India is projected to outpace China in Grade-A office space growth by 2026, with Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Delhi-NCR set to dominate the region. Backed by GCC expansion, investor interest, and evolving infrastructure, Indian cities are emerging as global magnets for multinational firms seeking large-format, future-ready workspaces.
India’s Office Market Eyes Top Spot in Asia-Pacific
India is poised to become the fastest-growing office space market in the Asia-Pacific region in 2026, driven by strong additions in Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Delhi-NCR. According to CBRE, these cities will collectively deliver more than 31 million sq ft of new Grade-A office supply—surpassing even major Chinese hubs like Shanghai and Beijing.
Bengaluru alone is expected to add 13.09 million sq ft, followed by Hyderabad at 9.25 million and Delhi-NCR at 8.98 million sq ft. Mumbai, while slightly behind, will still contribute significantly with over 4.3 million sq ft. This scale of supply positions India at the forefront of the Asia-Pacific’s commercial real estate expansion.
“India’s leading position in the APAC region is a manifestation of the long-term corporate conviction in the country’s growth story,” said Anshuman Magazine, Chairman & CEO, India, South-East Asia, Middle East & Africa at CBRE. He emphasised the role of global capability centres (GCCs) and multinational corporations in driving this growth, underpinned by India’s operational scale and talent depth.
GCCs Fueling the Rise of Modern Office Landscapes
The rise of GCCs in India—especially across IT, engineering, and BFSI sectors—has transformed cities into high-demand global destinations. Companies are no longer just outsourcing to India; they are building strategic, future-ready campuses. These centres are looking for modern, large-format office spaces that reflect their long-term commitment to the region.
Hyderabad, in particular, is gaining ground fast, with lower operating costs, pro-business governance, and infrastructure-ready land parcels. As traditional metros like Bengaluru mature, second-wave hubs like Hyderabad and Pune are becoming part of India’s commercial real estate core.
Strategic Appeal to Global Investors
India’s office sector is also attracting significant attention from REITs, private equity funds, and institutional investors, many of whom are betting on sustained leasing momentum. The demand is not speculative—it is backed by expanding tech ecosystems, a deep talent pool, and a clear policy push from both state and central governments.
As Shivam Agarwal, VP Strategic Growth at Sattva Group, put it: “India has become what China is to manufacturing—the global capability capital of the world.” But he cautioned that maintaining this lead would require deliberate collaboration between real estate, government, and industry to build infrastructure in sync with market ambitions.
From Destination to Default Choice
India’s current trajectory signals a larger shift—from being a preferred destination to becoming the default global choice for commercial expansion. The evolving nature of Indian office spaces—spacious, tech-enabled, and ESG-ready—makes them especially appealing to occupiers focused on long-term value.
With the Asia-Pacific spotlight now decisively shifting to India, 2026 could mark a defining moment in reshaping the global workplace—and where it’s anchored.
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