Author name: dreamspersqftmagazine

When most people hear the phrase “charging premium,” they immediately think of higher price tags. But premium pricing isn’t about simply asking for more money. It’s about something far more valuable: certainty. Clients don’t pay premium rates because they enjoy spending extra. They pay because they want peace of mind. They’re paying to not worry. A high price signals a high level of assurance, but it also comes with an expectation — the more they pay, the more certainty they demand. If a client only hopes your product or service will work, you’re overpriced even at ₹10. But if they’re absolutely sure it will deliver, you’re underpriced even at ₹1 crore. The real work of selling at a premium isn’t justifying the cost — it’s eliminating uncertainty at every step. 1. Define the promise clearly Most offers fail because they’re vague. Spell out exactly what the client will get and how it benefits them. 2 Name the enemy Help clients identify the real pain you’re solving. When they see the problem clearly, your solution feels essential. 3. Prove it relentlessly Use testimonials, screenshots, case studies, and data. Proof converts doubt into trust. 4. Make your process transparent Mystery equals risk. Don’t just say “trust us.” Show your process, steps, and timelines to build confidence. 5. Handle objections proactively Premium buyers aren’t looking to haggle. They want to know you’ve anticipated every question. If price seems high, show ROI, evidence, and guidance. 6. Build in accountability Reassure clients you won’t disappear after payment. Ongoing support reinforces trust. 7. Guarantee confidently A strong guarantee shifts the risk from the client to you. Premium doesn’t mean risky — it means secure. The bottom line is simple: you don’t get paid for effort — you get paid for certainty. Your clients are buying the removal of doubt. If you want to charge premium, stop asking, “How can I make them pay more?” Instead, ask: “How can I make them so sure of the result that paying me feels safer than not paying me at all?” That’s the true foundation of premium pricing — not the price tag, but the certainty you provide. Udayan Prabhakar Mane CEO, Propbuying Realtors Pvt. Ltd. udayan@propbuying.com +91 8411912000

Real estate brokerage has always been a people business – built on trust, relationships, and local expertise. Yet today, we’re at a unique inflection point. Technology, globalisation and evolving consumer expectations are reshaping how we connect buyers with sellers, tenants with landlords, and investors with opportunities. For veterans of this industry, this change is not just rapid – it’s exponential. Over the years, I’ve led large brokerage networks, invested in proptech, advised infrastructure and asset management companies, and proudly served NAR-India in leadership capacities. The picture is clear: India’s brokerage profession is on the cusp of a transformation. Those who adapt will thrive; those who cling to yesterday’s methods risk being left behind. From Digitisation to Agentic Intelligence We moved from physical listings to online portals, from ledgers to CRMs. AI then enabled lead scoring, customer prediction and targeted marketing. Now comes agentic intelligence – AI as an active, decision-making partner. Such systems will analyse market data in real time, recommend pricing, flag deal bottlenecks and suggest cross-border opportunities. They won’t replace agents but elevate them, combining high-touch relationships with high-tech intelligence. Cross-Border Transactions: The Next Frontier Cross-border deals are no longer limited to the ultra-rich. Mid-segment investors seek overseas assets; NRIs dominate Indian markets. A client in Mumbai may want to invest in Dubai; an NRI in Toronto may want a home in Hyderabad. Cloud-based platforms and referral networks make cross-border deals as seamless as local ones – turning technology into a front-line revenue driver. MLS: The Missing Backbone in India India urgently needs a true Multiple Listing Service. Unlike portals that monetise broker data, an MLS ensures verified listings, automatic credit to listing agents, better co-broking and higher service standards. Most importantly, it gives brokers control of their own professional destiny as data becomes our industry’s currency. The Case for Professional Self-Reliance Portals and apps evolve into competitors. The answer isn’t confrontation but creation – own our data, strengthen client relationships, use social media directly, win exclusive mandates and build national networks that centre licensed professionals. AI, Agentic Systems and the Human Edge Technology is only as good as the professional using it. Future-ready brokers will blend AI with human skills – empathy, negotiation and market intuition – while maintaining ethical standards and client-centricity. Skills for the Next Decade Five core capabilities will define success: Tech-Enabled Intelligence Cross-Border Competence MLS Mastery Brand-Led Influence Financial Advisory Skills Think Local, Act Global, Be Glocal Indian brokers must remain undisputed local experts while plugging clients into opportunities worldwide – from advising NRIs on Indian markets to helping locals explore second homes abroad. An Industry Built on Collaboration Collaboration between brokers, developers and clients remains key. MLS, referral networks and joint mandates can enhance trust and transparency. Data-sharing and aligned incentives will amplify, not replace, human relationships. Purpose, Not Pessimism Change can feel overwhelming but it’s an invitation to redefine professionalism in India. The future belongs to brokers who combine high-touch relationships with high-tech tools, local expertise with global reach, and timeless values with timely innovation. The road ahead is challenging, but with purpose and unity we can lead change and ensure our profession is stronger, more respected and more relevant than ever. Authored by Sam Chopra: President & Country Leader, eXp Realty India; Chairman-India Operations, International Real Estate Partners; Venture Partner, India Accelerator; Former Vice Chairman & Past President, NAR-India; Board of Advisory, International MLS Forum; Podcast Host, The Real State of Real Estate Sam Chopra President, eXp Realty India

India’s residential real estate sector, despite coming off from the highs of 2022 and 2023, remains healthy dispelling concerns of supply built-up. The year 2025 will mirror 2024 as is evident from the launch and sales number so far this year. In the first nine months ending September 2025, new launches stood at 2,91,642 units and sales at 3,09,136 units. 2022 and 2023, the two years immediately after the pandemic, saw remarkable surge in the residential market. New launches grew by 33% in 2022 and 6% in 2023 while sales grew by 30% and 12% respectively. However, multiple factors, rising property prices being one of them, led to some moderation in 2024 with launches declining by 15% to 4,11,022 units and sales falling by 8% to 4,71,471 units. In the first nine months of 2025, housing sales and launches have shown dramatic decline with factors ranging from geo-political tensions to trade tariffs, economic uncertainties and heavy monsoon across India weighing upon homebuyers’ sentiments and slowing down the momentum. Despite launches declining continuously, the housing market remains healthy as the sales continue to be higher than the new launches. The year 2025 is expected to mirror 2024 with approximately 4 lakh unit launches and approximately 4.5 lakh sales, which is marginally lower than the 2024 numbers. Several trends have emerged even in the last two years, most noticeable being Bengaluru and Delhi-NCR. While Bengaluru emerged as the top housing supplier displacing traditional high supply markets like Pune, Thane and Hyderabad; Delhi NCR emerged as the luxury housing hub. Bengaluru has supplied more housing units in the last five quarters ending September 2025. In the nine months period, Bengaluru has seen the launch of 58,879 units as compared to 54,744 units in the same period last year, recording 8% growth. In 2024, the city saw 27% growth in new supply to 72,111 units. Trends suggest, 2025 will see the city surpass the launch numbers of 2024 indicating a strong end-user demand in the city known for a robust office stock, presence of global and domestic companies and ample job opportunities. On the sales front, the city has seen 49,554 units sold in nine months of 2025 as compared to 46,392 units in the same period last year, recording a growth of 7%. With current sales velocity, 2025 could surpass 2024 numbers of 61,116 units sold. Delhi-NCR, between 2022-24, saw 192% growth in new launches above Rs 1 crore. The region also pipped Mumbai and Hyderabad to emerge as the top selling housing market in 2024 owing to 66% growth in sales value in Gurugram alone at Rs 1.06 lakh crore. The total sales value of Delhi NCR rose by 63% in 2024 to Rs 1.53 lakh crore while that of Mumbai stood at Rs 1.38 lakh crore, up 13% and Hyderabad at Rs 1.05 lakh crore, down 18%. In Delhi-NCR, the weighted average sales price has gone up to Rs 12,469 per sq. ft. with absorption size of units rising to 2229 sq. ft. in 2024. More than half of the absorption has been in homes priced Rs 2 crore and above and a quarter in homes priced between Rs 1-2 crore. Samir Jasuja Founder and CEO, PropEquity samirjasuja@gmail.com +91 87438 08789

As a Founder and Principal designer of Archmaze Associates, we bring a blend of creativity, innovation, and sensitivity to every project. By taking the time to understand personalities, aspirations, and lifestyles, we ensure that each design resonates deeply with its occupants. Believing that a home is where people spend more than half of their lives, we approach design as an opportunity to shape environments that go beyond utility and beauty, spaces that embody the spirit of the people who live in them. For us, architecture and interior are not just about creating structures, but about crafting personal stories that clients can cherish for a lifetime. This modern residence was envisioned as a seamless blend of elegance, comfort, and functionality. The design embraces clean lines, open layouts, and a neutral palette, creating a calm yet sophisticated backdrop for everyday living. Accents of natural wood, textured finishes, and carefully curated lighting add warmth and character, ensuring the home feels inviting as well as contemporary. Every space within the residence has been thoughtfully crafted to reflect the lifestyle and personality of its occupants. From the expansive living area designed for family gatherings, to the serene bedrooms that offer privacy and relaxation, the interiors balance style with purpose. Bespoke furniture pieces and artful detailing lend individuality, while smart storage solutions maintain uncluttered simplicity. Ar. Sahil J Khinvasara Founder, & Principal Architect at Archmaze Associates +91 9021588829 archmaze09@gmail.com

The Indian financial system has historically been dominated by banks, yet Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs) have emerged as crucial players in bridging the credit gap for businesses and individuals. Banks are licensed intermediaries empowered to accept deposits, grant credit, clear cheques, and provide a wide array of financial services under the Banking Regulation Act of 1949. In contrast, NBFCs are companies registered under the Companies Act, 1956 or 2013 and regulated by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). While they cannot accept demand deposits or issue cheques, NBFCs engage in activities such as loans and advances, credit facilities, investment in shares and bonds, leasing, hire-purchase, housing finance, and insurance-related services. The classification of NBFCs covers a wide range of activities, including microfinance institutions, infrastructure finance companies, core investment companies, mortgage guarantee companies, and housing finance companies (HFCs). RBI registration requirements include a minimum net owned fund of ₹2 crore, proper documentation, and adherence to prudential norms. Regulatory guidelines stipulate limits on interest rates, mandatory credit ratings, maintenance of 15% liquid assets against public deposits, and regular submission of statutory returns. Historically, NBFCs evolved to meet credit needs unmet by banks, especially during the 1960s when banking infrastructure was inadequate. Their popularity surged in the 1980s and 1990s due to their customer-friendly nature and ability to mobilize deposits. The RBI strengthened its regulatory framework through amendments to the RBI Act in 1997, introducing stricter supervision and mandatory registration. Between 2005 and 2015, NBFCs’ share of total credit rose from 10% to 13%, with even sharper growth in niche segments like home loans and commercial vehicle (CV) financing. HFCs’ share of home loans increased from 26% in FY09 to 38% in FY15, while NBFCs’ share in CV financing rose from 42% to 46% over the same period. The decline in PSU banks’ credit share, due to rising non-performing assets and capital constraints, allowed NBFCs and private banks to capture more market share. NBFCs have also embraced digital transformation, using surrogate data to make faster and more accurate credit decisions, thus serving self-employed and informal sector borrowers excluded from traditional banking. This agility has made them a driving force in sectors like microfinance, consumer durables, and two-wheeler financing. Overall, NBFCs have become a critical component of India’s credit ecosystem, complementing banks by serving underserved markets and contributing to financial inclusion. Their growth trajectory suggests that NBFCs will continue to play a vital role in India’s economic development. Dr. Adv. Harshul Savla Managing Partner of M Realty, Chairman-Statistics & Research, CREDAI National