- Bundled, value-added services to be the differentiators
- Pharma & Defense the future growth sectors
- Consolidation ahead with shakeup in the sector
- Hyderabad to be the GCC hub of Asia
Despite global uncertainty sparked by recent US tariffs, India’s commercial real estate sector—particularly in Hyderabad—remains strong and largely unaffected in the near term. This was the key takeaway from a high-level panel discussion at IKON 2025, a flagship industry event hosted by iKeva, a Hyderabad based leading provider of flexible workspaces
Ms. Archana Naidu, Board Member and Head of Business at iKeva, inaugurated the event, stating: “We are proud to present IKON 2025, a first-of-its-kind platform in India that brings together thought leaders in commercial real estate. Our aim is to foster meaningful dialogue around emerging trends, opportunities, and challenges in the sector. The insights shared here will be presented to government and industry stakeholders to inform future policy and strategy. We envision IKON as an annual series, expanding to other cities across India.”
Distinguished Panel of Experts
The panel featured leading voices from across the commercial real estate and business landscape:
- Mr. Sridhar Gadhi, Founder & Executive Chairman Quantela Inc & Boar member iKeva
- Mr. Sandeep Saraf, Senior Director & Head – Markets, JLL India
- Mr. Sreekanth Reddy, Head – Leasing (South India), Raheja Corp
- Mr. Yousuf Ali, Director – Commercial Leasing & Advisory, ANAROCK
- Ms. Samriddhi Singh, Associate Director, Cushman & Wakefield
- Ms. Vibhuti Jain, Director, PrimeDesk India
The session was moderated by Ms. Archana Naidu.
Key Highlights from IKON 2025
Hyderabad: A Rising Star in the GCC Space
Panelists agreed that Hyderabad is emerging as a top destination for Global Capability Centers (GCCs), driven by its highly skilled workforce, modern infrastructure, and supportive government policies.
Cost vs. Value: A Competitive Edge
Despite a gradual uptick in commercial real estate prices, Hyderabad continues to offer better value compared to other metro cities, making it attractive for both expansion and consolidation.
Sectoral Drivers: Pharma and Defence
Future growth in commercial office demand is expected to be led by the pharmaceutical and defence sectors—both gaining strong traction in Hyderabad.
Managed Workspaces: Value-Driven Differentiation
Bundled, value-added services in managed office spaces are emerging as a key differentiator. Experts noted that lifecycle-based offerings will be critical to scaling operations and boosting investor confidence in India’s evolving flexible workspace market.
Consolidation Ahead
The panel predicted an upcoming wave of mergers and acquisitions in the commercial real estate space over the next 3–5 years, signaling a maturing and more competitive market.
Hyderabad’s GCC Footprint Expands
Hyderabad currently hosts 356 GCCs—around 18% of India’s total—reinforcing its growing reputation as the next major GCC hub in Asia.
IKON 2025 concluded on a forward-looking and optimistic note, reaffirming Hyderabad’s status as a resilient, innovation-driven, and investment-friendly destination for the future of commercial real estate.
Visit Our News section and follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter
