India's Office Sector Booms as REITs Expand Fast

When Embassy Office Parks REIT launched in 2019, it managed just over 24 msf. Over the past five years, the REIT expanded its completed area by 47%, adding 12 msf through acquisitions, and now boasts over 45 msf of gross leasable area. Embassy REIT recently entered Chennai, acquiring a 5 msf business park from its sponsor, Bengaluru-based Embassy Group, pushing its total portfolio above 50 msf. The REIT also has 2 msf of future development area.

Brookfield REIT saw a 47% increase in its operating area last year, primarily through acquisitions. An additional 16% growth is expected following a recent acquisition announcement. In FY24, Brookfield REIT acquired 6.5 msf of space in the National Capital Region and Mumbai. It is set to add another 3.3 msf by purchasing Bharti Enterprises' 50% stake in a joint venture with its parent entity, Brookfield, which owns 54 msf of office space in India.

Mindspace REIT made two small acquisitions in Chennai and Pune last year and developed a mixed-use asset in Mumbai. The REIT holds the right of first offer on additional assets from its sponsor, K Raheja Corp, which has a pipeline of about 15 msf of completed or in-development properties.

The demand for office space in India is growing in double digits, with monthly rentals nearing Rs 100 per square foot and occupancy rates in the mid-80s. The proliferation of global capability centers (GCCs) is a significant factor, with around 800 new GCCs expected to emerge in the next 6-7 years. A recent CREDI-CRE Matrix report forecasts office demand to surpass 70 msf in 2024, driven by government initiatives in manufacturing and investments in digital and physical infrastructure. This surge is expected to further boost office absorption and create more opportunities for REITs.