Maximize Your Returns: Why Investing Near GCC Hubs is a Smart Move in 2025
The GCC sector in India is witnessing a significant boom, driving real estate demand and creating high-paying jobs. With major infrastructure upgrades and strong economic growth, investing in residential and commercial properties near GCC hubs in 2025 is a strategic move.
GccReal EstateInvestmentJob CreationInfrastructureReal Estate NewsSep 14, 2025
The GCC industry in India has grown significantly, with around 1,900 centers established in 2024 and an expected increase to 2,500 by 2030. These centers currently employ approximately 1.3 million individuals, with this number projected to reach 1.9 million by 2030. By 2024-25, GCCs had contributed nearly $64.6 billion to the Indian economy, and it is expected to surpass $110 billion by 2030, highlighting the massive impact of the sector.
GCC workers also earn better than traditional IT workers, with average pay increases ranging from 9.8 to 10.2% in FY 2024-25, compared to 8-9% in other IT companies. Additionally, GCC professionals receive 10-20% higher salaries than their counterparts in legacy IT firms, giving them greater spending power for property investments.
Economic Impact of GCC Sector in India
| Metric | Value (2024) | Projected (2030) |
|--------|--------------|-----------------|
| Total GCCs in India | ~1,900 | ~2,500 |
| Direct Employment | ~1.3 million | ~1.9 million |
| Economic Contribution | $64.6 billion | $110+ billion |
| Average Salary Hike (FY25) | 9.8–10.2% | — |
| Salary Premium vs Traditional IT | 10–20% higher | — |
GCC Footprint & Leasing Share by City
GCCs accounted for 42 percent of all office leasing in India in FY 2024-25, absorbing 31.8 million sq ft of office space, a 24% year-over-year increase. The seven major cities represent the largest portion of this activity, making them the target areas for real estate investment.
| City | Office Space Absorbed by GCCs (mn sq ft) | % Share in Pan-India Absorption | Annual % Change in Area Absorbed by GCCs |
|------|-------------------------------------------|---------------------------------|------------------------------------------|
| Bengaluru | 12.43 | 64.9% | 49.1% |
| Hyderabad | 6.26 | 46.4% | –2.9% |
| Chennai | 3.15 | 42.1% | –29.2% |
| Mumbai | 3.68 | 26.1% | 170.3% |
| NCR | 2.78 | 28.3% | 8.1% |
| Pune | 3.34 | 31.8% | 46.4% |
| Kolkata | 0.11 | 17.3% | –36.0% |
Key Residential Hotspots
- Bengaluru: Whitefield, Sarjapur Road, Electronic City
- Hyderabad: Gachibowli, Financial District
- Chennai: OMR IT Corridor, Guindy
- Mumbai: Chembur, Borivali, Panvel
- NCR (Gurugram & Noida): Gurugram CBD, Noida CBD
- Pune: Hinjewadi, Baner, Kharadi
- Kolkata: Salt Lake, New Town
Real Estate Ripple Effect Metrics
| Indicator | Figure | Insight |
|-----------|--------|---------|
| Pan-India Office Leasing (2024) | 77.2 mn sq ft | 22.6% YoY growth |
| Share of GCCs in Office Absorption | ~40% | Strong demand anchor |
| Luxury Homes (₹1 Cr+ share) | 50% of annual sales | GCC income fueling premium segment |
| Mid-Market GCC Job Additions | +40,000 by 2026 | Emerging employment-led demand pockets |
| Upcoming Tier-2 GCC Destinations | Coimbatore, Kochi, Indore, Ahmedabad | Early-stage real estate play |
- A record of 77.2 million sq ft of office leasing occurred in 2024, with GCCs capturing ~40 percent of total office-leasing absorption.
- 50% of the annual house sales made were of homes priced more than 1 Cr. across the top 7 cities mentioned.
- Mid-market centers are expected to add around 40,000 jobs in the coming years, generating new areas of residential demand within and around emerging hubs.
- Tier-2 destinations such as Coimbatore, Kochi, Indore, and Ahmedabad offer early-stage real estate opportunities.
Why 2025 is the Time to Invest
- Long-term Job Creation: As direct GCC employment is expected to increase by about 600,000 professionals by 2030, the demand for housing and commercial property in quality spaces will be high.
- Income-Driven Demand: Salary hikes of close to 10% and premiums 10-20% higher than standard IT wages increase the spending capacity for high-end and middle-market real estate.
- Infrastructure Upgrades: Governments are offering incentives and large-scale investments in connectivity around GCC clusters, improving road, metro, and utility systems.
- High Rental Income: High-quality GCC corridors with growing demographics result in high rental yields in most micro-markets across various cities.
Final Thoughts
The GCC growth is supporting real estate demand and benefiting India through several high-income-earning jobs, new infrastructure developments, and record office absorption in major cities. Real estate around these centers is now boasting a good combination of long-term appreciation and steady rental income. As Tier-2 GCC destinations also emerge, 2025 is a smart time to invest in a growth strategy supported by strong fundamentals.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current economic contribution of GCCs in India?
As of 2024, GCCs contributed nearly $64.6 billion to the Indian economy, and this is projected to surpass $110 billion by 2030.
How many GCC centers are expected in India by 2030?
The number of GCC centers in India is expected to increase from around 1,900 in 2024 to about 2,500 by 2030.
What is the average salary premium for GCC professionals compared to traditional IT workers?
GCC professionals receive a salary premium of 10-20% higher than their counterparts in legacy IT firms.
Which cities are the key residential hotspots for GCC investments?
The key residential hotspots include Bengaluru (Whitefield, Sarjapur Road, Electronic City), Hyderabad (Gachibowli, Financial District), Chennai (OMR IT Corridor, Guindy), Mumbai (Chembur, Borivali, Panvel), NCR (Gurugram CBD, Noida CBD), Pune (Hinjewadi, Baner, Kharadi), and Kolkata (Salt Lake, New Town).
Why is 2025 a good time to invest in real estate near GCC hubs?
2025 is a strategic time to invest due to long-term job creation, income-driven demand, infrastructure upgrades, and high rental income potential in these growing corridors.
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