How Indian Real Estate Stands Apart from US, UK & Dubai Markets

In the ever-evolving world of real estate, India is stepping into the global spotlight. With increasing investor interest and a post-pandemic revival, the country’s property market is experiencing a transformation. However, when compared to established markets like the US, UK, and Dubai, India still has significant ground to cover before achieving global parity.

Fragmentation vs. Centralization: The Structural Divide

Unlike Western real estate markets and Dubai’s high-tech infrastructure, India lacks a centralized property database and Multiple Listing Services (MLS). In the US and UK, MLS platforms ensure seamless property transactions, transparent pricing, and widespread broker collaboration. Meanwhile, Dubai's government-driven property platforms streamline transactions, reducing market inefficiencies.

In contrast, India’s real estate sector remains highly fragmented, with limited standardization in brokerage practices. According to Aayush Puri, PropTech entrepreneur at ANAROCK, this is a goldmine of untapped potential waiting to be explored.

“Broker aggregation is standard in the US and UK, but in India, it's an untapped goldmine,” he explains.

The Rise of Commercial Real Estate and Luxury Housing

Despite its structural challenges, India is emerging as a global real estate hotspot. It is now the largest flex workspace market outside the US and China, fueled by multinational companies shifting back-office operations and data centers to Indian cities. This trend is significantly driving the commercial real estate boom.

Moreover, the luxury housing market is witnessing an unprecedented surge. High Net Worth Individuals (HNIs) and Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) are making substantial investments in prime locations like Mumbai, Delhi, and Bangalore. These cities are becoming investment hubs, further solidifying India's real estate growth trajectory.

India: The Next Big Bet in Global Real Estate

With international institutions like Harvard focusing on India’s economic potential, the global market is taking note. Whether in PropTech, finance, or digital transformation, India is at an inflection point.

The next decade holds immense promise, making India a real estate destination to watch.