New Delhi’s Connaught Place (CP) is the ninth most expensive office location in the world with an annual rent of nearly USD 144 per sq ft, according to property consultant CBRE.
CP, located in the heart of the national capital, was at the ninth position even last year.
In its annual Global Prime Office Occupancy Costs survey, CBRE tracks the cost of leasing prime office space globally.
For the second year, Hong Kong’s Central district retained the top spot as the world’s most expensive market for prime office rents, with the prime occupancy costs valued at USD 322 per sq.ft.
“New Delhi’s Connaught Place - central business district (CBD) retains its ninth position in the list as last year and the office occupancy cost is valued at USD 143.97 per sq ft,” the report said.
Mumbai’s Bandra Kurla Complex and Nariman Point CBD slipped to 27th and 40th positions, respectively. Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC) was ranked 26th and Nariman Point at 37th in 2018 ranking.
The current annual prime rent of BKC is valued at USD 90.67 per sq. ft and the Nariman Point CBD is valued at USD 68.38 per sq ft.
“Indian markets continued to have greater investment grade space in the CBDs of the different cities as prominent domestic and global corporates continued to favour investment grade space for setting up front their front offices in these cities,” said Anshuman Magazine, Chairman and CEO, India, South East Asia, Middle East and Africa, CBRE.
The commercial office market remains a strong growth propeller for the real estate sector, he added. “Delhi, being a prime market, continues to witness sustained activity and retains its position amongst the top 10 most expensive markets in the world,” Magazine said.