What is the role of FDI in Indian real estate?

Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) plays a crucial role in the growth, formalisation, and capital deepening of India's real estate sector. Real estate and construction is one of India's top FDI-attracting sectors, and liberalised FDI norms since 2005 have enabled significant inflows from global institutional investors, sovereign wealth funds, and real estate PE funds into commercial, warehousing, residential, and mixed-use developments.

FDI Policy in Real Estate

  • 100% FDI allowed under automatic route in construction development projects.
  • Minimum capitalisation: USD 5 million for standalone construction projects.
  • Minimum built-up area: 20,000 sq. mt for construction development.
  • 3-year lock-in period for repatriation (exempted for SEZs and smaller plots).
  • No FDI allowed in retail real estate by individual investors; REITs and institutional investors follow separate route.

Key Sources of FDI

  • Singapore: Largest source; GIC, Mapletree, Ascendas are major investors.
  • USA: Blackstone, Brookfield, Hines, and other global real estate giants.
  • UAE: Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA), DP World.
  • Canada: CPPIB, Brookfield (Canada-based).
  • Japan and South Korea: Growing presence in warehousing and data centres.

FDI has been transformative for Indian real estate, bringing global capital, institutional standards, and professional management to a sector once dominated by unorganised players. Continued policy liberalisation and REIT growth will further attract foreign capital.

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