The skyline of Delhi is changing dramatically as the number of high-rise buildings grows. Luxury high-rise living was once only associated with cities like Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, or Gurgaon, also known as the “millennium cities,” while Delhi was primarily a low-density landscape. While the city continues to offer low-rise developments, times and building regulations have changed. Over the last 13 years, there has been an increase in luxury high-rise residential apartments throughout the capital. Continue reading as this article delves into the various factors driving the surge in high-rise construction in Delhi.
Top reasons for the growth of high-rise buildings in Delhi
Let us take a look at the factors that have contributed to the growth of high-rise structures in Delhi:
New housing projects by renowned developers
Renowned developers are building high-rise residential complexes in Delhi at a rapid pace. These projects provide modern amenities, cutting-edge facilities, and luxurious living spaces that cater to changing tastes. These new housing projects attract buyers due to their innovative architectural designs and sustainable construction practices.
M2K Group, a developer in North Delhi, is capitalizing on this trend with projects like M2K Victoria Gardens on Ring Road. This upscale residential complex offers three-, four-, and five-bedroom apartments and luxurious penthouses with private terraces, a double-height lobby, and a private lap pool. The project spans over 4.54 acres and includes 338 units in six towers. M2K Victoria Gardens, which sits next to 5.36 acres of DDA-maintained greenery, stands out for its amenities.
Increased demand for modern lifestyle amenities
With changing lifestyles and rising disposable incomes, Delhi’s urban residents increasingly want modern amenities and luxury living spaces. This premium project includes everything from landscaped gardens to solar water heaters, and a treated drinking water supply. M2K Victoria Gardens, managed by BVG India Ltd, provides exclusive amenities such as mechanized parking, concierge services, a laundromat, and an automated car wash.
However, the project’s focal point remains Club Victoria, an elite multi-purpose clubhouse that provides M2K Victoria Gardens residents with a world of leisure and recreation. Imagine having a luxurious spa and salon day within the walls of your housing society. Imagine working out in the cutting-edge fitness center or relaxing by the Jacuzzi or swimming pool while your children are safe in the creche. That is not all! Club Victoria is a world apart, with a home theatre, sports and fitness center, creche steam room, multi-purpose event hall, and party terrace.
M2K Victoria Gardens residents may also use additional amenities like virtual golf. The project includes a multi-activity area with landscaped gardens, an art gallery, a board game zone, a bonsai court, a shared book library, a pottery zone, and an arts and crafts zone. Besides, it also has a children’s playcourt and toddlers’ zone.
According to Dr Vishesh Rawat, Vice President & Head of Sales, Marketing, and CRM at M2K Group, “As the demand for luxury grows, penthouses are the ultimate choice for those seeking grander and more spacious layouts. We at M2K Group are at the forefront of the trend with ready-to-move penthouses in our project, M2K Victoria Gardens on Ring Road in North Delhi.”
Increasing population density in urban areas
The rapid urbanization of Delhi has resulted in a significant increase in population density over the last decade. As more people move to the city in search of better opportunities, demand for housing has increased. High-rise buildings emerge as a practical solution for meeting the housing needs of an expanding urban population while using up limited urban space.
As the city becomes more congested, living 30-40 meters above ground level reduces noise and air pollution, thus improving quality of life. Furthermore, given the scarcity of land for horizontal expansion, vertical development provides a viable option for optimizing land use and accommodating a greater number of residential units in a smaller space. Aside from preserving green spaces, vertical growth ensures the city’s long-term development, essential in the modern urban setting.
Higher restrictions
As Delhi struggles with overcrowding and a lack of land, both the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) and the central government acknowledged the need for change to adapt to the city’s changing landscape. The city’s master plan was modified in 2013, and height restrictions were relaxed. As a result, developers can now build high-rises on land parcels of 3,000 square meters or larger. Furthermore, in 2014, the FAR (Floor Area Ratio) for plots measuring 750 sq m to 1,000 sq m was increased from 150 percent to 200 percent, while the FAR for plots measuring 1,000 sq m or more was increased from 120 percent to 200 percent.
Similarly, ground coverage was increased from 40% to 50% for plots measuring 1,000 sq m or more, and remained at 50% for plots measuring 750-1,000 sq m, ensuring optimal land utilization. This move cleared the way for developers to launch ambitious high-rise residential projects across Delhi. By embracing vertical growth, developers hope to maximize land utilization while meeting the city’s rising housing demand.
Rising disposable income
Delhi’s strong economic growth and rising affluence have created a growing demand for more upscale housing options. In contrast to low-rise developments, high-rise developments cater to the aspirational lifestyle of affluent homebuyers who value exclusivity, sophistication, and luxury in their living spaces. With rising disposable income, more people prefer high-rises for investment purposes.
To summarize, the growth of high-rises in Delhi is driven by several factors, including new housing projects by eminent developers, increasing population density, limited land availability, demand for modern amenities, and economic growth, which fuels demand for upscale housing options. As the city grows and urbanizes, high-rise buildings will play an increasingly important role in shaping its skyline and meeting the housing needs of its residents.