AI and Sustainability to Drive Real Estate Growth: Experts
NEW DELHI: Artificial intelligence (AI), sustainable construction practices, regulatory compliance, and skill development will play a key role in shaping India’s real estate sector, said real estate developers at the NAREDCO Real Estate Conclave 2026 held in New Delhi.
Anand Kumar, chairman of AIFORERA and Delhi RERA, said India’s real estate sector is expected to grow significantly over the coming decades, but the expansion will require investor confidence, compliance, and long-term planning.
“RERA has played a significant role in restoring trust among homebuyers, investors, and developers. However, every stakeholder must fully understand and discharge their responsibilities under the law to ensure sustainable growth of the sector,” Kumar said.
He also noted that emerging segments such as commercial real estate, data centers, senior living, and alternative investment avenues are opening new opportunities for the sector. Kumar called for large-scale skilling initiatives to improve workforce productivity.
Niranjan Hiranandani, chairman of NAREDCO, said real estate now includes commercial assets, logistics parks, data centers, healthcare, and education infrastructure, in addition to housing.
“The next phase of growth will be driven by AI, digital technologies, industrialized construction, sustainability, and deeper collaboration between government and industry,” Hiranandani said.
He emphasized that AI is being used in project management, customer engagement, facility management, and energy optimization. Hiranandani also called for faster and more efficient construction methods and highlighted the shortage of skilled construction workers.
Parveen Jain, president of NAREDCO, said stronger collaboration between government and industry will be necessary for creating smart, green, and inclusive cities.
He noted that real estate remains one of the country’s largest employment generators after agriculture and plays a crucial role in attracting investments, building infrastructure, and supporting home ownership.
The conclave also discussed the importance of regulatory compliance and the need for continuous skill development to meet the evolving demands of the real estate sector. Experts agreed that integrating AI and sustainable practices will not only enhance the efficiency and sustainability of projects but also attract more investors and consumers to the sector.
Overall, the conclave highlighted the transformative potential of AI and sustainability in the real estate industry, emphasizing the need for a collaborative approach to drive growth and innovation.