New Delhi: India's resilience and ongoing positive trend across major real estate segments, particularly the office sector, comes at a time when many markets in Greater China and Australia are experiencing softened sentiment and lower leasing activity, according to the CBRE Asia Pacific Market Sentiment Survey.
According to the study, this solid performance is fueled by high occupier confidence and ongoing rental increase in its key cities.
India's continued office market momentum and elevated sentiment index underscore the country's expanding position as a stable and robust investment destination. As Asia-Pacific (APAC) colleagues experience weakening demand, India's diversified occupier base, tech-driven demand, and long-term fundamentals are maintaining leasing markets active, according to Anshuman Magazine, Chairman & CEO India, SouthEast Asia, Middle East & Africa, CBRE.
Notably, India's Office Market Sentiment Index jumped substantially between September 2024 and June 2025, exceeding the 70% threshold and reaching the highest sentiment ever recorded in the country. This indicates sustained speed in office leasing, driven by robust demand from industries such as IT, BFSI, and Global Capability Centres (GCCs).
While renewal versus relocation decisions dominated leasing activity in most office markets, India and Japan stood out for their continued expansionary demand, whereas Korea and Singapore showed a softening trend.
This optimistic trend is backed by a recent CBRE office leasing study, which shows a 5% year-on-year rise in total gross office leasing to 18 million square feet across nine Indian cities from January to March 2025, indicating sustained occupier confidence in the face of global economic challenges.
India's retail sector demonstrated robust resilience when compared to its APAC equivalents. Despite a minor decline in leasing activity, the market remains very optimistic. Indian merchants are strategically expanding into high-traffic, high-potential areas within major urban centres, indicating persistent consumer demand and strong long-term confidence in the country's retail market.
Ada Choi, Head of Research APAC at CBRE, stated that while much of the region is adapting to post-pandemic occupancy patterns, India is defining its own growth trajectory. Its commercial properties, especially offices, demonstrate strong demand and rental stability. This endurance places India in a strong position for ongoing growth, particularly as global firms reassess and diversify their APAC presence.
