Author name: dreamspersqftmagazine

From Streets of India to Skyscrapers of Tokyo Rahul’s Journey of Grit and Generosity From a humble upbringing in India to becoming a real estate pioneer in Japan, Rahul’s journey is a compelling story of grit, perseverance, and purpose. Raised in a financially challenged family, he left India in his early twenties with little more than hope and the firm belief that hard work would eventually create opportunity. Now, over two decades later, Rahul has carved a remarkable niche for himself in Tokyo’s real estate market. The early years were anything but easy — language barriers, cultural differences, and the tight-knit nature of Japanese business circles posed significant challenges. But instead of being discouraged, Rahul dove headfirst into learning Japanese and slowly built relationships, “one bow at a time,” as he puts it. His first venture was as modest as it gets — a vending machine in Saitama Prefecture — followed by a small apartment purchase in 2014. What truly made him stand out, however, was his human-first approach. When a building under his care experienced a utilities outage, he didn’t just send a routine email; he delivered cakes to every tenant. “It’s about showing up,” he says with a smile. Over the years, Rahul has raised over $8 million in capital and an additional $3.4 million through crowdfunding. These funds laid the foundation for what would become SkyZen K.K., a company now redefining Tokyo’s serviced apartment market. His properties, including Lotus Kasai and the newly launched Nalanda Nishi-Kasai, cater specifically to the needs of Indian expats. With no key money, flexible lease options, and English-speaking support, these fully furnished residences offer more than just a place to stay — they provide a full support ecosystem for newcomers in Japan. Today, Rahul manages a portfolio of over 90 apartment units, valued at more than $12 million. Yet, his greatest pride isn’t the impressive numbers or being named one of CEO Insights Magazine’s Top 10 Indian Business Leaders in Japan. It’s the warm, welcoming communities he has helped build — places where foreign residents feel truly at home. Now 45, Rahul works with the same drive he had when he first arrived in Japan. His latest initiative, INSPIRE — short for Indians Specializing in Real Estate — aims to encourage collective ownership among the Indian community in Tokyo, empowering others to follow in his footsteps. Rahul’s story is more than business success; it’s about compassion, community, and the courage to dream big — and then build it. Rahul Bapat Founder, Skyzen Ph.: +81-70-4713-1020 email: admin@skyzen.jp

Beyond Likes & Views Why Businesses Need Smarter Marketing In today’s digital-first world, most businesses still chase surface-level metrics—likes, views, followers. But here’s a hard truth: visibility doesn’t always equal growth. We’ve met countless founders and marketing heads who spend lakhs on digital ads, only to wonder—why aren’t we getting the right leads? That’s because modern marketing isn’t just about reach. It’s about reaching the right person, at the right time, with the right message—and nurturing them until they’re ready to buy. This is where businesses often fall short. And this is where AI-powered lead qualification is changing the game. At Hans Creation, we don’t just run campaigns—we build predictable growth engines. Using AI and behavioral data, we create systems that analyze user intent, track engagement patterns, and automatically score leads based on their likelihood to convert. This allows businesses to stop wasting time on cold inquiries and focus on high-potential prospects. But tech alone isn’t enough. We blend this intelligence with content that builds trust—short-form videos, podcasts, brand storytelling, and performance marketing strategies designed to inform and influence. Our in-house video team and podcast studio help clients communicate authentically, while automation ensures leads don’t slip through the cracks. Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to work closely with decision-makers across industries—from educational institutions looking to attract quality students. We have also worked with retail and hospitality brands aiming to increase footfall. What they all have in common is a desire for clarity, accountability, and measurable results.We have worked with real estate developers like Sehgnor Group, Mauli developers. At the core, Hans Creation is built for founders and marketing teams who don’t want just a service provider—they want a partner who understands the business behind the brand. As its founder, my role is to ensure that every campaign we execute is driven by strategy, data, and a deep understanding of the client’s goals. So, if your marketing feels noisy but not effective, it might be time to rethink the approach. Because in 2025 and beyond, growth won’t come from doing more—it’ll come from doing it smarter. Varun Bhate Founder – Hans Creation www.hanscreation.com +91 7798201620 varun@hanscreation.in

Revolutionizing Indian Real Estate How eXp Realty is Pioneering a Tech-Driven Future In a market as dynamic as India’s, innovation is key. At eXp Realty India, our commitment is to redefine real estate brokerage through a pioneering, fully virtual business model that leverages cutting-edge technology and empowers agents nationwide. Here’s an inside look into my journey and the strategic framework that aligns with the eXp Realty vision. A Personal Journey of Transformation My path in the real estate industry has been driven by a passion for innovation and eciency. Educated at Harvard Business School and enriched by global real estate insights, I recognized early the need for a transformative approach in India’s fragmented brokerage landscape. With eXp Realty’s cloud-based, agent-centric model, we’re poised to lead a revolution that replaces traditional brick-and-mortar oces with a seamless digital experience. The Indian Real Estate Opportunity India’s real estate market, valued at $477 billion in 2022 and projected to reach $1 trillion by 2030, presents enormous potential. However, the sector grapples with challenges such as low trust, lack of transparency, and slow technology adoption. eXp Realty India is uniquely positioned to overcome these hurdles with a virtual platform that delivers eciency, compliance, and exceptional service, all underpinned by digital innovation. Embracing a Fully Virtual Brokerage Model Our approach at eXp Realty India is centered on a fully virtual brokerage model that emphasizes: Cloud-Based Operations: We leverage a state-of-the-art digital platform that enables agents to work from anywhere, streamlining transactions and reducing overhead costs. AI-Driven Tools: Integrating advanced CRM systems and AI analytics helps optimize lead management and follow-ups, ensuring that every homebuyer receives prompt and personalized service. Agent Empowerment: Our revenue-sharing model and agent-centric culture provide unparalleled flexibility and opportunity, fostering an environment where agents thrive. Digital Compliance: With robust tools to navigate regulatory requirements, we ensure that our operations remain transparent and fully compliant with RERA and SEBI regulations. Building the Right Team for a Digital Future At the heart of our strategy is our commitment to building a team that thrives in a digital ecosystem: Tech-Savvy Agents: Our recruitment focuses on professionals who are adept at using digital tools and CRM systems. Global Networks: We tap into extensive international real estate networks, providing agents with access to 87,000+ global referrals in 27 countries. Continuous Training: Regular virtual training sessions ensure our agents stay ahead of technological trends and regulatory updates. Driving Innovation and Global Connectivity In today’s interconnected world, building a robust network is crucial. eXp Realty India actively engages in global real estate forums, fostering partnerships with international organizations to facilitate cross-border referrals and strategic alliances. This global connectivity enriches our local expertise and ensures that we remain at the forefront of real estate innovation. Rapid Expansion and Market Presence Since our inception, eXp Realty India has experienced remarkable growth, reflecting the effectiveness of our model: Extensive Network: We have expanded our operations to over 100 cities across India, establishing a robust presence in key markets. Growing Agent Base: Our agent count has once surpassed 1,500 professionals, each contributing to our dynamic and collaborative culture. The Future of Brokerage in India The future of real estate brokerage lies in the power of digital transformation. At eXp Realty India, we are committed to: Expanding our Virtual Footprint: Continuously enhancing our cloud-based platform to drive operational eciency. Optimizing Digital Marketing: Leveraging digital channels for organic growth and brand building. Empowering Agents: Providing tools and resources that enable our agents to deliver exceptional service in a competitive market. By embracing a fully virtual, tech-driven model, eXp Realty India is set to transform the brokerage landscape, delivering unparalleled value to both agents and clients. by Sam Chopra President, eXp Realty India

Pune’s rapidly growing public transport network is set to receive a significant boost with the inauguration of Khadki Metro Station, which opens for passenger services from Saturday, 21st June 2025. Located on the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) to Swargate corridor—a vital stretch under Phase 1 of Pune Metro—this new addition marks another milestone in the city’s journey towards sustainable and efficient urban mobility. Strategically situated near the Khadki Railway Station, this metro stop is poised to become a major hub for intermodal connectivity. Passengers will now be able to make smooth, hassle-free transfers between the railway and metro networks, a move that is expected to considerably improve travel times and simplify city-wide as well as regional commutes. The integration of different transport modes will not only enhance commuter convenience but also reduce dependence on private vehicles, contributing to lower traffic congestion and reduced carbon emissions. The Khadki Metro Station is more than just a stop along the corridor—it is a gateway to several key urban zones in Pune. The station will provide metro access to important areas such as Khadki Cantonment, Khadki Bazaar, Pune University, Aundh IT Park, Range Hills, the Ordnance Factory Hospital, and Mula Road. These are areas frequented daily by office-goers, students, and local residents. For professionals working in and around Aundh IT Park, students attending classes at Savitribai Phule Pune University, and citizens accessing services at Range Hills or the Ordnance Factory Hospital, the new station ensures timely and affordable transportation. It also benefits small vendors, shopkeepers, and residents of the Khadki Bazaar area, who can now travel more comfortably and efficiently. The addition of Khadki Station supports Pune Metro’s larger vision of offering eco-friendly, safe, and dependable public transport solutions. This move aligns with the central government’s mission of promoting green infrastructure and reducing the carbon footprint of urban commuting. As Pune continues to grow, so does the demand for fast, reliable, and integrated transport solutions. The opening of Khadki Metro Station is a significant step forward in addressing these needs and demonstrates Pune Metro’s commitment to enhancing quality of life for citizens through smarter infrastructure. “With the addition of Khadki Metro Station, the public transport system connecting Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad has been significantly strengthened. It will especially benefit those who travel daily for work, education, and essential services. By improving last-mile and intermodal connectivity, this station plays a key role in the ongoing transformation of Pune’s mobility landscape.” On the occasion of the Khradi Station opening, Shravan Hardikar, Managing Director, Maha Metro, stated by Pune Metro

India’s tier 2 cities have emerged as growth centers driven by massive physical, social, and digital infrastructure development and efforts towards urban rejuvenation. As a result, domestic and global companies have been setting up manufacturing units and tech parks, leading to employment opportunities and demand for residential, commercial, retail and warehousing spaces. The proposals in the budget, like the development of new airports, promotion of Global Capability Centers (GCCs), tourism, relaxation on second homes, and more importantly tax exemption on income up to Rs 12 lakhs will further give a fillip to real estate demand. State governments continued focus on AMRUT and the Smart City Mission has vastly changed the civic infrastructure, enhanced the liveability quotient, and eased commuting across these cities through vast networks of metro rail, expressways, and others. While sales rose by 4% in CY 2024 in the top 15 tier 2 cities, a temporary blip was seen in the first quarter of 2025 due to lesser supply. State capitals, however, performed relatively better. According to PropEquity, housing sales in India’s top 15 tier 2 cities fell by 8% to 43,781 units in Q1 2025 as compared to 47,378 units in the same period last year with sales value, however, rising by 6% to Rs 40,443 crore in Q1 2025 as against Rs 38,102 crore in the same period last year. The demand remains robust as people have shown greater preference for organized living. Demand has further been driven by people who have migrated to metro cities and are preferring to purchase property in their hometowns. Tier 2 cities have also seen a shift towards premiumization as the share of new launches priced between Rs 50L-1crore has risen from 36% in Q1 2024 to 48% in Q1 2025. Similarly, the share of new launches priced between Rs 1-2 crore also rose from 18% to 23% in Q1 2025. The demand for homes in tier 2 cities is majorly end-user driven. The cause of concern, however, is that the supply of homes priced under Rs 50 lakh is witnessing a declining trend in tier 2 cities reflecting the trend seen in the top 9 cities. This could pose a threat as limited living options for the vast populace migrating for jobs could derail the growth story. by Samir Jasuja Founder and CEO, PropEquity samirjasuja@gmail.com

It is a well-known fact that real estate is an appreciating asset. Historically, average real estate prices have multiplied and given healthy and robust returns to investors, despite multiple cycles of recession. Franklin D. Roosevelt is famously known to have said, “Real estate cannot be lost or stolen, nor can it be carried away. Purchased with common sense, paid for in full, and managed with reasonable care, it is about the safest investment in the world.” Generations later, what he said then continues to be true — real estate is one of the best assets to own and pass down. An asset that has the ability to fetch returns, buying a property can be seen as an opportunity to invest towards a comfortable retired life for yourself, as extra savings or as an additional source of income. If the investment is done at the right time with the right developer and reasonably maintained, stable rentals will be guaranteed. The sector, however, has changed considerably over the years. While it grew in scale it also witnessed waves of consumers, each with their own set of traits and personalities come and go. Earlier, when projects were delayed consumers were willing to wait. Today, the home buyer is young, educated, informed and active. Pune stands out as both the most affordable and highest-selling metro city in India, making it a unique leader in the country’s real estate landscape. The right time to invest in your home or a piece of land is now, as the buoyant Indian economy and development across all sectors is just about seeing the light of day. In addition to all of this, low bank home loan rates and attractive financing options compared to other forms of loans, with tax benefit on bank interest paid, financially buying a home is also a sound decision to make. Safe from any major dip, the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act (RERA) has regulated the sector, further ensuring that it is a safe investment for all. The upswing in India’s real estate market has led to a multifold increase in land prices, resulting in favorable returns for investors. Due to the increase in land prices and input costs of main construction material, the prices are bound to increase in the future. Hence, this is the right time to invest in real estate. A property purchased in a good or upcoming location, with reasonable amenities from a good developer is almost always like a liquid asset and can be sold and monetised in as less as a fortnight. by Kapil Gandhi MD, Sigma One Universal