The Indian real estate landscape is undergoing a profound transformation with the rapid rise of PropTech, or property technology. In a recent conversation on the podcast “Unusual Suspects”, Praveen Sharma, CEO of REA India (Housing.com), highlighted how digital tools are becoming the new front door for homebuyers.
According to Sharma, technology is no longer just a support function—it’s becoming the primary interface for property seekers. Platforms like Housing.com allow potential buyers to compare, verify, and even shortlist properties online before even stepping onto sites. Virtual walkthroughs, AI-powered search filters, real-time market analytics, and verified listings are now integral parts of the Indian homebuying process.
“Earlier, the first touchpoint was the site visit. Today, the journey begins with a screen,” Sharma noted. This digital-first shift is driven by India's growing tech-savvy population and the post-pandemic demand for contactless, efficient property search experiences.
As India's urban population continues to expand, the role of PropTech becomes more critical. Sharma forecasted a surge in innovations like personalized recommendation engines, blockchain-enabled land records, and immersive AR/VR property previews. This evolution will not only benefit homebuyers but also introduce transparency and scalability to the industry.
Sharma also mentioned that digital platforms are enabling users to make more informed choices. “Before, buyers had little visibility into available options. Now, data-driven decisions are empowering customers like never before.”
This digital disruption is similarly impacting developers and real estate professionals. With user behavior increasingly shifting online, real estate companies are adapting by launching interactive websites, integrating CRM systems, and leveraging AI to generate leads and tailor content.
India’s PropTech sector has already gained substantial momentum with several startups innovating in areas like AI-assisted home searches, digital documentation, zero-brokerage models, and smart home integrations. Some key players, including Housing.com, Magicbricks, and 99acres, are not only streamlining customer experiences but also pushing the boundaries of what digital real estate engagement means in India.
Still, challenges remain—particularly around regulatory adaption, standardization of data, and bridging the physical-digital gap for less-connected populations. Sharma remains optimistic, emphasizing the need for collaborative innovation between startups, legacy developers, and tech enablers.
In sum, PropTech in India represents more than just convenience—it marks a structural shift in how real estate is discovered, evaluated, and purchased. As innovations grow deeper into the sector, the Indian housing market could enter an unprecedented era of accessibility, efficiency, and buyer empowerment.