MUMBAI – In a move that underscores the intensifying institutional appetite for Indian property assets, Certus Capital has unveiled a high-octane expansion strategy. The real estate investment heavyweight, led by former KKR Executive Director Ashish Khandelia, plans to deploy ₹2,000 crore into the sector by the fiscal year 2026-27 (FY27).
This capital infusion arrives at a pivotal moment. The Indian real estate landscape is no longer just about brick and mortar; it has evolved into a sophisticated financial asset class. Following a landmark year in 2025, where sector investments hit a staggering $14.3 billion, Certus Capital is positioning itself as a primary liquidity provider for developers navigating a high-growth, yet capital-intensive, environment.
Bridging the Mid-Market Funding Gap
While the largest Tier-1 developers often have seamless access to traditional banking credit, a significant funding gap persists for mid-sized players and large-scale niche projects. Certus Capital’s FY27 roadmap is specifically designed to address this vacuum through secured private credit.
The firm is moving away from a one-size-fits-all model, opting instead for a diversified asset strategy:
Residential Housing: Focusing on the Golden Triangle of Indian real estate; Mumbai (MMR), Pune and Chennai. With inventory overhang at historic lows, Certus is betting on premium and mid-income housing.
Commercial Grade-A Offices: As Global Capability Centers (GCCs) continue to expand in India, the demand for boutique and high-spec office spaces remains robust.
Mixed-Use Integrated Projects: Recognizing the shift toward "Walk-to-Work" cultures, Certus is prioritizing developments that integrate retail, residential, and workspace components.
Data-Backed Growth: The Road to ₹2,000 Crore
Certus Capital’s trajectory reflects the broader acceleration of the Indian economy. The firm has consistently scaled its deployment capacity, transitioning from a regional specialist to a pan-India powerhouse.
Comparative Growth & Deployment Sheet
| Feature | FY24-25 (Actuals) | FY25-26 (Estimated) | FY26-27 (Target) |
| Capital Deployment | ₹1,000 Crore | ₹1,500 Crore | ₹2,000 Crore |
| Primary Markets | MMR, Pune, Chennai | Hyderabad, Bengaluru | Pan-India (Tier 1 & 2) |
| Target IRR | 14% - 16% | 14% - 16% | 14% - 16% |
| Investment Vehicle | Secured Debt / AIF | Secured Debt / AIF | Digital Platform / AIF |
| Market Sentiment | Foundational | Expansionary | Dominant Market Maker |
The main reason behind this ₹2,000 crore plan is what experts call the professional shift of the sector. In the past, Indian real estate was messy and hard to track. Since the introduction of new laws like RERA and the rise of property investment trusts, the sector has become much more transparent. This makes it safer for large firms to lend money.
Ashish Khandelia, Founder of Certus Capital, noted that their goal is to create a high-quality channel for real estate loans. With the total loan market for Indian real estate expected to reach ₹14 lakh crore by 2026, there is a huge opportunity for platforms that know how to check property deals and manage money properly.
Opening Doors for Every Investor: The Earnnest.me Factor
One of the most modern parts of the Certus Capital strategy is its online platform, Earnnest.me. In the past, high-return real estate loans (paying 14–16% interest) were only available to banks or the super-rich.
Through Earnnest.me, Certus is making these deals available to a wider group of investors. It allows people with extra savings to join the same safe loan deals that the firm handles. This provides a safety net for investors because:
Fixed Returns: Unlike the stock market which goes up and down, these loans offer steady interest payments.
Security: Investments are usually backed by property or land as a guarantee.
Variety: Investors can put their money into several different projects instead of risking it all on one building.
Industry Outlook: A Long-Term Boom
The reason Certus Capital is expanding is because of several positive trends in India:
City Growth: Over 10 million people move to cities every year, keeping the demand for homes high.
Higher Pay: As people earn more, they are moving from renting to buying their own homes.
Better Rules: Government rules have removed dishonest players, leaving more professional builders in the market.
As Certus Capital works toward its ₹2,000 crore target for FY27, it is not just putting money into buildings, it is investing in the future of the Indian economy. For builders, this means a trusted partner; for investors, it offers a safe, high-return path into the fastest-growing property market in the world.
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