In the first quarter of 2025, Bengaluru took the top spot for Global Capability Centre (GCC) office leasing in India, grabbing 40% of all space leased across the country. This means more global companies are choosing Bengaluru to set up their back-end tech and business teams — and that's having a big impact on the city's real estate market.

New areas like Sarjapur Road, home to modern residential projects like Birla Evara, are seeing higher demand as more professionals move into the city.

Bengaluru's Numbers Tell the Story

1. Bengaluru leased 3.3 million square feet of office space to GCCs in Q1 2025.
2. This made up 40% of all GCC leasing activity across India's top 7 cities.
3. Southern cities — Bengaluru, Chennai, and Hyderabad — together made up 64%, or 5.34 million sq. ft., of total GCC leasing.
4. Across all cities, GCCs leased 8.35 million sq. ft. out of 19.47 million sq. ft. total commercial office space.
5. This is a big jump — 72% higher than Q1 2024, when GCCs leased only 4.87 million sq. ft.

"Bengaluru continues to attract strong interest from GCCs, thanks to its deep talent pool and established tech ecosystem," said Peush Jain, MD of Commercial Leasing at ANAROCK.

Why Bengaluru Keeps Leading the Pack

1. Skilled Workforce
   Bengaluru has one of the largest pools of skilled tech workers in India. From software to AI and data science, the city has the right talent for companies looking to set up high-quality teams. A recent study also showed that 17% of GCCs in the city plan to increase fresher hiring by over 50% in 2025.
2. Strong Tech Ecosystem
   From big tech firms to startups and R&D centers, Bengaluru offers a well-developed network. Companies aren't just saving money by setting up here — they're also driving innovation.
3. Good Infrastructure
   Commercial zones like Outer Ring Road, Whitefield, Sarjapur Road, and North Bengaluru offer well-built office spaces. The city's Metro is expanding, including a new Blue Line that will connect the airport. These upgrades help professionals travel faster and more comfortably.
4. Cost Benefits
   Compared to cities in the U.S. or Europe, Bengaluru still offers lower office rentals and labor costs — a major plus for global companies.
5. Business-Friendly Rules
   Government support, SEZ benefits, and easier company setup rules make Bengaluru a top choice for global firms.

What Kinds of Companies Are Leasing?

1. IT/ITeS – 35%
2. Banking and Finance – 22%
3. Manufacturing/Industrial – 13%
4. E-commerce & Consulting – 11% combined

This shows more variety in the kinds of global firms entering Bengaluru.

Real Estate Impact: Commercial and Residential Boom

Strong Office Demand:
According to JLL, Bengaluru had 3.2 million sq. ft. in net office absorption in Q1 2025 — the highest for a post-pandemic first quarter. Vacancy levels dropped to 11.4%, showing that spaces are filling up quickly.

Rents Are Rising:
Even with 2.9 million sq. ft. of new office supply, rents are going up, especially in popular areas. Companies want offices in good locations that help them attract and retain employees.

Flexible Office Spaces:
More companies are now leasing co-working or managed office spaces. This trend is growing fast and is expected to continue into 2025.

Spotlight on Sarjapur Road

1. Easy access to tech parks and business hubs
2. Better Metro and PRR connectivity
3. Popular schools, malls, and hospitals nearby
4. A strong rental market with high appreciation

This is where projects like Birla Evara are coming up — offering smart homes, top-class amenities, and easy work access for professionals.

How Does Bengaluru Compare to Other Cities?

Chennai made a strong comeback, and Hyderabad saw a small drop compared to last year. Tier 2 cities like Coimbatore, Mysuru, and Ahmedabad are gaining traction, but Bengaluru remains the clear leader.

What's Ahead? Growth Forecast

By the end of 2024, India had over 1,700 GCCs employing 1.8 million people. By the end of 2025, this could reach 1,900 GCCs, and by 2030, over 2,200–2,300 GCCs could operate in India — employing nearly 2.8 million people.

Challenges

1. There's a growing need for talent in AI, cybersecurity, and cloud — upskilling will be key.
2. City infrastructure needs to keep up with this rapid growth.
3. Global market uncertainty could slow short-term plans, but long-term growth looks strong.

Final Thoughts

Bengaluru isn't just leading GCC growth — it's shaping the future of India's global business ecosystem. This growth is driving big changes in both office and home demand. Areas like Sarjapur Road, with good connectivity and new-age housing like Birla Evara, are well-positioned to benefit.

As global firms expand their presence in India, Bengaluru will remain their top choice, creating lasting impact on the city's real estate market.