India retail leasing surges 47% YoY in 2023 as new malls drive absorption: CBRE

CBRE India data shows 2023 retail leasing up 47% year-on-year, with new malls contributing 30% of absorption. Mumbai (1.0M sq ft) and Pune (0.8M sq ft) hit five-year highs. Q1 leasing touched 1.5M sq ft. Report also flags 55% small-town online shopping preference and 60% of international brands expanding in H2 2022.

— FiledFri, 3 Jul, 2026, 05:34 IST·First seen Fri, 3 Jul, 2026, 05:33 IST·Source ET Retail

What happened

CBRE India · CBRE report shows India retail leasing rose 47% YoY in 2023, driven by new malls; Mumbai and Pune hit five-year highs. Small-town online preference

Key facts

  • 47% YoY leasing increase 2023
  • 30% of absorption from new malls
  • Mumbai 1.0M sq ft
  • Pune 0.8M sq ft
  • Q1 leasing 1.5M sq ft
  • 55% small-town online shopping
  • 60% international brands expanded H2 2022

Why this matters

With 60% of international brands expanding and record leasing absorption, this is an opportune window to secure prime mall footprints or partner with expanding global entrants.

What to watch

  • Q1-Q2 2024 CBRE/JLL leasing volume prints vs 1.5M sq ft baseline
  • Prime mall vacancy rates and rental growth in Mumbai/Pune/Bengaluru
  • New mall completion timelines and delivery slippage
  • International brand India entry/expansion announcements
  • Consumer spending and discretionary demand indicators
  • International brands (fashion, F&B, beauty) accelerate store rollouts into Q2-Q3 pipeline malls
  • Developers fast-track Grade-A mall launches in Mumbai, Pune, Hyderabad to capture demand
  • Landlords push rent escalations and revenue-share terms as vacancy tightens
  • Domestic retailers expand omnichannel footprint to capture Tier-2/3 online demand