NRI contribution to DLF business rises 27% on-year in FY25

NRI Investments in DLF Surge 27% in FY25

India’s largest listed real estate company, DLF Ltd, reported a 27% year-on-year (YoY) increase in business contributed by Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) in FY25, reflecting a surge in overseas interest in Indian luxury and premium residential property markets. The company, which recorded record-high pre-sales of ₹15,500 crore in FY24, is riding strong momentum into the new fiscal, with NRIs contributing a substantial portion of early sales in key flagship projects.

Middle East and US Lead the Pack

According to DLF’s internal sales data for Q1 FY25, the Middle East—especially UAE-based investors—remained the dominant source of NRI bookings, followed by Indian-origin buyers in the US, Singapore, UK, and Canada. Many of these buyers are not just investing for capital appreciation but also planning eventual repatriation or dual-residence use, indicating a shift in NRI buying psychology from speculative to lifestyle-oriented.

“The strong brand trust DLF enjoys, coupled with the growing appeal of luxury gated communities in Gurugram and New Delhi, is resonating with NRIs,” said Aakash Ohri, Joint Managing Director and Chief Business Officer, DLF Ltd.

He added that digital outreach campaigns, international roadshows, and hybrid site tours significantly boosted the firm’s global sales funnel.

DLF Capitalizes on Post-COVID Diaspora Sentiment

The rise in NRI investment aligns with broader post-pandemic behavioral shifts, where high-net-worth individuals (HNIs) and second-generation diaspora are reassessing long-term ties with India. The hybrid work culture and relaxed RBI norms under Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS) also enable smoother capital movement.

DLF’s premium projects like The Arbour in Gurugram and DLF Privana South have garnered keen interest from overseas buyers, with many bookings being made before project launches.

“In the luxury segment, NRIs look for more than just ROI—they value branded developer credentials, ecosystem security, and future-ready amenities,” explained Devang Trivedi, Managing Director, DT Realty Advisors.

Digital-First Sales Driving Conversions

DLF’s tech-driven sales channels—including 360-degree virtual tours, AI-enabled query handling, and WhatsApp integration for documentation—have made remote investing seamless for global buyers.

In FY25 Q1, DLF reported that over 32% of NRI transactions were concluded entirely online, without the buyer visiting the site physically. This reflects a high degree of trust in the brand and a changing demographic among NRI investors, who are younger, tech-savvy, and more informed.

Investor Outlook: NRIs as Strategic Growth Segment

DLF’s sharp focus on NRI buyers is more than just opportunistic. Analysts believe it represents a long-term strategic shift for India’s realty sector.

“NRIs have historically contributed 8–10% of top-tier project sales. This number could climb to 15–18% over the next 3 years for companies like DLF that are doubling down on global marketing,” said Ramesh Nair, CEO, Colliers India.

He noted that weak global equity markets and relative rupee stability make Indian real estate an attractive bet for overseas Indians seeking asset diversification.

DLF's rising NRI sales contribution may also act as a cushion against domestic interest rate cycles and policy-related uncertainties.

Market Context and Competitive Landscape

DLF’s success comes as part of a broader uptick in NRI engagement with Indian real estate. Peer developers such as Godrej Properties, Sobha Ltd, and Prestige Estates have also noted heightened international traction in FY25.

However, DLF’s clear edge lies in its luxury inventory, project locations, and legacy reputation, giving it higher conversion rates among NRIs compared to its peers.

Market watchers expect DLF to outpace its ₹15,500 crore FY24 pre-sales, especially with upcoming launches tailored to NRI preferences.

A Growing Pillar of Demand

As geopolitical instability, inflation, and currency fluctuations rattle other investment avenues, Indian real estate continues to shine as a stable, long-term option for NRIs. DLF’s proactive positioning—through digital transformation, international outreach, and premium development—has helped the firm capture and retain this critical customer segment.

With demand likely to grow through the rest of FY25, particularly from Gulf-based investors and US tech professionals, NRI contributions may become a pillar of DLF’s growth story in the years to come.