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Live. Invest. Grow
SQUAREA Global
Advisor
Inderbir Hundal
Focus
Wealth Mobility & Global Real Estate
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inderbir@squarea.io +91 77109 35000

Author: admin

From Hotels to Haute Living: The branded Residences Boom

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Over the last two decades, the luxury real estate scene has undergone a remarkable makeover, transforming branded Residences from mere hotel extensions to star players in the global property lineup. They have gone from “just a place to sleep” at Four Seasons & Ritz-Carlton to living the high life with luxury fashion icons & even auto brands crafting swanky living spaces.

“More Than an Address, It’s an Identity.”

Phenomenal Market Growth

With over 700 branded developments worldwide & another 600+ revving up, this market has experienced a staggering 150% growth in the last decade. Hotspots like Dubai, Miami, & London are leading the charge, where properties flaunt a dazzling 20-40% premium over non-branded luxury abodes, with their amenities to the allure of brand trust, pampering services, & a sprinkle of global appeal.

With a burgeoning crowd of HNIs & UHNIs itching for a taste of luxurious life, Indian cities like Mumbai, Delhi NCR, Pune & Bengaluru are rolling out the red carpet for branded living.

Pune: The Pioneer of branded Residences

Pune has emerged as a pioneering force in India’s luxury real estate market, introducing the concept of branded living long before it became a global trend. With landmark projects like YOO, which redefined the city’s aesthetic through design-led luxury, & Trump Towers, which brought a touch of international celebrity flair, Pune has demonstrated sophistication. As cities across India embrace this evolving landscape, Pune stands out as a testament to the burgeoning demand for exclusivity & luxury lifestyles, paving the way for a bright future in branded residences.

With consumers demanding glamorous lifestyles that scream sophistication, India’s branded residences are not just on the rise, they’re ready to shine.

Global Statistics & Standouts

There are ~517 branded residence schemes globally, reflecting a remarkable 170% growth over the past decade. Marriott stands out as the largest player in the market, overseeing 21% of the global schemes. The largest markets by city include Miami with 32 schemes, Dubai with 27, & New York with 25.

YOO has turbocharged ahead of traditional hoteliers to become the heavyweight champ of branded residences, boasting over 50 completed projects globally, while non-hotel giants from fashion & luxury cars are still in the slow lane. As hoteliers pivot & diversify their offerings in prime city centres & dreamy resorts, developers are waking up to the value of branding.

Final Thoughts

As branded residences continue their meteoric rise, it’s clear that they’re not just selling square footage; they’re marketing lifestyles dripping with luxury, exclusivity, & a touch of celebrity flair. Whether someone wants to lounge in a chic tower overlooking a bustling city or sipping coffee in a sun-drenched Mediterranean hideaway, one thing is certain: in the world of branded residences, the only thing more valuable than the real estate is the cachet that comes with it.

Two Markets. Two mandates: Georgia vs Greece

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Beyond the investment headlines, Georgia is an exceptionally picturesque country-mountains, old towns, vineyards, & the Black Sea coastline, combined with a pace of life that makes it easy to see why expats, digital nomads, & global capital are finding their way here. then there’s Chacha Georgia’s famous grape brandy. Strong, fiery, & deceptively smooth, it warms people up like a tropical Indian afternoon & tips them into that light‑headed zone where, for a moment, they see pigs flying. Drawing from on‑ground experience of witnessing my squad

The Georgia Investment Play

From an investment standpoint, Georgia offers one of the lowest global entry points into overseas real estate. Properties start from USD 25,000, with 0% purchase tax, a 5% flat rental income tax, & 0% capital gains tax after just two years. Cities like Batumi & Tbilisi deliver 7-12% gross rental yields, & Indian passport holders benefit from a one‑year visa‑free stay, with structured pathways to temporary & permanent residency through property investment.

The Greece Golden Visa Strategy

In contrast, Greece serves a very different, but equally strategic objective. As a mature EU market with the Golden Visa programme, Greece offers Schengen residency through a €250,000–€500,000 property investment (location dependent). It provides euro‑denominated stability, family inclusion, & long‑term value, with real estate prices still 15-20% below their 2007 peak & rental yields ranging from 5-8% in cities to up to 10%+ in select isl and markets. For many families, this is less about yield & more about mobility, security, & long‑term citizenship planning.

Greece vs Georgia: Two mandates

What becomes clear when we look at both markets side‑by‑side is Greece & Georgia cater to very different investor goals: EU residency & capital preservation versus high yield, low entry cost, & tax efficiency.

More Than a Pretty Passport: Portugal’s Real Investment Story

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Over the last few weeks, we have been engaging with a number of clients looking beyond India for residency-linked investment opportunities & one of the market that consistently stands out is Portugal.

I recently spoke with a client who leaned toward Portugal for Ronaldo 🙂 proof that sometimes, admiration for greatness quietly shapes even the most unexpected decisions.

“Personally, though my loyalties are with Team France Kylian Mbappé.”

Portugal is quietly positioning itself as a serious investment gateway into Europe, backed by strong tourism demand, a growing hospitality ecosystem, & increasing institutional participation in the market.

With ~88 million overnight stays & tourism contributing significantly to GDP, the fundamentals are clearly robust. It’s not just for the reasons it’s traditionally known for—great lifestyle, tourism, & destinations like Lisbon or the Algarve. What we’re seeing now is a much deeper shift.

Evolving Investor Behaviour

What’s more interesting, however, is how investor behaviour is evolving. A few years ago, most conversations revolved around directly buying real estate. Today, especially among more sophisticated & globally aware investors, the focus has shifted to structured, regulated pathways—where the objective is not just asset ownership, but efficient capital allocation with a clear residency outcome.

We’re increasingly working with clients to access institutional-grade opportunities such as hospitality-led investment platforms, which are backed by large-scale developments, global operators like Marriott, Hilton, IHG, & Wyndham, & a proven track record of deployment across assets.

It changes the conversations entirely. Instead of asking “what property should I buy?” the question becomes “how do I enter this market in the most strategic & efficient way?”

A Strategic Move

From our perspective, this shift is significant.

It allows investors to look at Portugal not just as a destination, but as a structured opportunity combining residency, diversification, & long-term value creation.

Navigating Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS) Limits for Overseas Real Estate

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For resident Indian investors looking to diversify capital across global borders, the Reserve Bank of India’s Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS) is the primary framework to underst&. Under current regulations, individuals can remit up to USD 250,000 per financial year for permissible capital account transactions, including acquiring immovable property abroad.

Understanding the LRS Quota limits

The limit of USD 250,000 is per individual per financial year (April 1 to March 31). This means a family of four can legally pool their limits to remit up to USD 1,000,000 annually. This pooling capability opens doors to premium properties in high-yield European & Southeast Asian markets, allowing families to co-own assets globally.

Key Steps for Compliance & Remittance

  • PAN Card Verification: It is mandatory for the resident individual to have a Permanent Account Number (PAN) to make remittances under the scheme.
  • A2 Form Submission: Remittances must be facilitated through an Authorized Dealer (AD Category-I bank) by completing Form A2 specifying the purpose.
  • Tax Collected at Source (TCS): Current regulations impose a TCS on remittances exceeding ₹7 lakhs per financial year. Understanding how to claim this TCS back as a credit in your annual tax filings is crucial for yield optimization.

“LRS is not a barrier; it is a structured pathway. By pooling limits & timing transactions within fiscal years, Indian families are successfully structuring premium offshore property portfolios.”

Permissible Jurisdictions & Yield Alignment

Indian capital is actively flowing into markets that align with the LRS framework, specifically Greece (Golden Visa residency), Cyprus (permanent residency), Georgia (high-yield entry points), & Thailand (vacation rentals). Each of these markets offers structured payment schedules that spread remittances across multiple fiscal years, mitigating exchange rate fluctuations & staying well within annual LRS limits.

What If Your Next Bangkok Trip Paid You Rent?

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Bangkok has quietly upgraded its reputation. It’s no longer just where we unwind, it’s where smart capital is starting to unwind for us. Beyond the street food & skyline cocktails, a very different story is playing out. One of global real estate’s most underpriced yet high-performing markets is taking shape & it’s doing so without the noise.

Key Micro-Markets to Watch

  • Wireless Road: Bangkok’s answer to “old money meets global power,” home to embassies, global HQs, & ultra-prime residences that signal long-term stability.
  • Phrom Phong–Thonglor: Blends luxury retail, expat demand, & lifestyle density—exactly the kind of ecosystem investors quietly love.
  • Rama 9: Often dubbed the city’s “Wall Street,” emerging as the next business district with strong appreciation potential already underway.

The Macro Investment Play

But this isn’t just a location story, it’s a macro play. Bangkok today is one of the most globally connected cities, with 113+ airlines & 150+ routes driving constant international flow & investment liquidity. It’s also the world’s most visited city, powered by tourism, expats, & a growing digital economy, all of which translate into consistent rental demand & occupancy.

The Investment Math

  • Rental yields at ~5–7%
  • Entry prices starting ~₹90 lakhs
  • Low holding costs, tax advantages, & flexible payment structures

Put simply — this is one of those rare markets where lifestyle, liquidity, & returns actually coexist. & here’s the interesting part: Indian investors are not just participating, they’re leading in terms of ticket size & premium purchases.

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