India's Construction Sector Forecasted to Achieve 6.9% Growth by 2034 Amid Rising Costs
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
New Delhi, April 17 (NationPress) India's construction industry, currently valued at $685 billion in 2025, is anticipated to reach $1.2 trillion by 2034, growing at a CAGR of 6.9%. This growth is fueled by persistent investments in infrastructure and urban development, according to a recent report.
Prepared by Savills India and Hotelivate, the report highlights a strong demand for office spaces, propelled by GCC expansion and a growing preference for Grade-A, eco-friendly work environments. The construction sector has seen costs escalate by 6.4% to 7.6%, primarily due to significant hikes in mechanical, electrical, and plumbing expenses.
Arvind Nandan, Managing Director of Research & Consulting at Savills India, remarked, “India's real estate market showcases remarkable resilience, driven by shifting investor expectations and a consistent demand for high-quality, future-ready assets across various sectors.”
To tackle input volatility and execution hurdles, developers are increasingly focusing on efficiency, sustainability, and meticulous planning as essential factors for driving long-term value, he noted.
The report also revealed that the retail and residential sectors are experiencing the most pronounced increases in construction costs, with rises ranging from 3.8% to 13.9% across different segments from 2023 to 2025.
Malls have witnessed the steepest cost increases, attributed to complex façades, deeper basements, and higher mechanical, electrical, and plumbing costs.
The luxury residential sector surged by 12.8%, followed closely by mid-segment housing at 11.9% and affordable housing at 11.1%.
Despite rising costs, residential demand remains strong, with a noticeable shift towards premium, quality-focused developments in urban areas, as the report indicated.
Additionally, it noted that price fluctuations in steel, cement, and crude oil are significant cost drivers, compounded by wage inflation, which has pushed construction labor costs up by approximately 23% from 2020 to 2024.
The hospitality sector is showing signs of recovery, with occupancy rates stabilizing between 67% and 68% and average room rates exceeding Rs 9,000.
Investor confidence remains robust, with a pipeline surpassing 1.2 lakh keys and 50,000 keys projected to be signed in 2025, the report emphasized.
It urged developers to strike a balance between cost-effectiveness, quality, and sustainability while emphasizing the need for early-stage planning, design optimization, and capital allocation.