September 9, 2025

With the world facing big economic changes and uncertainty, India is becoming the go-to place for real estate investors who want smart, long-term bets. David Steinbach, the Global Chief Investment Officer at Hines, shares juicy insights into why India’s real estate scene is sparkling with opportunity. Steinbach explains, “Despite broad macroeconomic uncertainty, we continue to view private real estate as a high-conviction investment given its tangible nature and historical resilience amid higher-for-longer environments, and India is no exception.” He highlights India’s scale, steady environment, and strong home demand as major attractions, especially when the world is moving towards less globalization. In fact, big shifts like supply chain reshuffles and how capital moves globally are pushing investors to put money closer to home. For Asia, that means exciting prospects for India thanks to mature regional trade and rising consumption fueled by policy reforms. Hines, which started investing in India back in 2006, knows local partnerships and strong execution are key. As investors choose carefully, India’s solid fundamentals look ready to support long-term money flows. How does India stack up globally? Steinbach says India’s private real estate market shines in offices, living, industry, and retail. Unlike many countries where building has slowed, India’s demand remains strong, especially for office spaces. Office rents in major cities stay competitive, and leasing is booming. "India just saw a record second quarter for total leasing in the office sector," he notes, driven by tech and manufacturing firms needing modern spaces. What’s hot right now? Offices top the list, with domestic and global companies fueling growth, along with innovation hubs. Living spaces are next, as quality housing is scarce amid growing urban populations. Industrial properties are also on fire, helped by tax reforms, e-commerce growth, and 'Make in India' boosts. Hines aims at sectors needing smart operations and big value creation. Talking about money matters, Steinbach points out that real estate feels the heat from interest rates, yet India’s recent rate cut and steady outlook make it different from the rest of the world. Even with inflation and rising construction costs, strong local demand and city growth keep real estate development alive and kicking. “Our strategy is to build top-notch commercial and residential assets that fit what cities need,” says Steinbach. Partnering deeply with locals and using decades of experience, Hines carefully selects projects that match long-term economic trends. His advice for Indian business folks? Stick to fundamentals and a long view. Success depends on knowing local markets well and executing with discipline. India stands to gain from global capital moving closer, but winning big means working with skilled operators and riding policy trends. As India’s real estate zooms into the global spotlight, Hines is doubling down on bets in key sectors. The future looks bright, and India is clearly becoming a major player in the world of real assets!

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Tags: India real estate, Investment trends, David steinbach, Hines, Urbanization, Office market,