Delhi-NCR retail leasing jumps 45% in Q1 as fashion and F&B fuel demand

Delhi-NCR leased 0.59 million sq ft of retail space in Q1 2026, up from 0.41 million sq ft a year earlier, according to Cushman & Wakefield. Malls captured 64% of leasing, while the region accounted for 30% of activity across India’s top eight cities.

— Filed Mon, 17 Aug, 2026, 05:33 IST · First seen Mon, 17 Aug, 2026, 05:33 IST · Source Financial Express · BrandWagon

What happened

Cushman & Wakefield · Delhi-NCR retail leasing increased 45% year-on-year in Q1 2026, led by fashion and F&B demand. Malls captured 64% of activity. Across

Key facts

  • Delhi-NCR retail leasing rose 45% year-on-year to 0.59 million sq ft (nearly 6 lakh sq ft) in Q1 2026 from 0.41 million sq ft
  • Shopping malls accounted for 64% of Delhi-NCR leasing; high streets accounted for 36%
  • Delhi-NCR represented 30% of leasing across India’s top eight cities
  • Top-eight-city Q1 leasing fell 10% to 1.95 million sq ft from 2.17 million sq ft
  • The eight cities recorded 9.21 million sq ft of retail leasing in calendar 2025

Why this matters

Strong fashion and F&B leasing momentum in Delhi-NCR creates a favorable backdrop to pursue brand partnerships, franchise deals, and acquisitions that add differentiated mall-ready concepts.

What to watch

  • Q2 and Q3 NCR net absorption versus the 0.59 million sq ft Q1 pace
  • Prime mall occupancy, renewal spreads and tenant incentive levels
  • New mall and organized retail supply scheduled for delivery in NCR
  • Same-store sales and store-opening guidance from fashion, beauty, QSR and casual-dining chains
  • Consumer discretionary-spending indicators, restaurant footfall and mall visitation trends
  • Share of leasing captured by malls versus high streets and mixed-use projects
  • National fashion, beauty and QSR chains are likely to prioritize NCR mall clusters for flagship, experiential and larger-format stores.
  • Mall operators may re-tenant weaker categories toward F&B, entertainment, athleisure and beauty to extend dwell time and increase sales density.
  • Landlords will likely push for shorter rent-free periods, higher minimum guarantees and stronger turnover-rent clauses on prime units.
  • Competing high streets may invest more in parking, placemaking and curated food-led tenant mixes to retain retailer interest.