Unlocking the Key to India's Booming Luxury Real Estate with Abhishek Lodha

September 22, 2025

For over two decades, Lodha has been a driving force in reshaping India’s urban landscape, bringing ambitious scale to residential development. At the helm is Abhishek Lodha, a second-generation leader whose vision goes beyond building homes—it’s about creating ecosystems where design, sustainability, and community intersect. In a conversation with Robb Report India, he unpacks how the meaning of luxury is shifting in India, what’s shaping the aspirations of a new generation of buyers, and why giving back is just as important as building forward.

Lodha has become synonymous with luxury real estate in India. How do you define luxury today, and how has that definition evolved over the years?

Twenty years ago, luxury was defined almost entirely by location and was considered South Mumbai or South Delhi. But that’s changed. Today, luxury is about the complete living experience. It’s not just the address, but it’s the quality of the product, the level of service, the kind of neighbours, and the overall lifestyle. People now want their homes to feel like a luxury hotel every single day. With the rise of global partnerships and improved services, I believe what we’re building in cities like Mumbai is on par with, if not better than, what you see in top cities like London.

Who is the new Indian luxury home buyer?

Today's luxury buyer is far more self-assured. They’re confident in their success, optimistic about their future, and unafraid to live well. Unlike the earlier mindset shaped by scarcity and restraint, the modern Indian sees no shame in investing in a great home, car, or holiday. They believe in living fully, but with balance. Value for money still matters, but that doesn’t mean cutting corners on what truly enhances their quality of life.

What are the shifts you’ve seen on where India’s affluent want to live?

India’s top one to five per cent have done exceptionally well, and they’re now investing in multiple homes. Their primary residence is often in a big city, but many are also buying homes abroad as lifestyle alternatives. Closer home, they’re looking at second homes in scenic locations, branded residences, and even yachts.

Do you think sustainability can truly be luxurious?

Absolutely. I believe sustainability is essential to true luxury. Thoughtful living, whether in design, construction, or lifestyle, must go hand in hand with environmental responsibility. Our cultural roots in India already emphasise respect for nature alongside the pursuit of wealth and knowledge. True luxury today is about leaving the land greener than you found it.

Do you see a shift in how the wealthy in India approach philanthropy?

Yes, but we’re just at the beginning of that journey. Much of this wealth is created in the last 15 years. It takes time for people to realise that beyond success and material comfort, true fulfillment comes from purpose, and giving back is a big part of that. India has a rich tradition of philanthropy, especially through religion and royal patronage. But now, we’re seeing a broader, more structured approach emerging. People like Azim Premji (former chairman of Wipro) and Shiv Nadar (founder of HCL) have paved the way, and we hope many more will follow. At Lodha, we’ve committed significantly through the Lodha Foundation, including the recent transfer of 20 per cent of our family stake, valued around ₹20,000 crore, towards long-term nation-building.

What gaps are you most passionate about addressing, especially for young people in urban and peri-urban India?

While we’ve long supported access to quality, low-cost education for the underprivileged, our newer focus, is on nurturing India’s most gifted young minds. We define a genius as anyone with extraordinary potential, whether in the sciences, the arts, or beyond. Through initiatives like the Lodha Genius Programme with Ashoka University, we connect high-performing students from Grades 9–12 to worldclass STEM mentors, including Nobel laureates, and guide them through their educational journey with financial and emotional support. We’re now expanding this vision with the upcoming Lodha Genius Academy, which is slated to launch in 2027. The idea is simple: India has millions of gifted children, but only a fraction achieve what they’re capable of. We’re working to change that.

What's the best hotel, home, or destination you’ve experienced?

There are many unforgettable places, but one that stands out is the serene upper reaches of the Ganges, north of Rishikesh. It’s not just the beauty or the amazing weather, but the spiritual serenity that makes it truly special. Globally, the Cheval Blanc in the Maldives is fantastic. We also love spending time at our development at No. 1 Grosvenor Square in London.

What’s next for you?

Life is a journey, and I feel like I’m just getting started. We’re building for an India that’s rapidly transforming, and real estate will play a huge role in shaping its future. That excites me deeply, because our work directly contributes to building a stronger nation. Equally important is my work with the Lodha Foundation. If we can impact even a few hundred thousand lives in a meaningful, sustained way, that would be a life well lived.

Via Robb Report India

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