Insights on Rising Land Prices in Emerging Cities
• Land prices in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities could increase by 25%–100% over the next 2–4 years, according to a report by Square Yards.
• Government infrastructure push, including the proposed City Economic Regions (CERs) with ₹5,000 crore investment per region, is expected to accelerate regional development.
• Metro corridors significantly influence property values, with homes near metro lines commanding 8%–25% premium and 15%–40% appreciation after project completion.
• Major infrastructure projects like airports and expressways can drive 30%–70% land value growth in surrounding areas.
• Industrial corridors and logistics hubs are likely to create employment centres, leading to 20%–60% land price appreciation over time.
• Emerging cities such as Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Erode, Puri, Varanasi and Visakhapatnam are expected to lead the next real estate growth cycle in India.
India’s real estate market is gradually shifting its focus beyond traditional metropolitan hubs as infrastructure development, government policies, and economic expansion begin to transform smaller urban centres. According to a recent report by Square Yards, a leading proptech platform, land prices in several Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities across India could rise between 25% and 100% over the next two to four years, particularly in areas witnessing strong infrastructure development and connectivity upgrades.
The report titled “Realty’s Next Growth Engines: Tier-2 & Tier-3 Markets in Focus” by Square Yards highlights how government-led infrastructure investments and regional economic development initiatives are likely to reshape India’s real estate landscape in the coming years.
Government Infrastructure Push Driving Growth
A major catalyst behind the projected growth is the strong infrastructure focus announced in Union Budget 2026. The government has emphasised regional development and urban expansion beyond metropolitan regions by proposing the creation of City Economic Regions (CERs).
Under this initiative, the government plans to allocate ₹5,000 crore per region over five years to support urban development projects through a competitive “challenge mode” framework. According to Square Yards, this policy move indicates a stronger commitment to improving infrastructure and economic activity in emerging cities.
The objective of the CER initiative is to strengthen regional economies, improve urban infrastructure, and create new employment centres that can support long-term residential and commercial real estate demand.
Infrastructure Projects Boosting Land Values
The Square Yards report highlights that large-scale infrastructure developments such as metro rail networks, airports, expressways, and industrial corridors have historically played a significant role in driving land price appreciation.
Metro Connectivity Impact
Properties located near metro corridors typically command a premium in the real estate market. According to Square Yards, properties located within 500 metres to 1 kilometre of metro corridors generally witness price premiums ranging from 8% to 25%.
Furthermore, once metro projects are completed, surrounding areas can experience price appreciation of 15% to 40%, driven by improved connectivity and enhanced accessibility.
Airports and Expressways
Major infrastructure projects such as airports and expressways also have a strong influence on land values. The Square Yards report states that land prices in zones surrounding such infrastructure projects can increase between 30% and 70% from the announcement stage until completion.
These projects often open up previously underdeveloped regions and attract residential developments, logistics hubs, and commercial spaces.
Industrial and Logistics Corridors
Industrial corridors and logistics hubs are another key factor contributing to rising land values. As industries expand operations and employment opportunities increase, housing demand typically follows.
According to Square Yards, land prices in regions supported by industrial growth and employment hubs may witness appreciation of 20% to 60% over time.
Peripheral Micro-Markets Showing Strong Potential
Peripheral areas surrounding growing cities are also expected to experience strong growth. These micro-markets often offer larger land parcels suitable for plotted developments and township projects.
The Square Yards report indicates that in certain high-growth peripheral corridors, land prices could appreciate more than 80% to 100% over multiple years as improved infrastructure unlocks development potential.
This trend is already visible in several emerging cities where improved road connectivity and urban expansion are attracting developers and homebuyers.
Emerging Cities Leading the Next Real Estate Cycle
The Square Yards report identifies several Tier-2 cities that are likely to spearhead the next real estate growth cycle due to their strategic locations, improving infrastructure, and rising economic activity.
Some of the key cities highlighted include:
- Bhubaneswar – ₹4,000 to ₹8,000 per sq ft
- Cuttack – ₹2,000 to ₹7,000 per sq ft
- Erode – ₹1,600 to ₹6,000 per sq ft
- Puri – ₹5,500 to ₹10,500 per sq ft
- Varanasi – ₹4,000 to ₹8,000 per sq ft
- Visakhapatnam – ₹3,000 to ₹8,000 per sq ft
These cities are witnessing growing interest due to infrastructure upgrades, expanding employment opportunities, and relatively affordable property prices compared to major metropolitan areas.
Housing Demand Driven by End-Users
Another key insight from the Square Yards report is the changing nature of housing demand in India. Unlike earlier real estate cycles driven heavily by speculative investments, current demand is increasingly being led by end-users, particularly salaried professionals.
Housing demand across emerging cities is largely concentrated in the following segments:
- ₹30 lakh to ₹60 lakh – Popular among first-time homebuyers
- ₹60 lakh to ₹1 crore – Core mid-segment buyers
- ₹1 crore to ₹1.5 crore – Aspirational homebuyers upgrading to premium housing
- In addition to apartments, plotted developments are also gaining strong traction as buyers seek long-term investment opportunities and flexible housing options.
Public Capital Expenditure Supporting Real Estate
India’s real estate sector is also benefiting from a broader economic push. According to Square Yards, the country is entering a structurally supported real estate expansion phase backed by ₹12.2 lakh crore in planned public capital expenditure.
Large-scale infrastructure investments, industrial expansion, and employment growth are expected to significantly strengthen housing demand across multiple regions.
The report suggests that the real estate market is transitioning from a liquidity-driven cycle to a more employment-backed demand cycle, which is considered more stable and sustainable for long-term growth.
Industrial Growth Creating New Housing Demand
Another factor expected to drive real estate growth is the revival of industrial clusters and manufacturing initiatives. More than 200 legacy industrial clusters are being revived across India, while government initiatives such as Semiconductor Mission 2.0 are expected to boost advanced manufacturing sectors.
As industries expand into new regions, they will create employment opportunities that naturally drive residential demand in nearby cities.
According to Square Yards, this industrial expansion will also support demand for commercial real estate segments including office spaces, warehouses, logistics parks, and industrial facilities.
A Structural Shift in India’s Real Estate Landscape
Industry experts believe India’s real estate market is entering a new phase where infrastructure development, employment generation, and financial stability will drive growth.
Commenting on the market outlook, Tanuj Shori, CEO and Co-founder of Square Yards, noted that India’s real estate sector is transitioning into a structurally driven growth cycle anchored by infrastructure expansion and economic development.
As infrastructure and industrial projects expand across the country, residential demand is expected to follow employment centres, leading to balanced and sustainable urban growth across emerging cities.
What Experts Belive?
“Government-led infrastructure development is rapidly altering the growth possibilities of Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities in India. With the development of new expressways, industrial corridors and better connectivity, these markets are coming closer to major economic centers and are attracting greater attention from both developers and investors. An increase in land costs in these cities is not only a sign of speculation but also indicates the structural change in urbanization and economic activity. This is an opportune time for developers to acquire land strategically and plan integrated, future-ready developments that align with the evolving needs of homebuyers. Well-planned residential developments and townships projects in these emerging urban markets are likely to define the next phase of growth for the Indian real estate market,” says, Parvinder Singh, CEO, Trident Realty
"The expected rise in land prices reflects growing confidence in the future potential of Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities. India’s infrastructure drive is gradually changing the real estate landscape by creating momentum in emerging urban markets where increasing infrastructure and economic activity are creating new avenues for investments. These markets are becoming more attractive for both end-users and investors seeking long-term value as highways, logistics hubs and urban infrastructure projects are developing. With the right approach, these rising markets hold significant potential for creating the next wave for India’s real estate growth story and developers who enter these markets early and are committed to creating quality developments are likely to benefit the most from this emerging growth cycle,", Ashish Agarwal, Director, AU Real Estate.
"The anticipated rise in land values in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities reflects the growing confidence of investors and developers in the long-term prospects of these markets. With infrastructure development gaining strong momentum across the country, these locations are attracting greater attention from the real estate sector. As connectivity improves and urban infrastructure expands, these cities are gradually emerging as important centres for real estate development. Over the coming years, Tier 2 cities are likely to play a key role in broadening India’s real estate landscape beyond the traditional metro markets", Aman Sharma, Managing Director & Founder, Aarize Group.
For property buyers and investors, emerging Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities present significant long-term opportunities. Lower entry prices, improving infrastructure, and strong economic growth prospects make these cities attractive destinations for real estate investments.
However, experts advise buyers to carefully evaluate factors such as infrastructure timelines, employment potential, and regulatory approvals before making investment decisions. If the government’s infrastructure plans and economic policies continue to progress as expected, India’s next major real estate growth wave could very well be led by emerging cities, transforming them into important economic and residential hubs over the next decade.
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