Legacy vs. Disruption: What Will Shape the Future of Indian Real Estate?

At the 17th Realty+ Conclave & Excellence Awards 2025 – North Edition, a pivotal session titled “Legacy vs. Disruption: What Will Shape the Future of Indian Real Estate?” brought together industry stalwarts to deliberate on the evolving dynamics of the sector. Moderated by Neeraj Bansal, Partner & Head – India Global at KPMG in India, the discussion featured Pradeep Aggarwal, Founder & Chairman of Signature Global, and Manoj Gaur, Chairman & Managing Director of Gaurs Group.

Urbanization and Market Growth

The panelists highlighted the rapid urbanization of India, particularly in the National Capital Region (NCR), which now boasts a population exceeding four crore residents. This demographic shift is driving an unprecedented demand for housing, with projections indicating that annual housing unit sales in the country will surpass one lakh units. Such growth underscores the need for both legacy developers and disruptive newcomers to adapt and innovate to meet the evolving market demands.

Legacy Builders: Strength in Tradition

Manoj Gaur emphasized the importance of legacy in real estate development. He discussed how established practices, honed over decades, provide a strong foundation for delivering quality and trust. Gaurs Group's commitment to timely delivery and customer satisfaction exemplifies how traditional values can coexist with modern aspirations. Gaur noted that while innovation is crucial, the essence of reliability and reputation, built over time, remains invaluable.

Disruption: Embracing Innovation

Conversely, Pradeep Aggarwal spoke about the disruptive forces reshaping the industry. Signature Global's approach focuses on affordability and accessibility, catering to the aspirations of the middle-income segment. Aggarwal highlighted how leveraging technology, streamlining processes, and adopting new business models can lead to more efficient and customer-centric solutions. He argued that disruption is not about replacing legacy but enhancing it through innovation.

Integration of Legacy and Disruption

The discussion underscored the synergy between legacy and disruption. While legacy builders bring experience and established trust, disruptors introduce agility and fresh perspectives. By integrating the strengths of both, the real estate sector can achieve a balanced approach that honors tradition while embracing the future.

As India continues its trajectory of rapid urbanization and economic growth, the real estate sector stands at a crossroads. The fusion of legacy practices with disruptive innovations will define the industry's future. Developers who can adapt to changing market dynamics, while retaining core values, will be best positioned to lead in this new era. The insights shared by the panelists at the Realty+ Conclave serve as a roadmap for navigating this transformative phase in Indian real estate.