McDonald's has leased 1.56 lakh sq ft in RMZ Nexity, Hitec City, Hyderabad, to set up its first Global Capability Centre (GCC) in India, marking a strategic shift toward backend operations. The five-year lease, starting February 2025, includes a INR 1.43 crore monthly rent and a 15% hike after three years. This move is expected to create 2,000 jobs. Hyderabad continues to attract global firms due to its skilled talent pool, affordable rentals, and strong infrastructure. With rising GCC activity and over 14 million sq ft of leasing recorded in Q1 2025 alone, the city is emerging as a major office space hub.Read more

The Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) is considering a property tax hike for individuals and establishments that engage in illegal garbage dumping. By integrating unpaid waste disposal fines into property tax dues through a Comprehensive Challan Management System (CCMS), GHMC aims to enforce stricter compliance. The initiative includes automated penalty generation linked to Property Tax Identification Numbers (PTINs), SMS notifications, and UPI payment options. Enhanced surveillance measures, including special monitoring teams and CCTV installations, are also being implemented to identify and penalize violators.Read more

A young boy's complaint about losing a local cricket ground sparked a major land reclamation drive in Hyderabad. He alerted HYDRAA about illegal development on a disputed plot in Raidurg and nearby lake-filling for housing. A swift inspection revealed that Narne Estates had begun unauthorized sales and construction without approvals. HYDRAA demolished the structures and filed a police case. On the same day, HYDRAA uncovered a larger land grab in Hafeezpet, where Vasantha Homes illegally developed 39.2 acres of government land using fake records. These actions highlight growing concerns over encroachments and stress the need for strict enforcement and transparency in urban development.Read more

Lulu International Shopping Malls has acquired Manjeera Retail Holdings, owner of Manjeera Mall in Hyderabad's Kukatpally, following a National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) ruling. The acquisition stemmed from insolvency proceedings initiated after loan defaults, with creditors claiming INR 317 crore. Lulu's INR 318 crore resolution plan was approved by the committee of creditors and ratified by the NCLT. Previously operating under lease, Lulu now fully owns the mall, enhancing its Hyderabad presence. The move is seen as a strategic step amid broader retail restructuring in India, promising improved mall management, brand offerings, and a revitalised retail experience for local shoppers.Read more

Telangana IT and Industries Minister D. Sridhar Babu announced three new master plans-comprehensive mobility, economic development, and blue-green infrastructure-as a part of the Mega Master Plan 2050 for Hyderabad's metropolitan region. The existing five master plans are nearing their expiration, prompting the government to engage the global consultancies for the new plans. The government aims to make Hyderabad a model for sustainable development through the projects like metro expansion, Musi rejuvenation, and improved utilities. With rapid urbanization, 18 new municipalities and 75 gram panchayats are being added.Read more

McDonald's has chosen Hyderabad as the site for its India headquarters and Global Capability Centre (GCC), following a competitive selection process that saw the city triumph over rivals like Bangalore. This strategic move is expected to create 2,000 jobs in its initial phase. The American fast-food giant plans to leverage Telangana's skilled workforce and infrastructure while expanding its local restaurant network. The Telangana government is also looking to strengthen this partnership by offering agricultural produce sourcing and workforce training via state-backed skilling programs, further anchoring McDonald's growing footprint in the region.Read more

Hyderabad's residential property market saw a 16% year-on-year decline in registrations this February, with 5,900 units recorded compared to 7,135 units last year. The total property value also dropped by 10% to INR 3,925 crore, according to data from the Telangana Registration and Stamps Department. However, month-on-month registrations rose 10%, signaling improving buyer sentiment. The mid-segment market (INR 50 lakh-1 crore) fell by 15%, while luxury homes (INR 1 crore+) rose slightly by 1%, making up 18% of total sales. Demand shifted toward larger homes, with 67% of buyers choosing properties between 1,000-2,000 sq ft. Rangareddy and Medchal-Malkajgiri districts dominated transactions, and premium deals exceeding INR 6 crore surged in Central Hyderabad, reflecting growing luxury housing demand.Read more

The South Central Railway (SCR) has invited expressions of interest to develop vacant railway land across eight prime locations in Hyderabad, including Lallaguda, Mettuguda, Arts College, Alwal, and Uppuguda. Spanning over 7,000 square meters, these properties will be converted into commercial spaces such as fitness centers, food courts, function halls, drive-ins, and retail stores. This initiative aligns with Indian Railways' broader land monetization strategy, similar to projects in Mumbai, Delhi, and Howrah. Additionally, SCR is redeveloping Secunderabad Railway Station with a INR 720 crore investment to enhance infrastructure and operational efficiency.Read more

Smartworks Coworking Spaces Limited has leased 2.2 lakh sq ft at DLF Cyber City, Gachibowli, Hyderabad, expanding its city footprint beyond 10 lakh sq ft. This marks Smartworks' fourth center in Hyderabad, adding to its presence in Raidurg, Kondapur, and Madhapur. Located in the IT corridor, the new space offers excellent connectivity to HITEC City, Outer Ring Road, metro, and the airport. The move follows a 4.7 lakh sq ft lease in Gurugram earlier this year. With 9.12 million sq ft across 45 centers in 13 cities, Smartworks remains India's largest managed campus operator.Read more

Oaktree Capital Management, a leading global investment firm, has opened a new office in Hyderabad's HITEC City, highlighting its commitment to India and its skilled workforce. The expansion aims to strengthen operations and service delivery. Co-Chairman Howard Marks praised Hyderabad's business environment and talent pool. Oaktree, a major investor in India's private credit space, has deployed over $4 billion since 2018. The Hyderabad office is its second in India, following Mumbai's 2023 launch. With $202 billion in assets under management, Oaktree operates in 24 global cities, focusing on credit, equity, and real estate investments.Read more

Casagrand, a prominent real estate developer in South India, revealed its strategic expansion plans aimed at consolidating its presence in the Hyderabad market. The company announced the addition of 2.74 million square feet of residential developments across key locations such as Mankhal, Attapur, Gowdavalli, and Kompally. Following the successful launch of Casagrand Hanford in Mamidipally in 2023, Casagrand has introduced two additional projects-Evon in Kompally and Windsor Court in Mankhal-both catering to buyers seeking quality and exclusivity.Read more

Hyderabad Metro Rail Limited (HMRL) has announced that residential apartment complexes can now be connected to Metro stations via skywalks to enhance pedestrian safety and reduce traffic congestion. Several skywalks already exist, linking Metro stations to malls and business hubs. New projects will connect Dr. Ambedkar Balanagar Metro station to Phoenix Mall and LB Nagar station to Vasavi Anandanilayam. Discussions are ongoing for additional skywalks at Nagole, Durgam Cheruvu, and Kukatpally. This initiative aims to boost Metro usage, decrease private vehicle dependency, and create a more pedestrian-friendly Hyderabad.Read more

The Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) has issued red notices to 60% of commercial establishments to recover overdue property taxes. Despite repeated reminders, 1.5 lakh properties have defaulted for two to three years. Additionally, GHMC has served distress warrants to 75 properties with decade-long dues. With unpaid taxes exceeding INR 10,000 crore, the corporation faces financial strain. Efforts include official notices, SMS reminders, and legal action against defaulters. GHMC has collected INR 1,470 crore this fiscal year and aims to surpass INR 2,000 crore. It will conduct 'Property Tax Parishkaram' every Saturday until March 29 to resolve taxpayer grievances.Read more

The Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) sealed the Taj Banjara Hotel in Banjara Hills over INR 1.43 crore in unpaid property taxes. The hotel, non-operational for two years, made an immediate partial payment of INR 52 lakh, reducing the outstanding amount to INR 91 lakh, which is expected to be cleared by March 10. GHMC has been tightening tax enforcement, surpassing last year's collection by INR 42 crore, with INR 827 crore collected for 2024-25. The action against Taj Banjara underscores the city's strict stance on tax defaulters, impacting commercial properties facing financial or legal challenges.Read more

Hyderabad's residential market is witnessing a shift towards premiumisation, as highlighted by Knight Frank India. While overall property registrations remained stable, the total value increased by 5% year-on-year. Homes priced above INR 1 crore saw a 12% rise in registrations, indicating strong demand for high-value properties. Medchal-Malkajgiri led with 45% of registrations, followed by Rangareddy at 41%. The weighted average price of homes rose by 3%, with Medchal-Malkajgiri experiencing an 11% increase. High-value transactions above INR 5.5 crore involved larger properties exceeding 3,000 sq ft, reinforcing the preference for premium housing driven by economic stability and evolving buyer aspirations.Read more

Survey and investigation works for Hyderabad's Metro corridors from JBS to Medchal and Shamirpet are progressing swiftly, with studies on traffic patterns, soil conditions, and environmental impact nearing completion. Traffic surveys assess commuter trends, while soil tests ensure structural stability, with 14 tests completed on the JBS-Medchal route and 11 on JBS-Shamirpet. Environmental assessments focus on air quality, noise pollution, and biodiversity. The 24 km JBS-Medchal and 21 km JBS-Shamirpet corridors will enhance connectivity. Detailed project reports (DPRs) are expected by March-end for state approval, marking a key milestone in Hyderabad's metro expansion efforts.Read more

The Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) has introduced new demolition procedures in line with Supreme Court guidelines to ensure transparency and accountability. Affected parties will now receive a 15-day notice and a personal hearing before demolition, with all actions video-recorded. Notices will also be sent to district collectors in Hyderabad, Rangareddy, Medchal-Malkajgiri, and Sanga Reddy. Builders must now secure Occupancy Certificates before granting occupancy, and financial institutions will verify approvals before sanctioning loans. GHMC will conduct regular site inspections to prevent unauthorized constructions, aiming to enhance urban governance and regulatory compliance.Read more

Hyderabad's office market is poised for significant growth, with total stock expected to exceed 200 million sq. ft. by 2030, according to a CBRE and HYSEA report. Currently contributing 15% of India's office space and 18% of its green-certified offices, Hyderabad has tripled its office stock since 2014, reaching 137 million sq. ft. by December 2024. In 2024, the city absorbed 12.3 million sq. ft., led by the tech sector (31%), life sciences (21%), and flexible space operators (14%). As a key hub for Global Capability Centers, Hyderabad continues to attract multinational firms, reinforcing its commercial real estate prominence.Read more

The Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) faces a severe financial crunch as property tax arrears from residents and government departments have piled up to INR 5,500 crore. Despite being the primary source of revenue, nearly 7 lakh property owners have failed to clear dues over the past eight years. The civic body has issued 4 lakh distress warrants to defaulters but is hampered by the absence of a one-time settlement scheme from the state government. Government departments, including the secretariat and South Central Railway, owe INR 4,400 crore, with dues dating back to 2001. GHMC aims to recover pending taxes through door-to-door collection drives, legal measures, and frequent reminders.Read more