India has emerged as the world’s largest flex office market, with the sector poised to surpass 100 million sq ft of stock by 2026, according to Cushman & Wakefield. Increased demand from enterprises, startups, and GCCs, along with a shift in workplace strategies, is driving this rapid expansion.
India Leads the Global Market
Cushman & Wakefield’s latest report highlights India’s unmatched growth in flexible workspaces. With over 61 million sq ft of existing stock and more than 50% projected growth in the next two years, India is now the top-performing global flex office market.
Cities like Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Delhi-NCR, and Pune account for the largest share, supported by technology companies, enterprises adopting hybrid working models, and a surge in demand from Global Capability Centres (GCCs).
Drivers of Growth
- Enterprise Adoption: Large corporates increasingly prefer managed and serviced offices for flexibility, speed, and cost efficiency.
- GCC Expansion: India’s role as a hub for global capability centres has accelerated demand for modern, scalable flex spaces.
- Hybrid Work Models: The growing preference for distributed teams and activity-based workstations boosts demand across urban corridors.
- Tier-2 Potential: Markets like Kochi, Ahmedabad, and Jaipur are now witnessing strong operator interest, driven by rising local demand and infrastructure upgrades.
Market Outlook
By 2026, the flex stock is expected to surpass 100 million sq ft, underpinned by sustained absorption from both large enterprises and emerging businesses. With global corporates looking at India to consolidate their real estate portfolios, Grade-A managed offices are set to remain the preferred choice.
C&W notes that India’s expansion pace outstrips markets such as the U.S. and Europe, where flex penetration is slower due to legacy leases and slower enterprise adoption. In contrast, India’s youthful workforce and the large share of tech-driven demand provide long-term momentum.
The FlexInsights Take
India’s flex office story underscores how the country has shifted from being a cost hub to a centre of workplace innovation. Flex operators are no longer just landlords but strategic partners for global firms. The next growth frontier lies in Tier-2 cities, where demand for modern, professional work environments is just beginning to unfold.
