Buyer Preferences in Early 2025 Redefine Luxury Housing on Dwarka Expressway

By Vikas Dua, Director, Chintamanis

The real estate scene in Delhi-NCR is going through a quiet but powerful transformation, and the change is perhaps most visible along the Dwarka Expressway.

What used to be just a promising corridor is now emerging as a real choice for those seeking premium homes—and the figures from the first quarter of 2025 provided us with a clear view of where this is headed. At the same time, I would like to add that it’s evident that this isn’t just a trend—it’s a shift in what today’s homebuyers truly value.

What Sets Dwarka Expressway Apart

Dwarka Expressway is different—not just because of what’s being built but because of what it represents. The ambition behind this stretch is huge. With the Haryana government’s long-term plans drawing inspiration from cities like Singapore and Dubai, development has moved from paper to pavement at remarkable speed.

Policies like Transit-Oriented Development (TOD), which allow for higher FAR, have encouraged vertical living, drawing both investors and genuine end-users.

The momentum is hard to miss. A CREDAI-Colliers-Liases Foras study highlighted that by Q4 2024, property prices here had jumped by 58 per cent YoY—the sharpest growth in the country. That’s more than just a stat; it reflects a growing belief in the region’s potential.

Knight Frank’s recent report further reinforces this, showing a 31 per cent rise in housing prices across NCR in early 2025, well above the national average. It is pertinent to keep in mind that the expressway was inaugurated in March last year.

Right now, it is important to understand the idea of luxury has evolved. At present, it’s no longer about just the size of the home or the address—it’s about how the space feels, works, and adapts to modern life. Buyers today are leaning towards homes that think for them. Smart automation, energy efficiency and wellness-focused layouts are now major selling points.

Certifications like IGBC and LEED are no longer add-ons—they’re expected, and people are willing to pay more for them.

The bar for what’s considered ‘standard’ has risen. We’re seeing increasing demand for homes with private terraces, sky lounges, concierge services and even wellness spas. Larger apartments—4BHKs and above—are gaining traction often to accommodate home offices or multigenerational families.

Infrastructure That’s Changing the Game

It’s not just about what’s planned anymore—it’s about what’s already here. The Dwarka Expressway is delivering on its promises. The news that further catalysed its potential was the opening of the two tunnels alongside a 16-lane expressway designed to drastically reduce travel time.

Phase 1 of the ambitious Global City (587 acres) is also progressing fast. Everyday essentials—schools, hospitals and retail—are no longer aspirational. They’re operational, and that’s removing a lot of hesitation for buyers on the fence.

Sure, prices have doubled in just three years—from INR 8,630 per sq ft in 2021 to over INR 17,000 in 2024, per PropEquity.

What we’re seeing, though, is demand being driven not just by investors chasing short-term gains, but by families, professionals, and global Indians looking to settle down. That’s a sign of depth in the market. In many ways, Dwarka Expressway isn’t just reshaping Gurugram’s skyline—it’s setting a new benchmark for what future-ready living can look like in India. For those ready to adapt, the path ahead is full of possibilities.