Flexible workspace providers in India are adopting a new strategy to cater to the increasing demand for office flexibility.Â
According to a report published by The Economic Times, companies like Table Space, Bhive, Indiqube, and EFC are shifting from traditional leasing models to fully acquiring real estate properties across the country. The pivot is seen as a viable way to secure better control over company offerings and achieve higher rental yields — translating to a significant trend within India’s office space market. It’s reported that India’s market for flexible offices is set to expand from the current 55 million sq ft to 100-140 million sq ft by 2030. Â
The trend in favor of property acquisition is not just about expansion but also about enhancing operational efficiency and rental income. For instance, according to The Economic Times, EFC (I) plans to increase its operational seat numbers to 92,000 by March 2026 — leveraging an alternative investment fund to acquire more assets. Â
However, experts caution that this asset acquisition strategy may be viable only for a few players and in select cities, given the substantial investments required. Yet, with major corporations opting for flexible workspaces, the demand for such environments is on the rise and the trend is pushing several operators to rethink their real estate strategies.Â
Companies fully acquiring real estate assets within the flexible workspace sector not only coincides with the changing demands of post-pandemic work culture, but also highlight a unique Indian office real estate market — where flexibility, technology, and strategic asset management become key to meeting the evolving needs of businesses and their employees.Â
