A significant transformation is underway in the Indian real estate sector — the growing presence and influence of women. Traditionally perceived as a male-dominated domain, the real estate landscape is witnessing a paradigm shift as women step into roles as builders, investors, and decision-makers. This change not only reflects evolving societal norms but also highlights the economic empowerment and resilience of women in India. The Indian real estate market, renowned for its dynamism and diversity, has long been a cornerstone of the nation’s economy. According to a Knight Frank report, the industry is projected to grow to $5.8 trillion by 2047, significantly increasing its share of the GDP from 7.3% to 15.5%. However, despite its robust growth trajectory, the industry has grappled with gender disparities and unequal representation.
Current Standing of Women in the Indian Real Estate Sector
Historically, women have encountered formidable barriers when navigating the property ownership, construction, and investment ecosystems. Deep-seated cultural norms, restrictive legal frameworks, and entrenched gender biases have hindered their participation and hindered their access to opportunities within the real estate ecosystem.
A report released by Primus Partners revealed that only 7 million women are employed in the Indian real estate sector, compared to a staggering 50 million women in the workforce overall and 57 million total real estate workforce in the country. This glaring disparity highlights the need for concerted efforts to create more inclusive opportunities for women within the industry.
Future Potential: Women in the Indian Real Estate Sector
As women assert their presence and prowess across various facets of the sector, recent trends indicate a palpable shift towards inclusivity and empowerment. One of the most notable manifestations of this trend is the rising number of women engaging in property development and construction activities.
Empowered by education, entrepreneurship, and access to financing, women are spearheading initiatives to construct homes, commercial complexes, and infrastructure projects across urban and rural landscapes. A collaborative survey conducted by NAREDCO and JLL reveals that women’s participation in real estate is steadily increasing, with women now occupying a larger share of various roles within the sector.
Central to this transformation are initiatives aimed at facilitating women’s participation in construction and infrastructure development. Government schemes, such as the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana and Mahila Awaas Yojana, prioritize affordable housing for women and incentivize female-led construction projects through subsidies, grants, and technical assistance.
Moreover, women’s increasing presence in real estate is reshaping industry dynamics and driving innovation in design, sustainability, and urban planning. As architects, engineers, and project managers, women bring a unique perspective to construction projects, emphasizing inclusivity, environmental stewardship, and community engagement.
Initiatives such as NAREDCO’s Women’s Wing and CREDAI’s Women Wing in Rajasthan serve as successful case studies of organizations actively promoting gender diversity and empowerment within the real estate sector.
There is a need to further increase concerted efforts from policymakers, industry stakeholders, and civil society actors to dismantle barriers and create an enabling environment for women in real estate. This entails reforms in land laws and property rights, ensuring equal access to resources and opportunities, and promoting gender-sensitive policies and practices across the value chain. Moreover, fostering mentorship, networking, and capacity-building initiatives can empower women to overcome challenges, build resilience, and assert their rightful place in the real estate sector.
Shared by: Ms. Amrita Gupta, Director of Manglam Group and Founder President of CREDAI Rajasthan Women's Wing
