India's top 15 high-activity micro markets drive 65% of office demand, 76% of new supply
Bengaluru
: India's office
real estate market
is being driven by 15 high-activity
micro markets
, which together have accounted for two-thirds of the country's office
demand
and over three-fourths of new
supply
since 2020, according to a new report by Colliers titled 'India Office: Micro Market Insights.'
Spread across major cities — including Bengaluru,
Delhi NCR
, Pune, Hyderabad, Chennai, and
Mumbai
— these micro markets are expected to each witness at least 1 million sq ft of average annual demand and new supply over the next few years. Their prominence marks a clear shift in how India's commercial real estate ecosystem is evolving, both in scale and investment potential.
'These 15 micro markets have become the backbone of India's Grade A office demand and are expected to remain the top destinations for occupiers and investors alike. In fact, annual demand and supply in each of these high activity micro markets is likely to be at least 2-3X times vis-à-vis average of othermarkets,' said Arpit Mehrotra, Managing Director, Office Services, Colliers India.
Between 2020 and Q1 2025, these 15 micro markets accounted for 166.8 million sq ft of office space absorption out of the total 255.1 million sq ft across top Indian cities. At the same time, 172.2 million sq ft of new supply was added in these markets — amounting to 76% of the nationwide figure.
The high-activity micro markets include four in Bengaluru, three each in
Delhi
NCR and Pune, two each in Hyderabad and Chennai, and one in Mumbai. Notably, most of them fall within secondary and peripheral business districts (SBDs and PBDs), which are increasingly favored by
Global Capability Centers
(GCCs) and flex space operators.
Leading micro markets have also seen a major concentration of GCC and flexible workspace demand. Since 2020, 73% of GCC leasing — around 70 million sq ft — has been in the top 10 micro markets, with ORR, Whitefield, SBD 1 and North in Bengaluru, SBD & Off SBD in Hyderabad and OMR Zone 1 & MPR in Chennai, accounting for the lion's share.
Flex space operators have similarly gravitated toward select
commercial real esate
hubs. Of the total 38 million sq ft of flex leasing in India since 2020, 59% took place in the top 10 micro markets. The segment has grown at a CAGR of 54%, with SBD Hyderabad, ORR Bengaluru, and Baner-Balewadi Pune leading flex space absorption.
While the overall vacancy in India's Grade A office stock stands at 16.2%, nearly 30% of micro markets are operating at sub-10% vacancy levels. High-demand markets like CBD Bengaluru, Guindy in Chennai, and Delhi NCR's Aerocity , Cybercity and MG Road continue to show resilience with tight occupancies and rising rentals.
Micro markets in Mumbai and Delhi NCR dominate the list of most expensive locations, with Andheri East, BKC, CBD ,Lower Parel, Worli-Parabhadevi, Goregaon/JVLR and Kalina in Mumbai, and Golf Course Road, South Delhi, Aerocity and CBD in NCR among the top. 'Markets with significant rental appreciation post-2020 are also those with the highest demand and supply. This trend is expected to continue in favor of landlords, particularly in sustainable, green-certified office buildings,' said Vimal Nadar, Head of Research, Colliers India.
The report also notes that India has 488 million sq ft of REIT-worthy Grade A office space, of which 56% lies within the top 10 micro markets. Impressively, 72% of the stock in these micro markets is either already listed under REITs or has the potential to be listed. Key markets in Bengaluru and Hyderabad alone account for 38% of this REIT-qualified inventory.
With improving infrastructure, emerging locations are also gaining momentum and are likely to complement the established hubs. India's competitive rentals — with nearly 60% of active markets offering near- or sub-dollar rates — make it an attractive destination for global occupiers seeking consolidation and cost arbitrage.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
30 minutes ago
- Time of India
Reliance Power bids for global tenders to build 1,500 MW gas plant
Anil Ambani 's Reliance Power Ltd is planning to set up a 1,500-MW gas-based power project overseas and is actively participating in several international tenders for its development, according to sources. Sources said, Reliance Power has submitted competitive bids for gas-based power projects in Kuwait, UAE, and Malaysia as part of its selective global expansion strategy. The company has recently secured two mega power projects in Bhutan - a 500-MW solar project and a 770-MW hydropower project. Based on the outcome of the ongoing international bids, Reliance Power plans to relocate two 750 MW modules of world-class equipment currently in its possession in India. The proposed project is expected to create significant value in Reliance Power's balance sheet, as the company aims to realise up to Rs 2,000 crore through the monetisation of these assets. When contacted, a Reliance Power spokesperson confirmed the company's participation in global tenders. Originally, the company had imported three modules of 750 MW world class equipment from General Electric, USA, for a gas-based combined cycle power project, out of which one module was exported to Bangladesh for an LNG based power project in partnership with Japan's JERA. Now, Reliance Power intends to deploy the remaining two modules for a similar project at an overseas location. The demand for gas-based power - widely regarded as a clean energy source - is significantly high in countries such as Kuwait, the UAE, and Malaysia. However, global suppliers like GE typically require 3 to 5 years to deliver equipment for gas or LNG-based power plants. In contrast, Reliance Power has 1,500 MW of equipment readily available, enabling it to execute such projects in the shortest possible timeframe. Reliance Power is actively focusing on renewable and clean energy. The company has a strong development pipeline, including 2.5 GWp of utility-scale solar projects and more than 2.5 GWh of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS). This positions Reliance Power as the largest private sector player in the integrated solar + BESS segment in India. Reliance Power has also entered into a joint venture with the Bhutan Government's Druk Holding & Investments (DHI) for the development of a 500 -MW solar project and a 770-MW hydropower project in Bhutan. This marks the largest foreign direct investment by an Indian private company in Bhutan's renewable energy sector.
Time of India
30 minutes ago
- Time of India
Bangladesh settles $384 million payment to Adani Power amid financial struggles
Bangladesh paid $384 million to Adani Power in June, significantly reducing its outstanding dues under a power supply agreement with the Indian firm, according to sources. In June (till June 27), Bangladesh has paid $384 million of the committed $437 million to be paid during the month, two sources aware of the matter said. This would clear Bangladesh's "admitted" claims till March 31. With this, Adani's "claimed" dues, while still substantial, will come down to around $500 million (assuming Bangladesh meets its month-end commitment), they said. Bangladesh has struggled to meet its payment obligations under the 2017 deal, as rising import costs following the Russia-Ukraine conflict in 2022 and domestic political turmoil - which led to the ouster of prime minister Sheikh Hasina - strained the country's finances. As a result, Adani had halved supply last year and full supplies were resumed in March 2025 after the country's monthly payments started covering some of the dues. With the latest payments, Bangladesh has paid nearly $1.5 billion of the roughly $2 billion total billed amount. Adani has reportedly agreed to waive late payment surcharge (LPS) for January-June period, amounting to about $20 million, if Bangladesh keeps its payment commitment. Sources said both parties are engaged in discussion to resolve some issues related to coal cost and plant capacity calculations. These are the key reasons behind the difference between "claimed" and "admitted" dues. When contacted, an Adani Power spokesperson confirmed the payments but didn't share details on "claimed" and "agreed" dues stating these discussions are private. The 2017 power supply deal between Adani Power and Bangladesh had come in for scrutiny after the ouster of the Sheikh Hasina-led government last year. Interim government, led by Nobel Peace prize laureate Muhammad Yunus, called for the formation of a high-level committee, comprising energy and legal experts, to re-examine the power purchase agreement (PPA). Under the 2017 deal, Adani Power's Godda power plant in Jharkhand was to supply 100 per cent of the electricity generated from burning coal, to Bangladesh for a period of 25 years. After payment defaults, Adani had cut supplies by half in November 2024. It restored full electricity supply, which is around 1,600 MW, in March after the country reduced liabilities. Bangladesh stepped up repayments from July last year, clearing monthly dues. This came after the country suffered from increased power shortages in rural areas. Bangladesh has been struggling to generate sufficient dollar revenues to cover the cost of essential imports such as electricity, coal, and oil. Its foreign currency reserves declined amid months of student-led protests and political unrest, which culminated in the ousting of the Sheikh Hasina government in August 2024. The interim government that succeeded her sought an additional $3 billion loan from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) on top of the existing $4.7 billion bailout package. Adani's power deal with Bangladesh was one of the many under Sheikh Hasina, which the current interim government has called opaque. Besides Adani Power, other Indian state-owned firms also sell power to Bangladesh, including NTPC and PTC India Ltd.
Time of India
31 minutes ago
- Time of India
Germany reports highest-ever Indian student intake amid US visa uncertainty; 35% spike in applications
HYDERABAD: Germany appears to be emerging as the new academic destination of choice for Indian students, with the German Embassy in Delhi reporting a 35% rise in applications from India in 2025 - the highest number of enrolments the country has recorded to date. Overseas consultants attribute this shift largely to recent visa restrictions and increased scrutiny imposed by the United States on international applicants. From the two Telugu states alone, consultancies report that nearly 40% of students who initially aimed for a place at a US university have now shifted their focus to Germany, followed by France. "These students, in fact, withdrew their applications from American universities to apply to European nations," said Rajni Mankotiya from Way2Abroad Consulting, a registered consultancy based in Himayatnagar. He added: "They had been waiting for US visa slots to open, but with no clarity even now, they are exploring Germany for the October intake - some are also considering the March intake." You Can Also Check: Hyderabad AQI | Weather in Hyderabad | Bank Holidays in Hyderabad | Public Holidays in Hyderabad The most sought-after courses include business management, automobile engineering, mechanical engineering, industrial engineering, and artificial intelligence and machine learning. "The US was my dream, as it is for many others. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch vàng CFDs với sàn môi giới tin cậy IC Markets Tìm hiểu thêm Undo But it's too risky at the moment," said Shubhan Jay from Attapur, who has now decided to pursue a master's in mechanical engineering in Germany. "This country wasn't even on my radar, but the more I read about it, the more impressed I was. The tuition fees are under 12 lakh, and the cost of living ranges from 700 euros to 900 euros per month (approximately 70,000 to 90,000), which is far more affordable than the US. I'll begin my application process next month," he added. This shift in preference is also reflected in recent data. According to University Living's European Report, the number of Indian students enrolled in Germany rose from around 46,000 in 2024 to an estimated 54,000 in 2025. "If this upward trend continues, the number could exceed 1.14 lakh by 2030," said Saurabh Arora from University Living, a global student accommodation service provider. "Recent policy changes have encouraged many to consider Germany, as it offers affordability and long-term prospects." Germany currently offers an 18-month post-study work visa to international students, which is another major draw among aspirants. "My only concern was the need to learn the language, but my consultant assured me that most universities use English as the medium of instruction," said Pavanita K, an interior designer from Hyderabad planning to move to Germany for a master's in architecture. Indeed, Goethe-Zentrum, a non-profit German cultural centre, is already witnessing a sharp rise in students enrolling to learn the language. "We currently have around 700 students learning German, and this year nearly 10,000 sat the German language certification exam. This certification is valuable for university and job applications. The numbers are only going to rise as more and more students view Germany as a viable destination for higher education," said Amita Desai, director at Goethe-Zentrum.
