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

Every time I speak to people in the real estate ecosystem – developers, investors, or even homebuyers; the same theme comes up: how much of the industry’s future will be built on legacy, and how much will be shaped by disruption? It’s a fascinating question because both forces are equally strong right now.

I recently had an opportunity to moderate a session on this topic and I got some very interesting views.

Why legacy still matters

Indian real estate has never been about just brick and mortar. In cities like Mumbai, Delhi or Bengaluru, trust plays a huge role in how people choose a developer. Families often prefer names they have heard for decades because credibility reduces uncertainty in such a large financial decision. This is why established players, despite all the changes around us, continue to hold an advantage.

Legacy also shows up in relationships. Redevelopment in Mumbai is a good example—societies are more likely to sign up with developers who have been around for a while and delivered in the past. In that sense, reputation becomes currency.

Where disruption is changing the game

The industry is clearly not the same as it was a decade ago. Technology has crept into every corner – from how projects are designed to how sales are managed. Digital twins, AI in construction, proptech platforms, even VR site visits; these are not buzzwords anymore. They have slowly become standard practice.

Financing is also evolving. The rise of REITs, platform deals and alternative investment structures show that the way capital flows into the sector is shifting. Add to this the growing importance of ESG; what started as a box-ticking exercise for some has now become a serious consideration for both developers and investors.

The balancing act

The truth is, the future won’t be about legacy versus disruption. It will be about how well the industry combines the two. Legacy players who are willing to experiment with new models will continue to thrive. Disruptors who can earn trust and build scale will find their place too.

By 2035, I don’t think we will be looking at an industry dominated purely by the old guard or by a wave of startups. Instead, the winners will be those who manage to balance credibility with innovation, scale with agility, and tradition with fresh thinking.

That blend of legacy and disruption is what will shape the next chapter of Indian real estate. Would love to hear your views.