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Wealthy investors in India are re-evaluating the role of real estate in their portfolios. Their focus has shifted from simply generating profit to ensuring capital preservation. Industry experts note that individuals with high and ultra-high net worth are now viewing real estate not just as a luxury item, but as a reliable tool for portfolio diversification, stable income generation, and long-term value retention.

As assets grow, investment decisions become more measured. People seek a balance between wealth growth, stability, planning for the next generation, and regular income. Real estate plays a key role in this process due to its tangible material value and its ability to generate consistent income.

According to Gaurav Mavi, co-founder of BOP.in, the approach to investing changes as wealth increases. He emphasized that in the initial stages of asset accumulation, the main focus is on rapid money growth; however, over time, the focus shifts to security, sustainability, risk reduction, and creating assets beneficial for future generations. In this process, real estate occupies an important place, as its purpose transforms along with the growth of capital.

For new investors, purchasing real estate often symbolizes significant financial success. However, for affluent families and wealthy individuals, it serves as a tool to strengthen a portfolio alongside the stock market and other financial instruments. Unlike directly linked investments such as stocks, elite residential real estate, commercial properties, land plots, and income-generating assets not only offer potential price appreciation but also provide fixed income.

This trend is reinforced by the growing number of wealthy people in India. According to Knight Frank's 'Wealth Report', India ranks among the countries with the fastest growth in UHNIs (Ultra High Net Worth Individuals) globally. Consequently, the role of real estate in asset management strategy is becoming increasingly significant.

Experts point out that affluent investors have become very cautious when selecting real estate. Instead of buying properties solely based on location or personal connections, they meticulously analyze factors such as infrastructure development, Rental Yields, demand prospects, developer reliability, and potential for future resale.

Commercial real estate has gained significant advantage due to this approach. High-end office spaces, organized retail areas, and mixed-use projects attract investors seeking regular rental income. There is high demand from multinational corporations and Global Capability Centers (GCCs).

The luxury housing market is no longer limited to a prestigious address. Wealthy buyers now prioritize privacy, wellness, eco-friendliness, smart home technology, security, superior architecture, and lifestyle amenities. In Gurugram areas like Golf Course Road and Golf Course Extension Road, as well as in certain parts of Central Delhi and Noida, luxury housing attracts buyers by offering a combination of privacy and good connectivity.

As portfolios grow, investors increasingly seek help from professional consultants. They consult on property selection, location analysis, developer evaluation, rental strategy development, and sale planning. According to Mavi, the future of HNI and UHNIs investing will depend less on accumulating the maximum number of assets and more on wisely placing funds in the right places. In this context, properly selected real estate will always remain an important part of the portfolio, providing stability, regular income, and long-term value alongside other financial assets.

According to trade sources involved in the market, the state-owned Indian oil refining company Hindustan Petroleum Corp (HPCL) acquired two million barrels of West African crude oil through a tender intended for September deliveries. This information was disclosed on Thursday.

HPCL purchased one million barrels each of the Nigerian crudes—Forcadoes and Bonga—from the trader Shell. These raw materials are destined for HPCL's refinery in Vizag, which has a capacity of 300,000 barrels per day and is located in the southern state of Andhra Pradesh.

At the time of publication, pricing details were not available. Previously, HPCL had also acquired two million barrels of oil from West Africa for its refinery with a capacity of 180,000 barrels per day, located in the desert state of Rajasthan.

It should be noted that companies involved in this trade typically do not comment on their transactions.

Buyers in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are diversifying their purchases among gold jewelry, bars, and coins, indicating increased consumer awareness of the value of goods in the country, according to Dubai jewelers.

Industry leaders noted that some UAE consumers are shifting focus from large jewelry purchases to lighter pieces. Gold prices jumped by more than 21 dirhams per gram on Thursday, reaching a seven-week high amid hopes for the resumption of shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.

In the morning market in Dubai, the price of the precious metal was $4253 per ounce. In Dubai, 24K and 22K gold traded at 513.75 and 475.75 dirhams per gram, respectively.

John Paul Alukkas, CEO of Joyalukkas Jewellery, stated that consumers have become more thoughtful about purchasing gold. He emphasized that people are becoming more financially literate and view coins and bars as a simple and economically advantageous way to invest in gold, avoiding additional manufacturing charges or premiums associated with handmade items.

Many clients are now combining purchases: for example, buying wedding or special occasion jewelry and supplementing it with a coin or bar for long-term savings. According to Alukkas, this is a balanced approach to owning gold. He added that while demand for jewelry has decreased in the short term, this reflects a change in purchasing behavior rather than an overall decline in interest in gold.

Another positive trend, according to Alukkas, is the growing interest of clients in responsibly sourced certified gold and diamonds.

According to World Gold Council data for the second quarter of 2026, demand for yellow jewelry fell by 28 percent, while demand for bars and coins grew by 30 percent year-on-year.

Alukkas noted that the World Gold Council data reflects a general market trend, but the company's retail experience has been relatively more resilient. He explained that the decrease in jewelry demand in some segments is linked to consumers becoming more price-sensitive after the sharp rise in gold prices. Simultaneously, demand for gold coins and bars has significantly increased, as many buyers use gold as a hedge and protective asset against economic uncertainty.

Anil Dhanak, Managing Director of Kanz Jewels, reported that buyers are becoming more mindful of the cost of their purchases. He mentioned that many clients opt for light and modern jewelry designs, while others prefer to first purchase bars, postponing large jewelry purchases. Buyer behavior has become closely tied to price fluctuations: when prices rise, clients tend to buy earlier, expecting further growth, but when prices begin to fall, many adopt a waiting strategy, anticipating further price drops before buying.

Shamlal Ahmed, Managing Director of International Operations at Malabar Gold & Diamonds, stated that some clients are adopting a more measured, observational approach, especially when purchasing heavy and less essential jewelry due to constant gold price fluctuations. He added that the growing demand for gold coins and bars indicates an increasing preference for gold as an investment and savings tool.

Ahmed also emphasized that jewelry remains the preferred choice for personal adornment, gifts, and celebrating important life events. He also noted the rise in investment purchases, with coins and gold bars becoming increasingly popular among novice investors. Furthermore, there is a trend of exchanging existing jewelry for new pieces. Millennials and Generation Z are increasingly favoring minimalist, layered designs, everyday jewelry that combines style, wearability, and long-term value.

Chirag Vora, Managing Director of Bafleh Jewellers, observed that there are two distinct consumer sentiments in the gold market. He explained that while investment-oriented buyers are increasing purchases of gold coins and bars to hedge against global uncertainty, jewelry buyers have become more selective due to high gold prices. Instead of completely stopping purchases, many clients are optimizing their budgets by choosing lighter models, trading in old jewelry, or buying pieces for specific occasions, instead of making large, non-essential expenditures.