In a strategic real estate move amid Jet Airways' ongoing insolvency proceedings, global investment giant Brookfield Asset Management has acquired an additional office floor in Mumbai’s coveted Godrej BKC commercial tower. This acquisition strengthens Brookfield’s presence in one of India’s most prestigious business districts and underscores the enduring appeal of premium office spaces in the Bandra-Kurla Complex despite the asset being sold under distressed conditions.
Key Highlights of the Acquisition:
Brookfield secured the second-floor office space in the 19-storey Godrej BKC tower through the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) process, matching the highest bid of Rs 370.25 crore submitted by Bank of Baroda by exercising its right of first refusal (ROFR).
The newly acquired floor adds approximately 83,000 square feet of prime office space to Brookfield’s portfolio, along with exclusive rights to 70 parking slots and a seat on the building’s management board.
This purchase complements Brookfield’s earlier acquisition of two adjoining floors (third and fourth floors) in the same building for Rs 490 crore in 2020. Those floors are currently leased to marquee tenants including the World Bank and PayPal, ensuring stable rental income.
The deal comes after the Mumbai Municipal Corporation had sealed the office space over unpaid dues, but the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) ordered the property to be de-sealed in April 2025, facilitating the sale.
The transaction was conducted on an 'as is where is' basis under legal supervision, with Brookfield now holding significant influence over the property’s operational and strategic decisions.
Rental rates in the Bandra-Kurla Complex have surged by about 30% over the past three to four years due to constrained supply and sustained demand from multinational corporations and financial institutions. Current rents at Godrej BKC range between Rs 650 and Rs 700 per square foot per month on a carpet area basis.
Industry experts view this acquisition as a long-term bet on Mumbai’s commercial real estate sector, particularly signaling Brookfield’s commitment to expanding its premium office holdings in the city’s financial hub.
Brookfield recently reinforced its presence in Mumbai by acquiring a prime two-acre development plot at BKC with over 3.6 lakh square feet of development potential, indicating a broader strategic focus on growth in India’s commercial real estate market.
Context and Strategic Significance:
Jet Airways’ insolvency proceedings, initiated following prolonged financial distress and operational disruptions, have triggered efforts to monetize its valuable real estate assets to repay creditors. The Godrej BKC property remains one of the most valuable assets in this portfolio. Brookfield’s acquisition increases its control over this sought-after commercial tower, allowing it to leverage the building’s high-profile tenant mix, premium location, and steady rental income streams.
Brookfield’s growing footprint reflects broader confidence in Mumbai’s commercial real estate resilience and the underlying fundamentals driving demand for Grade-A office space, especially by global firms, financial institutions, and tech companies. The consolidation through ROFR also illustrates Brookfield’s strategy to solidify leadership in prime office markets while optimizing asset management and returns.
Looking Ahead:
Brookfield’s expanded ownership in Godrej BKC positions the company to capitalize on expected demand growth and rental appreciation in Mumbai’s limited office supply environment. The transaction further strengthens its portfolio under the Brookfield India Real Estate Investment Trust (BIRET), boosting its scale, operational control, and yield stability.
Given the robust institutional interest shown during auction processes and the strengthening market dynamics, Brookfield’s acquisition signals positive momentum and ongoing opportunities in India’s commercial property sector. It also underlines the evolving real estate landscape shaped by insolvency-led asset sales, private equity participation, and shifting work-from-office trends.
Conclusion:
By acquiring Jet Airways’ office property in Mumbai through the insolvency process, Brookfield Asset Management significantly enhances its premium commercial real estate holdings in the city’s Bandra-Kurla Complex. This transaction not only confirms Brookfield’s strategic vision for long-term growth in India’s office space market but also sets a benchmark in navigating distressed asset acquisitions under the IBC framework. As Mumbai continues to assert its position as a global financial hub, Brookfield’s expanded presence in Godrej BKC ensures it remains at the forefront of India's dynamic commercial realty sector.
Source: Economic Times
