Land ownership continues to appeal to Indian homebuyers and investors for the flexibility it offers, from custom home construction to long-term capital appreciation. However, rising urbanisation and infrastructure expansion have ensured that land no longer comes cheap, particularly across major urban centres where per-acre prices now run into multiple crores, while even peripheral corridors are witnessing steady price firming.
While plotted developments promise greater control and lifestyle freedom, standalone land purchases carry significantly higher risk. Ownership structures are often fragmented, land records may be outdated, and zoning or conversion approvals are frequently misunderstood. These risks are more pronounced in tier 2 and tier 3 cities, where formal documentation frameworks are still evolving.
Debayan Bhattacharya, Principal Partner: Primary Sales India at Square Yards, says “From a financial planning standpoint, it generally suits individuals comfortable with longer holding periods and slower monetisation.”
Unlike apartments, land investments rarely offer quick exits. Returns depend on long holding periods and surrounding development materialising as planned. As Bhattacharya advises, land should be approached as a long-term allocation within a diversified portfolio, rather than a speculative purchase driven by short-term appreciation expectations.
In today’s market, informed diligence, not speed, is the true driver of value in land ownership.
