Around 45 per cent of her monthly income goes towards rent, another 16 per cent towards commuting and about 9 per cent towards electricity. Together, these expenses account for nearly 71 per cent of her income, leaving limited room for savings and discretionary spending.

The pressure has also entered her professional decisions. Suparna says she considers the House Rent Allowance offered by an organisation before accepting a job and has previously changed jobs after annual rent increases made her budget difficult to manage. “I have changed jobs because my landlord increased the rent every year, making it difficult to manage my budget,” she says.

Her experience is interestingly a marker for a wider challenge facing India’s rapidly expanding Global Capability Centre (GCC) ecosystem. As employment clusters grow and attract professionals from across the country, demand for homes and rentals around workplaces rises with them. But where land and development costs increase, supplying homes at prices accessible to middle-income workers becomes harder.

India’s GCC ecosystem has crossed 2,117 centres, employing around 2.36 million professionals. GCCs account for nearly 40 per cent of India’s office demand, according to industry responses, giving their expansion an increasingly important role in shaping not only commercial districts but also the residential markets developing around them.

Jobs Grow, Housing Economics Change

Nandakumar O.P., COO – Commercial, Brigade Group, sees a clear correlation between the rapid expansion of GCCs and changing housing dynamics in Bengaluru and Hyderabad. “The influx of high-skilled professionals has driven demand for both ownership and rental housing, contributing to rising land and home prices,” he says.

The challenge begins with what happens to land around expanding employment corridors. As demand for offices, homes and supporting infrastructure increases, land values can rise, adding to project costs. Developers then have to make projects viable on more expensive land, making lower-ticket housing increasingly difficult to deliver.

This pressure comes as the residential market has already moved towards higher ticket sizes. According to Manoj Dhanotiya, Founder and CEO, Micro Mitti, 78 per cent of homes sold nationally now cost above Rs 1 crore. He says residential prices rose 13-15 per cent in Bengaluru and 8-13 per cent in Hyderabad last year. “Housing always chases jobs,” Dhanotiya says.

The problem, however, is not simply that premium homes are being built. India’s GCC workforce includes senior professionals alongside a large pool of young and mid-level salaried employees whose housing budgets do not necessarily rise at the same pace as land and property prices.

Karteesh Reddy Madgula, CEO, GHR Infra, says GCC growth creates salaried demand, improves absorption and supports rental yields and investor confidence. But that growth can create an imbalance if residential supply becomes concentrated at the upper end. “The risk begins when supply chases only premium demand and leaves mid-income housing behind,” he says.

For developers, this creates a difficult equation. Demand for moderately priced housing can remain strong, but rising land costs, approval expenses and other development costs can make such projects increasingly challenging to execute near employment centres.

When A Housing Challenge Becomes A Talent Challenge

For employees, the impact appears in rent, commute, savings and the choice of where to live. Anushka, who moved from Delhi to Hyderabad for work, says finding suitable accommodation took considerable time. Rent, maintenance, the initial security deposit and commuting expenses have reduced her ability to save, while staying within budget meant compromising on the type of accommodation she wanted. “Housing affordability plays a major role in career decisions. It is something I would definitely consider before relocating again in the future,” she says.

For Khushi, who moved from Odisha to Bengaluru, the trade-off was different. Budget and proximity to her workplace were key considerations, along with finding a fully furnished apartment. She eventually gave up the convenience of living within walking distance of her office to find accommodation that worked for her. Homeownership is not an immediate option either. “The biggest hurdle is definitely money, and I would say flexibility too. Buying a home would tie you down to a place and I’m not sure if I’m ready for that,” she says.

These experiences turn the housing debate into more than a real estate question. If employees increasingly have to choose between high housing costs and longer commutes, housing can begin to influence labour mobility and the ability of employment centres to retain workers.

“Talent sustainability depends on liveability, not salaries alone. A city cannot retain its workforce if employees spend too much time or income on housing,” Madgula says.

Can Rental Housing Bridge The Gap?

For a mobile workforce, the immediate solution may not always be homeownership. A significant section of professionals relocating for jobs rents before deciding whether to settle permanently in a city, making rental supply an important part of the GCC-housing equation.

Dhanotiya says rental increases have moderated from 12-24 per cent during 2021-24 to around 7-9 per cent now. But he argues that slower rental inflation does not resolve the underlying issue. “The real problem isn’t the rate, it’s the shortage of decent mid-income rentals near workplaces,” he says.

Industry executives see organised rental housing as one possible response. Nandakumar expects demand for professionally managed rental communities to increase as the GCC workforce, already at 2.36 million, continues to expand. He points to institutional rental housing, co-living and long-term rental frameworks as formats that could broaden supply for workers who are unwilling or unable to buy.

Madgula similarly expects managed rentals, co-living and build-to-rent formats to gain relevance over the next five years. But adding rental stock alone may not be sufficient if workers still have to live far from employment centres. “The key need is predictable supply near workplaces, stronger tenant-owner frameworks, better last-mile transport and rental housing planned as part of employment districts, not treated as an afterthought,” he says.

That approach shifts the solution from building more homes alone to planning jobs, housing and transport together.

Making Mid-Income Housing Viable Again

Developers argue that correcting the ownership market requires addressing the economics that make lower-ticket projects difficult to deliver. Nandakumar attributes the declining presence of affordable housing in Tier-I cities to rising land costs, regulatory cost burdens and insufficient incentives. His proposed response includes releasing public land specifically for lower-cost housing, faster single-window clearances and stronger floor space index incentives.

The objective, according to the industry view, is to reduce the cost pressure on projects rather than expecting developers to absorb increasingly expensive land while keeping selling prices low.

Dhanotiya proposes another approach: connect the incentives governments offer to GCC investments with housing obligations. “Tie GCC land subsidies to an affordable-housing quota. Give the incentive, but attach a condition,” he says.

Such proposals would require government, developers and businesses to treat housing supply as part of economic planning rather than allowing residential development to follow employment growth after land prices have already risen.

For Madgula, the focus should also remain on mid-income supply, transit and employee catchments. GCCs need not become housing providers, he says, but can participate in city-level discussions about the infrastructure required by their workforce.

Tier-II Cities Have A Window To Act

The strongest opportunity to test these solutions may lie outside established metros. More than 375 GCC units are already operating across emerging cities, according to Nandakumar. Kochi, Coimbatore and Mysuru are among the markets seeing expansion, while Dhanotiya points to corporate activity in Indore, Nagpur, Vadodara and Jaipur.

These cities still have an advantage: land and office costs remain relatively lower. Dhanotiya says Tier-II office lease rates are 30-50 per cent cheaper than Bengaluru. But early signs of appreciation are already visible. Indore’s guideline rates rose around 26 per cent in 2025, while values along its Super Corridor have increased by more than 35 per cent over five years, he says. If employment expands faster than housing supply, however, the cost advantage could narrow.

Madgula warns that early land speculation, premium-led launches and inadequate public transport can push local and middle-income workers farther from new employment hubs. His prescription is to map employment growth with housing supply, reserve land for mid-income projects, improve approval timelines and build transport before prices harden. “The mistake would be waiting until affordability becomes a crisis,” he says.

That makes Tier-II expansion both a warning and an opportunity. Bengaluru and Hyderabad show what can happen when strong employment growth collides with rising land values and a housing market moving towards higher ticket sizes. Emerging GCC cities still have the chance to integrate workplaces, rental housing, mid-income homes and transport before those pressures become entrenched.

For Suparna, the consequences of that imbalance are already visible: above 70 per cent of her income goes towards rent, electricity and commuting, while buying a home remains distant. The next phase of India’s GCC growth will therefore depend not only on how many jobs cities attract, but also on whether housing and infrastructure planning can ensure the people taking those jobs can afford to live within reach of them.

Source Link : https://www.businessworld.in/article/limited-room-for-savings-gcc-expansion-raises-housing-challenge-for-india-s-salaried-workforc-616654

 

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The project is developed by GHR USM Developers, which brings together GHR Infra’s 35+ years of founders’ legacy in Hyderabad real estate and USM MyCity, a USA-based real estate firm and a part of the diversified USM group, headquartered in Chantilly, Virginia (with branches in Texas and California), it brings a technology-driven approach to real estate, with a focus on quality, efficiency, and sustainable development.

The villa project stood out for its emphasis on renewable energy systems, ventilation, and nature integration, with east and west-facing orientations, and layouts designed to enhance daylight exposure. The project’s amenities include a swimming pool, gymnasium, clubhouse, skating rink, sports courts, step gardens, and dedicated children’s play areas — designed as everyday infrastructure that supports wellness.

Sustainability Framework to Create Lasting Value for Residents and Environment

Trivana is projected to reduce water consumption by 37% through efficient plumbing fixtures, while also harvesting 100% of rainwater and treating 100% of wastewater generated on site through dedicated treatment systems. Nearly 30% of the site area has been reserved for native vegetation, enhancing the ecological character of the project while promoting responsible water use.

The project’s energy strategy is equally forward-looking. A proposed 18.9 kWp renewable energy system has been planned to support 50% of the common area lighting load, complemented by 100% LED lighting in common spaces and building envelope measures that help reduce heat gain and improve thermal comfort. To foster healthier indoor environments, the development also incorporates low-VOC paints and adhesives, natural ventilation, daylight-conscious design, HCFC-free refrigerants, and halon-free fire systems.

Further strengthening its environmental credentials, Trivana integrates GreenPro-certified materials accounting for 53% of the total material cost, alongside recycled-content materials, eco-friendly wood, and an organic waste converter system with a capacity of 100 kg per day to process 100% of wet waste. Together, these initiatives shape a community that is as mindful as it is modern, and as responsible as it is refined.

Commenting on the achievement, Mr. Karteesh Reddy M, CEO, GHR Infra, said, “The IGBC Pre-Certified Gold recognition stands as a testament to our project’s thoughtful approach to green living. It highlights Trivana’s alignment with progressive building principles across water conservation, energy efficiency, site planning, sustainable materials, waste management, and occupant well-being. The future of housing is certainly about excelling in design and providing quality living experience — all done with a responsible commitment towards sustainability.”

About GHR Infra:

GHR Infra is a Hyderabad-based real estate developer built on the core philosophy of Building Responsibly. Backed by 35+ years of legacy through our founders in residential, villa, commercial, and hospitality developments, GHR Infra has independently constructed over 41.5 lakh sq. ft. of premium residential space. With landmark projects like The Cascades Neopolis, GHR Callisto, and GHR Titania, we proudly serve 1895+ happy customers through a growing portfolio of 2,869 apartments and 150+ villas in gated communities—while actively expanding our future project pipeline.

About USM MyCity

USM MyCity is a real estate development company founded around 1999 as part of the diversified USM Group. The company specializes in customized single-family homes built using innovative construction techniques and has expanded its capabilities into commercial spaces. With operations spanning over 18 countries, headquartered in Virginia, USM MyCity owns hundreds of acres across the U.S.A. for development. Through its growing presence in India, the company is introducing modular and sustainable construction technologies for premium villa projects, while continuing to create thoughtfully planned developments that align with evolving market needs and long-term stakeholder value.

Designed for the discerning homebuyer, TITANIA blends innovative architecture with eco-friendly features, including rainwater harvesting, electric vehicle charging stations, waste recycling, solar power, and smart lighting systems. With these sustainable elements, TITANIA meets the growing demand for environmentally responsible living. The project, pre-certified Gold by the Indian Green Building Council (IGBC), reinforces GHR Infra’s dedication to creating spaces that prioritize both luxury and the environment.

Speaking on this achievement, Mr. Karteesh Reddy Madgula, CEO of GHR Infra, said, “Receiving the Occupancy Certificate for GHR TITANIA marks a significant step in our mission to provide homes that truly align with what today’s homebuyers want–comfort, sustainability, and practicality. We’ve focused on creating spaces that are not only built to the highest standards but also offer long-term value, integrating technology and eco-friendly solutions for a better living experience. With TITANIA, we’re confident that residents will find a home that meets both their current needs and future aspirations.”

The 2, 2.5, and 3 BHK apartments, with sizes ranging from 1,270 to 2,509 sq. ft., are designed to cater to various family sizes and lifestyles. The project also boasts a 23,700 sq. ft. clubhouse, recreational facilities, and essential services that contribute to a well-rounded lifestyle for residents. With 480 thoughtfully designed apartments, TITANIA has generated strong market interest, reflecting its appeal among homebuyers seeking a combination of luxury, sustainability, and practicality. As a result, the project presents an attractive investment opportunity, offering long-term value in a well-connected, thriving area.

About GHR Infra:

GHR Infra is a leading real estate group backed by founders with a proven track record of over 30 years in creating exceptional properties. The company has established itself as a pioneer in developing high-quality, innovative, and sustainable residential projects. With a commitment to excellence, GHR Infra continues to set new benchmarks in real estate, crafting homes that meet the evolving needs of modern living. For more information, visit GHR Infra.

Designed for multi-generational living, the development offers 4 and 5-bedroom homes ranging from 239 to 304 square yards. The project is targeting IGBC Gold pre-certification, emphasizing sustainability and natural ventilation. Residents will have access to a 15,000-square-foot clubhouse, co-working spaces, and extensive sports facilities, including pickleball and cricket zones.

Strategically located near Exit 14 of the Outer Ring Road, TRIVANA sits just 13 minutes from Rajiv Gandhi International Airport and close to the upcoming Bharat Future City. CEO Karteesh Reddy M highlighted that the community is tailored for families seeking a balance of luxury, tranquility, and rapid connectivity to Hyderabad’s primary tech hubs.

Spread across 5.61 verdant acres, GHR TRIVANA will comprise villas designed to maximize cross-ventilation and daylight through thoughtful east- and west-facing orientations. Four-bedroom homes measure 239 Sq yds, while five-bedroom variants extend to 304 sq yds, giving owners generous floorplates for multi-generational living or integrated work-from-home zones. At the heart of the gated estate, a 15,000-plus-square-foot clubhouse will include a gym, indoor games lounges, multipurpose halls, an aerobics/yoga hall, hobby and table-tennis rooms, billiards, co-working space, a sun deck and barbeque pavilions, alongside an adult pool and a dedicated kids’ pool.

Thoughtfully-planned amenities and features that matter

The amenity programme is designed around balance and everyday ease. In addition to the clubhouse offerings, the outdoors features an Amphitheatre, lawns, pergola seating, landscaped common spaces and neighbourhood parks. Active recreation spans outdoor fitness stations, a half-basketball practice court, pickleball courts and a cricket pitch, while children’s play areas in both EPDM and sand surfacing support safe, age-appropriate activity. A supermarket and a multi-utility/provisional space within the enclave add daily convenience, reinforcing the development’s self-contained character.

Connectivity and standards that complement healthy lifestyle

Positioned in Almasguda, Tukkuguda–an emerging growth node just off Exit 14 of the Nehru Outer Ring Road– GHR TRIVANA enjoys rapid, signal-free access to Rajiv Gandhi International Airport in roughly twenty minutes and sits within a 30-kilometre radius of Hyderabad’s primary technology and financial districts. The neighbourhood is also close to Hardware Park, Fab City and the upcoming Pharma City industrial zone, all of which are catalysing residential demand in South Hyderabad. Easy connectivity via the ORR further integrates the enclave with Hyderabad’s wider arterial network.

Hyderabad’s fourth city, also termed as the Bharat Future City, is being planned in southern part of Hyderabad, which is very close to TRIVANA. The fourth city’s strategic location between the Srisailam and Nagarjunasagar highways offers excellent connectivity and positions it as a major investment hub near the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport.ana This region is intended to decongest Hyderabad while driving future economic growth for Hyderabad and the Telangana state.

Underscoring its design ethos, GHR TRIVANA is targeting for IGBC Gold pre-certification. Sustainability is expressed through mindful, eco-conscious planning and landscape, with open, shaded seating areas and water features that turn everyday movement through the site into moments of pause. The master plan blends nature and architecture: “Where Nature, Luxury and Harmony Unite”–to create a calm, neighbourhood-scale setting.

GHR TRIVANA’s catchment keeps residents “close to everything yet far from the ordinary.” Proximity landmarks include Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (8 km, ~13 min), Nehru ORR Exit 14 (2 km, ~5 min), World Trade Centre, Shamshabad (8 km, ~10 min), along with key healthcare options such as Kondeti Super Speciality Hospital (3.5 km, ~8 min) and Sri Chaitanya Hospital (3 km, ~7 min).

“Securing RERA registration validates our pledge to deliver a residence, where design sophistication and regulatory rigour move in tandem,” said Mr. Karteesh Reddy M, CEO at GHR Infra. “GHR TRIVANA is aimed at families who seek the openness of villa living, yet still want one-turn connectivity to schools, healthcare and the airport. We have calibrated every square foot to nurture well-being–from ample natural light to spaces that encourage neighbourly interaction.”

“Market data underscores our project’s timing. According to the latest NAREDCO-Knight Frank sentiment index, the South Hyderabad leads all Indian regions in residential confidence, buoyed by Hyderabad’s appetite for premium, low-density housing. GHR TRIVANA’s boutique scale, coupled with its proximity to large employment hubs, responds directly to this preference for spacious homes in transit-rich locations,” opines Mr. V. Shyam Sunder Reddy, Managing Director at GHR Infra.

About GHR Infra:

GHR Infra is a Hyderabad-based real estate developer built on the core philosophy of Building Responsibly. Backed by 35+ years of legacy through our founders in residential, villa, commercial, and hospitality developments, GHR Infra has independently constructed over 38.5 lakh sq. ft. of premium residential space. With landmark projects like The Cascades Neopolis, GHR Callisto, and GHR Titania, we proudly serve 1650+ happy customers through a growing portfolio of 2,869 apartments and 50+ villas in gated communities–while actively expanding our future project pipeline.

“The Union Budget 2026 certainly charts a forward-looking roadmap for India’s and especially Hyderabad’s real estate industry. While high‑speed rail connectivity across key growth corridors (announced in the budget) will clearly strengthen Hyderabad’s realty, the extended tax holiday till 2047 for foreign companies establishing cloud service data centres in India will likely have significant and positive impact on the city’s realty developers, home buyers, and residents as well.

Major companies with data centers in Hyderabad already include global technology giants, Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud, alongside major colocation providers, such as CtrlS, and NTT. Considering that the tax holiday would mean over 20 years of tax-free operations for global cloud businesses, this will attract many more global companies to Hyderabad. This surge will likely drive ancillary demand for high-quality housing and integrated urban ecosystems.

At GHR Infra, we see this as additional cushion that will aid Hyderabad’s next growth chapter. Also, our focus remains on crafting sustainable, wellness-driven communities that align with the government’s vision, creating spaces that foster livability, inclusivity, and resilience, while positioning Hyderabad as India’s model city for future-ready living.”

This bid, part of the Phase 3 auction by the Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA), is the second highest in Telangana’s history and the highest in Neopolis to date. The developers’ successful bid enhances their presence in Neopolis, Hyderabad’s rapidly growing development corridor. In June, they launched “The Cascades Neopolis,” a luxury residential project worth Rs 3,169 crore, which features five 63-storey towers and is set to become an iconic landmark. The project has garnered strong interest from homebuyers and partners.