Sustainability as Luxury: How Eco-Friendly Estates Are Becoming the Ultimate Investment

Rohan Sehgal
Sep 9
3 min read

In the refined circles of luxury real estate, sustainability has quietly evolved from a lifestyle choice to a strategic investment tool. Eco-friendly estates now stand as the ultimate symbol of prestige offering both elevated living and high-calibre financial returns.

1. The Premium of Green Certification

The Global ESG Real Estate Report (2023) highlights that properties with green certifications such as LEED, WELL, or IGBC command 8–12% higher rental yields and enjoy 20% faster sales velocity compared to non-certified luxury homes.

Locally, NAREDCO and Resurgent India estimate India’s green building market will reach USD 39 billion (~Rs. 3.2 lakh crore) by 2025, indicating a growing embrace of eco-conscious luxury among high-end developments.

In cities like Bengaluru and Gurugram, demand for sustainable estates has surged by 30% year-on-year, signalling a shifting preference wellness and sustainability now outweigh traditional aesthetics.

2. India’s Green Building Movement Gains Momentum

Savills reports more than 7,000 IGBC green-certified projects across India, spanning 1,370 million sq. ft evidence of developers’ strong commitment to sustainability.

In Rajasthan alone, over 600 IGBC-rated buildings covering 185 million sq. ft have achieved 40–50% energy savings and 30–35% water savings, with construction costs only 2–3% higher and payback periods under 18 months.

In India’s commercial sector, 67 % of Grade A office stock is now green-certified, with major growth projected emphasizing both demand and future supply of sustainable real estate.

3. Global Eco-Luxury Benchmarks

Copenhagen’s Nordhavn district exemplifies the sustainable luxury approach. Designed on the five-minute city concept, it offers walkable, mixed-use living with prices 20% higher than Copenhagen’s average, showing how sustainability can enhance desirability.

Meanwhile, Denmark leads globally over 85% of new luxury developments feature sustainable design with energy efficiency ratings 40% above standard. These properties routinely command a 15–20% premium.

4. Financial Upside of Eco-Luxury Properties

Sustainable buildings aren't just ethicalthey are profitable:

LEED-certified properties garner 11.1% higher rents and 21.4% higher sale prices per sq. ft; notably, their resilience during downturns is 49 percentage points stronger.
Across India, the approval of green homes has grown by 30% over five years; buyers are willing to pay 5–10% more, while developers see up to 15% extra ROI on certified projects.

5. Real-Life Indian Eco-Luxury Examples

One standout is the SKA Green Arch in Greater Noida West, IGBC Gold pre-certified, it integrates resource reduction, recycling, and urban green zones into luxury living.

Furthermore, Indian luxury home sales above Rs 4 crore surged 75% year-on-year, driven by buyers who now prioritize aesthetic, functionality, and sustainability together.

6. Why Eco-Elegance Resonates with UHNWIs

Sustainable estates protect wealth through improved efficiency, reduced running costs, and regulatory alignment.
Health and wellness features such as superior air, lighting, and natural materials enhance lifestyle and resale value.
Legacy appeal: eco-estates become heirlooms with lasting social and environmental impact.
Government incentives, especially in India, are increasing for green-certified developments, making them feasible investments.

7. The Strategic Call for Indian UHNWIs

India’s ultra-luxury real estate to which inclusive data suggests an 85% YoY growth in sales in early 2025 must lean into the sustainability wave to stay relevant and valuable.

For Vero Homez, this means:

Curating estates with green certifications (LEED, IGBC, WELL).
Showcasing clear data on yield premiums, sales velocity, and operating savings.
Emphasizing a multi-generational wellness portfolio that aligns life and value.

Closing Reflection

In modern luxury real estate, sustainability is the new opulence. Eco-conscious design is no longer an altruistic afterthought it is a strategic cornerstone of legacy, wellness, and investment.

At Vero Homez, we don’t just seek aesthetics; we discover estates that breathe, endure, and pay dividends now and for generations.