Office space transactions hit a record 28.2 million sq ft in Q1, rising 74% YoY, as per Knight Frank. GCCs led with 44% share (12.4 million sq ft), followed by third-party IT services at 19% (5.5 million sq ft). Bengaluru dominated GCC activity with 65% share. Knight Frank India expects the office space segment to grow by 5-6% in 2025, aiming for 75-78 million square feet.

Knight Frank report says that India’s residential sales rose 2% YoY to 88,274 units in Q1 2025, led by premium homes above INR 1 crore (46% share). Ultra-luxury sales surged 483%. Mumbai topped with 24,930 units. Supply outpaced demand for the tenth quarter, with 96,309 launches. Bengaluru saw the highest YoY launch growth at 26%.

Mumbai’s railway project, meant for completion by March 2021, is only 26% done despite INR 500.9 crore spent, an audit revealed. Delays stem from poor planning, land acquisition issues, and non-compliance with Railway Board guidelines. The Baseline Socio-Economic survey remains incomplete after 11 years, further stalling progress.

Thailand-based Dusit International announced plans to expand in India, following the soft opening of dusitD2 Fagu near Shimla. Upcoming projects include Dusit Princess hotels in Raipur, Bhiwadi, Kolkata, and Lonavala, plus boutique Dusit Collection properties in Kasol and Manali. A luxury Devarana retreat is set for Sakleshpur in 2028.

Microsoft is pulling back on data centre expansion, halting or delaying projects in the UK, US, Indonesia, and Australia. Analysts cite power constraints and uncertain AI demand as key factors. Despite this, Microsoft insists it remains committed to infrastructure growth, adjusting its strategy based on evolving market conditions.

Institutional investments in Indian real estate grew by 31% year-on-year to USD 1.3 billion in Q1 2025, driven by a surge in residential inflows, according to Colliers India. Domestic investors contributed 60% of the total inflows, with industrial, warehousing, and office segments seeing significant investment.

Mahindra Lifespace Developers has been selected for the redevelopment of two residential societies in Lokhandwala Complex, Andheri West, Mumbai, valued at INR 1,200 crore. The project falls under the state’s cluster development scheme. The company is also redeveloping projects in Mahalaxmi and Andheri.

The U.S. has imposed a 26% reciprocal tariff on India, effective from April 9, citing high Indian tariffs and non-tariff barriers. President Trump’s move is part of a broader policy imposing 10% tariffs on all imports and higher duties on China (34%) and Vietnam (46%). The U.S. trade deficit with India stands at USD 46 billion. Experts warn the move could push India towards alternative trade alliances.

The Karnataka High Court has permitted the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to investigate all accused in the MUDA site allotment case, excluding former MUDA commissioner D B Natesh. The ED can continue its probe using seized documents. The case involves Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s wife, Parvathi, who allegedly received high-value compensatory plots in Mysuru.

Students at the University of Hyderabad (UoH) continued protests against the Telangana government’s development of a 400-acre land parcel bordering the university. Petitioners challenged the land allotment to Telangana Industrial Infrastructure Corporation (TGIIC), citing ecological concerns. The High Court has ordered the state to justify the project, with further hearings scheduled for April 3.

The Uttar Pradesh State Urban Development Agency (SUDA) terminated contracts of nine City Level Technical Cells (CLTCs) under PMAY Urban 2.0 for failing to meet targets. The agencies failed to assist urban local bodies and identify eligible beneficiaries. Officials stated that new registrations for housing subsidies would be delayed.

Tamil Nadu Urban Habitat Development Board’s (TNUHDB) Chennai housing projects face delays as contractor M/s Ramalingam Construction Company (P) Ltd fails deadlines. The INR 118.53 crore Andimaniyam Thottam project is only 15% complete instead of 45%, while the INR 85 crore BRN Garden project stands at 11% instead of 20%. Penalties imposed.

Zirakpur Municipal Council recovered INR 45 lakh in property tax arrears on March 31, closing FY 2024-25 with INR 22.38 crore in collections. Over 2,000 defaulters paid after receiving notices. Strict actions, including sealing warnings, drove compliance.

Nagpur Municipal Corporation collected INR 306 crore in property tax for FY 2024-26, achieving 94% of its INR 325 crore target. The estate department exceeded expectations, collecting INR 18.26 crore, driven by leasing and anti-encroachment efforts.

Thane Municipal Corporation collected INR 810 crore in property tax for FY 2024-25, achieving 95% of its INR 850 crore target. Digital payments, mobile van camps, and enforcement measures boosted collections. The Majiwada-Manpada ward led with INR 246.14 crore. Revenue increased by INR 108 crore from the previous year.

Lucknow Municipal Corporation collected INR 579 crore in property tax for FY 2024-25, a 36% rise from INR 425.8 crore in 2023-24. Increase in the number of taxpayers, property sealing drives, and digital payments boosted revenue. Overall tax and non-tax collections rose to INR 1,355.3 crore.

Chandigarh’s property tax rates have tripled from April 1, with residential properties taxed at INR 3 per sq. ft. and commercial properties at 6% of ARV. A rebate scheme from April 1 to May 31 offers 20% off for residential and 10% for commercial properties. Late payments face a 25% penalty.

Nashik Municipal Corporation collected a record INR 256 crore in property tax for 2024-25, exceeding its INR 245 crore target. Water tax revenue declined by 8.3% to INR 49.6 crore. A rebate scheme offers up to 10% off for early online payments, reducing to 1% after June.

The Lucknow Development Authority partnered with 20 RERA-registered agents to boost sales of 1,000 unsold flats priced between INR 22 lakh and INR 1 crore. Agents will earn 1.5%-2.5% commission. Discounts of 3%-6% are offered for full payments within 45-90 days, with reduced upfront costs for government employees.

Residents of Bhopal’s Arera Colony protested rampant commercialisation in their residential area, citing illegal showrooms, hotels, and restaurants. The Supreme Court issued strict guidelines against unauthorised commercial buildings, mandating completion certificates before occupancy. Residents urged authorities to act, blaming officials for permitting commercial activities under residential approvals.

Vedaanta Senior Living reported a 55% revenue growth in FY 2024-25, reinforcing its leadership in South India’s senior living sector. The company’s success is driven by resident engagement, transparency, and demand for micro-communities. It also launched "The Together Community" for autistic adults in partnership with Together Foundation.

JSW Realty has signed a deal to restore and redevelop Taj Villa, a 1930s heritage bungalow on Carter Road, Bandra West. A 14-storey tower will be built behind the villa, preserving its Art Deco design. The Gore family, owners of the INR 300 crore plot, will receive floors in the new tower.

Jane Street is expanding its Hong Kong office, negotiating to lease two more floors at Chater House, increasing its space to 110,000 sq ft. It earned USD 6.1 billion in H1 2024 and remains a key market maker on the Hong Kong bourse.

US construction spending rose 0.7% in February, exceeding forecasts, as lower mortgage rates boosted single-family homebuilding. Year-on-year spending grew 2.9%. Private construction rose 0.9%, residential investment 1.3%. Tariffs on imported goods remain a concern. Public construction increased 0.2%, with federal spending down 1.6%.

Bangkok’s condo market faces further strain after a Myanmar earthquake damaged 13,000 buildings, deterring buyers. The oversupply issue persists, with 235,000 unsold units and a 37% sales decline in 2024. Developers face inspection costs, but landed homes may gain demand. Analysts expect the impact to be short-lived, with no major structural damages reported.

HDFC Asset Management launched Tap2Invest, a WhatsApp-based facility for KYC-verified investors to invest in mutual funds seamlessly. This industry-first initiative simplifies the investment process through a tap-based experience, enhancing efficiency and accessibility for HDFC Mutual Fund investors.

India’s manufacturing PMI rose to an eight-month high of 58.1 in March 2025, up from 56.3 in February, according to S&P Global. The index has remained above the expansion threshold of 50 for 45 consecutive months, indicating sustained growth in the manufacturing sector.

East Kolkata has outpaced South Kolkata in property prices within the sub-INR 2 crore segment for the second year in a row, as per a report by NK Realtors. While East Kolkata leads in price growth, extended East Kolkata, including Rajarhat and New Town, recorded the highest sales at 3,716 units, while East Kolkata saw the lowest at 496 units.

Realty firm Trinity has announced an investment of INR 1,200 crore to develop 'Sky Palazzo Residences', an 11-acre luxury housing project on Dwarka Expressway, Gurugram. Scheduled for completion by 2029, the first phase will comprise 345 apartments.

According to the revised ready reckoner (RR) rates, Prabhat Road is Pune’s costliest land at INR 86,710 per sqm, while Erandwane leads residential rates at INR 1,80,950 per sqm. Developers criticised the rise, citing inflated property costs, higher taxation, and affordability concerns, particularly for budget homebuyers.

Paytm partnered with Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) to install 400+ EDC devices for property tax collection, enabling instant digital payments. The card machines, installed at collection centres and used for door-to-door service, allow Hyderabad residents to pay property taxes using credit cards, debit cards, and QR codes. GHMC collects INR 5-7 crore monthly, rising to INR 22 crore at peak times.

India’s 10-year bond yields fell nine basis points to 6.49% on Wednesday after the RBI announced bond purchases worth INR 80,000 crore in April. Yields have dropped 62 bps in FY 2024-25, their steepest decline in five years. The US 10-year Treasury yield also fell to 4.12%.