NRIs Drive India's Real Estate Boom: Share in Property Sales Hits 20% in 2025

India's luxury real estate sector is witnessing a remarkable surge, with a steadily increasing share of property purchases being attributed to non-resident Indians (NRIs). Akshat Shrivastava, CEO of Wisdom Hatch, observed that this demographic has emerged as a central force behind the ongoing real estate boom in the country.

NRI Property Share Doubles Over the Decade

According to Shrivastava, NRIs’ involvement in Indian property deals has nearly doubled in the last decade. From comprising just 7–10% of the buyer base during 2015–2018, their share has gradually climbed each year, reaching an estimated 18–20% in 2025. He detailed this trend in a post on X (formerly Twitter), noting the following figures:

• 2015–2018: 7–10%
• 2019: 10–12%
• 2020: 12–14%
• 2021: 14–16%
• 2022: 17%
• 2023: 17–18%
• 2024: 17–19%
• 2025: 18–20% (projected)

Emotional Ties and Investment Strategy Fueling Growth

Shrivastava pointed out that NRIs — often working in the US, UK, UAE, Canada, or Singapore — have traditionally remitted significant sums to India. Apart from equities and mutual funds, real estate has become a favored investment route, particularly due to its perceived long-term stability. Their decisions are also influenced by emotional connections to India and the appeal of owning premium assets in their home country.

He added that the broader Indian model of economic growth — wherein the nation exports talent abroad — has created a global wealth base that is now flowing back into India in the form of high-value real estate investments.

Key Drivers Behind NRI Investments

• Rising property values and better ROI in India
• Weaker global economic outlook prompting capital shift
• Emotional connections with India and future relocation plans
• Improved ease of digital property management and transactions
• Strengthening rupee and increased transparency in the sector

NRIs Powering Big-Ticket Sales in Metro Markets

A report by the international real estate group GRI Club highlighted that India’s real estate market is poised for its third straight year of record-breaking residential sales, expected to exceed ₹5.1 trillion in 2024 with over 300,000 units sold across the top seven cities.

Within this booming market, NRIs are contributing 15–25% of sales in major metro projects across cities such as Delhi, Gurugram, Mumbai, and Bengaluru. DLF, India’s largest developer, recorded a sharp increase in NRI sales share — from 5% in FY22 to 14% in FY23, and a significant 23% in FY24.

Developers Responding to Global Demand

To attract this growing segment, real estate companies are customizing offerings that appeal to the tastes and preferences of NRI buyers. These include luxury residences, gated communities, smart homes, and a seamless online home-buying experience.

Experts believe that as the appetite of global Indian investors continues to rise, NRI capital will remain a strong pillar for India’s real estate industry in the years ahead.

Disclaimer: This news article is based on industry insights and publicly available sources. Readers are advised to conduct independent research and consult experts before making investment decisions.