How High-End Real Estate is Evolving Beyond Location and Amenities

New Delhi, April 25, 2025: The age-old mantra of location is quietly giving the real estate sector a way to a new priority: lifestyle. For affluent homebuyers, serenity, space, and exclusivity matter more than a central pin on the map. Instead of congested city centers, they’re gravitating toward thoughtfully designed developments in suburban or peripheral areas—places that offer low-density living, panoramic views, and a stronger connection to nature.

India’s Tier II and III cities are witnessing a remarkable rise in HNIs and ultra-HNIs, driven by booming entrepreneurship, flourishing MSMEs, and increased startup activity, creating a surge in demand for high-end residences. Unlike earlier trends where luxury living was synonymous with metro cities, affluent buyers in smaller cities now seek homes that match global standards—featuring premium architecture, smart automation, high-end amenities, and exclusive community living.

According to a research report revealed by CREDAI-Liases Foras, as many as 44 per cent of the 3,294 acres of land acquired by real estate developers in 2024 were concentrated in the emerging hubs of India’s Tier II and Tier III cities. The report further stated that luxury and ultra-luxury housing emerged as key drivers of demand across 60 cities, contributing 71 per cent of the total sales value, driven by larger ticket sizes and a balanced supply-demand dynamic in premium markets.

Moreover, as the sector acquires new trends, the appeal of generic high-rises is giving way to the charm of curated communities. From art-inspired architecture to wellness-driven master plans, developers are responding by crafting projects that are not just places to live but immersive environments designed to nurture connection and lifestyle.

Manit Sethi, Director, Excentia Infra, says, “We’re witnessing a major mindset shift where buyers no longer chase big city addresses, they’re chasing a lifestyle. Cities like Dehradun offer the perfect blend of green landscapes, a serene climate, and a slower pace of life that today’s luxury seekers crave. Hence, our focus is on creating lifestyle-led communities that feel like an escape, yet stay connected. We believe that more than ever, luxury is defined by how a place makes you feel, not just how close it is to a business district.”

Kushagra Ansal, Director, Ansal Housing, says, “Luxury real estate has always held timeless appeal, but in today’s market, it’s also emerging as a rewarding asset class. Affluent buyers are looking beyond location and amenities; they’re seeking long-term value, lifestyle assurance, and future-ready living. As developers, we have observed increased investor interest in high-end properties that offer exclusivity, sustainability, and experience-driven amenities. Therefore, as the definition of luxury evolves, its ability to deliver both emotional and financial returns makes it an increasingly smart place to park capital.”

Besides, for new-age buyers, sustainability has become synonymous with sophistication. Green buildings are now a badge of conscious wealth, reflecting values as much as status. Demand is rising for net-zero homes, solar-powered energy systems, EV charging infrastructure, and responsibly sourced materials. Developers, in turn, are going beyond regulatory checklists to achieve certifications like LEED and IGBC, not as an obligation, but as a statement. In today’s premium real estate market, sustainability isn’t an afterthought; it’s at the heart of what makes a home truly luxurious. Further, wellness has moved to the forefront of premium living, with biophilic design principles shaping architecture that connects residents to nature through natural light, cross-ventilation, indoor greenery, and organic materials.

Indu Kansal, Director, Royale Estate, says, “Luxury is no longer a solitary experience; it thrives in well-curated communities. We’ve seen homebuyers gravitate toward developments that reflect their values: artful design, cohesive aesthetics, and a strong social fabric. In cities like Chandigarh, the demand for boutique residential enclaves has grown dramatically. People want more than just space—they want meaning. We believe that the new luxury buyer is looking for identity, connection, and a lifestyle that evolves with them. Hence, we are creating experiences that go far beyond four walls.”

Sushma Group, Executive Director, Prateek Mittal says, “India’s luxury real estate is expanding rapidly, driven by improved infrastructure and rapid urbanization. The development has made cities like Zirakpur and Mohali top choices for both first-time buyers and second-home investors. As developers, we are actively planning to introduce products in Gold series to meet this rising demand. As quality of life improves in these regions, we believe these cities will continue setting new standards of luxury living.”

Therefore, the future of luxury living is being shaped not just by design trends, but by a deep understanding of how people want to live tomorrow. From smart wellness hubs to homes that respond to mood and lifestyle, the focus is shifting toward creating experiences that are intuitive, immersive, and profoundly human-centred. The next era of luxury is as imaginative as it is intentional.