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Aakash Ohri of DLF says Delhi NCR real estate stays resilient, with rising NRI interest, vertical luxury living, and integrated communities like DLF Midtown and ONE Midtown.
Aakash Ohri, Managing Director & Chief Business Officer, DLF Home Developers Ltd
India’s real estate sector remains resilient amid global uncertainties, with strong demand trends continuing across key markets such as Delhi-NCR, said Aakash Ohri, Managing Director & Chief Business Officer, DLF Home Developers Ltd, in an interaction with News18.
Full interview excerpt follows:
1. How do you assess the Indian real estate market situation now, especially Delhi NCR, amid global uncertainties?
From a long-term perspective, real estate, much like any tangible commodity, remains one of the most secure and dependable asset classes. As a physical, investment-backed asset, it offers a degree of stability that few other asset classes can consistently provide. This resilience was clearly demonstrated during the pandemic. At a time when many had written off market activity, the sector witnessed a notable revival in consumer confidence, recovering faster than several other asset classes. It reinforced the fact that demand for quality real estate remains fundamentally strong, even amid economic disruption. Periods of uncertainty, while challenging, can also present prudent investment opportunities for those with the necessary means. Historically, investments made during such phases have delivered strong value once stability returns. Real estate, in particular, rewards patience and a long-term outlook. At a macro level, India continues to attract strong interest from Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), a trend that is expected to persist. Major metropolitan markets are likely to remain key beneficiaries of this capital. NRIs are typically discerning investors, carefully evaluating the city, the developer brand, and the nature of the project before committing. While some invest for end use and others for returns, the common objective is securing the best value for their investment. Encouragingly, we have witnessed steady year-on-year growth in our NRI sales in recent years. Given the current global uncertainty, we believe this momentum will continue as investors increasingly gravitate towards stable, tangible assets such as real estate to safeguard and grow their wealth.
2. How has the ongoing IT sector woes due to AI affected the real estate demand in India?
The sector has been one of the most transformative forces shaping India’s global perception over the past few decades. It has positioned the country as a hub for innovation and technology while creating significant economic opportunities for a large and dynamic workforce. Over the past decade, professionals from this industry have seen considerable financial progress, which has naturally translated into early investments in real estate. Many belong to dual-income households that achieve financial stability relatively early in life. For them, home ownership represents not only an investment but also an important life milestone, often prioritised ahead of other lifestyle expenditures. One of the most notable shifts in the housing market over the past four to five years has been the emergence of a much younger buyer demographic now in their early 30s. Many professionals are purchasing their first homes earlier in their careers, while existing homeowners are increasingly upgrading to larger residences, premium developments, or second homes. The emergence of artificial intelligence will undoubtedly reshape how industries operate. While the full extent of its impact is still unfolding, the technology sector will continue to evolve and grow, and those who adapt alongside it are likely to see substantial professional and financial gains.
3. With land availability becoming increasingly limited in the Capital, Delhi is witnessing a gradual shift towards high-rise, vertical living. How do you see this transformation reshaping homebuyer preferences and the concept of community living in the city? Traditionally, Delhi was often viewed as a secondary investment market compared to cities like Mumbai. However, the city is now emerging as a primary destination for real estate investment. What factors are driving this shift?
Delhi is at a decisive point in its urban evolution. With limited land availability, rising infrastructure pressures, and changing lifestyle expectations, the city’s residential landscape is gradually shifting towards vertical development. High-rise living is increasingly a conscious choice for homebuyers seeking security, efficiency, modern amenities, and professionally managed environments. Historically, however, Delhi has seen limited large-scale, privately developed residential projects due to structural and regulatory constraints. Until around 2010, the participation of private developers in delivering integrated, large-format developments within the city was minimal, and even in the years since, such projects have remained relatively few. That dynamic is now beginning to change. Homebuyers are increasingly valuing well-planned, gated communities that offer safety, shared amenities, landscaped environments, and a self-contained ecosystem that supports everyday living, over the hassle of managing everything on their own in individual dwellings. Vertical developments enable density to be organised more intelligently, integrating social spaces, green areas, and essential services within a single community while balancing privacy and interaction. Over the past 15 years, the emergence of modern condominium developments in neighbouring cities such as Gurugram and Noida has familiarised many NCR residents with this lifestyle. As a result, apartment living with managed facilities and shared amenities has become widely accepted. At the same time, a large segment of residents, particularly families from Central and West Delhi, remain deeply rooted in the city, with businesses, family networks, and social ties anchored in established neighbourhoods. For them, relocating outside Delhi is often less appealing than remaining close to these ecosystems. As premium vertical developments begin to emerge within Delhi itself, they offer a compelling alternative: contemporary, well-planned living without sacrificing proximity to the city’s social and cultural fabric. With thoughtfully designed projects, vertical housing within Delhi has the potential to address both the city’s spatial constraints and the evolving aspirations of its residents.
4. How has NRI interest in the Delhi real estate market evolved in recent years? Do you believe the city’s luxury housing segment is increasingly attracting demand not just from Delhi-based buyers but also from investors and end-users across major business hubs such as Kolkata, Hyderabad, and others?
Delhi has historically attracted strong interest from both Non-Resident Indians and buyers from other parts of India beyond North. As the national capital and a longstanding political and commercial centre, the city naturally draws individuals who have earlier roots, extended families, or professional ties here. Over the years, the capital appreciation associated with well-located real estate in Delhi, coupled with India’s rising economic stature globally, has further strengthened its appeal among NRI homebuyers. At the same time, real estate investment today is no longer constrained by geography. Much like investing in stocks, buyers increasingly look for quality opportunities irrespective of where they reside. An investor based in another part of the country may well choose to purchase a home in Delhi if the asset offers strong long-term value. In addition, many such buyers view these homes not purely as investments but also as functional assets. Given that a significant number of businesses and commercial establishments are concentrated in Central and West Delhi, professionals who travel frequently to the city often prefer the comfort and convenience of staying in their own residence rather than relying on hotels, particularly during extended or repeated visits. Even when not in personal use, such properties tend to generate steady rental income while continuing to benefit from long-term capital appreciation. As a result, real estate in Delhi remains a compelling and tangible component within a diversified investment portfolio.
5. DLF has made a significant entry into West Delhi with its project in the region. How do you see West Delhi evolving as a residential micro-market, particularly in terms of price appreciation and buyer demand?
We entered west Delhi back in 2009. This location has been an integral part of our development journey. In 2009, we introduced Capital Greens, which evolved into three phases over the following decade and today houses nearly 2,800 families. That foundation paved the way for the next chapter, ONE Midtown, a luxury residential development that forms part of the larger DLF Midtown ecosystem. Our vision for DLF Midtown was to create a first-of-its-kind mixed-use neighbourhood in Delhi, bringing together residential, commercial, and retail elements within a cohesive urban environment. Uniquely positioned alongside more than 100 acres of DDA green spaces, the development offers a rare balance between urban density and expansive open landscapes. ONE Midtown was conceived as a natural progression of this masterplan, introducing world-class high-rise condominium living into the heart of the capital. The planning centred on three core principles: a central location, seamless integration with surrounding infrastructure, and a layered lifestyle offering. The project introduces several new lifestyle experiences to the city for the first time, including a rooftop lifestyle deck with panoramic views of the Delhi skyline and the capital’s first residential infinity pool. At its centre is the One Midtown Club, a private members’ space designed to bring together wellness, leisure, dining, and social interaction, creating a vibrant and connected community within the development. West Delhi is steadily emerging as a strong residential micro-market, driven by improving infrastructure, the limited supply of new premium developments within Delhi, and sustained demand from residents who prefer to remain close to their established social and business networks, all of which are likely to support healthy long-term price appreciation.
6. Today’s homebuyers are increasingly seeking integrated developments that offer lifestyle, retail, and social infrastructure within walking distance. How important do you think this integrated living ecosystem has become in shaping modern residential developments?
In today’s urban lifestyle, time has become the ultimate luxury. Integrated communities that bring amenities, entertainment, dining, and social spaces within walking distance transform daily life from a series of chores into a seamless, hassle-free experience. Access to conveniences at your doorstep, combined with safety for children and the elderly, and the social energy of like-minded neighbours, makes living not just easier but genuinely comfortable. In increasingly chaotic, traffic-heavy cities, such “walk-to-everything” concepts are no longer indulgences, they are essential for modern, balanced urban living.
March 24, 2026, 11:36 IST
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