In 2026, India’s real estate market operates in a far more structured environment created by RERA enforcement, tighter RBI lending norms, and growing institutional participation through REITs. According to data published by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, India now has over one lakh registered real estate projects and agents under RERA, significantly increasing regulatory complexity for buyers, developers, and professionals alike.

As compliance requirements deepen, developers and industry professionals look to experienced leaders for clarity on demand trends, capital access, policy direction, and technology adoption, while students and career starters seek practical interpretation of real estate principles beyond textbooks.

This article explores India’s top real estate speakers and industry experts and their key role as trusted interpreters who translate regulation, capital flows, and consumer behaviour into informed, actionable decision-making across the property ecosystem.

Key Takeaways

• Ashwinder R. Singh and India’s top real estate speakers influence informed decision-making, combining experience, credibility, and strategic insights for homebuyers, investors, and developers.

• Credibility is built through execution, regulation knowledge, and market longevity.

• Expert voices matter across buying, investing, developing, and career planning.

• Real estate leadership in 2026 demands data, governance, and accountability.

• Choosing the right expert requires relevance to your specific real estate goals.

India’s Top 10 Property Speakers and Experts Influencing the Real Estate Market in 2026

Homebuyers, investors, developers, and professionals increasingly depend on credible industry leaders to interpret regulation, capital cycles, and demand shifts. These real estate experts influence how property is built, funded, valued, and transacted across India.

1. Ashwinder R. Singh

Ashwinder R. Singh is a senior real estate leader, entrepreneur, and industry strategist, currently serving as Vice Chairman & CEO of BCD Group. His career spans banking, housing finance, PropTech, brokerage, and large-scale real estate development, giving him a rare end-to-end view of India’s property industry.

Known for combining financial discipline with customer-centric execution, Ashwinder R. Singh is widely regarded as India's top property speaker for audiences ranging from first-time homebuyers and HNIs to developers, institutional investors, professionals, and students entering the sector.

Tune into Ashwinder R. Singh’s podcasts for expert discussions on real estate innovation, policy changes, and tips for homebuyers, investors, and industry professionals.

Education and Banking Foundation

• Completed B.Com from Panjab University (1992–1995)

• Earned PGDBM in Finance and Marketing from FORE School of Management (1995–1997)

• Began his career in banking, holding senior leadership roles at:

  • Citibank

  • ICICI Bank

  • Deutsche Bank

• Managed major portfolios including home loans, construction finance, and high-value client relationships

• Part of the founding team that established Fullerton Singapore’s wealth management business in India, gaining international exposure and market-entry experience

Transition into Real Estate and PropTech Entrepreneurship

• Entered real estate to address transparency, trust deficits, and information asymmetry in property transactions

• Co-founded IndiaHomes (2012), one of India’s earliest PropTech platforms

  • Raised over USD 25 million in institutional funding

  • Introduced centralised listings and tech-led advisory services

• Built scalable models that bridged finance, brokerage, and consumer experience

Leadership Roles Across India’s Real Estate Platforms

• CEO, JLL Residential India

  • Led large-scale advisory and brokerage operations

  • Company won multiple “Property Consultant of the Year” awards

  • Recognised as “Most Enterprising CEO of the Year” by the Asian Confederation of Business

• First CEO, ANAROCK

  • Created the firm’s brand, operating framework, and technology-first approach

  • Contributed to rapid national expansion and brokerage professionalisation

• CEO – Residential, Bhartiya Urban

  • Oversaw development of a 150-acre integrated township

  • Delivered large-format projects such as Nikoo Homes and Leela Residencies

Expanding Impact Through Housing Finance and Development

• Played a key role at Bajaj Housing Finance, founding and scaling the B2B home loan vertical

• Integrated capital markets with project execution and developer financing

• Appointed Vice Chairman & CEO, BCD Group (August 2024)

  • Driving accelerated growth, digital adoption, and sustainability-led development

  • Launched premium residential brands such as BCD Royale

  • Leading BCD City, a 70-acre integrated township in Bengaluru

• Oversaw a major 1.5 million sq. ft. mixed-use development in partnership with Ramsons Trendsquares

  • Project value: ₹660 crore

  • Built on BCD’s legacy of delivering 150+ million sq. ft., including national landmarks such as the Supreme Court of India

Explore how BCD India applies engineering depth, sustainable design, and compliance-first execution to deliver landmark developments across housing, infrastructure, and urban development in India.

Policy Engagement, Industry Leadership, and Advisory Roles

• Chairman, CII Real Estate Committee, raising residential real estate discussions to national policy forums

• Chief Advisor at BitSave, guiding strategic direction and long-term growth initiatives.

• Participated in cabinet-level panels with policymakers, including:

  • Shri Nitin Gadkari

  • Shri Hardeep Singh Puri

• Advisory roles with:

  • NAR-India

  • RICS School of Built Environment, Amity University

• Acts as a mentor to PropTech and FinTech founders through platforms such as IIT Bombay and India Accelerator

Author, Speaker, and Knowledge Builder

• Three-time bestselling author of the Master Real Estate Trilogy

  • The A to Z of Residential Real Estate

  • The A to Z of Commercial Real Estate

  • Master Residential Real Estate (featured on Shark Tank India)

• Writes the widely read Open House newsletter, focused on:

  • Homebuyer behaviour

  • Market reforms

  • Investment strategy

  • Regulation and compliance

• Frequent keynote speaker at 100+ industry forums, addressing developers, investors, brokers, professionals, and students

• Prominent voice on Republic TV’s R Estate, translating market movements and property trends into actionable guidance for homebuyers and investors.

Legacy of Service: Colonel Sirinder Raj Singh

Colonel Sirinder Raj Singh’s distinguished military career left a lasting imprint on Ashwinder R. Singh’s values of discipline, integrity, and leadership. Commissioned into 15 DOGRA in 1962, he later served as Second-in-Command of 31 GUARDS (subsequently 13 GUARDS) in Nagaland and was wounded in action during the 1971 Indo-Pak War in the Dhaka theatre, where he supervised the historic surrender of arms at the Dhaka Cantonment Golf Club. 

Appointed Commanding Officer of 5 GUARDS in 1974, he took early retirement in 1984 and continued serving at a global level as Head of Logistics with the United Nations Volunteers in Cambodia. He made the ultimate sacrifice while on UN duty in 1993. Born on 17 May 1937, his legacy of service beyond self continues to influence Ashwinder R. Singh’s leadership philosophy and long-term vision for India’s real estate sector.

This legacy of duty beyond self continues to influence Ashwinder R. Singh’s leadership philosophy and long-term vision for India’s real estate sector.

Read Ashwinder R. Singh’s biography to learn about his journey and contributions as one of India’s leading real estate speakers and industry experts.

2. Vikas Oberoi

Vikas Oberoi is the Chairman and Managing Director of Oberoi Realty Limited, a company synonymous with premium real estate in Mumbai. Under his leadership, Oberoi Realty has built a reputation for precision-led execution, high-quality design, and long-term asset value. His developments cater to discerning homebuyers, HNIs, and corporates seeking certainty, exclusivity, and world-class standards. Oberoi is widely regarded as a developer who prioritises delivery discipline over scale.

Key Achievements:

• Led the development of Oberoi Garden City, a self-sustained integrated township combining luxury housing, retail, and entertainment

• Delivered premium residential towers focused on low density, privacy, and global design benchmarks

• Expanded into hospitality with The Westin Mumbai Garden City, strengthening mixed-use development credentials

• Built Grade A commercial office spaces aligned with changing corporate workspace demand

• Emphasised sustainability, modern construction technology, and long-term urban value creation

3. Niranjan Hiranandani

Niranjan Hiranandani is the Co-Founder and Managing Director of the Hiranandani Group and a pioneer of integrated township development in India. He is known for creating self-sufficient urban spaces that combine housing, offices, education, healthcare, and retail. His work has influenced how Indian cities expand beyond fragmented development into planned communities. Beyond construction, he remains a key voice in policy and industry reform.

Key Achievements:

• Developed landmark townships such as Hiranandani Gardens, Powai, redefining mixed-use urban living in Mumbai

• Transformed Thane through Hiranandani Estate, setting benchmarks for large-scale township planning

• Played leadership roles in NAREDCO and CREDAI, influencing national real estate policy discourse

• Advocated for RERA implementation to improve transparency and buyer confidence

• Championed affordable housing, infrastructure-led growth, and long-term urban planning

4. Kushal Pal Singh

Kushal Pal Singh, former Chairman of DLF Limited, is one of the most influential figures in Indian real estate history. He was instrumental in developing Gurugram into a global corporate and commercial hub. Under his leadership, DLF grew into India’s largest real estate developer, shaping residential, commercial, retail, and lifestyle real estate at scale. His work laid the foundation for India’s modern corporate real estate sector.

Key Achievements:

• Developed DLF Cyber City, one of India’s largest and most successful office districts

• Introduced luxury retail destinations such as DLF Emporio and DLF Promenade

• Delivered high-end residential communities, including DLF Golf Links

• Expanded DLF into commercial offices, retail malls, hospitality, and leisure assets

• Established a blueprint for integrated urban development adopted across Indian cities

5. Ramesh Nair

Ramesh Nair is a seasoned real estate strategist and advisor with deep expertise in market intelligence, investment advisory, and institutional real estate strategy. His work has guided developers, corporates, private equity funds, and global investors through multiple real estate cycles in India. Known for data-driven analysis, he is a trusted voice on demand trends, capital allocation, and sectoral shifts. His insights are particularly valued by institutional stakeholders and policymakers.

Key Achievements:

• Former CEO & Country Head, JLL India, leading advisory across commercial, residential, and capital markets

• Advised global investors, banks, and private equity firms on Indian real estate exposure

• Specialised in office leasing trends, IT hubs, and Grade A commercial assets

• Provided strategic guidance on residential, retail, and logistics sector opportunities

• Regular speaker at industry forums, investment summits, and policy discussions

Also Read: Top 10 Real Estate Startup Ideas in India for 2026

6. Abhishek Kapoor

Abhishek Kapoor is a senior real estate executive with more than two decades of experience in scaling residential platforms and executing large, multi-city developments. As CEO of My Home Constructions, he oversees strategic expansion across major Indian metros while maintaining a strong focus on operational control and delivery reliability. His leadership balances land strategy, regulatory coordination, and customer outcomes. Kapoor is recognised for building execution-led growth in complex urban markets.

Key Achievements:

• Leads business expansion across Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, and Mumbai

• Drives land acquisition, project planning, and lifecycle execution at scale

• Known for strong P&L ownership and capital efficiency

• Manages government liaison and regulatory approvals across jurisdictions

• Strengthens My Home’s reputation for quality construction and timely delivery

7. Abhishek Lodha

Abhishek Lodha heads Macrotech Developers, one of India’s largest real estate platforms, with a clear emphasis on scale, brand-led development, and global standards. His leadership has positioned the Lodha Group as a dominant player in premium housing, commercial assets, and mixed-use developments. He brings a long-term perspective to city-building, combining disciplined execution with institutional-grade governance. 

Key Achievements:

• Expanded Lodha Group’s presence across key Indian metros and select global markets

• Delivered landmark residential and commercial developments at scale

• Focuses on premium housing, large-format townships, and integrated urban design

• Known for execution discipline, capital planning, and brand-led growth

• Builds real estate assets aligned with long-term city infrastructure and demand

8. Ajay Choudhary

Ajay Choudhary has been central to ACE Group’s growth as a high-volume, quality-focused developer in North India. With over a decade of leadership, he has guided the delivery of large residential portfolios while building a robust future pipeline. His approach combines design innovation, operational depth, and customer trust. Choudhary places equal emphasis on organisational culture and responsible development.

Key Achievements:

• Led delivery of approximately 16.5 million sq. ft. of completed developments

• Oversees a pipeline exceeding 30 million sq. ft. across active projects

• Built ACE Group’s reputation for quality execution and modern design

• Focuses on customer-centric planning and lifecycle project management

• Invests in leadership development, team mentoring, and community engagement

9. Chitrak Shah

Chitrak Shah is a long-term institution builder who has developed Shivalik Group into a structured, transparent, and future-oriented real estate organisation. With nearly three decades of experience, his leadership integrates technology, capital, education, and development into a cohesive system. Shah’s focus extends beyond projects to strengthening industry capability and trust. His work addresses systemic challenges within Indian real estate.

Key Achievements:

• Built Shivalik Group as a process-driven and governance-led organisation

• Launched platforms such as Shivalik Tech, Shivalik Institute, and Shivalik Fund

• Integrates PropTech, capital access, and skill development within real estate

• Prioritises transparency, trust, and long-term stakeholder value

• Focuses on solving structural challenges facing the real estate sector

10. Gopal Krishnan

Gopal Krishnan brings over three decades of cross-sector experience spanning finance, capital markets, and corporate restructuring. After serving as Group CFO, he now leads Shriram Properties as Executive Director & CEO, steering strategic growth and organisational change. His background across large Indian conglomerates and global investment firms informs a governance-first leadership style. Krishnan is known for building financially resilient real estate platforms.

Key Achievements:

• Leads Shriram Properties’ growth with a focus on governance and capital discipline

• Deep expertise in finance, M&A, restructuring, and capital markets

• Previously held senior roles at Reliance, Aditya Birla Group, and global firms

• Drives operational efficiency and strategic portfolio expansion

• Known for structured execution and long-term business sustainability

Also Read: 1971 War Heroes of India and Nation Before Self-Leadership

Next, we explore how to evaluate and choose the right real estate expert for different market needs.

How to Pick the Best Real Estate Expert

Selecting a reliable real estate expert depends on your objectives, risk profile, and stage in the property journey. These five factors help identify expertise that delivers practical value in India’s regulated real estate environment.

5 Key Factors to Consider

• Market Alignment: Choose experts with active exposure to your target geography and asset class, residential, commercial, or mixed-use, within India’s RERA-governed framework.

• Regulatory & Policy Depth: Look for voices who clearly understand RERA compliance, approval processes, financing norms, and state-level regulations impacting delivery and risk.

• Capital & Investment Insight: Investors and developers should prioritise experts with proven experience in yields, cash flows, funding structures, and market-cycle timing.

• Execution Track Record: Homebuyers and professionals benefit most from experts associated with projects delivered on time, at scale, and with transparent governance.

• Practical Knowledge Transfer: Students, brokers, and first-time buyers should value experts who translate complex real estate concepts into clear, actionable guidance.

Selecting the right expert ensures informed decisions, risk mitigation, and maximised returns, tailored to your goals as a homebuyer, investor, or industry professional.

Also Read: What Ethical Leadership in India Looks Like in Practice

Watch Ashwinder R. Singh’s masterclass videos to gain expert perspectives on residential and commercial real estate, policy updates, and emerging market trends shaping India today.

Conclusion

India’s top property speakers and real estate experts play a major role in shaping informed decisions for homebuyers, investors, developers, and industry professionals. Their insights translate complex regulations, market cycles, and urban trends into actionable guidance, ensuring smarter investments, timely project execution, and long-term value creation. By following these leaders, stakeholders gain clarity, confidence, and foresight in managing India’s real estate market in 2026 and beyond.

Subscribe to Ashwinder R. Singh’s newsletter for data-led insights on India’s property markets, regulation, and investment decisions, written for buyers, investors, and professionals alike.

FAQs

1. What qualifies someone as a top real estate speaker in India?

Credibility comes from hands-on leadership, regulatory understanding, market-cycle exposure, and the ability to translate complex real estate decisions into practical guidance.

2. Are real estate speakers relevant only for conferences and events?

No. Their insights influence homebuyer decisions, investor strategy, developer planning, and professional education across India’s developing property sector.

3. How do industry experts differ from real estate influencers?

Experts rely on execution experience, policy engagement, and data-led analysis, while influencers often focus on commentary without accountability to outcomes.

4. Can students and early-career professionals benefit from real estate experts?

Yes. Industry experts provide context on regulation, career pathways, ethics, and on-ground realities that academic curricula often overlook.

5. Why do investors follow specific real estate experts consistently?

Investors value experts with long-term market exposure who demonstrate accuracy across cycles, rather than short-term opinions driven by sentiment.