India’s real estate sector is no longer just about buildings and balance sheets. It is increasingly being viewed as a central pillar in the country’s larger economic ambition of becoming a developed nation. The recently released KPMG–NAREDCO report underlines what market activity has already begun to signal: real estate is emerging as one of the most critical sectors in driving the vision of Viksit Bharat.
The numbers are striking. The report projects that India’s real estate market could grow from its current valuation of Rs. 26.4 trillion to nearly Rs. 88 trillion by 2030. This sharp expansion reflects deepening demand for quality housing, efficient workplaces and infrastructure-led, integrated communities.
Beyond capital flows and valuations, the sector’s economic impact extends to employment. Jobs linked to real estate and allied industries are expected to rise from 70 million to nearly 100 million by 2030. Construction, design services, project management and a wide ecosystem of suppliers stand to benefit.
For industry leaders, these projections represent more than optimism. They signal structural shifts in how India builds, lives and works.
Growth anchored in structural demand
Aman Sharma, Managing Director and Founder of Aarize Group, believes the scale of expansion highlights the depth of underlying demand.
According to him, the anticipated jump to Rs. 88 trillion demonstrates that buyers and businesses alike are seeking better-quality housing, efficient workplaces and integrated communities supported by infrastructure. He notes that the next phase of growth will favour developers who combine delivery discipline with long-term operational quality. Trust, he suggests, will be the currency that attracts both homebuyers and institutional capital in the coming decade.
This emphasis on disciplined execution reflects a maturing sector. Over the past few years, consolidation has strengthened balance sheets and improved compliance. Developers who can deliver on time, maintain asset quality and ensure transparency are likely to command greater investor confidence.
The projected employment expansion also reinforces real estate’s multiplier effect. Few sectors generate as many direct and indirect jobs, spanning everything from skilled construction workers to architects and facility managers. As India urbanises at a steady pace, this employment engine could become even more critical.
A more inclusive housing story
While headline valuations capture attention, another transformation is unfolding within the housing market itself.
Anil Godara, Founder and Managing Director of J Estates, points out that India’s real estate growth is being shaped by deeper structural changes rather than just expansion in size. He observes that demand is evolving across life stages, reflecting demographic shifts and changing social patterns.
The rise of next-generation buyers is redefining expectations around amenities, connectivity and sustainability. At the same time, increasing women homeownership is contributing to a more diversified and inclusive market. New housing formats are emerging to cater to varied lifestyle needs, from compact urban apartments to integrated township developments.
One segment that stands out in this evolving landscape is senior living. With rising life expectancy and changing family structures, organised senior living communities are gaining traction. Godara notes that this segment is no longer peripheral but increasingly necessary, driven by longevity and the need for accessible, community-focused environments.
In this context, real estate is being called upon to deliver more than shelter. Integrated developments that prioritise accessibility, wellbeing and long-term livability are becoming essential. The future of housing, therefore, lies not just in scale but in thoughtful design that responds to diverse and changing needs.
Integrated developments and urban momentum
Ashish Agarwal, Director at AU Real Estate, underscores the broader economic significance of the projected growth. The expected jump from Rs. 26.4 trillion to Rs. 88 trillion, he says, signals strong demand across residential, commercial and infrastructure-linked segments.
For Agarwal, the sector’s ability to create 100 million jobs by 2030 further cements its role as a core pillar of India’s development trajectory. He emphasises that opportunities will increasingly favour integrated developments aligned with urbanisation trends.
India’s cities are expanding both horizontally and vertically. Improved connectivity, metro networks, expressways and industrial corridors are reshaping urban boundaries. Developers who align projects with these infrastructure nodes stand to benefit from sustained demand.
However, rapid growth brings its own challenges. Agarwal highlights the importance of disciplined execution, sustainable development and long-term asset quality. In emerging markets especially, credibility becomes a differentiator. Projects that combine environmental responsibility with durable construction standards are more likely to secure investor trust.
This focus on sustainability is not merely regulatory compliance. As institutional capital flows into Indian real estate, global investors are placing greater emphasis on ESG benchmarks. Green buildings, energy efficiency and transparent governance structures are becoming central to project viability.
The Road to 2030
Taken together, industry voices suggest that India’s real estate expansion is entering a more mature phase. The era of speculative growth is gradually giving way to structured, demand-led development.
The projected tripling of market size by 2030 reflects confidence in India’s economic fundamentals. Urbanisation, rising incomes and demographic momentum continue to drive demand across segments. At the same time, consumer expectations are evolving. Buyers are seeking not just square footage but integrated communities, lifestyle amenities and long-term value.
Employment generation remains one of the sector’s most powerful contributions. As construction activity intensifies and allied services expand, real estate could play a central role in absorbing India’s growing workforce.
Ultimately, the success of this growth cycle will depend on discipline. Developers who balance ambition with delivery, innovation with sustainability and expansion with credibility are likely to shape the next chapter.
As India moves closer to its Viksit Bharat aspirations, real estate appears poised not merely as a beneficiary of growth, but as one of its principal architects.
