Retail leasing surges 69% YoY in H1 2025 to 5.7 mn sq ft; Bengaluru, Delhi NCR lead Q2

JLL data shows Indian retail real estate leasing climbed 69% year-on-year in H1 2025 to 5.7 million sq ft, signaling robust expansion appetite. Bengaluru and Delhi NCR drove Q2 activity, reflecting strong demand for quality retail space across top metros.

— FiledMon, 29 Jun, 2026, 22:32 IST·First seen Mon, 29 Jun, 2026, 22:28 IST·Source Hindustan Times · Business

What happened

Indian retail real estate leasing rose 69% year-on-year in H1 2025 to 5.7 million sq ft, with Bengaluru and Delhi NCR leading Q2 activity, per a JLL report.

Key facts

  • 69% YoY
  • 5.7 mn sq ft
  • H1 2025

Why this matters

Robust leasing momentum concentrated in Bengaluru and Delhi NCR points to attractive entry or partnership opportunities in high-demand retail corridors, warranting accelerated market-entry and site-acquisition evaluation.

What to watch

  • H2 2025 leasing volume vs the elevated H1 base (deceleration signal)
  • Prime mall vacancy and rental escalation data in Bengaluru/Delhi NCR
  • New Grade-A mall completion timelines slipping or accelerating
  • Quarterly same-store retail sales and consumption indicators
  • Tier-2 city leasing share rising as metro space tightens
  • Fashion, F&B and electronics brands lock pre-commitments in upcoming Grade-A malls to secure prime locations before rents climb
  • Developers accelerate mall pipeline announcements and reposition older retail assets to capture demand
  • International brands expand entry/store counts in Bengaluru and Delhi NCR as anchor demand
  • Landlords push higher revenue-share and minimum guarantee terms in lease renewals