India’s commercial real estate sector has achieved a major milestone, with office space leasing reaching an all-time high during the first half of 2026. Despite global economic uncertainty and geopolitical tensions, multinational corporations continue to expand their presence in India, reinforcing the country’s position as one of the world’s most attractive business destinations.
According to a report by real estate consultancy CBRE, office leasing across India touched 45.5 million square feet between January and June 2026, the highest ever recorded for any six-month period. The figure represents a 9.6% increase compared to the same period last year.
Global Capability Centres Drive Growth
A major contributor to this record-breaking demand has been the rapid expansion of Global Capability Centres (GCCs). These centres, established by multinational companies to manage technology, engineering, finance, analytics and business operations, accounted for 43% of all office leasing activity during the first half of the year.
The number of GCC leasing deals increased by around 30% year-on-year, highlighting the growing confidence global firms have in India’s talent pool and business ecosystem. More than half of all large office transactions involving spaces above 100,000 square feet were driven by GCCs.
Industry estimates suggest India could host more than 2,100 GCCs by the end of the current financial year, further strengthening demand for premium office space.
Why Multinationals Continue Choosing India
Experts believe India’s combination of skilled talent, lower operating costs and mature technology ecosystem continues to attract global companies. Businesses are increasingly viewing India not just as a back-office destination but as a strategic hub for innovation, product development and digital transformation.
Fortune 500 companies alone leased around 6.8 million square feet of office space during the second quarter of 2026, accounting for nearly 28% of total leasing activity. The number of such deals increased by roughly 34% compared to the previous quarter.
Flexible workspace providers have also emerged as a significant growth driver, with companies adopting hybrid workplace models and seeking greater operational flexibility.
Outlook Remains Positive
While global uncertainties, including geopolitical tensions and economic volatility, continue to pose challenges, industry experts remain optimistic about India’s office market. Demand for quality office space is expected to remain strong throughout 2026, supported by GCC expansion, technology investments and continued hiring by multinational firms.
The latest figures underline a broader trend: global corporations are increasingly betting on India as a long-term growth destination. As companies continue to expand operations and establish strategic centres, India’s commercial real estate sector appears poised for another year of robust growth.
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