India Ranks Fourth Globally in Land Investments as APAC Real Estate

India’s growing appeal among global property investors highlights rising confidence in land development, residential projects and commercial real estate, according to a Colliers report.

 

By The Realty Times | Real Estate News Services

NEW DELHI : India has emerged as the world’s fourth-largest destination for land and development-site investments, strengthening its position in the global real estate investment landscape. The ranking was highlighted in Colliers’ Investment Insights H1 2025 report, which recorded total real estate investment of $71.9 billion across nine Asia-Pacific (APAC) markets in the first half of 2025. The regional investment total declined 6% year-on-year amid global economic uncertainty and trade-related challenges.

India Gains Ground in Global Land Investments

India’s fourth-place ranking in land and development-site investment destinations reflects growing investor interest in opportunities linked to urbanisation, infrastructure expansion and the country’s long-term property demand.

According to Colliers, India moved up from seventh place in the previous quarter in terms of cross-border capital deployment in land and development sites. Seven of the world’s top 10 destinations for this category were located in the Asia-Pacific region, underlining APAC’s importance in global real estate investment.

Land acquisitions are particularly significant because they provide developers and institutional investors with opportunities to build residential communities, office developments, mixed-use projects and other real estate assets.

Office and Residential Sectors Drive Investor Interest

India’s residential property market continues to attract investment as developers expand their presence in major urban centres and surrounding growth corridors. Demand for homes, combined with the development of transport infrastructure and new employment centres, is supporting interest in land parcels suitable for future projects.

The office sector is also attracting institutional capital, particularly for high-quality commercial developments in established business districts and emerging office markets. Investors are increasingly exploring development-stage opportunities rather than limiting their activity to completed, income-generating properties.

Mixed-use developments, retail properties, data centres, senior living and other alternative real estate categories are also gaining attention as investors diversify their portfolios.

Infrastructure and Urbanisation Strengthen India’s Appeal

India’s expanding infrastructure network and urban development are important factors supporting investor interest in land and development sites. Improvements in road connectivity, metro networks, airports and other transport infrastructure can create new development opportunities around major cities.

Delhi-NCR, Mumbai Metropolitan Region, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai and Pune remain important markets for property development and investment. Areas surrounding these established cities may also attract attention as developers seek land for future residential and commercial projects.

However, investment potential varies significantly by location. Land title clarity, planning permissions, infrastructure availability and project feasibility remain critical considerations for investors.

What the Ranking Means for India’s Real Estate Sector

India’s fourth-place global ranking signals its growing importance in cross-border investment in land and development sites. It also highlights the role of land acquisition in shaping the next phase of real estate development.

For developers, institutional investors and landowners, this interest could create opportunities for joint ventures, development partnerships and investment platforms. For the broader property market, sustained investment may support new housing supply, commercial infrastructure and employment generation.

Nevertheless, a strong ranking does not guarantee returns on every land investment. Investors must carefully assess acquisition costs, legal approvals, development timelines and market demand before committing capital.

India’s position among the world’s leading destinations for land and development investment reinforces its standing in the Asia-Pacific real estate market. With domestic capital gaining momentum and foreign investors continuing to explore opportunities, the country remains an important market for long-term property investment.

The next phase of growth will depend on how effectively investors and developers convert capital commitments into viable projects, supported by transparent regulations, sound planning and sustainable demand.