India Emerges as a Leading Investment Hub for Land and Development Sites
India has solidified its position as a leading destination for international capital investment in land and development sites, as indicated in a recent industry report. This is primarily due to its expanding infrastructure, urbanisation initiatives, and regulatory reforms. Over the 12-month period ending in the first quarter of 2025, India attracted $735 million in cross-border capital, placing it seventh among global markets in this category.
Of the total investment secured, $332 million was sourced from international investors, while the remaining amount came from regional capital flows. This balance underscores India’s ability to attract both foreign and regional interest in its land and development sectors. Although India's share of global cross-border investment declined slightly to 1.5 percent, it remained above the five-year average of 1.2 percent, suggesting resilience in a volatile global investment climate.
India’s Position in the APAC Investment Landscape
Within the APAC region, India continues to play a crucial role in attracting global capital. The region accounted for approximately 80 per cent of all cross-border activity in land and development site investments during the assessment period. India’s inclusion among the top ten markets reflects sustained confidence in its development potential and long-term economic outlook.
Other APAC countries have also reported an uptick in cross-border capital, driven by growing demand for land and infrastructure expansion. Regional trends are increasingly being shaped by intra-Asia investments and strategic capital movements, supporting the long-term growth of the sector, which is expected to continue due to the region's economic growth and urbanisation.
China’s Dominance and the Broader APAC Context
China’s substantial contribution further reinforces APAC’s dominance in global land and development investment. China alone accounted for $38.1 billion, or nearly 80 per cent, of the worldwide total during the period. This scale of activity reinforces the region’s weight in global real estate investment and strengthens its role as a primary target for cross-border capital deployment.
Other markets in the region, including Singapore, Malaysia, and Australia, have witnessed a rise in investment activity. These trends are shaping a regional investment ecosystem that supports diverse growth opportunities, driven by infrastructure expansion, urbanisation, and evolving investor strategies.
India’s continued presence in the top ten global markets for cross-border land and development site investments points to ongoing investor trust. The country's expanding infrastructure, urbanisation initiatives, and regulatory reforms are likely to support future growth. As investment strategies evolve, India is expected to remain a core component of the broader APAC real estate landscape, offering long-term value for global and regional capital alike.
