What Every Brand Must Know
Before Renting in
Khan Market

Khan Market has 216 commercial properties in a heritage-protected zone, sub-4% vacancy, and rents that place it 24th globally — alongside Ginza and Orchard Road. Getting in is not a search. It is a strategy. Here are the seven things every brand must understand before signing a lease.

Khan Market has 216 commercial properties. That number will not increase. Ever.

01

The lane matters more than the shop

Khan Market has four lanes and two arms. Each has a different footfall profile, co-tenancy mix, and rent level. A brand on the wrong lane — even at an attractive rent — can underperform for three years. Before you look at a specific unit, understand which lane is right for your category, your customer, and your brand's positioning in the market.

02

Rents are not published — and that matters

There is no portal, no database, and no government source for accurate Khan Market rents. Rental values broadly fall in the ₹2,400–2,600 per sqft per month range — but the actual rent for any unit depends on lane, floor, frontage, condition, and the landlord's specific situation. Knowing the difference between asking rent and transacted rent is the single biggest lever in any negotiation.

03

The lease is 3+3, with a 3-year lock-in

Most Khan Market leases follow a 3+3 structure — three years initial term, renewal option for a further three. The lock-in is typically three years. In some cases, through skilled negotiation, this can be reduced to two. Subletting is not permitted. Annual escalation runs at approximately 8%. Build all of this into your five-year financial model before you sign anything.

04

The security deposit is six months

Six months' rent as a security deposit is standard and largely non-negotiable. At Khan Market rent levels, this is a significant upfront capital commitment. Brands that have not planned for it find themselves financially stretched before the store has had time to build its customer base.

05

Your neighbours define your brand

In a 216-shop market, co-tenancy is everything. A premium brand positioned next to discount retail is not in the same Khan Market as one positioned next to Ogaan and Bombay Shirt Company. Before committing, map the brands within 50 metres. Do they validate your positioning? Do they attract your customer? Are any in direct competition?

06

Timing is a strategy, not a coincidence

Khan Market has under 4% vacancy. The brands that secure the best positions are the ones that were ready to move when the right unit became available — not the ones rushing to meet a self-imposed target date. Vacancy transitions follow predictable patterns: lease expiry cycles, rent escalation pressure, and brand strategy shifts. Tracking these requires on-the-ground intelligence, not a portal.

07

Never sign without a lawyer

Most Khan Market leases are drafted on simple stamp paper without legal review. This is common practice — and a significant risk. Title verification, exit rights, maintenance obligations, and renewal terms must all be reviewed by a qualified real estate lawyer before you sign. Non-negotiable.

The brands that prepare in advance and wait for the right position consistently outperform the brands that rush to find something available by their target date.

Who has Khan Market Estates advised?

Over 12 years and 100+ advisory mandates, we have advised brands including Jaypore by Aditya Birla, Bombay Shirt Company, Sarita Handa, Just Humans, Vahdam Tea, Decor Kart, and Miss Jo on their Khan Market entry, lane selection, and lease structuring.

We are India's only advisory practice dedicated exclusively to Khan Market. Every lane. Every shop. Every lease cycle.

Read the full guide
The Complete Guide to Renting Retail Space in Khan Market (2026)
Sunil Singh
Principal Advisor · Khan Market Estates

Sunil Singh has spent 12 years advising brands on market entry, lane selection, and lease structuring in Khan Market, New Delhi. Khan Market Estates is India's only dedicated market intelligence and advisory practice for Khan Market.

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