Latest SEBI data compiled by ANAROCK Research indicates that out of a total of INR 4,49,384 Cr AIF investments made across sectors till H1 FY2025, real estate’s share was the highest at 17%
MUMBAI, Dec 3 (The CONNECT) – Over the last decade, Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs) have shown impressive growth in India, with a significant increase in the number of funds available. Out of all sectors, real estate stands out as the leading choice for AIF investments across the country.
Latest SEBI data compiled by ANAROCK Research indicates that out of a total of INR 4,49,384 Cr AIF investments made across sectors till H1 FY2025, real estate’s share was the highest at 17% – totalling nearly INR 75,468 Cr. Other sectors benefiting from AIF investments are IT/ITeS, Financial Services, NBFCs, Banks, Pharma, FMCG, Retail, Renewable Energy, and others.
| Sectors | Amt. Invested (INR CR) |
| Real Estate | 7,54,68 |
| IT/ITeS | 2,78,15 |
| Fin Services | 2,57,82 |
| NBFCs | 2,15,03 |
| Banks | 1,82,42 |
| Pharma | 1,72,72 |
| FMCG | 1,16,80 |
| Retail | 1,13,79 |
| Renewable Energy | 1,06,72 |
| Others | 2,29,571 |
| Total | 4,49,384 |
Source: SEBI & ANAROCK Research
(Note: Cumulative net investment made across sectors till H1 FY25)
Anuj Puri, Chairman – ANAROCK Group, says, “By the end of H1 FY25, total investments in the real estate sector via AIFs have risen from INR 68,540 Cr by FY 2024-end to INR 75,468 Cr. This is a significant10% growth in just half the financial year.”
AIF in India have seen substantial decadal increase in the number of funds available for investment. AIFs’ overall commitment raised rose by over 340% in the last six years – from INR 2,82,148 Cr in FY 2019 to INR 12,43,083 Cr in H1 FY2025, reflecting increasing appetite for alternative investment strategies.
Between FY2013 to FY2024, the commitment raised in AIF sector has maintained an impressive 83.4% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), signalling its growing importance in the broader investment landscape.
“A deep dive into the data reveals that the surge in AIF activity is largely driven by Category II AIFs, which include a mix of Real Estate Funds, Private Equity, Debt Funds, and Fund of Funds (FoF),” says Puri. “The data indicates that over the last five years, Category II AIFs have been responsible for nearly 80% of total AIF commitments, highlighting the dominance of these flexible and tailored investment vehicles.”
Traditionally, domestic investors have been the primary source of AIF funding. However, foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) are also stepping up, especially in the case of Category II AIFs. In this category, FPIs now have an almost equal participation alongside domestic investors.
Tailored Real Estate Financing Solutions
A major trend within AIFs is the growing reliance on equity financing to bridge gaps in the real estate sector. With many real estate projects requiring significant working capital throughout their lifecycle, AIFs have provided a vital source of funding. These funds offer a customized capital stack that addresses the unique needs of real estate developers, helping to manage everything from construction to long-term project financing.
In the first nine months of CY24 alone, the real estate sector saw INR 28,560 Cr raised through private equity investments, according to ANAROCK Capital. Real estate accounted for 17% of total sectoral investments this year. INR 12,801 Cr were also raised via Qualified Institutional Placements (QIPs) within the same period – again, the 2nd highest among all the major sectors and comprising a 17% overall share.
Here are some more industry reactions:
Prashant Sharma, President of NAREDCO Maharashtra: “The record ₹75,468 crore invested in real estate through AIFs in H1 FY25 underscores the sector’s resilience and growth potential. With robust sales in major cities and a consistent decline in unsold inventory, investors recognize the sector’s long-term value. AIFs are not just funding projects; they are shaping the future of urban infrastructure and housing in India.”
Kuldeep Jain, Founder and CEO of Build Capital: The growing reliance on Category II AIFs highlights their transformative role in reshaping the real estate sector. These investment vehicles not only channel significant capital into the industry but also bring in-depth expertise in partnering with reputed developers, ensuring strategic asset selection and prime location analysis, and achieving timely financial closure. This comprehensive approach not only facilitates project completion and delivery but also drives higher and secured returns for investors. By addressing the increasing demand for housing and urban infrastructure, AIFs reaffirm real estate as a preferred asset class for institutional investors, combining stability with consistent value creation to enhance its long-term investment appeal.
