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The speaker shares their journey into the real estate industry, beginning with their upbringing in Bangalore and early education. Influenced by a family background in the business, they initially pursued a career in hospitality, gaining experience in various roles at prominent firms. During this time, they also set up a successful restaurant business which further developed their entrepreneurial skills. Transitioning into real estate, they leveraged their experiences to establish a real estate accelerator program aimed at nurturing startups in the industry.
Mixed-use developments have become a focal point in modern real estate, blending residential, commercial, and social spaces seamlessly. The speaker notes that these projects have gained popularity due to their ability to cater to the varied needs of urban living. By integrating amenities such as schools, hospitals, and leisure facilities, these developments enhance the quality of life for residents. This holistic approach not only attracts occupants but also establishes thriving communities that promote long-term sustainability.
The growth of e-commerce has greatly influenced the commercial real estate landscape, particularly in urban areas. The speaker highlights that many multinational companies are now looking to establish their presence in India, which underscores the increasing demand for office spaces. Enhanced logistics and supply chain infrastructure are also critical to supporting these businesses, furthering the need for well-located commercial properties. Forward-leaning developers are seizing opportunities to develop properties that cater to these evolving market requirements.
Branded hospitality has become a critical factor in real estate development as consumer preferences shift towards established names that offer reliability and quality. The speaker discusses the growing importance of partnerships with reputable brands in the hospitality sector. By aligning with trusted names, developers can create more appealing offerings that attract consumers looking for unique experiences. This trend enhances the viability of hotel projects, ultimately leading to increased profitability in the competitive real estate market.
While the senior living sector has potential in India, challenges remain in effectively catering to this demographic. The speaker emphasizes that seniors often prefer not to be isolated in communities exclusively focused on elderly residents. To address their needs, developers must integrate senior living into mixed-use projects that include families and younger individuals. This strategy encourages interaction and provides the support seniors may need while fostering a sense of community.
As the real estate sector matures, consolidation among developers is becoming more pronounced, with larger firms absorbing smaller competitors. The speaker notes that this trend facilitates the sharing of resources, expertise, and market presence to create more efficient operations. However, they also acknowledge that smaller developers can still find success by carving out niches in local markets. The key to thriving in this competitive landscape is adapting to market demands while consistently delivering quality products.
Technology is playing an ever-increasing role in the transformation of the real estate industry, significantly altering traditional practices. The speaker highlights that using innovative tools such as AI and data analytics allows developers to improve their property offerings and enhance customer experiences. Furthermore, embracing technology simplifies operations, optimizes marketing strategies, and improves project management. As competition intensifies, the integration of technology will be crucial for success in today's real estate market.
Sustainability is emerging as an essential consideration in commercial real estate development, influencing design and operational practices. A focus on energy efficiency, waste reduction, and environmentally-friendly materials has become increasingly important for attracting environmentally-conscious tenants. The speaker suggests that incorporating green building certifications and innovative solutions can enhance asset value and marketability. As a result, developers are adapting their strategies to align with evolving societal values and regulatory expectations surrounding sustainability.
The concept of urban spaces is continuously evolving, with an emphasis on creating adaptable, multifunctional environments. The speaker explains that cities must respond to changing demographics, economic pressures, and cultural shifts by reimagining how spaces are utilized. This often involves repurposing underutilized areas, such as transforming industrial properties into vibrant mixed-use developments. By fostering innovation in urban design, cities can provide residents with diverse experiences that cater to their ever-changing needs.
The future of retail within real estate is being shaped by changing consumer preferences and the growth of e-commerce. The speaker notes that brick-and-mortar retailers need to adapt to the digital era by providing unique experiences and a strong online presence. Developers should focus on creating engaging retail environments that attract consumers and enhance foot traffic. This may involve integrating technology, curating diverse shopping options, and providing interactive experiences that stand out in a competitive market.
Resilience is becoming a key priority in real estate development as global challenges such as climate change and urbanization impact the industry. The speaker emphasizes the importance of designing buildings that can withstand environmental stresses, ensuring both longevity and safety for occupants. Working closely with architects, engineers, and urban planners is essential to create properties that adapt to shifting conditions. As developers prioritize resilience, they not only safeguard investments but also contribute to the overall sustainability of urban environments.
Strategic partnerships play a vital role in driving growth and innovation in the real estate sector. The speaker highlights that collaboration with complementary businesses, such as technology firms or co-developers, can enhance project offerings and create additional value for customers. By leveraging synergies, companies can streamline processes, reduce costs, and expand market reach. Building strong relationships with various stakeholders enables developers to remain agile and competitive in a rapidly changing landscape.
There seems to be a preconceived bias about the real estate ecosystem in India. With this episode, we aim to dive into the nuances that explain the complexities of the business.
And who better to explain it than Irfan Razack from Prestige Group, Nirupa Shankar from Brigade Group, and Karan Virwani from WeWork & Embassy. We deep dive into family businesses, passion versus wealth, new-age real estate, and much more.
For those who know me, I’m not the biggest fan of real estate (as an asset class), but I may also not know enough. This episode will give you insight into what really happens in the world’s biggest asset class.
#NikhilKamath Co-founder of Zerodha, True Beacon and Gruhas
Twitter: https://x.com/nikhilkamathcio/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nikhilkamathcio/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikhilkamathcio?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nikhilkamathcio/
#IrfanRazack Chairman & MD of Prestige Group
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/irfanfalcon/?hl=en
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/irfan-razack-844a78114/?
#NirupaShankar Executive Director at Brigade Group
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nirupa.shankar/?hl=en
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nirupa-shankar-1309371/?
#KaranVirwani CEO of WeWork India
Twitter: https://x.com/karan_virwani10
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karanvirwani/?hl=en
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karanvirwani/?
Timestamps -
00:00:00 Intro
00:01:02 Irfan Razack's Intro
00:03:38 Why did Irfan start a real estate company
00:06:15 What defines the Value of Land : FSI, Laws and more
00:09:35 What is Joint Development
00:11:10 Guidance for Growth in Real Estate
00:17:09 Managing a Family Business
00:22:58 What's the Minority Rule
00:25:01 Is passion overrated ?
00:34:25 Building Wework
00:38:31 What's happening in Indian Real Estate
00:47:39 Is Real Estate Pricey now?
00:53:26 How to get into Real Estate Now
00:57:57 Careers in Real Estate
00:58:38 Step by Step guide to start a Career in Real Estate
01:04:31 How to get the highest return on real estate
01:07:40 LiteStore and their unique concept
01:09:01 Affordable or Luxury Housing
01:12:12 Renting,Buying,Flipping Houses
01:16:31 Land Prices Then vs Now
01:21:51 What is a REIT ?
01:25:12 Benefits if REITs
01:27:39 India's 4 Listed REITs
01:31:19 What's Strata
01:33:12 Commercial Real Estate Experience
01:35:54 Selling an Experience
01:40:20 World Trade Center | The Office Experience
01:43:26 Real Estate is a Regional Game | Cluster Cities
01:46:30 What is Redevelopment?
01:50:49 Two Real Estate rules that can be changed in Karnataka
01:53:02 Innovation in Real Estate
01:58:49 Real Estate Perspectives | Working with Adam Neuman
02:03:58 Nirupa and her Sister
02:05:04 Gender roles in Real Estate | Balancing Personal Life
02:07:29 Nirupa and Sports
02:10:52 Nirupa's Dreams and Ambitions
02:14:04 Essentials of a Mall: Financials, Creativity & more
02:22:54 What made Brigade Group build a Mall
02:24:30 Food Break
02:24:59 Nirupa Shankar's Intro
02:32:04 Karan Virwani's Intro
02:37:06 Karan: We Work & Embassy in India
02:44:03 How to start a Co Working Space
02:48:09 What's the ROI on Commercial Properties
02:49:44 How Important is Building Relationships in Real Estate?
02:52:05 Is Building Relationships with Politicians Important?
02:52:34 Will Real Estate Be a Monopoly in the Future?
02:54:59 Future of the Commercial Real Estate Culture
02:59:48 Pre Fabricated Real Estate | Black Money in Real Estate
03:02:28 Opportunity in Senior Living
03:04:07 Jobs Opportunities in Real Estate
03:07:23 AI in Real Estate
03:10:16 Services that Real Estate Companies Outsource
03:11:19 Outro
03:11:37 What Kind of Marketing helps in Selling Real Estate
03:13:46 What are GCC's
#nikhilkamath #WTFiswithNikhilKamath
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Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode