India Ranks 6th Globally in Luxury Branded Homes, Says Report

India’s luxury housing market has entered an ambitious new chapter. According to Knight Frank’s latest The Residence Report 2025, the country now ranks sixth worldwide for live branded residence projects and contributes 4% to the global supply, a remarkable rise for a market still considered young by global standards.

Branded residences (residential properties developed and managed in partnership with high-end brands) have evolved from a niche segment into a global phenomenon. In India, their growing popularity signals not just the rise of luxury living, but also the changing aspirations of a new class of affluent homebuyers who seek exclusivity, design excellence, and trusted brand value.

India’s Growing Global Presence

Knight Frank’s report notes that India is also 10th globally in the pipeline of upcoming branded residence projects, accounting for 2% of future supply among 83 countries surveyed. While still behind established leaders such as the United States, the UAE, and the UK, India’s ascent points to its growing influence on the world luxury map.

What’s driving this momentum is the country’s expanding wealth base. In 2024, India was home to nearly 85,698 individuals with a net worth exceeding USD 10 million, representing 3.7% of the global high-net-worth population. This growing pool of ultra-rich buyers is fuelling demand for properties that combine brand prestige with refined design, impeccable service, and global lifestyle standards.

The Hotspots: Mumbai, NCR, and Beyond

Within India, Mumbai, Delhi-NCR, Bengaluru, and Pune dominate the branded residence landscape, each offering luxury developments that blend local aesthetics with international design sensibilities. Meanwhile, Goa and Uttarakhand are emerging as strong lifestyle and second-home destinations, driven by their scenic appeal and rising interest among global Indians seeking tranquil luxury living.

“India’s branded residence sector is still relatively young but is rapidly making its mark on the global stage,” said Shishir Baijal, Chairman and Managing Director of Knight Frank India. “Ranking sixth worldwide for live projects and backed by a fast-expanding wealth base of nearly 86,000 ultra-rich individuals, India represents one of the most significant pools of future demand for branded living. What makes this market unique is the way these residences blend international brand prestige with culturally nuanced design and services, appealing to buyers who seek exclusivity, security, and a truly global lifestyle.”

From high-rises in Mumbai and NCR to resort-style developments in Goa, Baijal adds, “Branded residences are set to redefine the meaning of luxury living in India.”

A Sector in Global Expansion

Knight Frank’s Residence Report 2025 is based on its annual Global Branded Residence Survey, which studies luxury residential developments worldwide. The 2025 edition assessed the portfolios of nearly 80 luxury brands, from established hotel groups like Four Seasons, Ritz-Carlton, and Mandarin Oriental to newer entrants such as Bentley, Aston Martin, and Armani.

Globally, the number of branded residence schemes has climbed from 169 in 2011 to 611 in 2025, with projections indicating 1,019 schemes by 2030. The number of individual units has surged in tandem from just over 27,000 in 2011 to a projected 162,000 by 2030.

“The branded residences sector has experienced strong, sustained growth,” said Liam Bailey, Global Head of Research at Knight Frank. “Momentum has accelerated since 2023, fuelled by growing demand for branded living and developers’ appetite for premium positioning.”

The Global Picture: Who Leads and Who’s Catching Up

While the United States continues to dominate the global branded residences market, its share of total schemes is gradually falling, from 32.7% of live projects to 26.2% in the pipeline. In contrast, the Middle East is witnessing explosive growth, with its share of pipeline projects jumping from 15.9% to 26.7%, driven primarily by rapid development in the UAE and Saudi Arabia.

The Asia-Pacific region, led by Thailand and India, remains a crucial growth area, although its share is expected to stabilize in coming years. Developers are increasingly eyeing new territories in Latin America and emerging Middle Eastern cities, pointing to a more geographically diverse luxury housing landscape.

Over time, the centre of gravity for branded developments has been shifting eastward and slightly southward. In the 1990s, U.S. dominance placed the heart of this market well west of the Atlantic. But as Asia and the Middle East expanded their luxury offerings, the global hub has moved steadily toward the East.

Hotel Brands Still Rule

Despite the recent entry of car, fashion, and lifestyle brands, hotel groups continue to dominate the branded residences sector. Knight Frank’s data shows that 83% of existing projects are hotel-branded, a share that may dip slightly but will likely remain near 80% in the coming years.

Interestingly, while hotel-branded schemes have traditionally been co-located with hotels, that model is evolving. Currently, 82% of live hotel-branded projects are attached to hotels, but in the pipeline, this number is expected to drop to 70%. Markets like North America and the Middle East are leading this shift, with nearly half of their upcoming hotel-branded developments planned as standalone residences, signalling a growing confidence in the brand power itself, without the need for a hotel anchor.

Though growth in the branded residences sector may moderate slightly after 2028, Knight Frank forecasts continued expansion driven by increasing geographic diversity, strong buyer confidence, and a widening mix of both hotel and non-hotel brands.

For India, the outlook is particularly bright. As luxury real estate evolves to meet the expectations of a globally connected elite, branded residences are likely to become a defining symbol of aspirational living, combining trust, craftsmanship, and an unmistakable sense of place.

With every new project, India is not just participating in a global trend, it’s helping shape the future of branded living.