement, while secondary markets remain stagnant. Citywide vacancy is in the mid-teens, though effective vacancy in prime Grade A+ assets is significantly lower. Prime submarkets such as Baner, Balewadi, and Kharadi have even seen rents inch upward, while secondary areas remain flat. 4. Key Drivers: – Sustainability: Green-certified campuses are now essential, not optional. – Talent: Pune continues to draw millennials and Gen Z professionals with its education ecosystem and lower living costs compared to Bengaluru or NCR. – Infrastructure: The metro expansion, Ring Road, and airport redevelopment are cementing long-term investor and occupier confidence.  5. Outlook: The Next Growth Cycle: Leasing in 2025 is projected at 5–6 million sq. ft. of annual absorption, with demand driven by GCC consolidations, flex operators, and select domestic enterprises. Medium term, Pune is positioned to lead the next wave of GCC growth in India. Developers delivering curated, scalable campuses balancing flexibility, sustainability, and lifestyle will shape Pune’s future skyline. The Pune office market of 2025 is no longer defined by raw square footage—it is about ecosystems, experience, and efficiency. With GCC momentum, flex-driven absorption, and robust infrastructure upgrades, Pune’s combination of talent depth, affordability, and quality real estate cements its role as a cornerstone of India’s CRE landscape in the decade ahead. TANUJ NAGRANI Founder, TSDN REALTORS LLP tanuj@tsdn.in+91 9923346669

A Game-Changer for South Pune’s Connectivity Pune’s southern corridor is set for a major transformation as MahaMetro prepares to unveil the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for a 20km Metro line from Shivajinagar to Kondhwa, with a vital spur extending to NIBM Road. Officials confirmed that the DPR will be ready within three months of appointing a consultant, with tender approvals already in the final stages. This corridor will act as an extension of the ongoing Hinjewadi–Shivajinagar Metro line (PMR-3), being developed under the PPP model by Tata. Once operational, it promises long-awaited relief for residents of Kondhwa, NIBM, and Yewalewadi—areas facing mounting traffic pressure due to rapid urbanization. Why This Line is Crucial Over the last decade, Kondhwa and Yewalewadi have emerged as prime residential hubs, balancing affordability with proximity to IT hubs such as Hadapsar and Magarpatta. NIBM Road, with its cosmopolitan profile, premium projects, reputed schools, and healthcare facilities, has further attracted homebuyers. However, infrastructure has struggled to keep pace. Daily traffic snarls on Kondhwa-Katraj Road, NIBM Road, and the Bibvewadi–Kondhwa corridor have made commuting to central Pune and Hinjewadi a frustrating ordeal. MLC Yogesh Tilekar, who raised the demand during the monsoon assembly session, emphasized: “Metro connectivity has been cleared up to Hadapsar, but Kondhwa and NIBM remain excluded. Fast-tracking this line will ease traffic chaos and support balanced growth.” Real Estate Implications For Pune’s property market, the Metro line carries significant potential: Improved Accessibility: Faster commutes to Shivajinagar will make Kondhwa–NIBM more attractive for professionals. Enhanced Property Values: Metro-enabled areas typically witness a 10–20% appreciation in property prices, fueling demand for new projects. Balanced Urban Growth: Extending rapid transit to the southern fringes will decongest central Pune and encourage sustainable expansion. Integration with Pune’s Wider Network The project is part of a broader expansion. With Khadakwasla–Hadapsar–Swargate and Kharadi lines already approved, Pune is moving toward a well-integrated Metro system. Future extensions, such as Hadapsar to Saswad linking to the upcoming Purandar International Airport, will further strengthen regional connectivity. What Lies Ahead Once the DPR is finalized, it will move to the state government and then to the Centre for approvals. While timelines remain fluid, the intent is clear—the Kondhwa–NIBM belt can no longer be left out of Pune’s transit map. The proposed Shivajinagar–Kondhwa Metro line with its NIBM spur is not just a transport upgrade—it’s a catalyst for South Pune’s growth. By reducing congestion, improving connectivity, and boosting real estate potential, the line will play a vital role in shaping Pune’s future as a sustainable, well-connected urban hub.  

When most people hear the phrase “charging premium,” they immediately think of higher price tags. But premium pricing isn’t about simply asking for more money. It’s about something far more valuable: certainty. Clients don’t pay premium rates because they enjoy spending extra. They pay because they want peace of mind. They’re paying to not worry. A high price signals a high level of assurance, but it also comes with an expectation — the more they pay, the more certainty they demand. If a client only hopes your product or service will work, you’re overpriced even at ₹10. But if they’re absolutely sure it will deliver, you’re underpriced even at ₹1 crore. The real work of selling at a premium isn’t justifying the cost — it’s eliminating uncertainty at every step. 1. Define the promise clearly Most offers fail because they’re vague. Spell out exactly what the client will get and how it benefits them. 2 Name the enemy Help clients identify the real pain you’re solving. When they see the problem clearly, your solution feels essential. 3. Prove it relentlessly Use testimonials, screenshots, case studies, and data. Proof converts doubt into trust. 4. Make your process transparent Mystery equals risk. Don’t just say “trust us.” Show your process, steps, and timelines to build confidence. 5. Handle objections proactively Premium buyers aren’t looking to haggle. They want to know you’ve anticipated every question. If price seems high, show ROI, evidence, and guidance. 6. Build in accountability Reassure clients you won’t disappear after payment. Ongoing support reinforces trust. 7. Guarantee confidently A strong guarantee shifts the risk from the client to you. Premium doesn’t mean risky — it means secure. The bottom line is simple: you don’t get paid for effort — you get paid for certainty. Your clients are buying the removal of doubt. If you want to charge premium, stop asking, “How can I make them pay more?” Instead, ask: “How can I make them so sure of the result that paying me feels safer than not paying me at all?” That’s the true foundation of premium pricing — not the price tag, but the certainty you provide. Udayan Prabhakar Mane CEO, Propbuying Realtors Pvt. Ltd. udayan@propbuying.com +91 8411912000

Real estate brokerage has always been a people business – built on trust, relationships, and local expertise. Yet today, we’re at a unique inflection point. Technology, globalisation and evolving consumer expectations are reshaping how we connect buyers with sellers, tenants with landlords, and investors with opportunities. For veterans of this industry, this change is not just rapid – it’s exponential. Over the years, I’ve led large brokerage networks, invested in proptech, advised infrastructure and asset management companies, and proudly served NAR-India in leadership capacities. The picture is clear: India’s brokerage profession is on the cusp of a transformation. Those who adapt will thrive; those who cling to yesterday’s methods risk being left behind. From Digitisation to Agentic Intelligence We moved from physical listings to online portals, from ledgers to CRMs. AI then enabled lead scoring, customer prediction and targeted marketing. Now comes agentic intelligence – AI as an active, decision-making partner. Such systems will analyse market data in real time, recommend pricing, flag deal bottlenecks and suggest cross-border opportunities. They won’t replace agents but elevate them, combining high-touch relationships with high-tech intelligence. Cross-Border Transactions: The Next Frontier Cross-border deals are no longer limited to the ultra-rich. Mid-segment investors seek overseas assets; NRIs dominate Indian markets. A client in Mumbai may want to invest in Dubai; an NRI in Toronto may want a home in Hyderabad. Cloud-based platforms and referral networks make cross-border deals as seamless as local ones – turning technology into a front-line revenue driver. MLS: The Missing Backbone in India India urgently needs a true Multiple Listing Service. Unlike portals that monetise broker data, an MLS ensures verified listings, automatic credit to listing agents, better co-broking and higher service standards. Most importantly, it gives brokers control of their own professional destiny as data becomes our industry’s currency. The Case for Professional Self-Reliance Portals and apps evolve into competitors. The answer isn’t confrontation but creation – own our data, strengthen client relationships, use social media directly, win exclusive mandates and build national networks that centre licensed professionals. AI, Agentic Systems and the Human Edge Technology is only as good as the professional using it. Future-ready brokers will blend AI with human skills – empathy, negotiation and market intuition – while maintaining ethical standards and client-centricity. Skills for the Next Decade Five core capabilities will define success: Tech-Enabled Intelligence Cross-Border Competence MLS Mastery Brand-Led Influence Financial Advisory Skills Think Local, Act Global, Be Glocal Indian brokers must remain undisputed local experts while plugging clients into opportunities worldwide – from advising NRIs on Indian markets to helping locals explore second homes abroad. An Industry Built on Collaboration Collaboration between brokers, developers and clients remains key. MLS, referral networks and joint mandates can enhance trust and transparency. Data-sharing and aligned incentives will amplify, not replace, human relationships. Purpose, Not Pessimism Change can feel overwhelming but it’s an invitation to redefine professionalism in India. The future belongs to brokers who combine high-touch relationships with high-tech tools, local expertise with global reach, and timeless values with timely innovation. The road ahead is challenging, but with purpose and unity we can lead change and ensure our profession is stronger, more respected and more relevant than ever. Authored by Sam Chopra: President & Country Leader, eXp Realty India; Chairman-India Operations, International Real Estate Partners; Venture Partner, India Accelerator; Former Vice Chairman & Past President, NAR-India; Board of Advisory, International MLS Forum; Podcast Host, The Real State of Real Estate Sam Chopra President, eXp Realty India

India’s residential real estate sector, despite coming off from the highs of 2022 and 2023, remains healthy dispelling concerns of supply built-up. The year 2025 will mirror 2024 as is evident from the launch and sales number so far this year. In the first nine months ending September 2025, new launches stood at 2,91,642 units and sales at 3,09,136 units. 2022 and 2023, the two years immediately after the pandemic, saw remarkable surge in the residential market. New launches grew by 33% in 2022 and 6% in 2023 while sales grew by 30% and 12% respectively. However, multiple factors, rising property prices being one of them, led to some moderation in 2024 with launches declining by 15% to 4,11,022 units and sales falling by 8% to 4,71,471 units. In the first nine months of 2025, housing sales and launches have shown dramatic decline with factors ranging from geo-political tensions to trade tariffs, economic uncertainties and heavy monsoon across India weighing upon homebuyers’ sentiments and slowing down the momentum. Despite launches declining continuously, the housing market remains healthy as the sales continue to be higher than the new launches. The year 2025 is expected to mirror 2024 with approximately 4 lakh unit launches and approximately 4.5 lakh sales, which is marginally lower than the 2024 numbers. Several trends have emerged even in the last two years, most noticeable being Bengaluru and Delhi-NCR. While Bengaluru emerged as the top housing supplier displacing traditional high supply markets like Pune, Thane and Hyderabad; Delhi NCR emerged as the luxury housing hub. Bengaluru has supplied more housing units in the last five quarters ending September 2025. In the nine months period, Bengaluru has seen the launch of 58,879 units as compared to 54,744 units in the same period last year, recording 8% growth. In 2024, the city saw 27% growth in new supply to 72,111 units. Trends suggest, 2025 will see the city surpass the launch numbers of 2024 indicating a strong end-user demand in the city known for a robust office stock, presence of global and domestic companies and ample job opportunities. On the sales front, the city has seen 49,554 units sold in nine months of 2025 as compared to 46,392 units in the same period last year, recording a growth of 7%. With current sales velocity, 2025 could surpass 2024 numbers of 61,116 units sold. Delhi-NCR, between 2022-24, saw 192% growth in new launches above Rs 1 crore. The region also pipped Mumbai and Hyderabad to emerge as the top selling housing market in 2024 owing to 66% growth in sales value in Gurugram alone at Rs 1.06 lakh crore. The total sales value of Delhi NCR rose by 63% in 2024 to Rs 1.53 lakh crore while that of Mumbai stood at Rs 1.38 lakh crore, up 13% and Hyderabad at Rs 1.05 lakh crore, down 18%. In Delhi-NCR, the weighted average sales price has gone up to Rs 12,469 per sq. ft. with absorption size of units rising to 2229 sq. ft. in 2024. More than half of the absorption has been in homes priced Rs 2 crore and above and a quarter in homes priced between Rs 1-2 crore. Samir Jasuja Founder and CEO, PropEquity samirjasuja@gmail.com +91 87438 08789