Mumbai Solidifies Position as India's Wealth Hub: Real Estate Investment Preference Surges Among High-Net-Worth Individuals

According to the latest India Wealth Report 2025 released by Mercedes‑Benz Hurun India, Mumbai has been identified as the nation's premier destination for millionaire households. The financial capital reportedly houses 1.42 lakh households with net worth exceeding ₹8.5 crore, while the country's total millionaire families have reached 8.71 lakh, marking an impressive 90% growth since 2021.

India's Millionaire Landscape Shows Dramatic Growth

The comprehensive wealth report revealed that India now boasts nearly double the number of affluent families compared to four years ago. The research indicated that approximately 0.31% of all households in the country qualify as millionaire families, representing a significant increase from 0.17% recorded in 2021. While Mumbai leads with 1.42 lakh millionaire households, New Delhi follows with 68,200 such families, and Bengaluru secures the third position with 31,600 wealthy households.

Real Estate Emerges as Preferred Investment Vehicle

The report highlighted that wealthy Indians continue to demonstrate strong confidence in property investments. Among high-net-worth individuals surveyed, real estate investment opportunities attracted 21% of millionaire preferences, closely trailing stocks at 22%. Gold investments secured 18% preference among this affluent demographic.

Particularly noteworthy is the finding that more than half of millionaire households - precisely 51% - expressed optimism about the real estate market's growth potential over the next two years. Additionally, the survey indicated that approximately 22% of respondents plan to increase their property investments, while around 20% intend to expand their gold holdings.

Metro Cities Drive Wealth Concentration Trends

The research emphasized that the rapid expansion of millionaire households reflects accelerating wealth creation, particularly concentrated in major metropolitan areas. Mumbai's real estate market performance continues to attract high-net-worth individuals, while other tier-1 cities also demonstrate significant wealth accumulation patterns.

Industry experts suggest that the sustained preference for real estate among wealthy Indians signals continued demand for premium residential and commercial properties in Mumbai and other leading urban centers. The findings also indicate that property investment opportunities in India's top cities remain attractive despite market fluctuations.

Investment Diversification Trends Among High-Net-Worth Segment

The survey revealed that approximately 13% of millionaire respondents expressed interest in startup investments, indicating a growing appetite for alternative investment vehicles. This trend suggests that while traditional assets like rental property investments and gold remain popular, wealthy Indians are increasingly exploring diverse investment portfolios.

The positive outlook toward real estate growth expectations suggests sustained demand for premium properties in Mumbai's luxury segments and similar markets across other major Indian cities. This trend aligns with the broader wealth creation patterns observed in India's economic landscape.