NEW DELHI: From bricks to bits, India’s real estate sector is preparing for a full-scale digital makeover, with artificial intelligence, clean data and intelligent buildings emerging as the new foundation of growth, industry leaders said at the NAREDCO Real Estate Conclave 2026.
At the conclave hosted by NAREDCO, experts highlighted how predictive analytics, PropTech platforms and ESG-driven design are rapidly reshaping how projects are planned, built and managed across the country’s urban landscape.
A key theme across discussions was the shift from reactive decision-making to predictive intelligence, powered by AI and consolidated data systems.
Speaking at a panel titled PropTech & Construction Tech: Digital Platforms Transforming the Built Environment, Nikhil Aggarwal, President Elect, NAREDCO NextGen and Director at Signature Global, said predictive decision-making will define the next phase of industry transformation.
“Predictive decision-making will define the new era of AI in real estate. With consolidated data and intelligent tools, the industry will be able to anticipate customer behaviour, construction challenges and market movements, enabling faster and more informed decisions across the value chain,” said Signature Global director Nikhil Aggarwal.
He added that AI tools would allow developers to forecast demand more accurately, identify risks early and streamline the end-to-end customer journey.
Bringing a global regulatory perspective, Simon Croft, Chief Executive, Industry & Policy at the Australian Housing Industry Association, said AI should be seen as an enabler rather than a disruption.
“The industry must embrace AI as an opportunity and not fear it. At the same time, regulations should evolve in a manner that supports innovation rather than stifles it. Real transformation will begin when organisations move beyond the mindset of ‘we have always done it this way’,” said Australian Housing Industry Association chief executive Simon Croft.
A second discussion focused on the intersection of AI, climate intelligence and ESG, where speakers underlined the importance of trustworthy data and sustainability-led design in shaping long-term value.
Samarth Setia, Founder of Rezio, highlighted how AI-driven market intelligence can improve transparency in property transactions and reduce reliance on fragmented information systems.
“One of the biggest challenges in the real estate ecosystem is the quality of data available to consumers. AI-driven market intelligence can help create a more transparent and efficient property discovery process by gathering verified information and connecting users with accurate, real-time insights,” said Rezio founder Samarth Setia.
On the sustainability front, Aashish Taneja, Head of Operations (ESG) at KPMG India, said ESG considerations are moving beyond compliance into core business strategy.
“The ESG conversation is shifting from compliance to value creation. AI-enabled intelligent buildings can reduce costs, improve efficiency and support sustainability goals through predictive maintenance, energy optimisation and data-driven decision-making,” said KPMG India ESG head Aashish Taneja.
He added that integrating intelligence into building design from the outset can significantly reduce lifecycle emissions while improving operational efficiency.
Across sessions, delegates agreed that the convergence of AI, data intelligence, digital platforms and climate-focused design is set to define the next chapter of India’s built environment.
The conclave concluded with a strong consensus that the future of real estate will be shaped not just by physical infrastructure, but by the digital intelligence embedded within it, marking a decisive shift towards smarter, greener and more responsive urban development.
